Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that goalkeeper Jose Reina has been "brilliant" for him.
Reports had surfaced suggesting that Rodgers was unhappy with Reina's performances so far this season following a number of uncharacteristic errors, and that he was considering bolstering his goalkeeping options.
However, Rodgers insists that these rumours are unfounded and that both he and Reina are happy with each other.
"I've never had a problem with Pepe. He's been brilliant for me. He's a key member of the squad here," said Rodgers.
"Absolutely first class, he's been. He understands what it is I'm trying to do. He understands the philosophy and he's a really, really good guy. Off the field, he's important for the group, he's a big voice in the changing room, and I've had no feelings at all that he's ever wanted to leave. I've never felt anything like that whatsoever.
"I've good communication with him. I speak regularly with Pepe. He's one of the senior players."
Reina has been at Anfield since 2005, notching up 360 appearances for the club in that time.
Barney Corkhill
