Rafa Benitez believes nobody should expect Liverpool to
win The Premier League in the current climate, because their
nearest rivals are spending much more money.
Benitez was speaking after Manchester City became the nation’s
richest football club, securing the imminent takeover by Abu Dhabi
United Group.
While City and United were able to splash upwards of £30 million
on Robinho and Dimitar Berbatov respectively, Liverpool had to keep
to their means with the modest £8 million capture of Albert
Riera.
United now have seven players signed for over £18 million, while
Liverpool have only two, and it is for that reason that Benitez
believes any title triumph would be more impressive than the
efforts of the teams around them.
“We are here to win every trophy, but now we have United,
Chelsea and City spending big, big money. Also this year, Aston
Villa, and then you’ve got the quality of Arsenal," explained the
Spaniard.
“Our supporters need to know that we are always doing our best,
but it cannot be a case of ‘oh you’ve spent £20 million so you
should win’.
“We spent £20 million on [Fernando] Torres last year and £20
million on Robbie Keane this year, and people are saying we have to
win the title now.
“United has £20 million for Nani, £20 million for [Owen]
Hargreaves, £18 million for [Michael] Carrick, £30 million for
[Wayne] Rooney, £30 million for [Rio] Ferdinand, £20 million for
Anderson, and some of these players can sit on the bench.
“People need to understand that it is not easy to win the title,
so it is important to support the team and take the pressure
away.”
Benitez has had to take a deep look at how to improve his side’s
sum of parts this season, hence the signing of a left-side wideman
in Riera.
“He's the kind of player all managers like and the supporters
will be very happy,” Benitez added.
"He is good in the air, has a good delivery and a good left
foot, he is also strong and he can be really good for us."
Riera’s time at Manchester City will have left many a fan
wondering why Benitez has such faith in Riera, but the 26-year-old
insists he has improved beyond all recognition since then.
“It was a different moment, when I came to City it was January,
so I was joining halfway through the season,” Riera explained.
“I was 22 years old, I have plenty more experience, I played in
a Uefa Cup final, and I’m now a Spain international.
“Now I am prepared to play for a big big club like this
one.”