Pepe Reina has blamed Liverpool's failure to win the Barclays Premier League this season on their inability to kill teams off.
Liverpool finished four points adrift of champions Manchester United despite beating Alex Ferguson's team home and away, but eleven draws proved costly.
Seven of those stalemates came at Anfield as Liverpool just fell short and Reina believes the 2008-09 campaign cannot be regarded as a successful season.
'To be honest, I don't think finishing the season at second can be considered a success for us because winning the league was our target and we really thought this would happen,' admitted Reina.
'Not finishing the work off in decisive moments was a blow. We conceded too many draws, and at the end of the day it made a difference compared to Manchester United’s campaign.'
But the Spain international, recently called up for the Euro 2008 winners' Confederation Cup campaign in South Africa, believes Liverpool can take confidence for the quality of their football over the course of the season.
'Liverpool played better football than United in the league, including during our huge win at Old Trafford.
'Right now it is time to analyse what went wrong, what is the reason why we are not the champions. Then, we will correct our mistakes and start next season like a rocket!
'The squad cannot be happy with this vice-champion finish, as a trophyless season will always be a failure for The Reds.'
And Reina is confident manager Rafa Benitez can guide Liverpool to their first league crown since 1990 next season.
'The difference between United and us is very thin, just three or four points after 38 games is nothing, just a game. Our squad is capable of winning the Premier League title.'
Liverpool finished four points adrift of champions Manchester United despite beating Alex Ferguson's team home and away, but eleven draws proved costly.
Seven of those stalemates came at Anfield as Liverpool just fell short and Reina believes the 2008-09 campaign cannot be regarded as a successful season.
'To be honest, I don't think finishing the season at second can be considered a success for us because winning the league was our target and we really thought this would happen,' admitted Reina.
'Not finishing the work off in decisive moments was a blow. We conceded too many draws, and at the end of the day it made a difference compared to Manchester United’s campaign.'
But the Spain international, recently called up for the Euro 2008 winners' Confederation Cup campaign in South Africa, believes Liverpool can take confidence for the quality of their football over the course of the season.
'Liverpool played better football than United in the league, including during our huge win at Old Trafford.
'Right now it is time to analyse what went wrong, what is the reason why we are not the champions. Then, we will correct our mistakes and start next season like a rocket!
'The squad cannot be happy with this vice-champion finish, as a trophyless season will always be a failure for The Reds.'
And Reina is confident manager Rafa Benitez can guide Liverpool to their first league crown since 1990 next season.
'The difference between United and us is very thin, just three or four points after 38 games is nothing, just a game. Our squad is capable of winning the Premier League title.'
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