Uhlsport’s Reina’s Commitment To The Cause

Liverpool’s under fire manager Rafael Benitez has fired a rallying cry to his players  as an example set by goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The top shot-stopper is on the verge of signing a long-term contract.

“It is important to show that commitment and Pepe’s an example for everyone, and to the rest of the players for the future,” Benitez is quoted by The Sun as saying.

“If we want to achieve things we have to do them properly. The manager, the staff, the whole club – everyone in all the departments.

“One good or bad year doesn’t make the difference, you have to see the big picture.”

It has been a long rough season for Liverpool, having bowed out of the Champions League at the Group satges, with  exits in the League Cup and FA Cup.

“The expectations were really high at the beginning of the season,” added Benitez.

“When we didn’t win a few games there were a few comments.

“There was a bit of uncertainty and also the confidence of the players was affected, but that is something we have to manage.

“My motivation is to win trophies. I want to be contenders in every competition, so we have to stay together to bring the best out of everyone.”

“The most important thing, though, is the future of the club – not just one good or bad season, and the best thing we can do is focus on the football.”

“My own position is not the issue,” he said.

“It’s not a case of ‘oh Rafa’s not guaranteeing his future,’ I don’t need to say anything about that.

“I have a very good vision about the future, and that’s not just about whether we win or lose over one season, it’s about having the consistency over how we do things.

“We know in the Premier League there can be a massive difference when you’re talking of money, size of stadiums and all those things.

“But one bad season, although it’s really disappointing, is not the main thing – the main thing is concentrating on the future.”