BR: We can go again at Stamford Bridge

The Reds have not lost back-to-back games in the Barclays Premier League since Rodgers arrived at Melwood in June 2012.

Losses to Southampton and Arsenal this season were promptly followed up with victories over Sunderland and Fulham respectively.

And while the manager acknowledges that his side face a stern test when they visit the capital for the weekend's clash, he's adamant there will be a response from his players.

"During my time here, whatever squad we've been working with, we've always been able to galvanise the group," said Rodgers.

"The team has been able to go again and that's something that we'll look to do for the weekend.

"The last game [against City] gives us confidence and belief, but we arrive into this game knowing it's going to be equally difficult. We're very much focused on approaching the next game because it will bring its own difficulties.

"We can't always rely on what we've done in the game before. But that's been the beauty of this team - they are a very honest group of players. We appraise and assess each game and we go into the next match with a real positive outlook to get a result.

"We've been improving as the season has gone on. If you look at the last number of weeks, the performance level and the standard has been at a real high level.

"I think we're a team that shows great confidence and belief in how we're training and how we're working. We're taking that confidence into any stadium, home and away, and that's always difficult for an opponent.

"I think you've seen the aggression, the charisma, the confidence and the consistency over the last 12 months. I think [our position] will fluctuate between now and the end of the season - one day you're first, then you're fourth.

"But as long as we're in the conversation with 10 games to go, then it will be all to play for. The idea is to arrive at that point in a position where we can challenge."

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Philippe Coutinho handed the Reds a dream start at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day as he arrived alongside Raheem Sterling to steer the ball into an empty net and give Liverpool a 1-0 lead.

However, City managed to turn the game on its head prior to the interval as Vincent Kompany towered in the penalty area to nod home and Alvaro Negredo powered through the middle of the park to make it 2-1.

"Apart from the two goals that we gave away I thought we were excellent," insisted Rodgers. "I thought we had to stand up and weather a wee bit of a storm in the first 10 minutes of the game as you would expect. But I thought that after that we were outstanding.

"The confidence that we've been playing with and the belief in the team is very strong. We played against an opponent that a few weeks ago went to Bayern Munich and won. We went toe-to-toe with one of the best squads in Europe.

"So we'll take great confidence from it, but of course, when we miss the chances we did and play as well as we did, it's disappointing we didn't get a result and that was something we would have wished for from the game.

"But it wasn't to be. And so, like Tottenham Hotspur, we'll come away from the game having left another imprint in terms of how we're moving and progressing. I felt that was a big statement from us.

"I think we've shown that we are improving. When you go to the Etihad, where it's been remarkably difficult for teams to go this year, and you perform like we did, then it means that you're going to be able to challenge.

"But ultimately, we want to set up camp in the top four and then we'll try and retain that position over the next couple of years in there. It will give us a chance to improve the team and the squad.

"At this moment in time, we're just focusing on our next game and that's all we've done throughout the course of this calendar year and that's served us well, so let's see where that takes us."

Chelsea currently sit a point and a place ahead of the Reds, who are fourth in the Premier League following defeat at the hands of Manuel Pellegrini's side on Boxing Day.

With a visit to Stamford Bridge coming so soon after a testing trip to City, Rodgers admitted that the resolve of his squad will be tested - but backed his team to cope in the afternoon clash.

"For us it couldn't be any tougher," said the manager. "We're playing against the two teams who arguably have the two best squads in the league.

"They can change all their players and still have a team that challenges at the top of the table. We'll go into the game and do our best. That's what we have done.

"The quality of our game is demonstrating that we're improving. And whoever we put in there is going to focus on getting a result for the football club.

"So for us, of course this period is always difficult, no matter what way you look at it. It's not ideal but it's what happens and it's what makes it exciting to be in the country at this time. We embrace it and we'll look to get a result."