Reina: I recovered from 'rough start'
After describing his opening months of the campaign as a 'rough start', Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina has switched his sights to increasing the number of clean sheets Liverpool can record.
Consecutive shut-outs against West Ham and Reading boosted the Spaniard to 11 clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League - third in the rankings behind Joe Hart and Petr Cech.
Reina admitted the figure is pleasing but insisted that improvement is eminently possible as the No.25 continues to produce crucial performances between the posts.
"I'm happy but there should be more," he told Liverpoolfc.com when quizzed about his clean sheet tally for 2012-13.
"It's not about keeping clean sheets, it's about finding the right balance between attack and defence. Because of our position in the league, we haven't found it quite yet.
"I'm happy because we've already kept more clean sheets than last season but there's still plenty of room to improve it.
"As I said a few months back, there have been a few ups and downs. The start of the season was a bit rough to me; since November/December, I have probably turned the corner and picked the form up again.
"Hopefully it will stay for long. As I always do, I do my best and work hard on a daily basis. I looked after myself a little bit better in the last few months and tried to be as fit as possible."
The Reds will renew their rivalry with European champions Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, when both clubs' managers will be opposing teams they were formerly employed by.
Since joining the club in the summer of 2005, Reina has crossed swords with the Blues on a staggering 26 occasions - he knows well, therefore, the importance of these fixtures.
"It's always nice because of the blue and red, it looks good to walk alongside them and be ready for that game," he added.
"Also because of the rivalry between us and Chelsea lately, especially a few years back - we were almost playing three, four, five times every season against them. Every game was huge.
"It hasn't changed a lot, to be honest, and it's always special when you face Chelsea."
So what difference could a 12th league clean sheet for Reina make at the weekend?
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The 30-year-old responded: "That we have many chances to win the game, that's all that matters.
"It's not about keeping clean sheets; it's about being consistent, finding the right balance and always scoring one more goal than the opponents."