'A good run can turn things around'
Steve McManaman believes a run of positive results will put a different complexion on Liverpool's 2014-15 campaign to date.
The Reds entered the current international break having lost three consecutive games, including a 2-1 reversal at the hands of Chelsea last time out.
However, despite not hitting top form yet, Brendan Rodgers' side lie just four points off fourth position in the Barclays Premier League table, while qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League remains in their own hands.
McManaman told Liverpoolfc.com: "A good run of results will help [Liverpool] climb the table. It's really difficult at the moment, but you work hard, you get a result and you start to build confidence again.
"You saw that Newcastle were taking a lot of criticism a month or so ago, but 13 points from a possible 15 has seen them elevate right up the league - that's what you have to do.
"You have to be confident a good run of form will turn it around. There is a lot to play for and we shouldn't be too downhearted. Yes, we're going through a bad patch - but a lot of teams are going through a bad patch.
"There's plenty of time to turn things around. We just need to go on a run in the league, and beat Ludogorets and Basel in the Champions League, and then come Christmas we could be saying this could go on to be a good season."
Liverpool will hope to be able to call upon the services of Daniel Sturridge again shortly, with the striker nearing fitness following a calf injury.
The 25-year-old has not featured since August and McManaman believes his return will offer the Reds a boost - though warned he will still require time to reach full match sharpness.
He added: "Daniel Sturridge is hopefully going to be fit and raring to go [again soon], and you hope Liverpool can replicate the kind of form they displayed at Tottenham away when they won really easily against a good team.
"It'll have a positive impact because he's a very good footballer who scored lots of goals last year, but he'll need time to get himself fully fit and well."
McManaman was speaking as he prepares to represent a team of Liverpool legends in a friendly against Singapore on Saturday - a match that you can watch live and exclusively on LFCTV HD.
The fixture at the Jalan Besar Stadium kicks off at 11am GMT, with our coverage starting on the club's official television channel an hour earlier and including exclusive reports, interviews and insight from the Reds' camp in the Far East.
For more information on LFCTV HD - and details of how to subscribe now - click here.