Chat with Liverpool's Pepe Reina
Liverpool FC's Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina visited the Talk Football chatroom to discuss his team's run in the UEFA Champions League. Read his answers to your questions below.
Moderator: Welcome to Talk Football Expert Chat!
redman: Which feeling dominates: that Liverpool has had another successful season in the Champions League, or disappointment that you lost in the semis?
Pepe Reina: It is a bit disappointing as we fell against a big team and didn't deserve to win. But we tried our best.
RMJ: Who is favourite in the final in Moscow and PL championship?
Pepe Reina: I think Manchester [United FC] are going to win the Premier League and in the Champions League I would like Chelsea to win. I would like Chelsea [FC] to win because I like them more and we lost against them.
Makka: Do you feel keepers are underappreciated by the media?
Pepe Reina: It is difficult to be given the same importance as the great strikers like Fernando [Torres] and [Didier] Drogba because they score the goals. I understand.
piotr: What was your relationship with Jerzy Dudek?
Pepe Reina: We were very good friends and still are. We keep in contact and when I go to Madrid we meet up.
piotr: What was the atmosphere like before the Chelsea game this week?
Pepe Reina: We were really focused and we thought that we could do it. We were desperate and excited to play this game.
Ben: What is your main ambition as a footballer?
Pepe Reina: To win tropheys and be an example for young children. The Premier League would be even more important than the Champions League.
PaulC: What do you think about this 'curse' on Liverpool with their inability to win a league title in many years and what do you think Liverpool, as a club, need to do differently to bring them back to glory?
Pepe Reina: I don't know. We are building a great team year after year and it is difficult to compete with big teams like ManU and Chelsea who spend lots of money, but each year we are growing more and more.
Hill - LFCno1: Hi Pepe, I am a massive Reds fan and a goalkeeper and I would like to tell you how much I admire many aspects of your game. As good a keeper as any in the world. What have you made of Fernando's first season at Liverpool, obviously the fans love him?
Pepe Reina: I think it was amazing. We didn't expect it - not because of his quality - but because it takes time to settle in a different league. That proves how good he is and he is going to get better and better.
jen: Hi Pepe, you are considered one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and probably the best penalty shot stopper around, what is your secret when it comes to stopping penalty shots?
Pepe Reina: It didn't prove to be the case the other day! I don't know - it is important to get information about the players and to control your emotions. And mainly to think that you are going to stop it and keep that confidence in yourself.
YoullNeverWalkAlone: Were you hoping for a penatly kick shoot-out against Chelsea, or did you want the match to be resolved in extra-time?
Pepe Reina: Obviously you want to win before the 90 mins... if it is not possible before 120. But in extra time we were really tired and I wouldn't have minded going to the penalty shoot-out.
Top Of The Kop: What's the funniest thing you have heard the fans in the Kop say to you whilst in goal?
Pepe Reina: It is difficult to hear anything because it is so noisy, but usually people offer support. Clearly you can not hear everything... it is too noisy.
RedsLegend: Every summer, teams tend to bring in players and chop and change their team. Do you think that clubs are impressed into making changes every transfer window to appease supporters and do you think that this sometimes hurts the chemistry of the squad?
Pepe Reina: I think that they try to improve the squad not just satisfy the people.
DaDrog: Pepe, after the emotional week he had had, what did you think of Frank Lampard taking such a vital penalty?
Pepe Reina: I was sure that he was going to go to my right and he was cleverer than me.
oben: What types of kicks are you generally afraid of?
Pepe Reina: The other day there were a few good examples: a couple of shots that bounced and when the pitch is that wet it is difficult to catch the ball.
oben: I also want to be a good goalkeeper like you: what do you advise me?
Pepe Reina: Just keep being consistent, work hard and if you are a young age keep studying as well because that is important.
Salih: Who was your childhood hero football-wise?
Pepe Reina: I was really a fan of [Andoni] Zubizarreta, a goalkeeper who played for [FC] Barcelona and Spain. That is because I was a Barcelona supporter. He was great.
oben: Pepe: you are perhaps the best person to ask about the main differences between Spain and England in football
Pepe Reina: It's mainly that supporters and the media are more passionate, dedicated and respectful in England.
RMJ: How does P. Reina handle his disappointment after losses?
Pepe Reina: Being with my family and trying to be a good father. We have to keep our heads up because we did have a good game. We know we can't change anything now, so we will work to improve.
andriy: What do u think about Rafa [Rafael Benítez]?
Pepe Reina: That he is a great manager and he has been very successful these last few years.
Pepe Reina: Thanks for all your questions. Have a great summer and hope to speak to you next season.
Pepe Reina: Best wishes!
