8 Reasons for Liverpool Fans to Stay Positive

Brendan Rodgers is a man under pressure and Liverpool a club in crisis.

The Reds' group-stage exit from the Champions League, after failing to get the win they required against Basel, has seen much criticism aimed at the 41-year-old former Swansea City boss.

Six points off the top four and seven points behind Manchester United going into Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, Rodgers' side must avoid defeat to lift the gloom surrounding the club.

With the trip to United followed by the League Cup quarter-final at Bournemouth on Wednesday, and then the visit of Arsenal to Anfield, it's a huge week for Liverpool and Rodgers. It could be a career-defining week for the under-pressure boss.

Liverpool fans are understandably disappointed with not only their failure to progress from what appeared to be a comfortable-looking draw when it was made back in August but also the manner of the failure—with only one win in six games.

It's a similar story in the Premier League, with the goals having dried up at Anfield this season, too—with only seven goals scored in eight home league games this campaign.

However, the loss of Daniel Sturridge and the struggles of new signings integrating into the squad have not made for an easy start to the campaign—and, surely, things will improve as key players return from injury and the new signings settle in to life at Liverpool.

Searching for some optimism to lift the doom and gloom, here are eight reasons for fans to remain positive.

Stadium Development

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While the club dropped out of the Champions League on Tuesday, Monday saw work begin on the long-awaited expansion of Anfield.

"The stadium dilemma has been a millstone about the club's neck for more than a decade," writes James Pearce in the Liverpool Echo.

"No more false dawns, no more broken promises."

Pearce also notes: "The finance is being provided by an interest free loan from FSG's cash reserves - meaning redevelopment will be no drain on the club’s resources."

It's of small comfort right now, but it's the first step in the club bridging the gap in matchday revenue.

Europa League Lifeline

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While the Europa League is the competition no Liverpool fan wanted to end up in, it could prove to be the saving grace for Rodgers.

Effectively, it's a nine-game route towards qualifying for next season's Champions League, with the winners qualifying for next year's Champions League.

Liverpool shouldn't discount the competition just yet, perhaps depending on where they stand in the Premier League come February will determine how seriously Rodgers takes it.

Academy Progress

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While the senior side were knocked out on Tuesday, the Reds' Under-19s got the two-goal winning margin they required to progress in the UEFA Youth League, beating Basel 3-0 on the day.

There's a plethora of highly rated youngsters coming through the ranks, such as winger Sheyi Ojo, attacker Jerome Sinclair and midfielders Jordan Rossiter and Cameron Brannagan. One of those could see involvement in the cup competitions or even Premier League before the season is out.

New Signings Improving

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While the new signings from the summer having hugely underwhelmed thus far, they will improve as the season progresses.

Many appear to be struggling to mentally adjust to the pressures of life at a new club, but as they adjust, they will become the players we hoped they would be when they arrived as highly rated youngsters in the summer.

Lazar Markovic's night may have ended prematurely against Basel, but his 15-minute cameo did offer hope for the future.

Second Half of Season Improvement

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Liverpool were an impressive unit in the second half of last season and hugely improved in the second half of the season before. They'll do so again.

A number of factors will ensure that's the case—as noted in the next points.

January Window Potential

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A January signing or two could bring new hope, too.

The Reds are reportedly targeting a goalkeeper, such as Italian stopper Mattia Perin—as per Fabrizio Romano for This Is Anfield—which would add much-needed competition for Simon Mignolet.

Flanagan to Return Finally

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With the Reds' defence so fragile again this campaign, the return of local lad Jon Flanagan should boost that department.

The 21-year-old proved a capable option at both left- and right-back last campaign, and his no-nonsense style would add solidity in the wide areas at the back.

Flanagan underwent knee surgery in the summer and was originally scheduled to return in September, but it was reported later that he faced another two months out, as per Simon Jones for MailOnline.

That would mean his return is now behind schedule again, but no return date has yet been given and no update has been provided since. It was hoped he'd back for the Christmas schedule, but that now looks unlikely.

Sturridge's Return

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Last but not least, of course—the long-awaited return of Daniel Sturridge.

The 25-year-old is scheduled to return early in January, as per PhysioRoom, and should add a new dimension to Liverpool's attack.

His movement in the final third will get the best from the Reds' creative midfielders and hopefully ease the pressure on their defence, too.