Rafa - Barry saga not my fault

Liverpool boss rounds on transfer critics

Last updated: 15th August 2008

Benitez Rafa

Benitez: Don't blame me

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has hit back at critics who hold him responsible for the ongoing Gareth Barry transfer saga.

Benitez has been blamed for causing speculation as Liverpool attempt to prise £18million-rated Barry away from Aston Villa.

However, the Liverpool boss insists he has had no contact with Villa since discussing the midfielder's possible transfer with his opposite number, Martin O'Neill, in April.

"I will try to be very clear over the (Barry) situation. Everyone has been talking and it seems that the blame is put on me," said Benitez.

Interest

"I get blamed for everything, for global warming to high petrol prices.

"But in this case I want to be very clear. Since I talked to Martin O'Neill about the situation in April, I have not talked to anyone at Aston Villa."

Benitez has hinted he remains keen on Barry, despite the England international now being cup-tied in the UEFA Champions League having played for Villa in the Uefa Cup.

And the Spaniard believes that discussions, which he is adamant have taken place through Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry, have gone well.

Discussions

"All the talks have been between our chief executive Rick Parry, the owner and the chief executive of Aston Villa," added Benitez. "And those talks have all been pretty good.

"So if anyone wants to talk about Barry in the future they must talk with the owner, Rick Parry or the chief executive of Aston Villa. And as I have said, those talks I understand have been good.

"I was not involved in the talks about Barry, I was not involved in the talks about (Xabi) Alonso and Arsenal. If you want to talk about these players you must talk to the chief executive of our club who was handling the discussions.

"If you want to talk about players, then you talk to Rick Parry. If you want to talk about football, then you talk with me."