The Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is keen for the team to pull themselves out of their recent slump, and says that they have a chance to prove that they are still a good team by beating Arsenal on Sunday.

“It’s difficult because we’re not winning two or three games in a row at the moment. All of us want to win and to get the confidence. We want to play like we can play.

“We have a big game on Sunday to show ourselves, to show the fans and to show everyone that Liverpool still has a good team that can fight for something.

“It’s not must-win on Sunday but it’s really important. It’s not just about the three points, it’s about the situation.”

The Argentina captain only has 18 months left on his contract, and Rafael Benitez seemed confident last week that Mascherano would be willing to sign a contract extension, but the player himself refused to talk about the matter.

He said: “I just talk about football – not about contracts or money. I want to play.

“I am playing for Liverpool, I am a Liverpool player and, like the manager says, I have two more years on my contract so I think I don’t have to say anything else.

“I play for Liverpool and will continue playing and trying to give my best.”

If he doesn’t sign by the end of the season, Benitez may be forced to sell him in the summer, with Barcelona hot favourites for his signature.