Rodgers: It won't affect us
Brendan Rodgers has offered into an insight into the importance of managing his players psychologically as Liverpool prepare to head into the final straight of 2013-14.
Entering into the final 12 games of the season, the Reds are fourth in the Barclays Premier League table, four points off first-placed Chelsea.
Naturally, Liverpool's excellent campaign so far has drawn plenty of media attention, but the manager is adamant his charges are fully focused on the objectives in hand and won't be distracted by any paper talk.
Rodgers told journalists at Melwood: "There's no doubt as a modern-day manager, there are so many elements you need to have in your profile in order to be a manager at this level. It's more than just the coaching on the field - it's managing the welfare of the players, managing the media and the psychology of it all.
"It's always been the case - it's never not been. It's always been about dealing with the human nature of people and getting the best out of them, and managing expectations.
"It covers every facet, and that psychological side is equally as important as dealing with the technical, tactical and physical elements of football."
He added: "It's the job of the managers to release the pressure from players to go and perform and play. For the players, they are very concentrated on their work.
"It [media talk] may affect some players, but I think the majority of players that have a strong mentality, it goes over their head."
As well as mental strength and character, Rodgers believes Liverpool have demonstrated they have the three elements he feels are critical to success.
"In the last 18 months we've built and developed, and we'll continue along that route," he said. "The objective was to finish as high as we possibly could over 38 games and we'd see where it took us.
"In the Barclays Premier League you need energy and commitment - and to be at the top of the table, or fighting for the top, you need energy, commitment and quality. We've got those three components within our team."
Journalists gathered at the club's training complex quizzed Rodgers on whether a 'fear of failure' could ever affect a team's performance in the Premier League.
He responded: "At this level, you're focused on your team. I don't think any manager working at this level would be frightened to fail. It's one of the things that drive you on in the game in your personal ambition, but more importantly in your ambition for the club.
"If you're up challenging at the top of this league - this is the most competitive league in world football - then you have to have something about you.
"It's going to be a real interesting last 12 games. It's set up brilliantly for everyone, and none more so than for the managers - and that's where we want to be."