Dominik Szoboszlai believes Liverpool mislaid their fighting spirit during the run of six defeats in seven matches that threatened to derail their season.
Arne Slot's side got back to winning ways on home turf this week, beating Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier League before a rousing 1-0 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid at Anfield.
Manchester City are up next at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, in a fixture that has been a highlight of the English football calendar for much of the past decade.
Szoboszlai produced a bravura performance against Madrid, drawing a string of superb saves from visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before delivering a perfect free-kick from the right, which Alexis Mac Allister converted for the only goal.
"That's what we missed, I guess. I think everybody sees now that all of us are running, fighting, are there for each other, covering each other's backs," he said.
"So I think that's the most important to keep on going and, as you know, there is a long way to go. The weekend now against City, we know how good they are, especially now."
Nevertheless, Szoboszlai believes Liverpool's team spirit has held firm during this tough period, something fans are now beginning to see the fruits of.
"So sometimes it works and everybody's happy, you know, then it's easy to stick together and everybody's positive," he said. "But the hardest thing is when it comes to the position we were in three or four weeks ago. We stick together and keep on going."
Szoboszlai has been a shining light during a season where few of his more illustrious teammates have met the mark. He featured in both holding midfield and at right-back before being restored to the No. 10 position he thrived in last term.
Against Madrid, Florian Wirtz was deployed in a floating attacking role off the left flank, with Szoboszlai operating as the team's heartbeat.
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He is reluctant to accept the label of being a leader, however, and is happier to let his actions on the pitch do the talking – the Austria international having never lacked for the fighting and running that he referenced.
"I think we have enough leaders with Virgil [van Dijk], with Mo [Salah], with Robbo [Andy Robertson], who have been here longer than I have, also Alisson," Szoboszlai added.
"They have been here seven, eight, nine, 10 years; captains and vice-captains. I try to do my best on the pitch, and if it seems like I'm a leader, then I'm going to do it on the pitch, not outside."