Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish hails Pepe Reina as the best keeper around
Apr 16 2011
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish hails Pepe Reina as the best keeper around
KENNY DALGLISH has underlined Pepe Reina’s importance to Liverpool by insisting he’s the best keeper in the business ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.
The Spaniard was unhappy with his form earlier in the season after he made some high profile errors, most notably when he conceded a late own goal to help the Gunners rescue a point at Anfield on the opening weekend.
However, Reina has been back to his best in recent weeks and goes into the game at the Emirates on the back of six clean sheets in the last 10 league games.
“I’ve always believed that if Pepe is not the best in the Premier League or even in football then whoever has someone better than him is very fortunate,†Dalglish said.
“I’ve not seen anyone better than him. I don’t think I can improve on that statement.â€
Reina’s future is the subject of speculation with Arsenal among a number of clubs believed to be chasing his signature this summer.
The shot-stopper, who has made 303 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Villarreal for £6million in 2005, recently said: “I can’t swear eternal love to anyone†and urged the club’s owners to match his ambition.†Liverpool hope the progress they have made under Dalglish over the past three months will help convince Reina to stay at Anfield.
And the manager insists he has no reason to believe the 28-year-old is looking for a new challenge.
“I think what Pepe said before was lost in translation,†he added.
“I can’t speak for Pepe Reina on how he believes it’s gone.
“I can only tell you how myself personally and the club as a whole feels about him.
“Whether he thinks the club is moving in a good direction or a bad direction is up to him.
“But he doesn’t look too unhappy to me.â€
Reina has broken a string of club records to put him in the same bracket as Anfield great Ray Clemence. However, Dalglish says it’s difficult to make comparisons.
“I don’t think you can cross paths – it’s all about the time you played,†he said.
“Clem was one of the best when he played and this boy probably is the best when he plays.
“I don’t thik it’s fair to compare the two. But I certainly won’t be picking Clem for Sunday because he’s 60-odd!â€
Apr 16 2011
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish hails Pepe Reina as the best keeper around
KENNY DALGLISH has underlined Pepe Reina’s importance to Liverpool by insisting he’s the best keeper in the business ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.
The Spaniard was unhappy with his form earlier in the season after he made some high profile errors, most notably when he conceded a late own goal to help the Gunners rescue a point at Anfield on the opening weekend.
However, Reina has been back to his best in recent weeks and goes into the game at the Emirates on the back of six clean sheets in the last 10 league games.
“I’ve always believed that if Pepe is not the best in the Premier League or even in football then whoever has someone better than him is very fortunate,†Dalglish said.
“I’ve not seen anyone better than him. I don’t think I can improve on that statement.â€
Reina’s future is the subject of speculation with Arsenal among a number of clubs believed to be chasing his signature this summer.
The shot-stopper, who has made 303 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Villarreal for £6million in 2005, recently said: “I can’t swear eternal love to anyone†and urged the club’s owners to match his ambition.†Liverpool hope the progress they have made under Dalglish over the past three months will help convince Reina to stay at Anfield.
And the manager insists he has no reason to believe the 28-year-old is looking for a new challenge.
“I think what Pepe said before was lost in translation,†he added.
“I can’t speak for Pepe Reina on how he believes it’s gone.
“I can only tell you how myself personally and the club as a whole feels about him.
“Whether he thinks the club is moving in a good direction or a bad direction is up to him.
“But he doesn’t look too unhappy to me.â€
Reina has broken a string of club records to put him in the same bracket as Anfield great Ray Clemence. However, Dalglish says it’s difficult to make comparisons.
“I don’t think you can cross paths – it’s all about the time you played,†he said.
“Clem was one of the best when he played and this boy probably is the best when he plays.
“I don’t thik it’s fair to compare the two. But I certainly won’t be picking Clem for Sunday because he’s 60-odd!â€
