Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool "haven't been good enough" this season, and lays the blame for the Reds' failings at the feet of the players.
The Merseysiders' campaign can already be described as a failure following their exit from the Champions League at the group stages.
Rafael Benitez's team are also in a fierce battle to qualify for next season's European Cup as ahead of Sunday's crucial meeting with fourth-placed Tottenham they trail Spurs by four points.
A number of poor displays have led to suggestions that Benitez, who guided Liverpool to second in the Premier League last term, could be facing the sack, but captain Gerrard is in no doubt as to where the blame should lie.
"People have said our position is puzzling after last season's success. It's not puzzling at all. The table never lies, we haven't been good enough," he told Zoo magazine. "We are in this position for a reason and it tells us that we really haven't been good enough, and the players have to take responsibility for that.
"All us Liverpool players have got to look at our league position, roll our sleeves up and get this football club back where it belongs, as far up the table as possible." He added: "It has been hard to take this season, yes. We're all very disappointed with the way things have gone, especially after finishing second last campaign.
"There was a big belief we could go all the way. But now is not the time for hiding. We have to look at ourselves and put it right.
"We must aim for the top four, and that is something big to play for still. It's a priority now, as it always is at this club, for financial reasons and because all top players want to play in the Champions League, me included.
"I still think we can turn the corner. As captain, I've got to make sure that happens. It's fine looking at why it's happening, but we need to put it right on the pitch."
