Jurgen Klopp believes the character of his Liverpool players is shining through at a time when they cannot hit full flow.
The champions came from behind to grind out a 2-1 victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
It was the second successive week in which they had needed to fight back after a similarly hard-earned win at Sheffield United.
With the Merseysiders having also been held 2-2 by Everton since their 7-2 thrashing by Aston Villa, Klopp's side are not yet the exhilarating force of last term.
Yet they are finding a way to eke out points and, after a shortened summer break, little pre-season preparation and with a more intense schedule, Klopp is satisfied with results.
"It is, of course, (about) belief," the German said. "It doesn't happen all the time but that is how it all started, our improvement. The basis for all they do and did is the character of this group.
"I cannot convince them to fight if they are not fighters. If they are not ready to put all their desire in the game and show determination I cannot do that.
"But it was always easy with this team to show them the right path and they follow it.
West Ham boss David Moyes, however, recognises Klopp has a good point.
Moyes, who was without star forward Michail Antonio, said: "I think player welfare is massively important.
"I do think when we made the decision the clubs lower down probably felt the big teams would get an advantage from it, but I am now in full agreement the players' welfare is more important and if the decision was overturned I wouldn't be dead against it – although I do still think it helps the sides with bigger and stronger squads."
