They may have been games that jangled the nerves, but Liverpool's recent fixtures against Stoke City and Aston Villa served to underline Brendan Rodgers' belief his side are continually enhancing their mental resoluteness.

The Reds let slip a two-goal lead at the Britannia Stadium earlier this month, but ultimately emerged victorious in a topsy-turvy 5-3 victory over the Potters.

Then, on Saturday, they were required to fight back from 2-0 down to salvage a point against Villa in front of the Kop.

In both contests, Liverpool needed to dig deep to grind out the results, and during a recent interview with Liverpoolfc.com at Melwood - which you can watch in the latest edition of #LFCWORLD - Rodgers spoke about the psychological aspect of his side's evolution.

He explained: "As we've been able to work more, this season has been very important because we've been able to do a lot of work on the training field - and a lot more work behind the scenes on that mental fitness, which is important for any team.

"I think you've seen the benefits of that in the confidence and belief of the players, especially if we're ever down in games or in difficult moments. We've definitely improved in that aspect.

"Stoke was a great example. It was a game we were in control of and then lost control, in terms of the score at half-time. Then the challenge was for the players to show those characteristics we've talked about - and they responded magnificently well.

"It was a really tough game; anyone will tell you that going to Stoke on a cold day with the support they have at home and with the wind and the rain - but the players' performance and how they dug in during a difficult moment, and then to score five goals, was a great credit to them."

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A mental steadfastness, Rodgers believes, is just as important to a successful side as their physical ability.

He continued: "Over the course of the time I've been here, there's been a constant evolution of the team.

"We're looking to implement and put in principles in terms of our footballing principles, but running alongside that are the personality traits and characteristics we want to put into the team - and that is something that has been growing.

"You're never going to play perfectly in every game - football is not perfect, of course - but you've got to find ways to win, and when we maybe haven't been at our best sometimes, we've still been able to get out and get the wins, which is very important."

Liverpool's last 17 league matches have yielded on average a total of four or more goals scored in each game (4.29).

So what does Rodgers believe that statistic states about his team?

"I think it tells you we play with no fear," he replied. "We're a team that wants to be on the offensive and be creative - and the players don't have a fear of that.

"It also shows we're working very, very hard because in order to score the goals and dominate the games like we try to do, you have to press the ball and work hard.

"It's something that is important for our mindset. Defensively we've still got work to do. This year the balance has been difficult because we haven't been able to have a sustained back four, which disrupts the pattern and momentum at times.

"Overall, I think our objective of being an offensive team playing attacking, creative football, but always with discipline, is something we're producing this year."

Episode 24 of #LFCWORLD will premiere on the club's official television channel, LFC TV, at 7pm GMT on Wednesday, January 22. Click here for information on how to watch LFC TV.

The programme will also be broadcast at the following times (all GMT): 10.30pm on Thursday, January 23; 12pm, 7pm and 10.30pm on Friday, January 24; 5pm and 10.30pm on Saturday, January 25; 3pm on Sunday, January 26; 2.30pm and 10.30pm on Monday, January 27.