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Pepe Reina Targets Europa League Triumph For Liverpool
Reds' keeper maintains positive outlook...
25-Nov-2009 3:41:23 PM
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has asserted that the Reds must now seek to win the Europa League following their elimination from the Champions League last night.
A 1-0 win at Debrecen was not enough to keep Rafa Benitez's men in the competition as Fiorentina beat Olympique Lyonnais to go through to the knock-out phase at the Merseysiders' expense.
But Reina is refusing to become downcast, and insists that there is now a real opportunity to collect some silverware.
"Of course we're disappointed because this is a big competition that we've done well in for the last three or four years," the Spaniard told his club's official website.
"Now we're out, though. It's a tough competition and it's not always possible to get out of the group stage.
"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.
"It'll be tough because there are so many good teams involved, but we have to look forward and keep trying to win."
Next up for Liverpool is Sunday's Merseyside derby with Everton, and Reina knows that a good result is vital as the Reds look to start moving forward again.
"To beat Everton is always huge, especially for the fans," he added.
"We'll be trying because we also need to win in the league and in the race for fourth place. We have to move on and keep fighting."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
A 1-0 win at Debrecen was not enough to keep Rafa Benitez's men in the competition as Fiorentina beat Olympique Lyonnais to go through to the knock-out phase at the Merseysiders' expense.
But Reina is refusing to become downcast, and insists that there is now a real opportunity to collect some silverware.
"Of course we're disappointed because this is a big competition that we've done well in for the last three or four years," the Spaniard told his club's official website.
"Now we're out, though. It's a tough competition and it's not always possible to get out of the group stage.
"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.
"It'll be tough because there are so many good teams involved, but we have to look forward and keep trying to win."
Next up for Liverpool is Sunday's Merseyside derby with Everton, and Reina knows that a good result is vital as the Reds look to start moving forward again.
"To beat Everton is always huge, especially for the fans," he added.
"We'll be trying because we also need to win in the league and in the race for fourth place. We have to move on and keep fighting."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
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