The Spanish shot-stopper has praised the Anfield faithful and has urged them to back their boss and to keep believing, especially in the aftermath of tough results

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has praised the club’s fans and called on them to back manager Brendan Rodgers.

In a recent interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the Spaniard highlighted the importance of the fans’ continued belief in the players, especially when things aren’t going well on the pitch.

“Here, if things are going well or badly, if you give 100% the fans admire you, respect you and love you,” the Spaniard told El Mundo.

“It’s important that a team is great, but even more that the fans keep believing in the players when things aren’t going so well.”

Spain face Finland on Friday and France next Tuesday in two important World Cup qualifying fixtures, and Reina emphasised the honour that he feels when picked for the national side.

“Everything indicates that I will play, but I won’t change my attitude because Iker [Casillas] isn’t here,” he said. “I’m always excited and prepared.

“Not everybody that is called up is lucky enough to play. Only 11 play, but being called up by your country is an honour.”

When asked about the current form of Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who was snapped up by Jose Mourinho from Villarreal in January following first-choice goalkeeper Casillas’ hand injury, Reina was full of praise for the 31-year-old Spaniard.

“Diego [Lopez] is playing so well; he has been decisive in many games and he is a Real Madrid-quality goalkeeper, without doubt,” he said.

“But in the national team it is the manager that makes the decisions.”

Reina also spoke about his personal side, insisting that he wants people to value him as a sportsman, and not just for an exuberant personality.

“I’m not the showman. I’m an extrovert and joyful, and I have been lucky enough to be able to celebrate three great titles,” he continued.

“I have been one of the most dedicated, but I am one of La Roja‘s goalkeepers, not the showman.

“It’s not something that I prepare; I’m like that and whoever knows me knows that. But at the same time I don’t want people to prefer the funny Pepe Reina.

“I want them to value me as a sportsman.”