Brendan Rodgers warned that Liverpool 'can't keep looking in the rear view mirror' after admitting they were nowhere near challenging at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
The Reds made it six league games without defeat on Sunday when they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Chelsea. But it was not enough to lift them out of 13th place and they ended the weekend 15 points behind Manchester United after just 11 games.
But the supporters have shown patience with Rodgers' revolution and the new Anfield boss said: "They're very educated, Liverpool supporters. It can't be easy for them. Most of us in this room know Liverpool and its great history, but we can't keep looking in the rear view mirror and looking back."
He went on: "If you're not going to have a massive investment to make it happen quickly, you have to develop it. That's where we're at. The supporters are being very lenient with myself and the team, and I'm sure they'll be frustrated sometimes, but their support has been incredible."
He added: "The reality is we're a long way off in the league.
"You don't need to be a rocket scientist to see the squad... These guys are giving me everything.
"We finished eighth last year. If we can improve on that, it'll be fantastic for us. That's the reality of where Liverpool are I'm afraid. But our young players will get better and better.
"We need one or two more players. That's our sixth draw, and a lot of those games we've come back into after going behind.
"But we need materials. If we can get one or two in January, we'll turn draws into wins. Those players don't come cheap, and they're not too many available in January either. But the owners have given be great support since I've been here.
"I knew it would be a difficult year given the expectancy in Liverpool."
Source: PA
