Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits manager Kenny Dalglish had words with the players after defeat at Bolton Wanderers.

Gerrard knows performance levels must improve following their Reebok setback.

"Kenny spoke in the dressing room after the Bolton game and on Monday before training. He wasn't angry, he just said it as it was," said Gerrard.

"He didn't lose his rag or his control. He told individuals and us as a group that it wasn't acceptable. As captain of the team, that is down to me. He went through all of us.

"I don't want to see much of a reaction from the lads on the training ground, or the training pitch, I want to see it from the lads at Anfield.

"The people new to the club will appreciate and understand the club a bit more after a performance like that. You can't do that here. The fans won't accept it. They don't deserve it. It's not allowed.

"I have been here a long time and experienced days like that and the important thing is to move on from it fast. If we perform like that against Manchester City, there will be no Wembley trip."