Brendan Rodgers has described his Liverpool side as ‘a little broken’ ahead of their Merseyside derby clash with Everton, reports BBC Sport.
Liverpool have lost back-to-back Premier League games, and three of their opening five league fixtures. The Reds have also been unconvincing in wins over Ludogorets and Middlesbrough, and the boss admits the influx of new players are taking time to settle into the philosophy put in place at the club.
“We’re reintroducing the principles that brought us the win ratio we’ve had over the last 18 months,” he said.
“Our game was based on high intensity but, apart from that Tottenham game, we’ve moved away from that.”
The Reds beat Tottenham 3-0 at White Hart Lane on August 31, but have since fallen to defeats against both Aston Villa and West Ham.
“We put in a lot of hard work in the first six months to a year we were here, and a lot of those processes became natural,” added the boss.
“The consequence of that was winning. “But we introduced a raft of new players – you lose the core of players who were important, and that’s obviously a factor and then it becomes a bit broken.
“That’s how our game has looked for a big part of the season, but I have a group of players here who identify with that.
“We need to get back and refocus on what has allowed us win games consistently over the last 18 months to two years.”
Liverpool are hoping Daniel Sturridge will be fit to play some part against Everton, having injured his thigh whilst on duty with England. The 25-year-old has been absent for the Reds past four games in all competitions, which has coincided with their loss in form.
“He’s someone who responds well to treatment,” said Rodgers of the former Chelsea striker.
“He’s out on the field but there’s still a couple of days to go before the game. He certainly won’t be match fit but it’ll be great to have him back because he’s a wonderful player for us.
“We’ll be very happy to have him back and we’re hoping that can be this weekend, but we’ll assess over the next couple of days.”
