PEPE REINA has scoffed at suggestions Liverpool will take it easy against title-chasing Chelsea tomorrow.

The Anfield side host the Londoners in the knowledge that anything but an away win would hand the initiative at the top of the Premier League to bitter North West rivals Manchester United, for whom a championship triumph this season would see them surpass Liverpool’s total of 18.

Inevitably, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday sought to remind Liverpool’s players of their responsibility “not to throw away their history”.

But Reina reckons it is an insult that anyone would believe Benitez’s men would not try to beat Chelsea, particularly with the Anfield outfit still harbouring outside hopes of Champions League qualification.

“They can think about whatever they want,” said the goalkeeper.

“As a professional, if you are a proper professional, you will never ever on your life play to lose or draw in any game. It’s just not us.

“It’s our own pride. We will try to win. If we don’t win, it’s because we’re playing Chelsea, they are a tough team that is fighting for the championship and we’re going into the game on the back of a disappointing night after playing 120 minutes.

“It won’t be easy but we will try.”