Watch Cardiff vs Liverpool on Super Sunday from 3.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League; kick-off 4pm
Thursday 14 January 2021 00:56, UK
Neil Warnock claims Cardiff have always believed they can avoid relegation as they prepare to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
A 2-0 victory over Brighton on Tuesday gave Cardiff a vital boost in their battle to beat the drop and closed the gap on Chris Hughton's side to just two points.
Despite having played a game more than their relegation rivals, Cardiff boss Warnock says his players are enjoying the challenge as much as possible.
"The dressing room as you can imagine was elated after the Brighton game," he said. "Not just the fact that we'd won but the way that we'd won. We played very well on the night and we were always aware that if we had lost the game then that would be it.
"We are enjoying it as much as we can. I think when the pressure's on you, you've got to try and enjoy what you're doing but the belief has always been there.
"When things have gone against us like they have in the last few weeks, it was a very positive response from the lads."
Cardiff face Liverpool on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, looking to earn their first ever points against them in the Premier League.
Liverpool won the reverse fixture 4-1 at Anfield back in October and having lost just once in the league all season, Warnock believes Jurgen Klopp's team can rightly be considered one of the best on the planet.
"This Liverpool side along with Man City are the best by a mile at the moment, I think they're one of the best teams in the world," he added.
"They look so balanced now. Jurgen's done a fabulous job because there were one or two weaknesses and he's filled those weaknesses with top quality players.
"They've got young lads coming through who are going to play for England, Scotland and all the other teams for the next ten years so they've got a great mix."
Cardiff have struggled at home against the 'Top Six' this season, conceding five goals to both Manchester City and Manchester United, as well as three against Tottenham and Arsenal.
The last time Liverpool visited Cardiff in the Premier League they put six goals past the Welsh side, and Warnock believes it is crucial they remain solid defensively to avoid another heavy defeat.
"We just have to cope the best we can. On a good day as they've shown this season they'll beat anyone. We just want to perform well," he said.
"We haven't got anywhere near a point yet against the top six. You can plan all day long but if you concede early doors then you've got no chance against these teams and they will pick you off."