Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits opposition managers have worked out how to beat them.
Klopp said: "Teams have worked out how to play against us when we're not at our best. It is funny other teams figured us out years ago but it still didn't work [for them] because we were exceptional.
"In our best games I can show you the parts we could have had problems but we didn't because we put so much pressure on the opposition they could not find the spaces. That is the risk you play. When you are not at your best those gaps are still there.
"There's no system in the world with no weakness. It's all about how we perform and what we did and with what intensity. There is no system you can rely on and say it is perfect."
He also said: "When you spot a problem, we want a solution instantly. We are still a work in progress to find a way out.
"So you cannot say now we're back, we need consistency. For that we need to defend the rubbish out of everyone.
"I am not interested in this short-term. We have to be good until we are outstanding.
"From here, we go and go and go and improve. Arsenal away, Rangers away - a different game to Anfield - and Man City...what can I say 'yes, we are through [the bad patch] and I can see the light. I am optimistic and positive. These players are outstanding still but the body language has to be good."