Football - Liverpool FC: 'I don't want a war with Benitez' - Albert Riera

Mar 19 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

ALBERT RIERA last night sought desperately to defuse the row with Rafael Benitez that has almost certainly brought an end to his Liverpool career.

Riera was yesterday suspended by Benitez and placed on the transfer list following a blistering public attack against the Anfield manager.

It has emerged the player had already incurred the wrath of his manager following a unprovoked training ground bust-up with a teenage reserve player.

Riera has suffered from injury and poor form this season, but his frustration at his lack of first-team action – which he believes is threatening his chances of appearing at the World Cup – boiled over with an interview to Spanish radio that was broadcast on the eve of last night’s Europa League tie with Lille.

The winger described Liverpool as a “sinking ship” and accused Benitez of not listening to his players.

The manager responded by informing Riera’s agent that the player should remain away from Melwood until Monday, with Liverpool ready to listen to offers for the Spain international from CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow with the Russian transfer window extended until April 8.

Riera, who has started just one game since the end of January, was already in trouble over his flare-up with a younger reserve squad member at Melwood, and will now be fined two weeks’ wages and is highly unlikely to play for the club again.

However, Riera spoke in another interview yesterday when he said he was merely unhappy at not playing.

“Benitez has said nothing to me,” said the Spaniard.

“I don’t want a war with the manager but at the same time I am not to blame.

“ I am a player and I have to play.”

Asked if he had spoken to Benitez, Riera responded: “We have spoken a lot in the last two years.

“ But about this?

“No, we have not spoken about it all.

“I played all of last year, and sometimes when I did not play well in one game, I would play in the next.

“But this year I have not played at all, and I do not know why.

“When that starts happening, you have to assume it is personal, rather than professional.

“I believe that in these situations it is better to talk to try to fix it, or at least to make sure you know everyone’s position.

“I have no problem talking to people.

“The most important thing is the best thing for the club.

“I am not interested in the slightest in Rafa being my enemy, totally the opposite.

“I do not want to create trouble, but in this situation I have little chance of going to the World Cup.

“ I am trying to solve the problem so I at least have a small chance. You cannot treat players the same. Each one is different.

“If I was playing I would love to stay, because it is a brilliant place to play football.”

Riera, previously on loan in the Premier League at Manchester City, joined Liverpool from Espanyol for £6million in August 2008, but the Anfield outfit are unlikely to recoup that amount.