Tweet
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez said his defenders were "scared" in the early exchanges of Saturday's 3-0 reverse at Everton.
Benitez said: "Early in the game they sent up one or two long balls and we were scared.
"We were too nice and you can't be too nice in games like these. You can't be scared, you have to go out there and be strong when other teams play long balls.
"You have to win the first ball and then you have to win the second ball as well. It is about attitude. It takes time to work on tactical things, but you can change your attitude in one minute if you really want to."
He added: "We haven't looked strong defensively this season but then we haven't had time to work much together because of the internationals."
Benitez said: "Early in the game they sent up one or two long balls and we were scared.
"We were too nice and you can't be too nice in games like these. You can't be scared, you have to go out there and be strong when other teams play long balls.
"You have to win the first ball and then you have to win the second ball as well. It is about attitude. It takes time to work on tactical things, but you can change your attitude in one minute if you really want to."
He added: "We haven't looked strong defensively this season but then we haven't had time to work much together because of the internationals."