Brendan Rodgers has praised the “outstanding” Pepe Reina for his contribution to Liverpool on and off the field.
The Spanish stopper — a three times outright winner of the Premier League’s Golden Gloves award — has been back to his consistent best over recent months and Rodgers is delighted with his man between the sticks.
“He’s never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong,” the boss told reporters. “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 going to be here. He is 30 years of age 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 and had great focus and hopefully that will continue for us.”
Off the field, Rodgers revealed that he has a strong relationship with Reina.
“Pepe and I speak a lot,” he said. “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 do 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.”
