Liverpool on the up - Reina

Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Liverpool's near £120 million investment drive in the past 10 months is paying dividends, Anfield goalkeeper Jose Reina said on Monday.

"I hope (the signings) have helped close the gap," said the Spain international following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. That result left Liverpool lying fifth, six points off leaders Manchester City.

Reina added: "Our belief is about the quality of the team and the squad and the strength we have as a group of players and a club - that is all that matters.

"We have to work on a daily basis trying to improve and keep going to try to compete more often with people above us.

"It is still early days to talk about closing gaps but we will find out at the end of the season.

"Hopefully the distance won't be as big."

Under their new management and return of club icon Kenny Dalglish as coach there is a new mood of optimism sweeping thrugh Anfield.

Reina remarked: "It is a positive thing to be disappointed after not beating Manchester United..

"We are clearly playing better and are winning games and that is key.

"I think we have had just one poor game - at Spurs (a 4-0 defeat in which Liverpool had two players sent off ) - and over the season it has not been a bad balance at all.

"We are much happier than a year ago."