Enrique: We know what is required
Nobody needs to tell Jose Enrique how important Liverpool's next two fixtures are – the Spaniard is all too aware that there are 'no excuses' as they seek to recover from a frustrating period.
The full-back is one of the first-team players who have remained at Melwood during the international break, working and plotting a crucial return to winning ways next weekend.
A fortnight without domestic football means a nagging reminder of their disappointing run of three consecutive defeats will remain in the minds of Brendan Rodgers' charges.
Enrique's hope now is to channel that feeling into a determination to ensure that important games at Crystal Palace in the Barclays Premier League and Ludogorets Razgrad in Europe prove much more productive.
"On the pitch, what is happening this season is quite frustrating for the fans after last season," he reflected to Liverpoolfc.com on the 2014-15 campaign to date.
"It is for us as well, because we expected more this season. At the moment, that's the way it is going. But the dressing room spirit is still good.
"We have to win in the Champions League. There are no excuses now - we have to win to stay in the Champions League.
"The focus is on the Premier League because it's the most important competition, but we and the fans have been waiting for the Champions League for so long.
"It's the first time I have played in the tournament and I'm so happy. I was disappointed that I couldn't play against Real Madrid.
"Hopefully we can keep going and play in the Champions League again next season because it's the best competition for a footballer to play."
Enrique has not featured for Liverpool since a start in the dramatic 3-2 victory at Queens Park Rangers midway through October, due to a knee concern.
A month on, though, the No.3 is feeling fresh and ready to regain a position in Rodgers' team - and if he does, there will be plenty of desire to grasp the opportunity to impress.
"We didn't want to take a risk because of my injury last season," he explained. "But now it is gone and I've been training with the team - I'm feeling great.
"You are never ready for these types of injuries, because as a footballer you just want to play. It was really difficult for me, mentally.
"But it is in the past and it makes you appreciate what you do even more and how much you enjoy playing football.
"I'm so happy to be back again. We have so many games and play in so many competitions, you can see everyone is getting games and opportunities. When I have mine, I have to take it."