Pepe Reina says his Napoli future will not necessarily be
determined by the level of success the club achieves this season.
The Spain international goalkeeper is currently on a
season-long loan at Stadio San Paolo from Premier League high-flyers Liverpool.
Spanish champions Barcelona - with whom Reina began his
career - have been heavily linked with a move for the 31-year-old as they
prepare for life without Victor Valdes.
Reina is yet to reach a decision on his future, though,
and intends to return to Merseyside before making a judgement on his next move.
"I need to go back to Liverpool at the end of my
loan and I will make my decision there," he said ahead of Napoli's UEFA
Europa League last-32 second leg with Swansea City.
"My future does not depend on our results this
season. We are having a good season, it's a shame we have lost a few too many
points at the San Paolo.
"Juventus' season is overshadowing everyone a little
bit. We hold the Europa League in high regard and we have a Coppa Italia final
to play. We also must qualify for the Champions League."
Napoli entertain Swansea on Thursday having secured a 0-0
draw at the Liberty Stadium last week.
And head coach Rafael Benitez is looking for his charges
to play at a high tempo to secure progression.
"Rhythm and speed will be the keys to winning
tomorrow," he commented. "We must also play with lots of intensity
because we have seen that the away leg was played at a very high tempo.
"I don't think possession is all important tomorrow.
It will be more important for us to combine our defensive and attacking phases
of play well, so that we are well balanced.
"We must be able to create chances to score without
risking being hit on the counter-attack."
Culled from Soccerway
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