Liverpool keeper, Pepe Reina, has reminded the media, opposing fans and even some of Liverpool’s own white-flag brigade, that the title race is far from over.
Speaking to the official site, Pepe insisted there was a long way to go this season and that he is determined to complete the Liverpool project.
“All of us have to keep everyone else’s head up.
“In weak moments, strong people have to appear. I want to be one of them and support my teammates if they need it.
“The key is to stay together and not read the press. Belief is the word we need to use the most – belief in ourselves and our teammates.
“We were a bit unlucky on Saturday. We didn’t play as bad as at other times. It was not even close to our worst game.
“It’s a tough moment but we have to stick together and try to sort things out on the pitch and in every single training session. We have pride in wearing this shirt and we have to defend it until the end.
“Any defeat hurts someone with ambition and someone who is hungry for titles. But it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down – what matters is how many times you get up and keep trying to be the best.
“That’s what we have to do now. We have to go back to our principles, sort out the problems we’re having and go back to being the Liverpool everyone wants.”
There has been speculation recently that the reds are determined to offer Pepe a new contract and he has made the noises all Liverpool fans would want to hear.
“My aim is to get a new contract in the future and I want to be here for many years. Apparently the club wants the same.
“It’s already my fifth season here and that says it all, really. One of my daughters is a Scouser. I have some friends here and my wife and kids are happy. I have every reason to stay longer and of course I will.
“Titles are what we are all here for. As a Liverpool player, you have to have these ambitions. Trophies are the most important thing, and the most important one is probably the Premier League.
“Rafa Benitez is building something special here. He proved that when he came here – the club was one thing and now it’s something totally different. We have grown up and we can still grow up a little bit more.”
For those from all sides who are keen to write off Liverpool’s title chances, Reina had one final warning.
“It’s not even close to being over.
“We have to go game by game. Now we must focus on Lyon, which is massive, and after that Birmingham is a must-win game.”
After some of the depressing reading I have had to endure over the weekend – it’s nice to hear that Reina, unlike some of our own fans, still has plenty of fire in his belly.