Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes that a public dressing down from boss Brendan Rodgers has had the desired effect despite still being unhappy with the manner in which it was delivered.

Rodgers was critical of Enrique's performances earlier this season and questioned his commitment along with teammates Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

The Spanish full-back believes that all three players have shown a marked improvement in form since Christmas which means that there was method in the harsh words of the Liverpool manager.

He told The Mirror: "When the manager said what he did, of course I was angry. It had never happened to me before and it was not good that he said his comments in the press.

"But I thought to myself, 'Okay, now I have something to prove and I must train even harder' to play. I didn't want to be ­finished at Liverpool. I wanted to stay here and play under the manager.

"He should have spoken to me first. But it is also true that it worked. He also said some things about Stewart Downing and ­Jordan Henderson, but all three of us are in the team now. I know I have to ­improve to keep my place."

Liverpool are eight points off a Champions League spot in the Premier League table ahead of Monday night's match against West Bromwich Albion at home.