Pepe Reina is happy to be playing at Liverpool, whether they are in the Champions League or not.
The Spain goalkeeper looks unlikely to be playing in Europe's elite competition next year after a frustrating goalless draw against Fulham further damaged the Reds' slim hopes of a top-four Premier League finish.
Liverpool now trail fourth-placed Manchester City by six points and have just four games remaining compared to the Eastlands outfit's five. Tottenham also sit between them.
But the Anfield side have struggled all season to keep pace with the other three members of the so-called 'big four'.
That has led to suggestions big-name players could leave or the club could struggle to attract top stars, but Reina, who signed a new six-year deal on Friday, has not been not put off.
The 27-year-old said: "I am really happy at Liverpool. The supporters and the club are also satisfied with my performance and attitude. That is why we have agreed six more years and I am very pleased. Everybody wants to play Champions League because it is a great tournament but there is a league as well to play in next season and probably a European competition as well.
"It does not matter if we play Champions or Europa League in terms of making a decision, it is just to be at the right club and Liverpool at the moment is the right club for me.''
Reina admitted the result against Fulham was a big blow but is not giving hope just yet.
He said: "Before the game we knew we couldn't drop any more points and we did. But until the end we have to fight and try to win as many points as possible. We have to keep working, no matter if it is difficult or not.
"Credit to Fulham because they were well organised and defended well. It was fair enough, we didn't create too many chances like in other games. We tried our best but it wasn't good enough.''
The Spain goalkeeper looks unlikely to be playing in Europe's elite competition next year after a frustrating goalless draw against Fulham further damaged the Reds' slim hopes of a top-four Premier League finish.
Liverpool now trail fourth-placed Manchester City by six points and have just four games remaining compared to the Eastlands outfit's five. Tottenham also sit between them.
But the Anfield side have struggled all season to keep pace with the other three members of the so-called 'big four'.
That has led to suggestions big-name players could leave or the club could struggle to attract top stars, but Reina, who signed a new six-year deal on Friday, has not been not put off.
The 27-year-old said: "I am really happy at Liverpool. The supporters and the club are also satisfied with my performance and attitude. That is why we have agreed six more years and I am very pleased. Everybody wants to play Champions League because it is a great tournament but there is a league as well to play in next season and probably a European competition as well.
"It does not matter if we play Champions or Europa League in terms of making a decision, it is just to be at the right club and Liverpool at the moment is the right club for me.''
Reina admitted the result against Fulham was a big blow but is not giving hope just yet.
He said: "Before the game we knew we couldn't drop any more points and we did. But until the end we have to fight and try to win as many points as possible. We have to keep working, no matter if it is difficult or not.
"Credit to Fulham because they were well organised and defended well. It was fair enough, we didn't create too many chances like in other games. We tried our best but it wasn't good enough.''
No comments:
Post a Comment