The Reds only managed a 2-2 draw at home against Manchester City and are three places off the Champions League qualification positions.
“City have quality. But if we can improve and play at our top level, we will be in the top four,” he said.
“You cannot be happy with a home draw, but to lose three players from your game plan is very difficult.
“And of course we had three players on the bench who have been for treatment in Belgrade and had not been training with the team.
“It is not easy to manage, but the reaction of the players was fantastic. You cannot ask for more from players in such a position.”
