Reina: Tiki-Taka Can Bring Trophies

LIVERPOOL FC goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes that the classy manner of the Reds victory against Gomel on Thursday evening showed a glimpse of the future at Anfield, but made clear that it will take a little time for Brendan Rodgers to fully impart his footballing philosophy at the club.

Liverpool dominated possession in a stylish display and wrapped up the win with goals from Fabio Borini, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson. Reina, who has only recently returned to training, following an extended break, clearly revelled playing as a ‘sweeper-keeper’ against Gomel and believes that he has seen enough at Melwood to suggest that Rodgers’ version of ‘tiki-taka’ can deliver trophies.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com the Spanish stopper said:

“It was a good night’s work. We kept a clean sheet and got the result, played well, got through, and I’m happy for the fans.

“It’s always enjoyable for me when the team wins, especially when we keep a clean sheet. That’s the way it should be in almost every game, especially at home.

“It’s coming along little by little. We have to be patient. It will take time – it’s not a four-week project. We want to create our own style of play and that will take a little longer than four weeks. All we ask from the people is to be patient and have trust in the team because I think we are going to come good.”

There were plenty of positive points throughout the LFC line-up on Thursday evening but none more so than Fabio Borini’s opener for the Reds on his Anfield debut.

“It was a great strike – he finished it very well,” Reina remarked. “He was clever. He had some really good moments throughout the game and he should be happy with his performance.”
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This was Reina’s first appearance in an LFC shirt since Brendan Rodgers took over as manager and, after an extended holiday following the European Championships, the Anfield favourite admitted that he’s happy to be back:

“I’m always happy to come back. It’s been a busy summer – a happy, but busy summer – but it’s great to be back. I’m looking forward to the start of the season and hopefully we can continue to keep getting positive results at Anfield.”

With the Barclays Premier League due to kick off next Saturday, Reina is keen to get some more gametime as he prepares himself to face Bayer Leverkusen in Sunday’s friendly at Anfield, a game which will see Liverpool legend, Sami Hyypia, return to Merseyside.

“It will be very tough, definitely, we have to be ready,” claimed the keeper.

“They are a very organised team, but we will make sure we are well prepared for Sunday and hopefully it will be the same [result as Gomel].”

You can catch up with Neil on Twitter @Neil1980 or on his blog http://itsallinthegameblog.wordpress.com/