Rodgers plays down Reina exit speculation

03 April 2013 13:18

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has reacted to speculation about the future of Jose Reina by declaring that he believes the Spanish goalkeeper will still be at the club next season.

The 30-year-old, who joined Liverpool in 2005, has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but Rodgers says he has no reason to think that Reina wants to leave.

"He's never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong. I have given him and a few of the senior boys real responsibility and I think they have enjoyed that," Rodgers said.

"I see him as someone who is going to be here. He is 30 years of age and is someone who looks after his body. The sports science team this year have worked really well with him.

"I think he's been outstanding and had great focus, and hopefully that will continue for us."

Reina's father, Miguel, himself a former goalkeeper, said earlier this year that his son would like to return to Barcelona, where he began his career.

Barca's current goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, has revealed that he wishes to leave the club at the end of the season, but Rodgers warned against reading too much into media reports.

"I think a lot of the stuff this year has been based on speculation with Valdes going, or possibly going; there have been links they (Barcelona) will be in for another keeper. His dad has said some things and whatever," Rodgers said.

"Pepe (Reina) and I speak a lot. He's a good man and I've got real respect for him as a player and as a human being.

"He understands everything we are trying to do here and is a great voice in the little debriefing meetings we have with the group and with the defenders and other goalkeepers. He's brilliant."

Source: AFP