Roy Hodgson issues Hands off warning for Pepe Reina
Roy Hodgson the Liverpool manager has issued clear hands off warning to Manchester United regarding his goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The manager has made it clear that his keeper is not for sale, and any club having aspirations of signing
him should stand back.
There was strong speculation linking the Spanish international to Manchester United last week, Arsenal meanwhile were also among teams believed to be interested in Reina’s services.
There has been wide speculation regarding the future of number of key players at Anfield, after the miserable start to the season made by Liverpool. The Reds are currently in the 18th place and going through their worst
start to the league season in more than 5 decades.
Pepe Reina is believed to be one of the key players at Anfield, and manager Roy Hodgson has made it clear that he does not want to part company with his trusted keeper. Reina also signed a contract extension of 6 years with the
club in the summers.
Hodgson, who was not at all happy by the news of his keeper being linked with United and Arsenal, said that, such stories just seem to emerge from nowhere and are unwanted distractions and at times very annoying.
Roy Hodgson, who took over as manager at Liverpool in the summer said that, Pepe is simply fantastic and he is the last line of defence for Liverpool. He added that Reina has established himself as the club’s number one for a while
now, and there is no way that he would want to leave.
"Everything he does around the club is excellent - he is always lively in the dressing room, he is always first class in training and he always wants to do more to improve.
When asked if he had actually received any queries from Manchester United, Hodgson said that they did not make any contact with the club and he also does not want them to be in touch as Liverpool do not have any plans to make a
deal regarding Reina.
"We have heard nothing from Manchester United and, more to the point, we don't want to hear anything from Manchester United”.
The former Fulham boss said that Liverpool is on a long road to recovery, and obviously Reina is a key ingredient in the Liverpool team. So he will be integral as the club begins its revival and look to establish themselves once
again as one of the top clubs not only in England, but also in Europe.
Hodgson also commented on the recovery of Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt. Hodgson said that Kuyt has been doing well and is on track to recover from his ankle injury. The manager added that Kuyt may be in line to face Chelsea in 2 weeks
time. The forward encountered the injury while he was on international duty playing in Euro 2012 qualifiers for Netherlands.
Meanwhile, another injury concern in the team, Glen Johnson has also been reported to be well on course to full fitness. Liverpool play Bolton Wanderers this weekend and Johnson may be in line to play in the game at Reebok. Ryan
Babel, another Dutch international in Liverpool squad, was injured in the game against Blackburn, but he has been declared fit to play against Bolton.
Ryan Babel has been cleared of any serious injury after taking a blow to the ribs in a reserve match this week.
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