Adam: We're ready for defining run
Charlie Adam insists Liverpool have put their Arsenal disappointment behind them as they prepare for a run of games that he believes is likely to define our season.
The Reds were left frustrated following Saturday's harsh 2-1 defeat to the Gunners - a result which means they currently trail fourth place in the Barclays Premier League by 10 points.
However, with four more league matches to contest in March, and an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Stoke City to look forward to, Adam maintains Liverpool are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We're in good spirits. The most disappointing thing is we couldn't believe we'd lost the game. It was a good performance on Saturday, but that's the way it goes in the Premier League.
"Every game is a massive game at this club. March is probably going to define the season for us and we're going to keep playing and trying to win as many games as we can.
"We've got an FA Cup quarter-final against Stoke in a couple of weeks, which is another massive game, and we've got a lot of good games coming up. Hopefully we can get ourselves on the road to being successful again.
"You can never give up - you never know what can happen in this league. We'll never give up, no matter what.
"The aim is still there to challenge and we're in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, so we're looking forward to the rest of the season. We've got a lot of tough games, but they're games that we're ready for and hopefully we can win as many games as we can."
Liverpool might have lost to Arsenal on Saturday, but Adam feels positives can be derived from the manner of their dominant display.
And the Scotland midfielder insists the Reds are already looking towards trying to secure a return to winning ways against Sunderland on Saturday.
He said: "There have been positives all season. I think you can count on one hand how many bad performances we've had.
"For us, it's important how we react to the disappointment of last weekend. Now it's a case of dusting ourselves down and getting ready for the next game.
"It's a tough game away at Sunderland and we know we've got to be ready for it."
Liverpool will take on a Sunderland team rejuvenated by the arrival of new boss Martin O'Neill in December.
The Black Cats are currently 12th in the Barclays Premier League table, but while Adam knows they'll provide a stern test for the Reds, he is confident Kenny Dalglish's side have what it takes to pick up three points.
He said: "It's been an unbelievable rise since he took over. He's done an incredible job.
"Martin O'Neill is a top manager and whoever he's managed, he's done well. He's got them playing well and we know it's going to be a tough match - but they'll also know Liverpool coming to the Stadium of Light is going to be a tough match for them as well.
"If we go there, try and play as well as we can and get a grip of the game, then we should be alright."
Following the trip to the north east, Liverpool will contest the Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield - but no-one will be taking their eye off the task in hand at the Stadium of Light, according to Adam.
"It (the derby) will be a great occasion," he said. "We won there earlier in the season and we won well, so we want to try and win back-to-back derbies.
"Hopefully that will come along, but we have to focus on Sunderland first and then look at the Everton match."