Peter proud to be Pepe back-up
2nd Apr 2011 - Latest News
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Peter Gulacsi today revealed his pride at being Pepe Reina's Anfield understudy.
With Brad Jones departing on loan to Derby County, the Hungarian youngster has been our regular back-up on the bench in 2011.
It's certainly not something Liverpool's No.42 takes for granted and he is eager to continue his improvement at Anfield.
"With Brad going out on loan you could say I'm No.2 to Pepe, but it is only the situation at the moment and it's not the situation for the whole future," Gulacsi told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"I still have a lot of things to do and a lot of things to prove but it's a good thing for me to be on the bench.
"It has given me a lot of confidence because it shows the staff trust me at the moment and I just have to keep going and keep improving.
"Being on the bench also comes with a lot of responsibility. I always have to show in every training session that I am good enough to be on the bench.
"That's what all footballers want to do, be in the spotlight and try to improve and do their best.
"Although it is a big responsibility I am really enjoying being part of one of the best clubs in the world and being a part of this squad.
"That is a big achievement for me and it makes me really proud, but also I know I still have to improve and show to all the staff I deserve to be here.
"Working with the manager and Pepe is a big thing for me and I do feel I am improving every day."
Gulacsi has a big respect for Reina and believes he will become a better 'keeper in the long term working alongside a man he regards as the best in the business.
He added: "Everyone knows Pepe is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and for me he is the most complete 'keeper.
"Just to see him in training and to be alongside him is a big help for me, because at the end of the day I want to be the same as him one day.
"I always watch him in training and try to learn many things. We are also good friends so we have a really good relationship."
Dalglish's side head to the Hawthorns today hoping to get another priceless three points in their quest for a European place come the end of the season.
Gulacsi admits there is a confidence in the squad and the players believe they can do it.
"Of course, we believe we can qualify," he added.
"Our performances recently have been quite good but we know we didn't start well this season so we are working hard to try and correct that.
"As long as we still have the chance to qualify we will keep believing and I think we can still do it. We just have to make sure we focus on every game and try and get maximum points.
"I know we don't have too many games left but our target is to win every game."
The Reds stopper is hoping the clash with Roy Hodgson's side will end in a similar outcome to their last Barclays Premier League outing when they won 2-0 at Sunderland.
He added: "We have another very important game at West Bromwich Albion and I think it could be similar to when we went to Sunderland.
"West Brom are in quite good form at the moment and they are getting points against big teams like Arsenal, so we will have to be careful.
"They are very dangerous going forward. Maybe they have been a bit sloppy at the back but we just have to do our job and get the three points which is what we need.
"I have been impressed with Peter Odemwingie from what I've seen on the television. He is a really sharp striker, very quick at running in behind defenders and quite strong keeping the ball. He is almost good at everything and we will have to be really careful.
"They also have dangerous midfielders who can shoot from distance but if we play our game then I'm confident we can get the three points."
