Source: Liverpool_Echo
Pepe Reina says Liverpool FC must keep fighting
LIVERPOOL'S wounded squad are ready to banish their Champions League frustrations by getting their domestic season back on track on enemy territory.[LNB]Having had 24 hours to adjust to the fact they will be playing in the Europa League in February, Rafa Benitez's squad returned to Melwood today breathing defiance.[LNB]The campaign has, thus far, been a huge anti-climax and slipping out of the most prestigious competition in club football at the first hurdle has dented prestige.[LNB]However, it is clear those players who were on duty against Debreceni on Tuesday night are focused on salvaging some pride between now and May.[LNB]Two major trophies can still be won, while there is also the matter of finishing in the top four once again, to maintain Benitez's record of steering Liverpool in the Champions League during every year of his reign.[LNB]If they are to achieve that, though, results need to improve quickly and a record of one Premier League victory since September 26 is unacceptable.[LNB]That's why Pepe Reina hopes Sunday's Merseyside derby can provide the catalyst for a long unbeaten run and give the Reds a perfect tonic.[LNB]'Of course we're disappointed because this is a big competition that we've done well in for the last four years,' said Reina. 'Now we're out, though. It's a tough competition and it's not always possible to get out of the group stage.[LNB]'The Europa League is another competition for us and we want to win it. It also has strong teams and it will be nice to play in it. It's already become a target.[LNB]'It'll be tough because there are so many good teams involved, but we have to look forward and keep trying to win.
