Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool Manager Claims Reds 'Are Back in Transitional Period'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his side are now stuck in a transitional period – akin to the one the club was in upon his arrival at Anfield.

The loss of Luis Suarez combined with the arrival of eight new players in the summer has coincided with a disappointing start to the season where the Reds have already lost four games in all competitions.

Excluding their 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, Liverpool's static, slow-paced performances have been a far cry from their scintillating form that saw them come within two points of Premier League glory last season.

Defensive concerns that ultimately undermined their title charge last season coupled with fresh injury problems have also contributed to Rodgers' side losing their rhythm.

Rodgers admits he now faces the challenge of rediscovering Liverpool's verve once again with expectations raised after last season's exploits.

"It is an exciting challenge. This is an incredible job and nothing has changed," Rodgers said.

"The first six months were difficult here but for 18 months we have been on a magic carpet in terms of our performance level and everything improving.

"For me it would have been a case of keeping the squad we had and adding a few bodies to thicken up the squad.

"But that wasn't the case. There was big change here in the summer and we lost a world-class player. We had to improve the squad and bring in a number of players and unfortunately we have lost a number of our key players to injuries.

"It brings us into a little period of transition again. It is something that was difficult in the first few months when I got here. You have to go through some pain along the way."

Having taken just one point from their last three league games and suffered defeat to Basel in the Champions League midweek, Liverpool will be looking to get their season back on track when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Anfield on Saturday 4 October.

That task has been made more difficult however with Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Glen Johnson still among those out injured, but Rodgers maintains his side will come through their current troubles for the better.

"We are in a difficult moment but that is the great challenge for myself and the players. We will look at it even harder and analyse it more just to ensure we keep it simple and keep to the values and ethics of this team – hard work, honestly and concentrating on our performance."