Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has rejected rumours that Pepe Reina, a favourite of the sport betting community, wants to leave the club and has tipped the Spaniard to play a big role in his side’s Premier League and Europa League campaigns.
The 30-year-old has been the undisputed first choice stopper at Anfield since joining from Villarreal in2005, making 250 appearances for the Reds and occasionally skippering the side.
The former Barcelona man is well known as one of the most boisterous characters in the Liverpool dressing room and has often been praised for his ability to motivate his colleagues and generate team spirit within the side.
However, the latest sport updates suggest his performances have dipped over the last few years and he has made a number uncharacteristic errors in big games, as the Merseysiders have regularly failed to live up to their potential.
This has led to speculation he is no longer committed to the Liverpool cause and that he is now looking for a move away from the club in January, with teams from both Italy and Spain thought to be monitoring his situation.
However, Rodgers is unconcerned by the rumours and says the stopper has shown nothing to suggest he is heading for the Anfield exit.
"I've never had a problem with Pepe. He's been brilliant for me. He's a key member of the squad here," insisted Rodgers. "Absolutely first class, he's been. He understands what it is I'm trying to do. He understands the philosophy and he's a really, really good guy.
"Off the field, he's important for the group, he's a big voice in the changing room, and I've had no feelings at all that he's ever wanted to leave. I've never felt anything like that whatsoever,” he added.
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