Liverpool confidence higher than ever, claims Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Liverpool’s “confidence and belief” is higher than ever this season as the Reds look to break back into the top four.

Rodgers’ men remained in fourth place in the Premier League table over the weekend, despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday.

The draw with Paul Lambert’s men came after Liverpool had to show their battling qualities to secure a 5-3 win at Stoke City the week before.

And Rodgers believes that the victory at the Britannia Stadium underlines the new-found confidence flowing through his squad.

“I think you’ve seen the benefits of that in the confidence and belief of the players, especially if we’re ever down in games or in difficult moments. We’ve definitely improved in that aspect,” said Rodgers.

“Stoke was a great example. It was a game we were in control of and then lost control, in terms of the score at half-time.

“Then the challenge was for the players to show those characteristics we’ve talked about – and they responded magnificently well.

“It was a really tough game; anyone will tell you that going to Stoke on a cold day with the support they have at home and with the wind and the rain – but the players’ performance and how they dug in during a difficult moment, and then to score five goals, was a great credit to them.”