Reina urges Reds to take confidence
Jose Reina says Liverpool can go into their Europa League last-16
second leg tie against Lille with confidence after the win over
Portsmouth.
The French side arrive at Anfield with a 1-0 lead courtesy of
Eden Hazard's late free-kick a week ago.
Liverpool's poor season - they have suffered early exits from
the Champions League and FA Cup and have long been out of the title
race - means this is the only trophy they can win.
Reina believes that, and the confidence boost of their
biggest win since September on Monday, will spur the players on.
"We are 1-0 down and we have to lift it up," said the
goalkeeper.
"We have to take those good games we have played as an
example and Monday was one of them.
"I hope we can keep a clean sheet and turn things around. I
hope I will have nothing to do but I don't think it will be the
case.
"They are a well-organised team with pace up front and we
know it is going to be tough but there have been many times that
have been tough and we have managed."
The French side will be a difficult prospect, even at
Anfield, but Reina insists the players are determined to turn
things around as they are desperate to win some silverware to make
up for a disappointing campaign.
"It is the only trophy we can lift this season so it is
massively important," he added.
"A trophy is a trophy and it is always good. We are the first
ones to know the season has not been good and we should have been
better.
"But as long as we have got a possibility of winning a trophy
it is important for the club and the players.
"Lille will play defensively with some pace and ability up
front playing counter-attack and we have to be aware of that and
manage that."