Liverpool legend and former skipper Steven Gerrard has called for calm at the club, insisting that their recent run of form will prove to be just a blip at the start of a very long season ahead.

The Reds have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, and are 7 points off the top spot in the Premier League after 7 games played.

But there is still a long way to go in the season, and despite Liverpool’s defensive frailties, Gerrard insists there is no need to panic.

“We’re seven games into a Premier League campaign – there’s no time to panic,” Gerrard told Liverpool’s official website liverpoolfc.com.

“We’ve got a wonderful manager and coaching staff that are looking after these players.”

“I think everything is fine. I’m not one that jumps on the bandwagon and listens to criticism after seven games.”

Liverpool face bitter rivals Manchester United after the international break, and Gerrard says no matter what the end result is that a team can start to be judged at the mid-point of the season – rather than in mid-October.

“I used to judge myself and the team I was playing in at least 10 or 15 games into the season so let’s see where we are then.”

“I’ve got every confidence we’ll be in the top four and everything will be a little happier than it is at the moment.”

“What the Liverpool team have to do at the moment is stick together and see where they are in four or five games’ time.”