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.”
