Melchiot believes Klopp is trying to be clever by easing the pressure off his Liverpool team.
Frank Lampard’s side spent heavily during the summer to bolster their squad ahead of the 2020/2021 season.
After a lukewarm start to the campaign, Chelsea mounted a 17-game unbeaten run in all competitions which unfortunately came to an end over the weekend when they were beaten 1-0 by Everton.
Melchiot is adamant his former team are still a work in progress and has urged them to ignore Klopp’s clever words.
“I don’t think so,” the 44-year-old told Stadium Astro on Chelsea’s title prospects.
“I would love to say it. But if you look at Liverpool, they have the ingredients to win it again. I see them being up there to win it again, along with Manchester City.
“Do Chelsea want to be up there? Of course, but these [a 1-0 defeat at Everton] are the kind of games they have to win if they are going to compete.
“Do I expect them to be in [the] top four? Yes, that’s normal – especially with the investment they have made and bringing so many talented players into the squad.
“But the important part is to take a bit of pressure off your team by saying others are great, so that’s clever from Klopp.”
