One aspect Arne Slot highlighted as particularly impressive when working with Liverpool's calibre of players was their composure regardless of results.
During the opening five matches of the Premier League season, when the Reds maintained a perfect record, there was widespread praise for how the squad remained grounded throughout the early stages of the campaign. Therefore, ahead of Sunday's trip to West Ham, with Liverpool seeking to halt a sequence that has brought nine defeats in 12 matches, Slot appeared remarkably composed during Thursday's pre-match press conference.
The manager acknowledged the seriousness of the circumstances but expressed confidence that his players are close to escaping what represents their poorest spell of form since the 1950s.
Slot did admit, however, that Wednesday's 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV at Anfield had affected his rest.
"How did I sleep last night? What do you think? Not the best," Slot said. "Not completely poor, it is not like I lie awake for the whole night.
"But if we win, I don't sleep well, also, so then there is a lot of adrenaline and a lot thoughts going through your mind. But I had a few hours of sleep, enough to feel fresh again this morning."
Slot isn't giving up on Liverpool's season
Slot isn't giving up on Liverpool's season (Image: Getty Images)
Among the concerning statistics potentially troubling Slot is that no Premier League side has shipped more goals since the campaign began.
The tally of 34 goals conceded across all competitions represents the highest figure and exposes a defensive vulnerability that has been evident far too frequently since August.
However, it appears unlikely that Slot is contemplating a dramatic team overhaul to shake his players from their current form, despite the worrying trend that has emerged in recent weeks.
"I think you consider everything," Slot said when asked if he would consider making several changes in an effort to send a message to many of his under-performing players.
"Until now, I have decided differently. But they train with us every single day, and they can prove themselves in those moments. It's always a balance between, if you don't change, people think, 'Ah, you should change more.'
"I think there was a period of this season where we lost, and I made a few changes, where people complained about the fact that I made a few changes too much, and there was never any time the same team.
"Of course, I consider [that], but I cannot tell you what the end product of that consideration is for Sunday yet."
Regardless of which XI is selected to face West Ham, Slot clearly requires a positive outcome more than anyone at this juncture. Failing to secure that could well result in further restless nights ahead.