Reina: We need to Take More Risks

[LeTallecWiz]

Interesting read here ... This is something a lot of us were harping on last year (From footy365.com):

Jose Reina believes Liverpool have got to be braver this season if they want to win the title.

The Spanish goalkeeper has reacted to criticism of the team, who have already lost twice this term after just four matches, equalling the number of games they lost throughout last season.

That statistic is already being used to underline a belief that Liverpool are up against it if they want to win the Barclays Premier League crown.

But Reina believes that the 11 games they drew last term, in which boss Rafael Benitez was frequently accused of being over-cautious in his tactics, ultimately lost Liverpool the title.

Now Reina says: "People say we have lost as many games this season as we did in the whole of last season. But last season our biggest problem was drawing games.

"Those draws meant that we could have drawn the two games that we lost, gone unbeaten in the league all season, but still not won it.

"I would rather have lost six of those 11 games and won the other five. Then we would have finished level on points with Manchester United and maybe have won it on goal difference.

"People can point to defeats, but I feel it's draws that make it more difficult."

He added: "One thing that became clear to everyone at the club before this season started was that we must take more risks if we want to win the league. Even if it means losing a few more games, particularly at home.

"In the short-term that may disappoint a few people but in the long term, it's better to cut out the draws.

"In a league where there is three points for a win, for teams trying to win the title, it's definitely draws that make it more difficult."

Reina's view on Liverpool's campaign comes with Reds legend John Barnes claiming that it is "ridiculous" to dismiss the Anfield club's title chances less than three weeks into the new season.

Barnes, now manager of neighbours Tranmere, said: "It's ridiculous to write off Liverpool. Look at the start Manchester United had last season and they went on to win it.

"The Liverpool players and fans should have a belief that they can be competitive and can go all the way.

"They went very close last season, and although that doesn't mean they're going to do it this year, it will give them belief that they can win it - regardless of the start they've had."

He added: "Maybe two years ago a start like this would have knocked Liverpool, but they now have real belief.

"If they stick together, have the right spirit, desire and discipline - as they do - and a togetherness, then they'll be there come the end of the season."

 

[spider-Neil]

100% agree with ya pepe

 

[HC]

I agree with his sentiments but the reasons we lost against both Villa and spurs was nothing to do with taking risks.

We were just boaderline shite in both matches.

 

[TheBunnyman]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=35634.msg938236#msg938236 date=1252006276]
I agree with his sentiments but the reasons we lost against both Villa and spurs was nothing to do with taking risks.

We were just boaderline shite in both matches.
[/quote]

True.

 

[Peatcheo]

The defence need to fucking get their act together, Reina has kept us in the two games that we won. Our set piece defending has been nothing short of embarrassing!

 

[iseered]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=35634.msg938236#msg938236 date=1252006276]
We were just boaderline shite in both matches.
[/quote]
fyp

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=35634.msg938236#msg938236 date=1252006276]
I agree with his sentiments but the reasons we lost against both Villa and spurs was nothing to do with taking risks.

We were just boaderline shite in both matches.
[/quote]

True.

But he's got a point, if we can decrease the amount of draws this season and get ourselves back on track then it might not be as cut and dried as the people who are saying "well they've already lost two games".

United and Arsenal have both lost already, it's marginal at present but there's gonna be little room for error over the course of the season and we'll have to hope our customary blip has already happened.

 

[keniget]

Is it wrong to assume that this reflects the general opinion of the dressing room... as well as Rafa's?

The attacking fullbacks, the mention of Aquilani's ability to play a more attacking role and help us against teams that park the bus... is Rafa admitting that he's planning on being more adventurous this season?

 

[rage]

it's what contributed to costing us the title last season when rafa settled for a point when we were top of the league too often. not really been an issue this season, maybe the spurs game but we were playing really poorly.

i'd rather we went 3 at the back next time we're chasing a game and shifted kuyt upfront earlier.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=35634.msg938278#msg938278 date=1252010185]
Is it wrong to assume that this reflects the general opinion of the dressing room... as well as Rafa's?

The attacking fullbacks, the mention of Aquilani's ability to play a more attacking role and help us against teams that park the bus... is Rafa admitting that he's planning on being more adventurous this season?
[/quote]

I think that he's been pretty clear this is the case. If Aquaman has a similar impact on our attacking threat through the middle that Magic has had on the right flank, there's every reason to hope it might work out well.

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

Thats the biggest load of bollocks I've ever read. I'd rather draw any game than lose it.

Not winning games that we should have won fucked us up the poo hole.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

[quote author=Dirty Sanchez link=topic=35634.msg938390#msg938390 date=1252034636]
Thats the biggest load of bollocks I've ever read. I'd rather draw any game than lose it.

Not winning games that we should have won fucked us up the poo hole.
[/quote]

So you'd rather draw 5 games than win 2/3 and lose 3/2?

I would rather 6/9 points vs 5 points any day.

 

[doctor_mac]

Dirty Sanchez isn't too hot on the maths.

 

[FoxForceFive]

I'm sick of hearing about how we have to turn wins into draws.

Every player, pundit & even Rafa is coming out with like it's the massive fucking masterplan that no-one's realised 'til now.

It's fucking not, we know what you have to do, & you know full well what you have to do too.

With all due respect Pepe, & the rest of you, shut the fuck up & get on with it.

Actions speak louder & all that.

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

Don't go being a twat now Doc Mac.

Of course winning two games and losing four is the points equivalent of drawing six.
The point, however, is that a loss=zero points and a draw=1 point. Ergo, a draw is superior from a "more points=better" perspective.

In your twatage, now tell me how you'd rather lose.

 

[Avmenon]

Because we lost less games than the Scum and still saw them take the title.

We too often see the team focus on not losing than actually winning; which is why draws are insidious.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=Dirty Sanchez link=topic=35634.msg938910#msg938910 date=1252115634]
Don't go being a twat now Doc Mac.

Of course winning two games and losing four is the points equivalent of drawing six.
The point, however, is that a loss=zero points and a draw=1 point. Ergo, a draw is superior from a "more points=better" perspective.

In your twatage, now tell me how you'd rather lose.
[/quote]

I'd rather tell you that you're a shit-stain, but I think you know that already.

 

[FoxForceFive]

Now now children.

 

[doctor_mac]

Excuse me? This is that Momo cunt again.

 

[FoxForceFive]

I only read the last quote & post from you doc.

 

[Tinto]

It's much easier to take risks when you're chasing the lead than when you are in the lead.

We're chasing now so I do expect us to take more risks as we don't have much of a choice. That's the position United were in last year. Will we be as good as United at clawing back the leader is another question though as United went on a incredibly good run to take the lead from us.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=35634.msg938969#msg938969 date=1252146182]
I only read the last quote & post from you doc.
[/quote]

He's a festering turd FFF.

 

[red_maradona]

interesting stuff from pepe, to a certain extent I agree that we need to be more adventurous and get the wins, but I am pretty sure that 9/10 last championship winning sides have had the best defence as well, which suggests that is a key area too, if not more important?