Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his side will not rest on their laurels next season after ending a 30-year wait to win the Premier League.
The newly crowned champions head to closest challengers Manchester City on Thursday looking to build on their 23-point lead at the top of the table.
Klopp warned of the threat that City, a resurgent Manchester United and Chelsea, bolstered by the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, would pose next season.
However, he dismissed any notion that Liverpool will slacken off after setting a record-breaking pace to claim the title with seven games to spare this season.
"We will not defend the title next year, we will attack it," said Klopp on a video-conference on Wednesday. "I've learned when you think you have reached the pinnacle, you are already on the way down.
"We don't feel that. I don't feel finally satisfied. It's another step. It's a big one, an unbelievably big one, but not the only thing I want to talk with the boys about in 20 years' time."
Klopp's side lead the table by 23 points and could set a new record for a winning margin, surpassing the 19-point gap City enjoyed two seasons ago when they amassed a record 100 points.
"There is a gap there and I don't think there will ever be a similar gap, although we need to see how big it is at the end of the season," Klopp said.
"It's obvious City are an outstanding team, [Manchester] United are in outstanding shape and Chelsea are in really good shape and doing some interesting business so that's clear.
"Tottenham will not sleep, Arsenal will not sleep, Leicester are there ... lots of teams."
Klopp received some good news this week when the African Cup of Nations was moved from January next year to 2022 – meaning he will not be without the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita during what could be a crucial stage.
"I like that Afcon is postponed but don't like the reasons for it," Klopp said. "It's good for us but not a decision to celebrate."
There were wild celebrations from Klopp, his players and Liverpool fans last Thursday when City's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea finally ended the three-decade wait.
But having had their title party delayed by three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Klopp wants to finish the season strongly and get back in rhythm ahead of a quick turnaround into the 2020/21 campaign.
"We prepare Man City with full focus," said the German. "That doesn't mean we will beat them, but it means we are prepared. That is how we will prepare next season as well.
"That's the first step to cause some problems because it's the most difficult game you can imagine against City."
