Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has dismissed claims being in the bottom three during the international break is a mental blow for his players.
A two-week break for internationals means the Reds boss has plenty of time to contemplate his team's position in the bottom three.
"I don't think it matters we will be in the bottom three for the next fortnight," he said.
"The psychological blow of being in the bottom three after seven games is a damn sight less damaging than being there from game number 18 to game umber 36, as I experienced at Fulham.
"I had 18 games in the bottom three - that is psychological damage, especially when you see games running out and the number of points you need getting bigger and bigger."
