Pepe Reina

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Pepe Reina has dedicated Liverpool's heroic display in Tuesday's 4-4 draw with Chelsea to the memory of the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough.
The Reds had gone into the clash at Stamford Bridge needing a minor miracle to qualify for the last four of the Champions League and despite going close they ultimately bowed out 7-5 on aggregate.

It was a valiant attempt by Rafael Benitez's men and Reina admitted the players had all been desperate to produce a fitting performance on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the disaster.

"We tried to do our best for the 96 but we just couldn't do it," he said. "Being honest we were playing with a lot of passion, but we were also lifted by the 96 souls.

"We were getting pushed by them. We tried everything to turn it around but in the end it was a pity.

"We are disappointed because we didn't get through, but to be honest the lads are really proud of themselves. We have to be because we gave it our all but we just couldn't manage to do it. Whoever plays for Liverpool always plays with his heart and soul.

"All we could give was passion with commitment and effort.

"To be a Liverpool player is to feel proud of yourself. At the beginning it was terrific for us.

"We had plenty of chances and there was just one team in it during the first half. It was 2-0 but it could have been even more."

Goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso (penalty) had put the Reds well on course for the 3-0 win that would have seen them set up a last four meeting with Barcelona.

But Chelsea hit back and Reina admits he should have done better for the Blues' first goal, when he could only palm Didier Drogba's near post flick into his own net.

"It was bad positioning by me," he admitted.

"I was too in the middle of the goal. I should have been closer to near post. It was my mistake. I have to recognise it – that’s the life of a goalkeeper."

The defeat means Liverpool will now turn their full focus to the Barclays Premier League and Reina insists the performance at Chelsea can act as an inspiration for their remaining six matches.

"We are still positive for the Premier League," he added.

"There are six games remaining and we have to win them all. It’s in United's hands. We must try to win them and wait.

"But we will never give up. We are Liverpool. That's our character and the way we are. "We will continue to fight until the end."

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From Today

REINA EAGER TO FIND THE BALANCE

Pepe Reina admits Liverpool must regain their reputation as defensive misers if they are to stay in the title race.


The Reds have delighted neutrals by netting 27 goals in their last eight fixtures - but their prolificacy has come at a price.

Reina has shipped 11 goals in his last four outings, including four to Russian hotshot Andrey Arshavin in the 4-4 against Arsenal on Tuesday.

"We have never had a run like this - conceding 11 goals in four games," the 26-year-old told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We are scoring a lot of goals but we have to try and improve in defence.

"Scoring goals is the most difficult thing in football but now we must sort some of the problems we're having in defence.

"We've always had the balance between attack and defence. That's why we're always there in the Champions League and cup competitions, because we are a team with balance. We have to get back to this way."

Some have labelled Tuesday's goalfest against the Gunners the greatest Premier League game of all-time - not that Reina enjoyed it.

"For me and our defenders it was tough because we made a lot of mistakes and conceded four goals. It's always difficult when this happens," said the Spain international.

"But anyway, we showed great spirit until the end and never gave up."

The draw was followed by a 2-0 victory for Manchester United over Portsmouth on Wednesday, leaving Liverpool three points off top spot having played a game more than their rivals.

Kopites will draw hope from the fact United's last six matches include meetings with Arsenal and Manchester City, and though Reina isn't spending too much time studying the fixture list, he is adamant no one inside Melwood will give up on the title until it is mathematically impossible.

"We knew it would be difficult for United to drop points in two games, and now it's even harder because they have to lose those games," he said. "But we have to still believe and keep going until the end.

"It's not worth looking at the fixture list. All we can do is win our games, so we don't look at United's fixtures. We just have to do our job and win our five remaining games.

"This club has been many, many years without being in this position going into the last five games. To be involved at this stage is beautiful, but to win the league would be massive, so we have to give our all."

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