From Football 365:

Saturday's defeat at West Ham was a setback, but Liverpool's form has been pretty good lately - seven matches unbeaten...

"I think it was important for the club to turn the corner. The manager has been very positive about our performances and that in turn has given us the confidence to go out and do well. But, as he rightfully points out, it's no good playing well in patches. I think that has been a problem with Liverpool in the past. On their day, they could beat anyone in the Premiership, but while teams like Manchester United and Arsenal have played well throughout the season Liverpool have lacked the consistency to be challenging for honours. Hopefully that is going to change, but we don't want to get too carried away with our recent form. We need to put a long run together before we can consider ourselves good enough to win anything."

What's been the best part about this little run you’ve been on?

"Probably the fact that we haven't necessarily played our best, but still showed the character and commitment to grind out the right result. I think people have been quick to criticise the club in the past and bring into question the character of the players and whether they have the ability to maintain their form when they aren't playing well. I think over the past month or so we've been able to silence a few of our critics and we can take heart from that. The fact is we haven't played too badly, but we can play better. It has to be good when we are getting the right results but not playing at the top of our game."

As opposed to last season, eh?

"Yeah, the recent run of results typifies that. Of course you need luck along the way, but last season we wouldn't have managed to get the points we have done recently. There is a fine line between success and failure and that separates the successful sides from the teams that don't enjoy success. Of course, when you start to put a run together and you get the rub of the green, so to speak, it helps confidence but I know myself that we have shown a great deal of character in recent games and we have managed to win those games when perhaps we wouldn't have done last season."

The manager spent the summer bringing in lots of new faces. They seem to be settling...

"And that's another reason why things are finally coming together. I thought the way the squad went into the season was very positive. Everybody had worked hard in the pre-season, put their heads down and just got on with it but we did sign quite a few players and it doesn't matter how good those players are, it always takes time to find your feet. Success doesn't come in an instant - you have to earn it. And it's not just about those players who are new, it's about the players that were already here and the understanding they have with the new players on the field that gives you an edge. It takes time to find a winning formula, but we're getting there slowly. The spirit is good and the progress we are making is good. If that continues, we are going to be among the clubs chasing honours."

There was talk not long ago about you wanting to leave Anfield. Was that true?

"Sometimes things are simply misinterpreted. All I said was I wanted to play and any player in the same situation would feel the same. Gerard Houllier has given me the opportunity now and I have no complaints. I mean, everyone knows I want to stay at Liverpool and the way things are working out, not only for me, but the team as well, I couldn’t be happier. I'm not demanding any special treatment and I don't expect to play every game. I just want a chance to prove myself."

Liverpool's run of form even started some talk about a championship challenge. What do you make of the teams in the frame for the title?

"The Premier League is becoming even more competitive, if that's possible. There isn't a great deal separating quite a few clubs from the top 12 or so. Obviously after what Manchester United achieved last season, they are, and remain, the team to beat. Leeds have made superb progress since last season - and with a relatively young side too. Chelsea and Arsenal are always going to be involved so it's a pretty open championship. The team that have shocked a few people are Sunderland and to be fair when we played up there they were very impressive."

Winning the title would take an extraordinary effort, but do you think a top three place and Champions League football next year is realistic?

We have to be aiming even higher. Yes, a top three finish will bring Champions League football back to Anfield but we want to be challenging for the championship. I'm sure some people would be happy with a top three finish, but the players are desperate to bring success to this club. It's been a very quiet time on Merseyside but the fans have remained solidly behind the team. It would be nice to reward them for their loyalty and, at the same time, put Liverpool FC firmly back on the map."

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