Rodgers on form, QPR and transfers
Brendan Rodgers today outlined why he is confident his Liverpool side will banish their Boxing Day frustrations when they tackle Queens Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds were left disappointed by a 3-1 defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday evening - a game in which the manager conceded his charges were not at their best in the decisive moments of the contest.
However, Rodgers insists optimism has not been dampened and is convinced Liverpool won't show any signs of a Festive hangover at Loftus Road.
The boss told his pre-match press conference at Melwood: "The glass is half-full - I'm always optimistic.
"Our game the other night was very disappointing in terms of the result. It's really frustrating, but I remain always optimistic because of the honesty of the group and the players.
"There is no doubt we need to be more consistent. We've shown that on our day we are a match for any team in the league and some of our performances this year have been exceptional, but we have to do that over longer periods and that's something we'll strive for going forward."
Rodgers added: "The reality at a club of this size and stature is you go in [to games] and the expectancy is to win every one, home and away.
"It [QPR] is a game in which I'm confident the players will react. It's something they've done very well this year - after a disappointing result, they've always reacted and normally very, very well.
"We were disappointed the other night. I've analysed the game and our work rate, intensity and ethic was good, but the key moments of the game let us down - and that was the disappointing factor in it.
"It's a case of recovering well. The players will be really focused. We know QPR are fighting for the points as well, but for us it's vitally important we go there and win the game."
Liverpool's last six fixtures have yielded three wins and three defeats - and Rodgers reiterated his determination to ensure his men find more consistency.
He said: "We've played very well for a lot of this season and not picked up some of the points we'd have hoped to. If you're going to really attack the top end of the league, you've got to be consistent and put runs together. That's something going into the New Year we can hopefully do."
Despite the midweek setback, Liverpool are likely to travel to London on Sunday as favourites.
QPR will head into the weekend at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table having picked up 10 points from 19 games - but Rodgers believes brighter days lay ahead for the Hoops under the stewardship of new manager Harry Redknapp.
He explained: "In Harry, they've got no greater man to go in there and rescue them from where they're at. He went into Tottenham in a situation that was difficult and did a brilliant job over a number of years there.
"He's gone in, he knows what he wants and I'm sure January probably can't come quickly enough for him.
"We understand it will be a difficult game, but we're really focused on this period of games because we know it's important for us. We had a terrific result and performance against Fulham. We were disappointing the other night but you've got to bounce back and that's what we'll look to do at the weekend.
"It's the type of league where somebody sitting at the bottom of the table isn't going to be an easy game. It'll be a tough match for us, but our focus is on our own game - and we know if we can bring our 'A Game' into most games then we've got a great chance of winning."
Meanwhile, Rodgers restated his confidence Liverpool will be active in the January transfer window - but refused to be drawn on the names of any potential new signings.
The boss is optimistic the Reds can make early moves in the window that will bolster the ranks.
"We certainly won't be able to do everything in January that would help us, but we'll be able to make some additions that will help the group," he said. "We can look forward to that and then review it again in the summer.
"There are lots of names - I suppose it's like every club really. But in particular at a club like this, by virtue of association, for everyone who is linked with a club like Liverpool, it always good for someone's career and whatnot.
"There are very few names we have actually enquired about, but we're hoping we'll be able to do something in January pretty early on. We need that wee bit more experience, especially at the top end of the field. We're hopeful we can do that and then we'll see what else January can bring for us.
"We won't be spending a great deal of money. It'll be between January and the summer time that we can look at progressing the group and then hopefully go again."