Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has admitted that the Reds’ Premier League title defence is over as the gap between them and Table-toppers Manchester City is too large now.

“First of all, before the end of the season I think, not only me, but every single player in the squad has targets. It’s the same for the club,” Mane said in an interview with ESPN Brazil.

“Our target from the beginning was [winning] the Champions League, the Premier League and also cup games. And now, I can say it’s over for the Premier League … it’s too much.

“In our head, our self-belief, it’s always ‘never give up’, and we won’t give up, but for sure, Manchester [City] are a good team and they’re flying.”

City are currently 19 points ahead of Liverpool, who are sitting at the sixth place with 40 points. Mane, however, insists that they are still determined about winning the Champions League and finishing inside the top four in the Premier League at least.

“Beyond the top four is now, right now, our main target. But the Champions League, that is our main, main, main target. To win it, not be second, but it won’t be easy,” Mane said.

“You’re going to face the best teams in Europe, but we’re here to beat the best in the world. We’ll do everything possible to go forward and win the Champions League.”

Liverpool are going through a very rough patch of form in the Premier League right now. They lost their last game at home to Everton, which means they have now lost four out of their last five games across all competitions. They will be eager to bounce back into form as they face a struggling Sheffield United next and take on Chelsea at home after that.

With 13 more games still to go in this Premier League season, there are a lot of points on offer. Liverpool are currently five points behind West Ham United, who are occupying the fourth spot at present and three points behind Chelsea, who are sitting at the fifth place.