Pepe: Forget about Utd and City
Pepe Reina claims Liverpool cannot afford to be distracted by their forthcoming cup clashes against the two Manchester clubs when they travel to Bolton this weekend looking for their first Barclays Premier League win of 2012.
The Reds' trip to Lancashire is followed by the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Anfield on Wednesday, before Manchester United come to L4 for the FA Cup fourth round tie the following weekend.
However, while Reina admits the two cup clashes are the type of games every player wants to participate in, he is adamant no-one within the Liverpool camp will be caught taking their eye off the task in hand in what he describes as a 'vital' game against the Trotters.
The Spain goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It definitely won't be difficult to put those games to the back of our minds because the first game is Bolton and is therefore the most important of all three.
"After that, we know how huge it is to play a Carling Cup semi-final, second leg at home and everybody knows how big the tie against Manchester United is going to be.
"It is an important game at Bolton. It is vital for us, we have to get some momentum going and keep winning games. It's important not to lose - but it's even bigger to win the games and get three points after three points."
Liverpool will head to the Reebok aiming to put the frustration of last Saturday's goalless Anfield draw with Stoke City behind them.
The Reds dominated possession for long periods against the Potters, but were unable to unlock a stubborn rearguard.
"It's always frustrating when you don't win at home," reflected Reina. "But that has been the case so many times this season and it is disappointing because we want to win.
"The possession doesn't mean anything. Sometimes the team who has the ball the most doesn't end up winning. All that we want is to score one more goal than our opponents.
"Sometimes when you are creating those opportunities, it is easy to stay cool and calm - but when the opportunities don't come along, it is difficult to explain why."
It's been a different story away from home for Liverpool with the side having impressed on the road.
But while Reina believes there is still room for improvement in our away form, he accepts the Reds have found it easier to obtain results away from Anfield so far this season.
"I wouldn't say our away form has been excellent, it could have been better, but it's been pretty good," he said. "I think the level of concentration and focus in every game has been excellent."
Bolton will head into the game in 19th position in the Barclays Premier League table.
Owen Coyle's side have won one and lost eight of their 10 league matches on home turf so far this season, but Reina knows they still pose a big threat.
"It's always tough to play away from home, but at the same time we have a great opportunity," said the custodian. "They are in a difficult situation near the bottom of the league and under pressure.
"There is a lot at stake for them, but it is a great opportunity for us because they need to win, so the game will be more open.
"Any team on its day is always going to give you a game, so we need to try and focus on ourselves. If we deliver and perform to our level, we should be okay."
One of Bolton's threats comes in the form of former Liverpool striker David Ngog, who swapped Anfield for the Reebok on August's transfer deadline day.
Reina is looking forward to doing battle with his old teammate.
"He is a great player," he said. "I remember saying to him he was not going to Bolton until after we'd played them in the first half of the season - and that's what happened. He has been important for them, scoring a few goals. He will be a threat.
"They have plenty of other threats. They are physically very strong and can always give you a game at home. It will be tough, but we know every game will be difficult.
"We won there last season right at the end and it was our first away win in a while. It's always tough. They create chances, especially from corners and free-kicks, it's always difficult. They are under pressure, there is a lot at stake and it's a must-win for both clubs."