Brendan Rodgers has maintained that he is the right man to take Liverpool forward despite their indifferent form.
The Reds have endured a largely frustrating campaign and currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, having picked up 21 points from 15 games.
Rodgers's side were also eliminated from the Champions League after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Basel, but the Northern Irishman is adamant that he is still capable of improving his team's fortunes over the remainder of the season.
He told reporters: "I think the message from me is clear: I don't think there would be anyone better to do the job here. Seven months ago we nearly won the title unexpectedly, I had time to work with players and we took them beyond where the club has been in a long time.
"This has been a difficult start with new players, less coaching time, young players; we are virtually starting again. I don't think there is anybody better equipped to deal with that having been here for the last two and a half years and experienced what this club is about and seeing what we get from the players whenever we are at our best.
"Criticism comes with the territory when you don't win games. Football is very short term. The same people who are criticising me now were maybe saying I couldn't do anything wrong six or seven months ago. That is the way football works."
Liverpool travel to fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, seven points behind them in the table.
Paul Gorst
