Brendan Rodgers backs Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina despite indifferent start to season

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has given goalkeeper Jose Reina his full backing after the Spain international's indifferent start to the season.

The 30-year-old made glaring mistakes against the likes of Hearts, Arsenal and Norwich but the Reds boss is not concerned.

"I can't speak highly enough of Pepe. He's a keeper who has really impressed me," he said.

"Pepe has been here for a number of years and has proved himself over a long period of time.

"Like all the other players here he's trying to improve and become a better player.

"He's obviously adapting to a new style but this is a way of working which is perfect for Pepe.

"He came through the Barcelona model so he understands this way of playing and what I'm trying to do perfectly.

"As a team, we just need to cut out the kind of mistakes we've been making.

"If we do that then everyone will benefit from that, including Pepe."

Rodgers pointed to a save Reina made from Medhi Benatia in last week's Europa League defeat to Udinese as evidence of his quality.

"That header looked like a goal and I think everyone inside Anfield probably felt it was probably going to go in," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"There is obviously a lot of pressure on every player when they play for a top club but it's at moments like that when you see who the top keepers really are."

Reina's compatriot Suso has made an immediate impact having broken into the first team this season and the 18-year-old revealed he is on the verge of signing an improved contract to replace the one which expires next summer.

"Liverpool is the ideal club for me," he told Radio Onda Cero.

"I'll sign a new deal soon and be here for a long time. The fans can relax, it'll be done as soon as possible."

PA