Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says that the loss of Xabi Alonso was disappointing for all those at Anfield, but believes the Reds have a bright future with some new faces arriving.
Ahead of this Wednesday’s Champions League tie at home to Debreceni of Hungary, Reina told UEFA.com, “One of the players to leave this summer was Xabi Alonso. He’s a very important player, fundamental to any team, as he was to Liverpool, he will be to Real Madrid, and as he is to Spain. Everyone in the dressing room thinks it’s a shame he went, but life’s like that in football.
“Players move on but Liverpool remains. We’re looking to the future with optimism, and we have confidence in the players who are playing in his position, who certainly also put in performances of real class and quality. Xabi’s departure hasn’t affected the dressing room psychologically because it’s something that happens routinely in life and football – people come and people go. Alonso wanted a change of scene and he’ll always be well liked at Liverpool. We wish Xabi Alonso the best of course. We wish him luck for the rest of his career.”
But Reina welcomed the arrival of new players at the club, namely Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani who arrived on big money moves from Portsmouth and Roma respectively.
Reina added, “At the start of a new season there are always new team-mates to meet, while others are opting for a change of scene. We always try to make sure the new guys adapt as quckly and easily as possible. We put ourselves at their disposal and offer our advice. We try to help them look for houses in the nicest areas to live, give them the useful phone numbers, tell them about the best restaurants, which nursery they should take their children to, everything they’ll need so they feel at ease in their new team and their new city. The club is devoted to making sure they don’t want for anything, and we give them all the advice they ask for.”
Fan Comments