Pepe Reina: Don't fret over Torres goal drought

Nov 27 2008

Pepe Reina _320

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has backed Spanish team-mate Fernando Torres to rediscover his goalscoring touch sooner rather than later.

The striker, who is still working his way back to fitness after injury, has not scored in five matches and has yet to find the net at Anfield, where he was so prolific last season.

However, Reina has faith in the club’s record signing.

“He is absolutely brilliant, a world class player for us. He just needs to get the ball and put it in the net,” said the goalkeeper.

“Fernando has already been through a bad injury and is still recovering so we need to give him a bit of time and his best will come again.”

Denmark defender Daniel Agger agreed, saying he has not seen anything to suggest Torres is a different player from last season.

“It is just a matter of time. He will score soon but as long as he works for the team that is also good,” he said.

With Torres drawing a blank again against Marseille in the Champions League last night it was left to captain Steven Gerrard, returning from a groin injury, to score the only goal to secure qualification for the last 16.

However, Reina has warned his team-mates they cannot keep relying on the England midfielder to get them out of trouble.

“Gerrard is an example for everyone in the dressing room and it is important for him to keep scoring,” said the Spain goalkeeper.

“He is always trying to do things properly in training and in games and because of his character you can see how good he is.

“We still have some other good players. We have a bigger squad and whoever plays for Liverpool does really well but when we have Stevie we are much better.