Liverpool playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri says the club needs to be at the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds have slipped to eighth on the table after a shocking run of results since the turn of the year.

And Shaqiri says the defending champions can't stay far from the top for long.

"We are trying," Shaqiri told Sky Sports. "We just need to improve performances and then I am sure we can succeed again. We have to stay positive and work hard.

"This club has to be successful. It has to be at the top."

He added: "We need to get back on track and get the confidence back to win games. But we are a big team and I am pretty sure that we are going to get back to winning.

"We speak a lot together and the coach gives us the right directions. I don't want to tell everyone what is said in our dressing room but we are speaking a lot and we know we have to come back stronger and give what he wants on the pitch. We have to stay positive."