Dirk Kuyt is “still convinced” that Liverpool can finish inside the Premier League’s top four this season.
Liverpool are seventh, four points off fourth place, following a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea at Anfield on Thursday night.
Mason Mount’s first-half goal was enough for the Blues, who became the fifth side in succession to take three points away from Anfield in the league.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have now taken just three points from the last 18 in the league and have a fight on their hands just to guarantee Champions League football for next season.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester City and Chelsea currently occupy the top four places, but Everton, West Ham and Tottenham are all in contention, along with Liverpool.
Liverpool’s succession of home defeats is unprecedented in the club’s history and although they face a real challenge, former Reds forward Kuyt believes they have what it takes to turn things around.
“It’s going to be a difficult job for Jurgen Klopp to get them into the top four, but it’s all about Liverpool themselves,” he said on Sky.
“They have to find a way to defend better. They have to find a way to get clean sheets again and then they have enough quality up front to score goals.
“It’s not now about playing well or making a lot of goals. It’s just about one thing: winning games and making sure you will be in the top four.
“There are enough teams who are competing with each other and we see every week, teams above Liverpool are dropping points. So if Liverpool are winning their own games, which will be a difficult task, then I am still convinced they can reach the top four.
“In my opinion, it is still in their own hands, but it is going to be a difficult job.”
Liverpool will attempt to end their losing streak at Anfield when they take on relegation-threatened Fulham next on Sunday.
Klopp’s side then have the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig on Wednesday before away trips to Wolves and Arsenal.
