Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool must shelve Premier League title aspirations and focus for now on Champions League qualification.
A week that has seen results go against them has moved the champions from top spot to fourth in the table.
The Reds' goalless draw with Manchester United on Sunday means they are now without a win since the 7-0 hammering of Crystal Palace on December 19.
In that time, Klopp's side have taken just three points from the last 12 on offer and Sunday's draw means United remain three clear of them at the summit.
Victories for Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester City this weekend mean Liverpool are now inside the top four by a single point.
Klopp says the focus has always been on qualification for Europe's premier competition first and foremost at Anfield and that will stay the same until it has been mathematically confirmed.
"Absolutely I have known it always," Klopp said,
"It was always clear when we had 98 points, the season when we came second.
"The day that I really started to think about the title race was the day it was clear we are in the Champions League. So I know my job and I know what I have to do.
"The most important thing is to qualify for the Champions League. Yes, you are right, that makes this season a tough race for the top four. That is true.
"I cannot decide how people look at it. I know that football fans in general are not the most patient species on this planet.
"They want to win each game and I am not too different to that. But I am long enough in the business to know that you go through difficult periods too.
"And it is not the most difficult situation of my life, not even close to it."
Klopp also reserved a word of praise for Thiago Alcantara who excelled in midfield during the 0-0 draw with the league leaders.
It was the Spain international's home debut following his arrival from Bayern Munich in mid-September and Klopp was pleased with what he saw from the £25million signing.
The Reds boss added: "We have and have had some injuries, but got used to them in the long term.
"Thiago has come back and he played a great game. I think it was his second start for us, so there's still space for improvement in how we work together.
"It's not too important where we are in the moment. It's important we have points and are around this group about fighting for the Champions League.
"That is the most important thing that we have points and we have that.
"We are in the middle of a bunch of teams who fight for this spot and that is what we have to do.
"It's not about if we don't become champions it is not fun anymore. We just fight for everything and I saw that tonight. That is all I need."
