• Champions League

Liverpool will benefit from losing, says Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool can benefit from their recent losing streak as they head into Wednesday's crucial Champions League clash against Ludogorets Razgrad.

Liverpool's hopes of reaching the knockout stages have taken a hit with three successive defeats after their opening Anfield win against the Bulgarian side.

Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool have lost four games in a row © Getty Images

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Wednesday's match in Sofia comes on the back of a 3-1 Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace, Liverpool's fourth loss in a row in all competitions, and Rodgers hopes they can learn from their recent struggles.

"I always believe that in sport, and in football in particular, losing can be the making of you as a player and a manager - how you respond to that, learn from it and ultimately move on from it," said Rodgers.

"Sometimes it just takes a game, one action or one moment that can change a season for you. That's something we have to believe can happen. It hasn't happened as of late, but apart from maybe a half in a game, or the game at Tottenham, we haven't been anywhere near our level and we understand that.

"One thing you can never do is give up - that's something we'll never do. We'll keep fighting and working in the belief that the honesty and commitment of the group will eventually get us the results."

However, Rodgers has also warned his players they can't afford to dwell on their recent poor performances for too long.

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"Anyone can make mistakes," he added. "We need to be in the present and really focus on the next game. If we dwell too much on the weekend, there's no way we could go out and play this way.

"It's very much psychological - it's about getting the confidence into the players, individually talking with players, and ensuring the environment at the training ground is still a happy place to be.

"For footballers, staff and everyone involved, when you lose a game of football - especially at a club like Liverpool, where it's something we haven't been accustomed to - what's very important is you always retain the hope that the next game is the next opportunity for you.

"We'll always experience disappointments but as a leader, no matter how you feel, you're one of the pillars of the group and of the football club.

"No matter how you feel or how disappointed you are, the players are looking to you for that response and the ability to motivate. That's something that is very, very important in my role - something I feel I have always done all of my life. I never dwell too much on past mistakes or errors, and I look forward."

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