Monday, 4th February, 2013
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has dismissed the suggestion that all the Reds need to catch up with their rivals in the Premier League is one or two more quality players.
Reina’s men fought hard against champions Manchester City yesterday, dominating large parts of the game at the Etihad Stadium and impressing.
However, the match ended 2-2, with both sides sharing the spoils and it was a result which continues to see Liverpool lagging behind in the Premier League standings.
Indeed, while Liverpool have taken an average of 1.44 points from each league match this season, Manchester United have taken 2.48 points, Manchester City 2.12 points, Chelsea 1.84 points and Tottenham Hotspur 1.8 points.
Bridging the gap, in particular to the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea, looks difficult, and Reina concedes Liverpool are still on the backfoot when it comes to doing it, especially when taking into account the change of management too.
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"This has been the most unsettled season, both personally and as a team, since I joined the club. Liverpool is going through a transitional period, with new ideas and a different playing philosophy. That takes time", he told Spanish daily Marca.
Asked about challenging the two Manchester sides and Chelsea, Reina replied: "They have a big edge over us at the moment, both financially and squad-wise."
And he pointed out more than just one or two more quality players is the difference.
"There’s a reason they are so many points ahead of us, and it’s not because of one or two better players."
Reina will be hoping that Liverpool’s superb display against Manchester City yesterday can be the catalyst for his side to push for a return to the Champions League.
When the goalkeeper joined Liverpool, the Reds had just won the Champions League. Now they are enduring a prolonged spell out of the competition that they are desperate to end.
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