Downing: We'll get it right
Stewart Downing believes Thursday's 3-2 defeat to Udinese displayed two sides to Liverpool's work in progress – but is confident they'll iron out the lapses in concentration that cost them the game.
The Reds took the lead through Jonjo Shelvey in the first half, but goals from Antonio Di Natale, Sebastian Coates (OG) and Giovanni Pasquale rendered Luis Suarez's stunning free-kick a consolation.
The result was harsh on Liverpool, who dominated the game for long periods, but Downing insists they will learn from their mistakes.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I thought we were in control of the game for long periods. The manager stressed to us at half-time that we had to come out of the blocks quickly in the second half but we didn't. We were sloppy and let them back into the game.
"If we'd had played like we had in the first half, I think we'd have won the game comfortably.
"It was sloppy on our part, but there were some good things [in the game]. The goals we scored were good, the passing and movement was good, but the defending as a team was, at times, not good. We have to learn quickly.
"They made it hard for us. They were difficult to break down at times and in some ways they played like a typical Italian team and hit us on the counter-attack."
He added: "It was a little bit like the story of our season so far. We've dominated a lot of games, but missing chances and a few lapses in concentration are letting teams in.
"As I said, the manager stressed that at half-time, but within a minute [of the re-start] we'd let them in. It's something we need to work on.
"It takes time. The manager has new ideas, but I think you can see the signs [are there]. There is some great football getting played. There are positives there and although there are some things we need to tighten up on, that will come in the next few weeks."
Liverpool return to action on Sunday when Stoke City visit Anfield in the Barclays Premier League.
Downing believes if the Reds can repeat the positive aspects of their Udinese showing, they'll stand a good chance of collecting all three points.
He said: "We've got to bounce back. It's another big game on Sunday and Stoke will be tough. We'll have to be organised against them, but we've got a couple of days to prepare.
"Crouch has had a good start with a couple of goals. They've got targets all over the field, but I'd rather concentrate on our team and what we can do to them. If we keep continuing to play as we are, we've got a great chance [of beating them]."