Rafael Benitez is confident Liverpool can mount another Premier League title bid this season and remains calm despite already having lost three times in eight outings. "The most difficult thing this season is to manage expectation," the Reds boss told liverpoolfc.tv.
"Last season we finished with 86 points and everyone was talking about this being the year.
"It's a long race and if we make mistakes and give up too early it will be impossible.
"So the main thing for everyone here is to try to be calm and keep working hard."
Despite those three defeats they have the same number of points as Manchester United had at the same stage 12 months ago and have yet to hit top form.
"We have some players coming back from injury, so we have time," added the Spaniard.
"We need to keep the mentality, keep scoring goals and we will see."
Benitez is also confident the greater competition seen in the league this season - with the likes of Burnley beating United and Wigan defeating Chelsea - means more points will be dropped by all the leading title contenders.
"I think it will be tough at the top of the table," he added.
"Chelsea are a good team but don't forget they will lose some players at the Africa Cup of Nations (in January) so we will see.
"Everyone is talking about Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa, so I think it could be a very open race.
"That is why my message is the same - for us to keep doing our job properly."
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