Pepe: It might not be beautiful

Pepe Reina claims Liverpool are ready to fight their way to Champions League qualification - even if it means upsetting football purists.

The Spain international has helped Liverpool keep clean sheets in five of their last six league games.

Reina believes this defensive solidity will be key as he and his teammates look to claw their way back into the top four.

"We know that proper teams build from the back and base their success on good defending," said Reina. "Steven Gerrard said the other day that we are more difficult to beat now and that is how it should be.

"We are better defensively and we are showing we have the right mentality in tough moments. It is important to keep a settled back line and you can see the understanding that is developing.

"You can talk about improving and doing better at this or that, but at the end of the day you have to win. It doesn't matter how you play, it is all about winning.

"We cannot think any further ahead than Everton next week, because we are not in the same situation as last season, when we were fighting for the title.

"At least we are gaining confidence from this run and that is why the result is all-important. That has to be the message.

"There will be more tough moments, but our pride is at stake and, if we stick together, we can come through it."