Rift: Riera suspended for describing Liverpool a
''sinking ship" under current boss Rafa Benitez
Albert Riera has
been suspended by Liverpool for his outspoken attack on manager
Rafael Benitez's communication skills and the club, which he
described as a ''sinking ship''.
Rafa Benitez has responded to Albert Riera's outspoken
attack on him by suspending the
Liverpool winger until
Monday.
In what amounts to a two-game ban for Riera, the £6million
signing from Espanyol has been told to stay away from Liverpool's
preparations for Thursday's Europa League last 16 return leg
against Lille and Sunday's Old Trafford showdown with Manchester
United in the Barclays Premier League.
Riera, who will also be fined, has infuriated Benitez with the
timing and contents of an interview with a Spanish radio station,
in which he claimed he had been ostracised, accused his
fellow-Spaniard of lacking communication skills and described
Liverpool as 'a sinking ship'.
Benitez is acutely aware that overturning a 1-0 first-leg
deficit against Lille and repeating last season's Old Trafford
triumph could be crucial to salvaging some respectability from a
desperately disappointing campaign, as well as earning himself some
breathing space.
Liverpool's under-pressure boss does not want any distractions
and feels let down by Riera, who will be sold at the first
opportunity.
Out of favour: Riera has not been a regular for
Liverpool this season
According to sources in Spain, Benitez rang Riera's
agent, with news of the suspension, as soon as he heard of the
interview and verified it had taken place.
Riera was subsequently informed that he would not be allowed
back in Liverpool's Melwood training ground until Monday, when he
can expect to feel the full force of Benitez's wrath.
Riera claims he has received two offers from clubs in Russia,
the homeland of his wife Yulia Koroleva.
He could be set for a swift exit as the transfer window in
Russia, which was supposed to close last week, has been extended to
April 8.
