Toure: We'll stick together and fight
Kolo Toure believes the fighting spirit within the Liverpool dressing room will ensure they'll soon start to show their true form.
The Reds displayed their battling qualities to ground out a 2-2 draw away to Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League in midweek and set up a do-or-die showdown with FC Basel at Anfield in a fortnight.
That result halted a sequence of four consecutive defeats - and Toure is confident such endeavours will soon be rewarded with victories.
The Ivorian, who was handed a starting berth in Sofia, said: "It was frustrating because we were so close to winning but a point takes it to the last game in the group and we know if we beat Basel in front of our fans then we will go through.
"We are at home and we have the quality to do it. We will keep fighting like we did against Ludogorets. We are professionals, we know what the manager wants.
"It's not just about the defence, we need to be better as a team. Last season we were playing so well and scoring four or five every game. This season has been tougher up front and at the back.
"This time is difficult for everybody but the most important thing is that we stick together as a group and fight for this manager because I think he's a great manager.
"I am here to help with my experience in whatever way I can. I am here for the tough times and I am here for the good times. I try to help all the players in any way I can."
Toure's appearance in Bulgaria was his fifth start of the season, and the 33-year-old served up an experienced display at the heart of Liverpool's defence.
"For me, the most important thing is the team," he added. "Whenever the manager calls me, I will be ready. I'm part of the team. It's not about me, it's about everybody.
"When you are playing in both the Premier League and the Champions League it's very demanding physically. That's why we have a big squad - so we can rotate. The most important thing is that we all fight for each other."
Meanwhile, it's not just the characteristics of Liverpool's squad that Toure feels will see an upturn in form - the defender is adamant the abilities of Brendan Rodgers will ensure the side are soon operating at the kind of standards they so magnificently set themselves last term.
"He's one of the best managers in the Premier League," Toure said.
"In terms of the managers I've worked with, he's right up there. You need time as a manager. Last season was unbelievable, this season has been more tough. But I think he has done a great job for this club and we like him.
"He's young as a manager and this is the first time he has managed in the Champions League. The Champions League is tough. We've seen that with teams like Manchester City. You have to learn about it.
"He is learning. At the end of the day he's a fair guy who is working hard and gives 100 per cent every day. That's why I am sure we will get out of this spell we're in.
"Just look at what he's done during a short time here. When he arrived Liverpool were doing badly, he came in and brought the club a long way up. Maintaining it is more difficult than first getting up there. This season is a learning process but he will get there."