From http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N165470090819-0805.htm:
Journalist: Rafa, we know you're disappointed by the weekend's performance and result against Tottenham. It is early days, but being three points behind the other top teams is a setback already isn't it?
It is too early, but clearly we are disappointed and we did not play well. We did not play a good pre-season, so I tried to protect the team by staying compact and well organised, but we did not play well in the first half. However, the second half was much better and that is positive. Another positive is that we have another game so soon after, which is good because if we win it will be easier.
Journalist: The players know they did not play well on Sunday - how have they responded?
We have analysed the game, watched some clips and the players know they have to improve. In terms of the commitment of the players, I was pleased because they were working very hard, especially in the second half when we played much better.
Journalist: You mentioned pre-season - were your team at the right level for you or do you feel you were hampered by the fact your team arrived back at different times? Are they not 100 per cent match fit?
We have different levels in the squad. Players who have been training since the beginning are doing really well - you saw Lucas play well on Sunday - but some players are not 100 per cent fit or lack match fitness, so they will need more time. The majority of them are right, but some of them - maybe some of our most important players - need to improve a little bit.
Journalist: Inevitably after the game the press wrote Liverpool are not strong enough to win the league. Do you think a lot more teams will fall victim to the likes of Spurs and Manchester City this season?
I think we will see clubs like Aston Villa, Tottenham and City show they are very good teams with good players, quality and experience, so maybe the league will be closer. That is something good because while we have lost one game, maybe United, Chelsea and Arsenal will lose games too. The main thing is to be ready for the next game and keep our confidence because the squad is the same as last season, more or less. It is not fair when people compare Alonso and Lucas. It is easy for some pundits and experts to try and compare them, but they are two different players and we have brought in Aquilani to replace Alonso. So I don't think it is fair to compare them, but it is easy to target Lucas instead of talking about Gerrard and Torres because these people who talk too much are not brave enough to do so.
Journalist: How important is it to get off to a winning start at home and beat teams like Stoke City?
It is always important to win. It does not matter whether it is at home or away, but because we have already lost one game I think it is important to show our fans we have quality in the squad and we can play well and beat these teams.
Journalist: Are you glad you have another game so quickly so you can put Sunday behind you, or could your players do with a week on the training ground?
As I said before, when you don't win and do not play well, it is important to have another game quickly. Sometimes having a week to prepare the team is good, but in this instance three days' time is enough. Everybody is ready, so I think playing at home will be good for us.
Journalist: On Tottenham's substitutes' bench on Sunday they had a lot of experience and strikers who cost a lot of money. Compared to your bench, is that a concern?
Not really. We have to work with the players we have and we are really pleased with them. If they work hard, we will support them all the time. Some of the young players can improve and learn, and if they have more opportunities they will gain more experience, with the senior players helping them.
Journalist: Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have forged a fantastic partnership in attack, but until Alberto Aquilani is fit again is there a concern you may have to deploy Steven in a more orthodox midfield role to get the right balance?
It is an option. When we were considering Aquilani, we were aware he was injured and he will need some time, so we knew using Gerrard a little bit deeper could be a solution. We will see for the next game - we have players with quality who can do the job.
Journalist: Are you still working on trying to bring players in?
The scouting department always has to be working and trying to find players just in case. You never know what will happen, so until the last day of the transfer window you have to be ready.
Journalist: Martin Skrtel's injury against Tottenham looked quite serious, but he managed to play on until the second half. Do you have an update on your defenders?
Agger is injured and will not play for at least another two or three weeks - we are trying to find a solution to his back problems. Skrtel was training this morning, so we will decide before the game.
Journalist: Stoke City are a very capable side aren't they? They caused Liverpool problems last season and can make it difficult for the big clubs...
They are capable of causing problems for anyone. They finished 12th in the league last season, which was really good. Their manager knows the players he has and the strengths of his team. They are doing really well and it will be a difficult game for us. I'm sure they'll be difficult for other teams too.
Journalist: Is there a danger the performance at White Hart Lane may affect the confidence of your team against Stoke?
No, I don't think so. The players have a clear idea of what to do during the game. I'm sure our fans know they have to support the team. The way to change things is to back the team, especially if they work hard. I am sure the support of the fans will make it easier for the players to perform better.
