Interesting that people think passion is something that only lacks in those that are clearly not committed to the cause. There are different levels of passion, determination and will to win in us all. That's why some fail to succeed where others strive. I question our current side's passion and determination without having to question if they're trying, they're just not trying hard enough and it doesn't mean enough, or hurt enough to some of those when we lose / draw.
Henderson for example, you wouldn't know if we'd won or lost when he gives an interview, the same goes for the way he plays. Some would label that as consistent, that's fair, but you have to have that extra gear, those reserves to call upon when needed. The greatest boxers dig deepest when times are at their most tough and we don't have nearly enough fighters with that grit and determination. Gerrard is the finest example of a born winner, when things are going against him he generally steps up his game, against the bigger teams he generally performs his best and when the challenge is at it's strongest he does not shy from the responsibility. Agger has this same mentality, Suarez has it, that's why you see him lash out and do foolish things, because losing hurts and so it should. Pulling on that shirt is a responsibility and a commitment, unfortunately that message only conveys itself to those that truly buy into what Liverpool Football Club is.
Brendan has just been tempering expectations in a recent piece and touching on mentality (
http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/147477-br-fans-can-see-we-re-moving-forward) and I have to disagree with him, because when times are at their most tough I see many of our lads heads drop. Also when expectation is heaped upon them, they often crumble and that is one of our biggest issues.
Brendan says he wants to bring in young, hungry guys, all well and good, but the likes of Aspas, Borini, Allen have cost the same as experienced hungry guys. Resting on Coutinho and Sturridge wont last long, the best bit of business we did this summer was Toure, hardly a young guy, but still hungry, talented and no transfer fee.
So when I question passion, I don't question the fact that a player is "trying" it's the level they're willing to push themselves to win, it's the next level they can't find when we need it most and it's the acceptance of failure rather than belief that we lack far too often. If you can't see that then fair enough, but I'm sure many can.