News / 'I'll be part of bright future'
Pepe Reina is predicting a bright future for Liverpool Football Club - and insists he has every intention of being a part of it.
The Spanish custodian feels there is plenty of reason to be optimistic at Anfield, not least because of the arrival of new owners Fenway Sports Group, whom he believes can provide the club with the solid footing required to challenge for trophy success for seasons to come.
Reina said: "It's great news for the club that the debts have been settled and that the non-football side of things has been sorted. I hope Liverpool's new owners can contribute many positive things for the future.
"I believe in them and I think they can change the whole atmosphere at Liverpool again - and return the club to its former glory."
He added: "There have been moments when we've not played well, where it's been difficult to stay upbeat and positive, but this is football - and you have to fight every day to become a greater team.
"We are sailing on the same ship and we all want the team to produce the results which we're capable of. All I can do from my position is support my teammates and play my own part.
"I signed a new contract last summer and still have more than five years left to run on it.
"Obviously, I want to be part of a team that has the chance to win the title, win major trophies and to play with the best players - but I expect that to happen here at Liverpool, and for the club to return itself to that level. I plan to stick with my contract.
"When things have gone badly for us, I've tried my best to do my bit to improve the team and that's all. There is no point being sad, so I've tried to be positive at all times."
Reina remains optimistic Liverpool can secure a successful end to the 2010-11 season, admitting he's seen enough signs in the team's performance in recent weeks to suggest an improved second half of the campaign.
And the 28-year-old is adamant there are still plenty of points still to be played for in the Barclays Premier League this term.
Reina said: "I would agree that we had a difficult start to the season, but we take comfort from the fact that the team is recovering. In the last few weeks we've performed better. I'm just hoping this is the start of a good run for us in the second half of the season.
"In many ways it's just beginning now. The season is very long and this year especially we have seen a lot of unpredictable results. We must maintain calm and go from game to game. The key for us is to be strong at home, and improve our form when we're away from Anfield.
"The Premier League is so even this season.
"Anything can happen and things can happen quickly, so Liverpool must retain the faith - but we won't look too far ahead."
Author: James Carroll
