"We can beat them in cup competitions. But they are the best team in the league and they are a better team than us, we are not going to argue about that because the table doesn't lie," said the Kop favourite.
"But we have cut the gap on them this season and we aim to cut it again next season, and we are closer. But it is only in one-off games.
"We haven't got a great record against them, we have only won two out of 10 but those two wins are the most important ones. We have won the very big ones, the Champions League semi and now this FA Cup semi.
"We have had a lot of tight games with them, but they have a bigger squad than us and have more quality. Their bench is better than ours and that makes a big difference.
"They are ahead of us but we believe we can bridge that gap. About three teams behind Chelsea are at a stage of re-building, Arsenal are looking very good, and with the addition of a few players they could be right back up there.
"Everyone can see that with a couple of new players, just the same with Manchester United - high class players - we can all be much closer to Chelsea next time around.
"Hopefully we have laid down a marker for next season. We want to go closer to Chelsea in the league. It is achievable but they will bring in a few more players so it will be hard.
"I'm not having a go at them because of their money, if we were in the same position we would be delighted.
"Beating Chelsea is bigger now for us than beating Manchester United, because Chelsea are the best team.
"If we can all get these players in it will be a very interesting Premiership next season."