Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists their mid-table position isn't a problem at this stage in the season.
Klopp's side in eighth ahead of the weekend's evening kick-off against Leeds.
Klopp is refusing to dwell too much on where his team sits presently in the Premier League and says they can only start to move up the rankings with consistently strong performances.
Liverpool have three more matches to negotiate before the Qatar World Cup. Leeds are first up this weekend before Tottenham away on November 6 is followed by Southampton at Anfield the following weekend.
"If we had won in Nottingham we would have 19 points and would be closer now than we are with 16 points," Klopp said. "I know that but we didn't so I shouldn't be talking about that.
"The problem is when we talk about our situation and how we can improve it, it sounds like we just have to play better but then there is still an opponent.
"And Leeds are really going for it, they are super lively, super aggressive. It is not like Jesse Marsch at Salzburg and Leipzig with a lot of high press stuff, it's [more] midfield press, make spaces really small, going for counter attacks, a lot of really good, talented players.
"Patrick Bamford is back, Brenden Aaronson's speed and desire then they have real machines. I'm not sure if Tyler Adams can play but, if he can, they have another of the hardest workers in midfield so there's a lot to like about this team to be honest."
Klopp added: "In the last six or seven games they've had no real results so they will be here and I've just heard Jesse [on tv] saying he is sick of losing so he is already very emotional on the touchline so I can't imagine how he will be.
"We saw his half-time talk at Salzburg so he is obviously pretty lively in the dressing room so he will set them on fire. So that is our opponent so how could I think for a second about the time after the World Cup. We have to be prepared for this game and nothing else."