REINA DENIES ANFIELD RIFT REPORTS
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina insists manager Rafael Benitez still has the full support of the Anfield dressing room.
Reports had suggested the Reds squad had become split between those who were in favour of the Spanish coach remaining at Anfield and those who felt that it was time for a new man to come in.
But Spanish 'keeper Reina has refuted those claims and believes the players are as determined as ever to help their boss overcome the debate raging over his future.
"I can tell you that there is no split in the dressing room. Anybody who reports that is lying," Reina said.
"The dressing room has been absolutely together and we have all been very strong in the bad moments. That is how it should be and how it is.
"One of the good things to be seen from this period is how strong the players are together. It has been one of our secrets since I joined Liverpool."
Reina did admit that the continuous speculation suggesting that Benitez is on borrowed time on Merseyside has begun to take its toll on the players.
"Everything that happens at a club can influence what happens in games," he said.
"But as players we have to do our best to concentrate and play football.
"Everything else, the comments, the rumours, have to be set apart from the football but that can be difficult.
"We have shown that we can perform under pressure though. We have the spirit to do that and in the next few weeks we must continue to show it.
"The manager has maintained the calm despite all the bad reports because in the end his philosophy is all about hard work.
"He tells us the harder we work on the training ground the better we will be able to compete in games.
"Rafa supports the players totally. He has been successful at Liverpool and, for me, there can be no doubts about him."
i think there is no smoke without fire.
quite certain some of the LFC players buey song him liao. keep picking dirty kite over crouch n insisting on 4-5-1. :sticktong
classic. take over aging finnan. :thumbsup:
