Carragher: If I knew Liverpool would be in the title race I wouldn't have retired

The first time I met Brendan Rodgers, he had just become Liverpool manager. We were speaking about the future and he mentioned the possibility of me joining his coaching staff.

But I told him straight away I would be retiring at the end of the season, so our working relationship would only last 12 months.

I made my announcement public in February but a few weeks later, at Melwood, Brendan invited me for another conversation.

He asked me whether I would consider postponing retiring for another season. Again, my answer was ‘no’. I was set in my ways, content with the decision I had reached. Only one thing could have changed my mind.

It wasn’t the prospect of more appearances; it had nothing to do with another contract or anything like that. If I felt Liverpool were going to compete for the one honour that had eluded me — the Barclays Premier League — I would have said ‘yes’ in a flash.

At that time, I could only see Liverpool challenging for a top-four place. If I had been able to see into the future, I would now be preparing for tomorrow’s showdown with Chelsea.

Make no mistake, Liverpool are title contenders. They might be outsiders in the group that contains Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, but there should not be any doubts about my old club’s potential to go the distance.

Once Chelsea are out of the way, Liverpool will have played all of the top eight, bar Manchester United, away from home. December has been a demanding month, with trips to White Hart Lane, the Etihad Stadium and Stamford Bridge but they are in excellent shape.

Even if they fail to beat Chelsea, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.