Reina: Reds will bounce back

PEPE REINA today predicted a stirring performance against Chelsea on Sunday will help Liverpool get over the devastation of seeing their European dreams shattered.

Though the Reds beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield last night, Diego Forlan's first leg strike proved decisive as the Spaniards progressed to the final on away goals.

As someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, the pain Reina felt at having the chance to win a medal was evident to see and it will take time for the wounds to heal.

Liverpool's player of the season, though, feels that process can be accelerated if his side can sign off their Anfield campaign with a resounding win - regardless of the impact it may have on the title race.

"We were so close and for 120 minutes we tried our best," said Reina.

"We gave it our all but we couldn't do it. We defended too deep after Yossi (Benayoun) had scored) and that allowed Atletico in. Give credit to Atletico. They are a good team and deserve to be in the final. This is not perfect preparation for Chelsea but what else can we do? It's the way we have to prepare and we have to make sure we rest and try to deliver.

"We need a win at home for our supporters. I don't care about Manchester United, I don't care about anyone else. All I care about is us and making sure we get three points.

"I want to make sure that we can fight for fourth position by getting those three points. We play at home. We never play for losing or drawing."

Inevitably, there is sure to be a strange atmosphere around Anfield on Sunday, particularly given the manner Liverpool tumbled out of the Europa League.

All appeared to be going to plan when Alberto Aquilani swept the Reds in front before half-time but Atletico refused to cave in and took the game to extra time.

Benayoun looked to have set up a date with Fulham when he smashed home a pass from Lucas but Forlan took advantage of fatal hesitancy from Glen Johnson to send Atletico through.

Already, however, Reina - who recently signed a six-year contract extension - is thinking ahead to the new campaign.

"We have got to prepare for next year," said Reina. "We have got to try to build a better team and a better squad to get a bit closer to the top of the table. We have got to be competitive again.

"I am not the manager or the one who is doing the transfers and spending the money. We have just got to try and win more games than we have done this season.

"We cannot be happy, all of us. We are really disappointed. This was the last chance to win a title."

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