Reina wants improvement.
Speculation over Pepe Reina’s future at Liverpool has been rife in the midst of the Merseysiders disappointing start to the season. Whilst 13 points from their last six games points towards a mini revival, the Spanish goalkeeper told the Daily Telegraph that finishing the season where they are now would be a disaster.
“We have to finish this season in a better position than we are at the moment [ninth] and make sure we build for the next years,” he said. Refusing to commit his future to the club beyond the summer, he called for improvements to the squad to ensure that they can realistically challenge the elite. “We are not as strong as Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham can be so that’s why we have to make sure we build a better squad.”
No Aquilani return.
Signed as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, Alberto Aquilani failed to live up to expectations in a season at Anfield ravaged by injury and poor form. A return to Serie A has been just the tonic for the Italian schemer, reminding us of why Liverpool spent £20 million on him in the first place.
In spite of his resurgence at Juventus, Roy Hodgson has refused to contemplate recalling him from his loan spell.
Asked by skysports.com about his chances of returning, Hodgson said: “No, I don’t think there is any chance of doing that. The loan spell is quite clear.” Even if the manager wanted to, the stipulations of Aquilani’s contract would forbid him from doing so.
Hodgson: We don’t fear Spurs.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website ahead of today’s fixture at White Hart Lane, Roy Hodgson said that Liverpool have no reason to fear Tottenham, despite their opponents recent passage to the final 16 of the Champions League. Liverpool have won just once away from Anfield in the Premier League this season, but Hodgson is in optimistic mood nevertheless.
“We don’t go to Tottenham fearing we’re not going to win the game. We go there believing we can win and that is what we’re going to try and do,” he said, denying that Liverpool’s away form is a psychological problem.
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