Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he expects long-time Liverpool servant Pepe Reina to leave the club after the player wrote a letter upon his Anfield exit, criticising the manner in which his loan to Napoli was handled. Rodgers commented on Reina's future during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Southampton, as reported by Dominic King from The Mail Online: “ He’s already written his (goodbye) letter hasn't he? I was surprised at the letter when you are a loan player so I would suspect that he should come back. But Pepe made it very clear when he went to Napoli he was looking to move, as he penned a great big letter saying he was going to work with the best manager that he’d worked with and thanked for his time for Liverpool. So for me it probably sounded like he’d made his decision there Martin Meissner/Associated Press Reina joined the Serie A club last summer on loan and has established himself as their No. 1 under Rafael Benitez, playing 24 times this season, per WhoScored. However, upon his departure from Merseyside, Reina penned a letter on his personal website in which he claimed the loan deal was struck behind his back: If I have one regret, it is the way that I am leaving. It is only natural that I would be disappointed that the Liverpool management agreed to loan me to Napoli without telling me first, I thought that I deserved better than that even though I understand that difficult decisions have to be taken in football. ” Reina was made surplus to requirements after Rodgers' purchase of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland last summer. However, there was the opportunity for the Spaniard to return to compete for a first-team spot, but this now looks unlikely. Rodgers often uses the loan system to give players a chance to impress him elsewhere, as he has with Jordon Ibe and Andre Wisdom this term. But Reina's criticisms of the club make it difficult for bridges to be rebuilt. Reina's form for Napoli has been good, as Serie A football writer Nikolas Postinger tweeted following his vital save in Thursday's Europa League win over Swansea: The keeper had an excellent career at Liverpool, winning the FA Cup, but it was little surprise when he was shown the door after Mignolet's capture. If he has any aspirations to play in this summer's World Cup he needed to get games under his belt and not warm the Reds' bench. Furthermore, Rodgers needed to raise funds for new players, and Reina had become one of Liverpool's higher earners. Who is better? Liverpool have shown they are more of a forward-thinking club now, and moving on from the old guard has been an important factor for Rodgers. This approach has introduced hunger to the side, and ultimately a better chance of capturing their first league championship in a generation. Mignolet has looked shaky at times in the Liverpool goal but time must be afforded for him to settle. Rodgers still needs to purchase a world-class centre-back and help protect his new goalkeeper, but this cannot happen until the next window. If Rodgers can improve his defence, and the number of clean sheets kept by Mignolet, Liverpool have shown they have the attack to sweep them to a Premier League title in the next few seasons http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=liverpool
Rule of thumb for Reina, as Brilliant on the whole as he has been for LFC, let's look at recent performances.... not good enough! Couple that with ready to jump at Barca at the flick of a switch and you left yourself open. Be grateful that Napoli had Rafa and came when they did as they shifted a good goalie out ( starter at Roma now mind) to make room for you.
He’s already written his (goodbye) letter hasn't he? I was surprised at the letter when you are a loan player so I would suspect that he should come back. that along with his constant flirting to barca, he would have been off quicker than jordan would have dropped her kacks. don't buy the loyalty thing either, didn't he also consider going to arsenal at one point? so sorry even though i wanted him back as it would have been good to have had 2 good goalies challenging we need committed players at this club,and he hasn't shown much respect to Brendan, so why should he get some back. remember he wasn't on form when brendan came in and didn't look like he could be arsed half the time, whos fault is that? don't drop an in form goalie do you reina,although i suspect your wages was probably an issue for the owners or you could have both challenged for the number 1 spot. you ****ing left us with brad you batard
Well if we're going to loan out players who flirt with Arsenal........... For me it wasn't handled particullarly well this one. A little too much of washing the dirty laundry in public (from both sides). Let's be honest this was as much about wages as anything. Ming was half the cost wage wise (and half the footballer at times too) and any other reason is a side issue. As for his replacement I'm still not sure he's the long term answer and I still think his lack of dominance in and around our area is a massive problem for the back 4.
migs definitely needs decent competition, but then so did reina to be fair. sadly the issue is wages more than we think i imagine, probably why johnson will be off, even though i am happy about that one personally.
Pointless looking back to why he left. He's gone. He did write his 'letter' and Rodgers has made his statement. He ain't coming back! So thanks Pepe it was good and we'll remember you kindly.
I don't know what it is about Migs, The guy is a better shot stopper than Reina. But at times the guy hasn't shown confidence and he doesn't control his box nearly as well. (the defense we have might be a contributing factor here). Maybe we were blessed having a keeper for many years who was actually capable outfield, but I think Migs is missing a trick here. If he was more assertive he could be a top top player. His goal kicks are also terrible. However please note these have improved greatly now in comparison to the start of the season. I have faith
His transfer fee will be useful he's done well at Napoli but on the other hand everyone knows we want to sell. I hope we can get around 10 million for him.
A few people bash Migs. I like him. I think he will become class. A lot better than most keepers his age. He has a lot to improve, but with a consistent back 4 in front of him and a season under his belt he will be very good next year. Give him a chance, especially you Donga. Ps, how's your dump today?
Too bad Liverpool had given away a very talented goalkeeper. I'm not sure if he's going to play for the World Cup though for Spain.
He's under contract and we'll get a good fee for him and we have Mingolet so it's not really a problem. A good sub keeper is what we need Jones isn't up to it.
Loved Reina especially when you see clips of him with the team he looks like brought real enthusiasm and a brilliant team spirit but he shot himself in the foot with his outrageous flirting with Barca. For a couple of years he was arguably the best keeper in the world but his standards slipped dramatically and a change was needed for him and the club really.
