Reina believes in Reds' future

Jose Reina has committed himself to Liverpool's "project" having sought reassurances from Damien Comolli about transfer plans for the summer.

The Spain international admitted last week he had been unsure of his own future five months ago with the side languishing in 12th place in the Premier League and morale at an all-time low.

However, the arrival of Kenny Dalglish, who signed a three-year contract on Thursday, the turnaround in results and atmosphere and the promise of significant investment in the squad persuaded the 28-year-old to stay at a club he admits he does not want to leave.

"In recent weeks I believe we are going in the right direction and we have to keep it like that," said Reina, who also briefly spoke to principal owner John Henry after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.

"Next season it will be more positive and the quicker we react and improve the better it will be for the club.

"It won't change as quickly as night follows day, it may take a little while, but we are optimistic.

"I think the owners are preparing a big summer and hopefully we are going to be right in there with transfers and those players who are coming in will help us to improve the squad.

"I have been talking to Comolli (director of football) as well, asking about the future, and I believe in this club and the project.

"In December and January I think most of the people, not just us players, were doubting we were good enough.

"I never felt I had to leave because I wanted to believe in the project but the situation was not nice and the mood around the place was not good.

"Fortunately that is not the case any more and we are prepared to take the next step forward and that is where we have to look now.

"It is not about the past, it is about the bright future we have in front of us.

"I am happy here and my family really wanted to stay because we are happy."

Yesterday's defeat to Tottenham, courtesy of a Rafael van der Vaart volley and Luka Modric's controversially-awarded penalty, handed the advantage to Harry Redknapp's side in the race for the final Europa League place.

The Londoners now have a one-point lead heading into the final weekend of the season.

Reina admits they missed their chance to secure fifth place against Spurs, who inflicted Dalglish's first home defeat since he returned as manager in January.

But he stressed they would not give up the fight, even if there is a train of thought which suggests Liverpool would be better off not qualifying for Europe in order to concentrate their efforts on the league and fighting their way back into Champions League contention.

"We had it in our hands but we messed it up," added the goalkeeper.

"It is still not finished. Spurs still have to play Birmingham, which is not easy for them as they are fighting against relegation.

"The main thing is to keep fighting and win our game at Villa, which is also not going to be easy.

"Fifth position looks as close as ever. We want to play in Europe, I cannot be clearer.

"Liverpool is about Europe and being involved in every single competition. Being in those gives us the chance to win them.

"We are optimistic knowing that we have to improve and there are plenty of things to improve."