Ibrahima Konate has vowed to "fight back" after a challenging run of form, with Real Madrid no longer interested in the defender.
The French international is among a number of Reds players whose displays have dropped significantly during a troubling period that has witnessed Arne Slot's team endure nine defeats in 12 fixtures across all competitions.
The center-back has been substituted early in the second half during Liverpool's previous two matches - a 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Wednesday's 4-1 Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. Posting on social media ahead of Sunday's crucial encounter at West Ham, Konate spoke directly to the Liverpool supporters.
"We have to take this moment on the chest," said Konate. "Criticism is part of football, and we'll fight back every time and come through this storm. In these moments, the fans matter most.
"The ones who stand with us in the good times and the bad - the ones who sing for us even in the difficult moments! Your voice and your support mean everything to us. We know we need to improve, and we'll keep fighting for you. Always."
With his existing contract set to expire at the end of the season and negotiations yet to achieve a resolution, Konate will be free to begin talks with overseas clubs from January 1. Yet Madrid is no longer expected to be one of those clubs.
Konate is not expected to join Real Madrid
Konate is not expected to join Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
It's believed Madrid has informed Liverpool it will not be pursuing a free transfer for the 26-year-old defender next summer.
Konate's comments mirrored those of Arne Slot, who addressed the media on Thursday.
When asked whether he felt disappointed by his players, Slot replied: "No, not at all.
"Although I do agree with you that our standards have not been up to the standards that we're used to and we want.
"But last year when we did really well there was a focus on certain individuals, but I've always said it's about the group."
He added: "A lot of pressure if you work at a top club, even more so if you losing more than this club is used. There is always pressure; last year it was to win the league, but now it is a different pressure.
"Maybe my job is easier because I don't have to play. It's hard for every player, when we go down after five minutes and play well first half, and then we concede second half, so we get knock after knock after knock.
"So we keep fighting. It is what we did so well last year, and it is the minimum we expect over 90 minutes."