Liverpool’s players face the threat of being benched by Jurgen Klopp should they become carried away in the Premier League title race.
Saturday’s visit of Sunderland will afford the Reds the chance to reclaim top spot after a goalless draw with Southampton allowed them to be usurped by Chelsea.
But with only a solitary point separating the sides at the summit, Jurgen Klopp is keen to ensure his squad stay grounded in the pursuit of top-flight supremacy.
The Liverpool manager is no stranger to the pressures which come with domestic success after leading Borussia Dortmund to Bundesliga glory on two occasions.
Asked if he believes there is a key to success, Klopp said: “Yes, not think too much about it – that will help.
“We are four or five hours a day [at Melwood], sometimes longer, sometimes less. They still have a few hours to be influenced.
“If somebody is a character and wants to celebrate position one in November then he will not play in December anymore because I see it pretty quick.
“These things usually don’t happen. The players are here in this situation because their character is really good.
“It is a long way to get here. It is not like they are surprised about success whether it is individual or as a team.
“They had successes of being the best player at Southampton, Schalke or other teams.
“This is success but if you then celebrate this and don’t be professional anymore then you have a problem. It is not too difficult.
“Nothing has happened until now. It is better to be in the number one place one time than never in your life but it is not really important in this moment.
“They know this already. Stay cool, play football and see what happens.”