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Benitez backs Reina

11 Sep 2006 - 10:32:58

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists Jose Reina has his full confidence despite the Spanish keeper's embarrassing error in Saturday's derby defeat to Everton.

Reina gifted Everton striker Andy Johnson a third goal in stoppage time as the Reds slumped to a 3-0 loss at Goodison, but Benitez has every faith in his first-choice shot-stopper.

"I have a lot of confidence in Pepe Reina and he is a very good goalkeeper," he told the club's official website.

"Pepe kept 33 clean sheets last season and was fantastic.

"I was talking with him after the game on Saturday and he felt he could have done something more about the first two goals, but I said 'no' because we didn't defend well. The third goal was a mistake and he knows it was.

"We need to improve in defence, that is very clear, and it's good that after Saturday's defeat we have a game against PSV Eindhoven so we can put things right."

Meanwhile, Benitez has named a strong squad for Tuesday's Champions League game in Holland.

The only major absentee is John Arne Riise who suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury in Saturday's defeat.

"It's not serious but John will be out for the next 10 to 15 days," added Benitez.