Jose Reina has asked for patience in Liverpool’s pursuit of a top-four finish this season (13/8 with totesport) following their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

The Reds’ goalkeeper was outstanding on Sunday – making two wonderful first-half saves as Roy Hodgson’s side were held to a goalless draw by Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

That result means the Merseysiders have won one, drawn two and lost one of their first four games and it appears they will face a real battle to finish in the top four once again this season.

However, Reina says the club needs to be “realistic” in their aims and has called for patience as they try and compete at the top of the table.

Reina said: “We have to make sure that people don’t think of winning the league or being in the top four already at this moment.

“It is going to take a while. We have got to get used to the new players and then the system.

“There are many good teams and our target is to be up there but we have to be realistic.”

Next up for Liverpool in the league is a trip to arch rivals Manchester United and a defeat there would leave them seriously trailing other clubs in the race for a top-four place (Liverpool 1/3 to secure a top-six finish).

However, they will welcome back influential attacking midfielder Joe Cole for the game following his three match suspension for being sent off against Arsenal. This will provide a significant boost to the Reds’ aspirations but Reina has urged caution over his side’s chances.

“Is a Champions League spot realistic this season? I don’t know,” Reina added.

“We will find out at the end of the season what we can achieve. No-one has patience nowadays. We are just asking for a little bit.”

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