Reina Seeks Barca Vengeance

LondonLiverpoolFan · February 15, 2006

http://msnsport.skysports.com/list.asp?hli...Barca+vengeance

Reina seeks Barca vengeance

By Mark Kendall - Created on 15 Feb 2006

Liverpool's Pepe Reina has admitted that his recent sending off at Stamford Bridge has left him hoping that Chelsea get trounced by former club Barcelona in their forthcoming UEFA Champions League clash.

The Spanish goalkeeper - who came through the youth ranks at Barca - was dismissed by Alan Wiley for an innocuous-looking push on Arjen Robben who played his part by throwing himself dramatically to the ground.

Reina had precipitated the incident with a rash challenge on Eidur Gudjohnsen for which, he admits, he merited a booking, however, Robben's antics have left him not only with a three-match ban but also a real sense of grievance towards The Blues.

Commenting on the affair, he told Sport: "I was wrong. I deserved a yellow card for the foul on Gudjohnsen outside of the area. I have to admit that it was a 'pincer' tackle, but I did not deserve the red I got.

"I went back to the goal area and the referee called me 30 yards to show me the yellow card instead of just showing it to me when the incident happened.

"During those 30 metres, Robben started making comments to me and when I pushed him off he threw himself to the ground.

"The consolation for me was that all the press took my side and criticised the Dutchman (Robben) for diving.

"Barcelona are a part of my life and I want them to win, and after what happened at Stamford Bridge I will be supporting Barcelona even more.

"I hope that they score four goals in each leg and that we beat Benfica so we can play against Barca."

However, Reina admits it will be far from easy for Barcelona to overcome The Blues after being left impressed by the team ethic and lightning attacking options of Mourinho's men.

"They are happiest if they score first as it suits their game because up front they are the quickest team I have seen - Joe Cole and Robben especially, but also Crespo, Wright-Phillips, Duff and Gudjohnsen," he continued.

"For me, as well as their speed, what's impressive is the way they work for each other, they don't give you time to think.

"They can beat you without seeming to do anything special, but Essien, Makelele and Lampard never stop running for them. Chelsea have the best midfield in Europe, undoubtedly.

"Also at corners and free kicks they are very dangerous as they have some very big players."

Rory Fitzgerald · February 15, 2006

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