Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina admits this weekend's Merseyside derby is of the utmost significance and insists it is vital the Red side of the city is triumphant.
Reina and co make the short trip to Goodison Park on Sunday when they lock horns with local rivals Everton as Premier League action swings back into force.
The Reds - who languish in the bottom three - went into the international break after suffering a humiliating defeat at Anfield at the hands of promoted Blackpool.
Everton, meanwhile, were victors against Birmingham City last time out and head into the derby with confidence back on their side after suffering a winless start to the campaign.
And Reina accepts the stakes have rarely been higher heading into the latest Merseyside tussle.
The Spanish custodian told The Daily Express: "This is the biggest in terms of needing the points for both teams. We are not in the best situation and we both need three points desperately.
"For whoever wins, it will be so important for the fans and for the optimism of the club. We have to win."
Reina still expects both clubs to be challenging for European slots come the business end of the season and expects Everton to offer a stern test after securing their first win of the campaign last time out.
The 28-year-old added: "We hope it isn't the real situation, or won't be the real situation at the end of the season. I think then both of us will be fighting to be in the top six.
"Everton's squad has been the same for a long time, they know each other and can almost play from memory. They can be good on the ball and also physical. To beat them at Goodison is going to be tougher than ever."
As Liverpool's takeover saga continues to rumble on, Reina remains focused on matters on the pitch, adding: "It's never nice to hear what is going on, about troubles and chaos. It's not good for the fans or the club.
"I've always said that it's not in the players' hands. All we can do is play, win games and try to work hard."
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