Rodgers: Let's prove we're a good team
Brendan Rodgers has called on his players to prove that they are a good team by mounting a positive response to the disappointment of a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa.
The manager believes his group have made significant strides forward since his arrival in the summer - but admitted Saturday's loss was a step backwards.
Now he is looking for a reaction from his team when Fulham visit Merseyside on Saturday.
"The good teams respond, and if we want to be able to call ourselves a good team going forward then we have to respond," said Rodgers. "The best teams always bounce back, and that's the challenge for us now.
"We've got a week's training and then we come back here next Saturday, and hopefully we can get three points and get on that upwards curve again.
"Look at the development of the group and of the team, and of individual players, and it's something I'm pleased with.
"We know within our group that we've still got a long way to go. The players understand the process, that we'll take a couple of steps forwards, and that there are going to be times when we take a backwards step.
"The most important thing is that you learn from it, and the learning from this game is that you can't ever be complacent in this league. We need to be at full tilt every week, and if we do that we've got a great chance of getting the points. If not, you can get punished."
Liverpool's consolation goal was claimed by Steven Gerrard - his second of the season.
Rodgers thinks the skipper's all-round play has warranted a higher tally than that, and revealed how his No.8 has been asked to shoulder additional responsibilities on the pitch this season.
"Stevie, for me, has been terrific this season," said the boss. "He may not have got the goals that his play has warranted, and I've asked him to take on other responsibilities as well.
"Steven has been a brilliant captain. He's played in every minute of every league game for me, and that shows the responsibility and implicit trust I have in his work.
"As you say, it was nice for him to get a goal because he hasn't always got those rewards for his good play.
"He could have got a couple today if he'd have been fed a bit earlier in the first half when he was through on goal."