Rodgers calls for aggression

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called on his players to be more tenacious and aggressive in the wake of criticism his side is too soft.

After the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday, a match in which they took an early lead, former Reds vice-captain Jamie Carragher said they were bullied and mentally weak.

Liverpool have travelled to Sofia to play Ludogorets looking to end a four-match losing run and ensure their interest in the Champions League is extended to their final match at home to Basle next month.

And Rodgers issued a rallying call to players he admits are low on confidence.

''We need to be more tenacious, more aggressive and have a greater capacity to defend better as a team,'' he told liverpoolfc.com.

''When there are moments to defend, you have to defend better - and that's something that we'll look to do.''

Liverpool trained at their Melwood base on Tuesday morning before flying out to Bulgaria, with midfielder Jordan Henderson back after illness ruled him out at the weekend.

However, striker Mario Balotelli, who missed the game through injury, was not present at the morning work-out.

Ludogorets coach Georgi Dermendzhiev believes he has spotted physical and mental weakness in all Liverpool's matches this season, agreeing with Carragher's assessment of his former club.

"I kind of agree with that opinion. It looks that way in every Liverpool game this season - and I have watched every one," he said ahead of their penultimate Champions League Group B match.

"Liverpool have very high quality players and the only problems they have are in the minds of the players.

"I also know they have very good players and even if they are not in the right mindset they can still turn it around very easy.

"It is only a matter of time before they start to play good football again."

The Bulgarian minnows entered the competition as rank outsiders but were denied a draw in their opening match at Anfield by Steven Gerrard's stoppage-time penalty.

Dermendzhiev said that match had given them confidence for the rest of the campaign and they were in no way in awe of the five-time European champions.

"We were unknown before the first game and now the situation is completely different," he added.

"Everyone knows what we can do and how we play and I think it will change the way Liverpool will play compared to the first game.

"I am pretty sure Mr Rodgers will play with all the best players he has got but I really hope we have a chance to win.

"The (Ludogorets) players have already played enough games in the Champions League so they won't be motivated in the wrong way but we will try to do our best.

"This game is one every player looks forward to against the big teams. We do respect them but we don't fear them."

© PA Sport