Liverpool first-team coach Gary McAllister has said that the club's players must overcome their anxiety at Anfield and be brave on the ball if they are to finally get their season going.
The Reds host League Two Carlisle United in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday night after a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Sunday made it five games without a win.
McAllister, who played 87 competitive games for Liverpool from 2000 to 2002, insists that it is part of a player's job to handle pressure and believes that the club have the kind of players who are capable of leading a recovery.
He told The Guardian: "They have got to rise above that anxiety and that is where we come in as coaches. I have played in front of frustrated crowds when things aren't going well and I think that is when you push your shoulders back and show that bravery.
"Bravery is getting on the ball in tight areas and taking responsibility. The middle of the park is where you do need people to get on the ball and make play. I watch Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Leiva and James Milner, they don't shy away from the ball and they will continue to prompt and probe to try to make things happen."
The former Scotland captain also said that the fact that the Anfield faithful have been voicing their unrest at recent results is a good thing as it will spur the team on to improve their situation.
"It impresses me that there are still those grumblings from the fans," he continued. "If you lose that and it does become accepted it not's going to be right, and that won't happen here. It will be driven through by the frustration of the fans.
"We have got to be competing right at the highest level. It is how I see Liverpool, I just associate it with winning things. That [hostile reception to the Norwich result] has got to be a good thing and that's got to be the driving force for our players and they've got to put that right."
Liverpool are currently 13th in the Premier League table ahead of their next league match, a home clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Tom Nightingale
