Agger: We've proved we can compete
Although the Reds suffered back-to-back defeats last week, defender Daniel Agger witnessed enough in both performances to believe that his team can achieve their Barclays Premier League ambitions.
It was widely agreed that Liverpool deserved much more from a 2-1 loss at Manchester City on Thursday, which was followed with a reversal by the same scoreline at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
Agger was selected from the start against Chelsea for the first time since the December 4 victory over Norwich City, taking the captain's armband in West London in Steven Gerrard's absence.
The result meant Brendan Rodgers' side dropped to fifth in the standings after enjoying the summit on Christmas Day, but the Dane is confident his colleagues can take lessons from the double-header.
"It's never a good feeling when you lose two games in a row but I think the games speak for themselves," the 29-year-old told the Liverpool Echo.
"We definitely deserved more from the City game and with a bit more luck we could have got something out of this game too.
"We did okay but there were a few moments where maybe we lost concentration and allowed them to score two easy goals. When you lose it's never good enough.
"I think we have shown we are close to the top teams. It's been a tough Christmas. We couldn't have picked two tougher games.
"We didn't get anything out of the two games - that's the downside - but we produced two good performances. We just need to carry on like this and cut out the mistakes."
With the manager's options limited due to the number of injuries currently afflicting his squad, Agger was asked to operate at left-back in the capital.
An unfamiliar position for the No.5 it may be, but the orthodox central defender expressed his commitment to fulfilling a role on behalf of the club.
"It's always difficult when you aren't used to it. But you have to get on with it and do the best you can," he added.
"That's what I tried to do against Chelsea. I felt like I was getting better as the game went on."
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The Reds will attempt to produce an immediate response when Hull City visit Anfield this Wednesday, New Year's Day, where the home side have won six consecutive matches.
And the vice-captain challenged his teammates to kick off 2014 on a positive note: "We have to pick ourselves up quickly - that's something you have to do as a footballer.
"When you lose a game, it's good to have the next game so soon after. We have the Hull game to focus on and we definitely have to get the three points.
"Hull are a great team. We lost there not long ago so we know they are a dangerous team. We just have to carry on playing like we have done and keep believing in ourselves.
"The home form was very good this year and that's something we have to carry on. It's so important to what we want to achieve this season that we have a good record at home."