Kolo promises the lessons were learned
Kolo Toure promises that the lessons Liverpool learned in losing to Manchester United a fortnight ago will be put into practice for their latest crucial contest, at Arsenal this afternoon.
A lack of trademark intensity, energy and pressing was cited by Brendan Rodgers as pivotal to the 2-1 reversal the Reds suffered against United on home soil in their last outing.
Defeat came at a heavy cost in a race for the top four and Champions League qualification that is drawing ever closer to a conclusion with just eight fixtures remaining this season.
That disappointment can be harnessed, however, according to Toure, who understands the requirement for a positive result at a club he used to represent.
"It's really important to keep the focus and try to do our best until the end of the season," said the Ivorian defender. "You always learn from a defeat.
"It was a tough game against Manchester United and we didn't start well. United made us work really hard and it was a really difficult day, but we will learn from it and just focus on the rest of the games we have coming up.
"I wouldn't say [Arsenal] is a must-win game because we have some crucial games coming up, but it's going to be a really important game. If we win it, it would be massive for our belief in finishing in the top four, definitely.
"This is a really important week for us. We are just relaxed and want to give 100 per cent for each game and take it game by game. That's all we need to do and then we can see what we can do."
Rodgers will have to shuffle his pack at the Emirates Stadium, with captain Steven Gerrard and centre-back Martin Skrtel unavailable for selection due to suspension.
Toure acknowledged their absence is to Liverpool's detriment, but explained why the quality and character in the squad can be depended upon to step up.
He added: "They are both really important players for us, they have been amazing, and it's always difficult when you miss those great players, but we have players on the bench who every day work really hard and wait for their chance.
"During the season you can't rely on only a few players and you have to be able to have players who can come in and do a job.
"With all the players we have, every player can come in and give their best. We saw that with Emre Can, who came into the team and has been amazing.
"This is the strength of this team, because we have a lot of young players who can come in and deal with the pressure and work really hard for the team."