Source: Daily_Mail
Jose Reina: Next four matches will effectively decide Liverpool's season
Liverpool's record-breaking goalkeeper Jose Reina believes the club's top-four chances could well hinge on a successful festive period.[LNB]Having a ball: Liverpool's Pepe Reina insists the next four games are key to the season at Anfield[LNB]The visit of Fulham tomorrow is the first of three home matches in four fixtures - the other being a Boxing Day trip to Blackpool.[LNB]Form at Anfield has masked troubles on the road with 17 of their 22-point tally being secured on home territory.[LNB]Since their shock defeat to Blackpool in early October Liverpool, who were today drawn with Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the Europa League, have won four successive Barclays Premier League matches at Anfield.[LNB]The Cottagers, Wolves and Bolton all have to travel to Merseyside in the next three weeks and Reina believes they have to take full advantage if they are to close thecurrent nine-point gap to fourth-placed Chelsea.[LNB]'We know it's a critical moment in the season. Every year Christmas time is huge,' said the Spain international, who on his last Anfield appearance beat Ray Clemence's record in reaching 100 league clean sheets in the fastest time.[LNB]'There are 12 points just around the corner for us. They are tough but winnable games so it's a time to get ourselves back on track.[LNB]'The top four is realistic - that's realistic to talk about now. We have to beat Fulham and let's see how the Christmas period ends, then in January we can see where we're aiming for.'[LNB]Reina, who will make his 200th Premier League appearance tomorrow, accepts the squad have failed to meet expectations so far this season but insists they still have time to turn things around.[LNB] Last league game: Newcastle United's Kevin Nolan (No. 4) celebrates his goal as Jose Reina's side lost 3-1 [LNB]And he has been encouraged by recent displays, even taking into account the performance in last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.[LNB]'I'm seeing a lot of desire among the staff and players,' added the 28-year-old.[LNB]'The club has a lot of history and we know we haven't been good enough so far this season. We aim and we hope with our daily work to get back to the old days and get higher in the table.[LNB]'We have been playing better over the last month. We are more into the manager's ideas, we're getting into the philosophy.[LNB]'It's now about getting the results as well as the performances and also we have to recognise we badly need to improve, especially away from home.'[LNB] EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW: Early Christmas presents for Liverpool and Manchester City but Rangers face tricky trip to PortugalKonchesky faces backlash for 'Scouse scum' jibe on mum's Facebook pageLIVERPOOL v Fulham: Skipper Steven Gerrard in line for return after a month long absenceCagey Roy Hodgson plays down talk of Steven Gerrard return against FulhamLiverpool's search for a right-back extends to Zenit ace AnyukovLiverpool star Kuyt insists Reds are well placed to win Europa LeagueLIVERPOOL FC
