
Rafa Benitez insists Liverpool did nothing wrong in the Gareth Barry row – but believes the ‘improved’ Albert Riera will give the club the chance to forget the saga.
Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill was unhappy with the way Liverpool handed their interest in Barry, particularly due to the press reports announcing they were set to make a move for the player.
But Benitez claims the club spoke to O’Neill four times before the stories made the papers.
“I called Martin O’Neill twice and members of my staff talked with him twice before anything was in the newspapers,” he told the Daily Star
“We were talking directly and that’s the way to do things.
“Now I’m trying to be positive and think about the future.”
The clubs were unable to agree a fee for Barry and, as a result, Liverpool turned their attention to Espanyol winger Albert Riera, who is set to join the club before the transfer deadline closes on Monday night.
And while Riera failed to convince during his spell at Manchester City two years ago, Benitez believes the 26-year-old is now a better player.
“He is a player who knows the Premier League, so that’s important.
“He has ability, quality, is good in the air and can cross and shoot.
“He’s improved since being at City – he has more experience and is more mature.
“We will now concentrate on Riera instead of Barry.”
RB signed a lot of unheard of players.
arsene wenger also ![]()
well, no fish, prawn also good theory..
interesting move, while Barry is a defensive midfielder Riera was claimed as a winger, so its more like if you don't know how to defend just go ahead and attack??? seriously, wondering how much time has Rafa left as the manager of Liverpool? would he get the sack if Liverpool is again left hanging come the end of the season? or would he be dump midway thru the season?
he will go if no UCL or League title...., well maybe 2nd in League still acceptable...
both barry and riera seem to me quite different type of player.
Do rafa know what is he buying? or what kind of team he is creating?
Originally posted by kopiosatu:arsene wenger also
but a lot of wenger's signings proved to be gems.
Originally posted by dragg:
but a lot of wenger's signings proved to be gems.
that is why i have the ![]()
lawls dis ah ben ah whole day go spain scout for players.. lawls sending one spanish team to play in BPL isit.. lawls
rafa seriously wtf in his signings. what we fans would love to see from him are creative style of plays, and entertainment football. but till now, after 3 games into the new season, what i see are shit plays and boring. i fall asleep in 2 of the matches watched. seriously, we need some big names coming in. and creative wingers who can cut through defenders with style and entertainment.
you want ppl must also ppl want you mah... today's Liverpool is not like during the 80s where ppl flood to join them.. these days its going to be Real, Barca, Milan, Chelsea, ManU who is going to have the 1st pick..
and it was just a couple of weeks back when so many of their fans are calling for a winger to add on to their fire power on the wings right???? now that he answered your prayers you guys decided that he doesn't know what he is doing!!!!