Soccer:Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina remains confident the Reds will soon turn around their season after a tough start to the campaign.
Roy Hodgson's men find themselves languishing in 16th spot in the Premier League with just six points from their opening six games.
Reina believes their tough fixture schedule - as well as adapting to a new manager and new players still getting to grips with the team - have all contributed to Liverpool's slow start.
"Six points from our first six games is not what we wanted," Reina told the club's official magazine.
"People who criticise us about it should look at the fixtures we've had. It has been a difficult start. Arsenal at home and then going to play Manchester City, Manchester United and Birmingham away was never going to be easy.
"Not many teams will go to the City of Manchester Stadium, Old Trafford or St Andrews and win. Those three teams have very good records at home."
Reina has also pleaded for patience as the players look to get used to Hodgson's new methods.
"When you have so many changes moving in a new direction under a new boss, things don't happen instantly," added Reina. "It can take between three and six months before you see improvements. Obviously the quicker we adapt and improve as a team the better it will be for everyone.
"That doesn't just happen overnight. Each of us has to adjust to working in a new way.
"With the passing of each day I get used to it and what the manager wants. It's the same for all of us. We need to be patient."
Defender Martin Skrtel echoed Reina's sentiments and he remains hopeful of finishing in the top four to qualify for next season's Champions League.
"A lot of people think that when a new manager comes in everything should be perfect but we need time," said Skrtel. "Our aim is to fight for a place in the top four. That won't be easy as there are a lot of good teams also going for it, but if we continue to improve as the season goes on, we can get back into the Champions League - that's our aim.
"A lot of things have changed here. We have a new manager, new players, new medical staff and some different people around the team. It's always going to be difficult when you change so much."