Javier Mascherano Backs Liverpool's Team Spirit To See Them Into Premier League Top Four

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has called on the players at Anfield to not allow themselves to be downhearted by the club's current sitaution.

Instead, the squad must pull together even more, and believe in the collective spirit and tradition of the Anfield club as they continue to push hard for a top four finish.

"The situation is enough to get anyone down, but this team is going to keep going forward because of the spirit and history of the club," the Argentine told the Reds' official website.

"It is normal that we are being criticised - we are all to blame for going out of the Champions League and FA Cup."

"We share the credit when things go well and the blame when things go badly.

"Rafa [Benitez] has a difficult job because this season key players are getting injured, which would upset the plans of any coach.

"[Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard are fundamental for us and any team would miss them.

"It is true we are not in certain competitions now but there are still things to resolve."

Winning the Europa League is also a target worth achieving this season, Mascherano feels.

"Being champions of the first Europa League sounds good and getting into the top four after all the problems we have had, anyone of us would sign up for that now," he added.

"They are the objectives and nobody is going to drop their guard, because it is impossible to do so with our manager.

"We have to sort out the problems and win. For once, I'd prefer to get the points over the level of our performance."