Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina believes they have improved this season despite their struggles in the Premier League.
Keeper sees progress despite poor league position
Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina believes they have improved this season despite their struggles in the Premier League.
The Reds are on course for their worst ever finish in the Premier League as they are currently languishing in eighth spot in the table.
However, they have excelled in cup competitions by winning the Carling Cup and reaching the final of the FA Cup next month against Chelsea.
Reina believes despite their poor league form they are on the up due to their success in both cup competitions.
"There's no doubt we've improved from last season already," Reina told the club's
official website.
"We've won the Carling Cup with the possibility of a second while also qualifying for Europe.
Target
"The target of the club is still to get back in the Champions League.
"But before the start of the season, if someone had said we'd win the Carling Cup, reach the final of the FA Cup, as well as getting seventh, probably most people would have taken that.
"It's always good to go back to winning days.
"Some people might say the Carling Cup is not that important but, at the end of the day, it's a trophy. We knocked out Stoke, Chelsea and Manchester City.
"It was not easy. So it was a well-deserved success and I was pleased to be part of it."
Lessons learned
Reina also claims he has learned his lesson after serving his recent three-game ban.
The Spaniard was forced to miss the FA Cup semi-final with Everton as well as the league games against Aston Villa and Blackburn after being sent off against Newcastle earlier this month.
Reina admitted he found his time on the sidelines frustrating and he admits the performances of Alexander Doni and Brad Jones in his absence has increased competition for the No.1 spot at Anfield.
"It's the longest time I've not played since coming to Liverpool," added Reina.
"It was frustrating because every footballer always wants to play all of the time.
"It has probably been the most difficult period of my Liverpool career in terms of not being able to play. It has seemed like a long time. But I have learned from that.
"You always have to be on your toes and do your best because the other lads are pushing, pushing, pushing all of the time. They won't give up.
"Now they are breathing down my neck more than ever so I have to be up for it and do my best."
