Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has no doubts that the club can be successful in 2013.
The Reds have endured a mixed Premier League campaign so far this season, and currently sit 10th in the table.
However, the England skipper believes that his side can enjoy a better second half in the New Year.
"Going into the New Year, there's plenty to be positive about," said Gerrard. "I'm excited about this Liverpool team. I genuinely believe we are moving in the right direction.
"There will be a few blips along the way, like the Villa defeat, because we are a very young squad. But clubs are defined by how they react to adversity and I know this group shares plenty of character and togetherness. As a collective, we will learn and we will get better.
"The league position needs to be improved and that needs to be our focus. But we've got games in two major cup competitions to look forward to as well."
Liverpool host Sunderland at Anfield in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Matt Cotton
