SATURDAY 6
	Rafa lauds Reina as deal done Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is the best in the Premier League, according to manager Rafael Benitez, which is why he is delighted the Spaniard has agreed to a contract extension at Anfield. The 27-year-old Spain international has committed to a new deal to ward off interest from a number of Europe's top clubs. Reina has been Liverpool's player of the season and, with 12 clean sheets, is in the running for the league's Golden Glove award with injured Chelsea rival Petr Cech. "We are really pleased because I remember at the beginning people said 'for England, in the air, he is not the best'," said Benitez. "He is the best in England, miles away from the others, and we are really pleased to keep him here for a long time. Sometimes the style of goalkeepers is for them to be really good in the six-yard box, Pepe is really good in the 18-yard box." (The Evening Herald) Liverpool icon Hansen rates Reina best Red of the season Liverpool legend Alan Hansen rates Pepe Reina as the club's Player of the Season. Hansen reckons Reina's displays could see him crowned Liverpool's top performer of 2009-10. "Reina has been brilliant all season and is without a shadow of a doubt Liverpool's player of the year," the Kop icon told LFC Weekly. "The great thing about him is his total and utter reliability. If you asked me what I'd want in a goalkeeper playing behind me at Liverpool, that would be what I'm looking for - total and utter reliability. "Having a goalkeeper like Reina behind you gives the central defenders a huge amount of confidence." (tribalfootball.com) Benitez cool on linked duo Rafael Benitez has played down talks of a move for Simon Kjaer or Arda Turan despite the pair expressing earlier this week their desire to move to Anfield this summer. On Thursday, Galatasaray ace Turan conceded that joining Liverpool would be a dream-come-true - 24 hours after Palermo defender Kjaer revealed he relished the prospect of linking up with Daniel Agger. Speaking at Melwood yesterday, however, Benitez refused to speculate about potential moves for the duo, insisting that it is too early to discuss transfer targets. He said: "There were two or three names [linked] in the press today but it's too early so we can talk about players but it is too early so we have to wait." (Click Liverpool) Torres going extra mile to get fit Liverpool striker Fernando Torres' determination to remain fit for the rest of the season has seen him hitting the gym on his days off. While most of the squad took manager Rafael Benitez's offer of spending time away from the club's Melwood training ground, the Spain international, who played 45 minutes against France in midweek, turned up for additional work yesterday. It is not the first time this season he has done extra gym sessions in an attempt to get himself up to speed as quickly as possible. However, with just 10 matches remaining in the league, both Torres and his manager knows how important it is for him to be firing on all cylinders in the race for the last Champions League place. "We still we have some good players around but Fernando is a key player for us, the same as Steven Gerrard," said Benitez. "Fernando can score goals on his own so hopefully he will be okay. "He was training yesterday - even though we had a day off - so that means he wants to improve and wants to be physically well so that is also good news for us." (TEAMtalk) Sammy: Let's end on a high Sammy Lee has spoken of the strong determination at Melwood to ensure 2009-10 ends on a high as Liverpool gear up for their final 10 Barclays Premier League fixtures of the campaign. The race for a top four finish remains as fiercely contested as ever, with the Reds just one point behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur as well as Manchester City, who have played a game less. Meanwhile, Aston Villa sit three points adrift of Rafael Benitez's side - though the Midlanders have two matches in hand. Nonetheless, Lee insists Liverpool's charges are hungry to secure a successful conclusion to what he describes as an 'irregular' season. "There is a massive hunger," the Reds assistant manager told Liverpoolfc.tv. "The boys are very determined, professional and focused. We want to get as high as we can (in the table). We never prepare for failure at this football club. (LFC Official Website)
	FRIDAY 5
	Rafa: Reds have no room for error Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admits his side cannot afford any more mistakes in their battle to secure Champions League football next season. Having struggled in a goalless draw against Manchester City the previous week the Reds allowed Blackburn back into the match last Sunday before Fernando Torres struck the winner in the 2-1 victory. This weekend none of their main rivals for a top-four place are in Premier League action - Tottenham and Aston Villa have FA Cup quarter-finals. A victory at Wigan on Monday would take Liverpool back to fourth, albeit having played one match more than Spurs, two more than City and three more than Villa. Those statistics show just how fragile their the grip on fourth place is - and why Benitez is anxious to avoid any more mishaps. "Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa will be very dangerous so we cannot make many mistakes," said the Spaniard. (TEAMtalk) Johnson poised for Liverpool return Glen Johnson looks set to feature in Liverpool's Premier League clash at Wigan on Monday as the England full-back closes in on full fitness. Johnson has been sidelined with a knee problem since the end of December but he is back in training and could be involved at the DW Stadium. There is further good news for Liverpool, with Daniel Agger's knee injury unlikely to keep him out and Sotirios Kyrgiakos returning after a three-match suspension. Reds (from): Reina, Johnson, Degen, Agger, Carragher, Krygiakos, Insua, Gerrard, Lucas, Aquilani, Benayoun, Riera, Rodriguez, Ngog, Kuyt, Torres, Cavalieri, Pacheco, Spearing, Darby, Babel, Kelly. (TEAMtalk)
	THURSDAY 4
	Turk reveals Reds appeal Galatasaray ace Arda Turan has revealed he would be interested in a move to Liverpool. The highly-rated winger has been continually linked with a switch to Anfield with Reds boss Rafa Benitez believed to be an admirer. Turan admits he is keen on a transfer away from Turkish football with the Merseyside giants his preferred destination. "Of course I want to play abroad but it is our board's decision," Turan told uefa.com. "As I always mention, Liverpool attracts me because of their tradition. "In Europe, I am a Liverpool supporter, so if I go to play in Europe, I would like to play for them. "My dream has always been to play for one of the top European clubs, but you shouldn't make concrete plans in your life because sometimes these plans cannot be achieved. "This is my dream, but for now I'm just working on my football." (Sky Sports) Lucas admits to difficult times Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder talks about the difficult time he has had settling in at the club and the improvements he has made. “It’s been a very difficult time both for the team and for me,” said Lucas. “I know a lot of people have been unhappy with my performances, particularly at the start of the season. “The team wasn’t doing well and results were bad. But I’ve learned a lot more about myself and become a stronger person and player. It has made me desperate to prove people wrong. “There have been times when I thought I may have made the wrong decision but now I am sure that I have made the right one. “My game has changed a lot since leaving Brazil. I was able to attack more at Gremio because I played with two defensive midfielders, In England you have more responsibility. “I still think I have some work to do if all the fans are going to believe in me. I’m happy and I feel I’m improving. But it isn’t about me, it’s about the club doing well.” (LFC Online) Thor Zakariassen ©