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BRENDAN RODGERS has dismissed suggestions Pepe Reina

BRENDAN RODGERS has dismissed suggestions Pepe Reina is unsettled and is confident the goalkeeper will still be at Liverpool beyond the summer.
Reina’s future has been the subject of speculation after struggling for form and fitness for large parts of the campaign.
The Spaniard has missed 15 games this season through injury and at one point was under serious pressure from deputy Brad Jones for his starting role.
Barcelona – where Reina began his career – have been continually linked with a move for the 30-year-old as replacement
for Victor Valdes, who is expected to be sold in the summer after announcing he will not sign a new deal at the Nou Camp.
But asked if he was counting on Reina for next season, Rodgers said: "Yes. He’s never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong.
"I think a lot of the stuff this year has been based on speculation with Valdes going, or possibly going, there have been links they (Barcelona) will be in for another keeper. His dad has said some things and whatever.
"I have given him and a few of the senior boys real responsibility and I think they have enjoyed that.
"I see him as someone who is hopefully going to be here. He is 30 and is someone who looks after his body.
"The sports science team this year have worked really well with him. I think he’s been outstanding for us and had great focus and hopefully that will continue for us.”
Reina has made 387 appearances for Liverpool since arriving from Villarreal for £6million in July 2005.
And Rodgers added: "Pepe and I speak a lot.
"He’s a good man and I’ve got real respect for him as a player and as a human being.
"He understands everything we are trying to here and is a great voice in the little debriefing meetings we have with the group and with the defenders and other goalkeepers.
"He’s brilliant. And on a personal level we’ll sit and have a cup of tea in the office and we’ll chat about where he’s at with his game and how he can improve his game.”


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