Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told his players they must put everything which has happened in the last week behind them and focus on Monday night's Merseyside derby at home to Everton.
In the last nine days the Reds have been held to a goalless draw at Stoke, had to read about their manager rejecting a contract extension and watch Manchester United overtake them as Barclays Premier League leaders.
Victory over Everton would put the Anfield club back on top and Benitez believes that is the only thing the players should be concentrating on.
"We know we didn't play well (against Stoke)," said the Liverpool boss.
"It is a difficult stadium. You had to give credit to Stoke. They had won 21 points, 18 at home where they beat Arsenal and Aston Villa.
"But now we have to think about the derby, Anfield and a totally different scenario.
"The defenders, midfielders, strikers, the staff, we were not good enough.
"The team had to improve. If you want to win these kind of games you have to improve."
Benitez went public with his contract rejection on Friday.
The stumbling block appears to be his desire to have full control over transfers, including spending, wages and terms and conditions.
However, he does not believe the wrangle has overshadowed Monday night's match.
"It is not affecting preparations for the game," stressed the Spaniard, who last week had a third, and hopefully final, kidney stones operation.
"I want to be focused on the game because we know that is the most important thing.
"Playing against Everton is something different. The atmosphere in the stadium is really good.
"Every single year you can understand the rivalry more and what it means for everyone here so it is a game you want to win.
"Hopefully we will win and it will be a fantastic game and normally that means more confidence for the team."
Sixth-placed Everton have won four of their last five league matches, dropping points in a goalless draw at home to Chelsea.
They have not conceded a goal since Aston Villa put three past them on December 7.
"I think they have had some clean sheets and scored some good goals so they have confidence," said Benitez.
"But we have confidence too and quality and the (home) fans will be a massive difference."
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return after missing the Stoke match with a foot injury while right-back Alvaro Arbeloa is in contention after missing four matches with a hamstring injury.
Compatriot Fernando Torres is in line for a place in the starting line-up after two substitute appearances following recovery from a similar problem.
In the last nine days the Reds have been held to a goalless draw at Stoke, had to read about their manager rejecting a contract extension and watch Manchester United overtake them as Barclays Premier League leaders.
Victory over Everton would put the Anfield club back on top and Benitez believes that is the only thing the players should be concentrating on.
"We know we didn't play well (against Stoke)," said the Liverpool boss.
"It is a difficult stadium. You had to give credit to Stoke. They had won 21 points, 18 at home where they beat Arsenal and Aston Villa.
"But now we have to think about the derby, Anfield and a totally different scenario.
"The defenders, midfielders, strikers, the staff, we were not good enough.
"The team had to improve. If you want to win these kind of games you have to improve."
Benitez went public with his contract rejection on Friday.
The stumbling block appears to be his desire to have full control over transfers, including spending, wages and terms and conditions.
However, he does not believe the wrangle has overshadowed Monday night's match.
"It is not affecting preparations for the game," stressed the Spaniard, who last week had a third, and hopefully final, kidney stones operation.
"I want to be focused on the game because we know that is the most important thing.
"Playing against Everton is something different. The atmosphere in the stadium is really good.
"Every single year you can understand the rivalry more and what it means for everyone here so it is a game you want to win.
"Hopefully we will win and it will be a fantastic game and normally that means more confidence for the team."
Sixth-placed Everton have won four of their last five league matches, dropping points in a goalless draw at home to Chelsea.
They have not conceded a goal since Aston Villa put three past them on December 7.
"I think they have had some clean sheets and scored some good goals so they have confidence," said Benitez.
"But we have confidence too and quality and the (home) fans will be a massive difference."
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return after missing the Stoke match with a foot injury while right-back Alvaro Arbeloa is in contention after missing four matches with a hamstring injury.
Compatriot Fernando Torres is in line for a place in the starting line-up after two substitute appearances following recovery from a similar problem.
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