Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has dismissed claims they're in relegation danger.
The 2-1 defeat at home by Blackpool was the club's third in seven league matches and a six-point haul represents Liverpool's worst start to a season since 1953-54, when they were relegated.
Hodgson is right to stress it is inconceivable his team will not salvage their situation over the next eight months.
But he also acknowledged their current position could impact greatly on where they hope to finish.
"After seven games it is a fact that we are there and it is not where we want to be, that is fairly obvious," he said.
"But with 31 games left to play I am absolutely convinced Liverpool will not be in the bottom three after 38 games.
"Whether or not this bad start is going to affect us in our ambition to be nearer the top of the table that is another matter.
"That is something you can accuse us now of not being able to do.
"But I think to suggest, especially after seeing what we did in the second half against Blackpool, that we are a relegation candidate would be stretching credulity to the limit."
