We’re ahead of schedule, declares Liverpool owner John Henry

John Henry admits that Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge has come sooner than expected.

The American took charge of the Merseyside outfit in October 2010 after buying out Tom Hicks and George Gillett, with the Reds appointing Brendan Rodgers as manager in May 2012.

Like Rodgers, Henry insists that the aim for the current season has always been a top-four finish and qualification for next term’s Champions League.

If we were fortunate enough to win this year, I would say we’re ahead of schedule

John Henry

But with Liverpool top of the Premier League heading into the final four games of the campaign, Henry accepts that the Reds’ development into title contenders has come sooner than anticipated.

“We had our sights set on a top-four finish because we’re building,” Henry told BBC Sport.

“It’s a challenge with the way the league is structured, so if we were fortunate enough to win this year, I would say we’re ahead of schedule.”

Liverpool travel to Norwich City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon looking for a victory to take them a step closer to their first title in 24 years.