Boss: Liverpool supporters know
Brendan Rodgers is aware that Liverpool may be required to adopt a patient approach against Crystal Palace – and the Northern Irishman knows the club's supporters will understand too.
The Reds welcome Ian Holloway's team to Anfield tomorrow afternoon knowing that a fifth victory of the campaign would see Rodgers' side sitting top of the Barclays Premier League on Saturday evening.
While Daniel Sturridge needed just four minutes to convert the decisive goal when champions Manchester United came to Merseyside last month, the hosts then drew a blank at home to Southampton.
Therefore, the manager is prepared for an element of patience if necessary, as Liverpool attempt to leapfrog early pace-setters Arsenal in the fledgling standings.
"In the modern game, teams are set up defensively well. Tactically, there is limited space - especially at home," Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com.
"You have to be patient, teams aren't going to just turn up and roll over. Especially if you don't get an early goal - a goal in that first 20-25 minutes - then it can be difficult.
"However, we're a team that's evolving and starting to understand that side of football; with every attack, you can't score.
"Sometimes you have to move the ball, disrupt your opponent's organisation and then really have the eye to make the killer pass and hopefully get the goals from there.
"That's something that requires patience from the players and also from the supporters. But they're educated, they know that."
Since their last home performance, that 1-0 defeat by Southampton, the Reds have produced two encouraging away displays - most recently, an impressive 3-1 win at Sunderland.
The boss explained why he refuses to dwell on disappointments for too long and shared his desire for a new, extended unbeaten streak at Anfield starting from Saturday.
"I'm not one to dwell on too many negatives, to be honest," added the 40-year-old.
"We were disappointing in that game [against Southampton]; we maybe didn't deserve to lose it but we certainly didn't do enough to win it.
"We reflect on the areas, in terms of the corners, that we can be better at. But then we move on, and we have moved on well with a good performance at Sunderland.
"We love playing at home; Anfield is a good place for us to be. This year, 2013, has shown that. Hopefully we continue with our record, which is playing well there and getting results, and improving that record.
"We understand it will be a difficult game and we will look to get the three points and perform well."
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