Dalglish: We can’t get complacent

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish has warned the success he has enjoyed in his first five months in charge will not be replicated next season if complacency sets in.

On Thursday, the Scot completed the formalities of a three-year contract which gives him the long-term stability to work on a plan to restore former glories.

However, he believes “mad, wild predictions” about what could happen in the 2011/12 campaign should be ignored.

With Manchester United on the brink of a 19th title, surpassing Liverpool’s record of 18, there is a desperation among fans to level things up again as quickly as possible.

But with the club destined for their second successive finish outside the top four, Dalglish is keen for the club to build on the progress made during the early part of his second reign as Reds boss.

And he stressed his appointment as permanent manager would not just make that happen and everyone had to continue striving to improve.

“We are not going to make any predictions but we cannot afford to think because we are finishing strong that is us set up for next year,” said the 60-year-old.

“There won’t be any complacency because of what has happened this year, we also should not get carried away.

“We couldn’t have asked for much more (since taking over from Roy Hodgson in January) but we will next year.

“People are making mad, wild predictions about what is going to happen but the most important thing for us is we have the determination and the effort to put in a good show next year.

“What happens from there will happen.”

A win against Tottenham at Anfield tomorrow will guarantee fifth spot but Dalglish admits he is unsure how big a challenge it may be restoring the success he had in his first spell in charge, when he won three titles and two FA Cups.

“Whether it’s more difficult to get there or stay there is open to debate, but the only common denominator is wanting to get better. That’s the priority,” he added.

“So this is no different to last time. If I make more correct than wrong decisions, it won’t go too badly. But we are not going to sit here and shout our mouth off.

“I never set any targets, although we had to improve.’’