Liverpool find themselves in a mini-league below the top two in the battle for Champions League places, according to manager Rafael Benitez.
The Reds’ next two opponents are genuine threats to their top four ambitions for the remainder of the season.
New Year’s Day rivals Bolton leapfrogged Liverpool on Tuesday, while Spurs will also go above them if they win at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
The upcoming fixtures are pivotal as Liverpool seek an instant recovery from the disappointing single goal defeat at Blackburn.
Although Benitez knows his side didn’t deserve to lose, he is also aware his players lose composure too quickly when they concede a goal.
”When we concede, we sometimes play too quick,” accepted the manager.
”Maybe a different style of football is needed when the other team scores.
”Of course, it’s a different game when that happens because the opponent is able to play much deeper and counter attack. But it’s also clear we need to improve our composure and take control of situations.
”Against Blackburn, there were too many long balls in the second half when Peter Crouch wasn’t on the pitch.”
Liverpool went into the holiday period looking up to Chelsea and Manchester United, but now they’re eyes are fixed firmly over their shoulder as Martin Jol’s side close in.
The Reds are now sixth, and while Benitez insists he pays no attention to the Premiership table, he knows who the club’s competitors are.
”We won’t look at the table. It’s a waste of time,” he said.
”But we know we now have to play Tottenham and Bolton who are in a league with us and very close together. We know how important it will be to beat these teams and stay in good position.
”Despite the result against Blackburn we’ve been playing well. Sometimes these kinds of games happen, but we need to keep going and stay confident. All away games in the Premiership are difficult, particularly games like at Tottenham.”
Jol has been buoyed in recent weeks by the timely return to form of England striker Jermain Defoe, who started the season on the bench.
Spurs are without Robbie Keane through injury and Defoe has seized his chance to prove his worth by scoring 11 goals in his last 10 starts.
”Maybe the fact I was on the bench at the start of the season will benefit me now,” said the former West Ham striker.
”I’ve always looked after my body, and even if I had started most of the games this season I’d still make sure I felt right for the next game.
”My preparation is always right, that is important to me and I just want to win games now.
”I’ll keep working hard, and if I get a chance for England in the New Year then I will definitely be ready.” – Sapa-AFP