5 Sept 2009

POLL: Was Albert Riera right to confront Rafa Benitez over his selection policy?

It has emerged that Albert Riera had a bust-up with Rafa Benitez over being left on the bench for the first three games of the season. Was Riera right to feel aggrieved?

Talking to Spanish publication AS, Riera revealed:

“I didn't play the first game because I started training late after the Confederations Cup, like [Pepe] Reina and [Fernando] Torres.

"I was angry and had a flare-up at Benitez, but the day I don't get angry for being a substitute I will retire.”


I think it's clear that Riera is suggesting that he should have started the first game against Spurs. Prior to that game, Reina and Torres both played in the confederations cup AND in the midweek international against Macedonia, but they both started the game.

Riera was not injured and he was not tired. Indeed, Torres played the full game against Macedonia whilst Riera was a 46th minute substitute, so there was no real need to dump him on the bench.

I completely understand Riera's frustration but it's typical Benitez, who often does the opposite of what is logical. Anyway, was Riera right to question the manager's decisions?

That's two players this week whose frustration with Benitez has spilled out into the public. Who else is the manager going to alienate this year?!

Riera better watch out though - most players who get into spats with Benitez end up sold or perennially on the bench.


12 comments:

  1. If he didnt feel the need for him to play - then thats it - enough said. However I would be interested to see Riera partner Torres upfront for a game, he has the qualities hight, pace, touch to perform. Anyone agree?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Was wondering what happened to the lad he looks threatening
    and gives players trouble earning free kicks proves it

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't think any of the answers is right. Of course you can ask the manager why did he leave you out and talk about it publicly. In my opinion Riera is not accusing or criticising Benitez. If he was, then it would be stupid and wrong. In the first game Benitez gave Babel a chance because he'd been playing well in pre-season. If that was a mistake that cost us 3 points, i don't think so. The whole team performed under their level. Anyway, you really can't  put together tactics and formation like you do in the answer number four. Maybe the formation was correct but tactics weren't, or the other way round. They don't always go hand in hand.

    But i think you have a very good point bringing these things into discussion. Keep on the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  4. horrible website....

    ReplyDelete
  5. C'mon Riera! the season is still long. It's just the first few games. Let your feet do the talking instead. It would be stupid for a player to sound out his frustration publicly for not in the starting 11 when the season just started only.

    If every player behave like him, then everyday there would be players complaining not being in the starting 11.

    It's up to the manager and the physio to decide whether he is fit to play or not. He might not be match fit, or not performing well during training. But we dunno. And it doesn't mean that if he play lesser time than torres in the friendly, then he is fitter and Benitez shouldn't drop him and play torres.

    When babel get the chance to play, people complain that riera should be playing. But when riera play constantly on the left wing, people complain that Benitez is not giving Babel chance to play. So how? 

    Finding faults and criticizing are easy to say and do. People will just criticize and find fault with manager if there is a chance. When liverpool was performing last season, everyone came out and say how good benitez was. Now when something went wrong just in the early season, all the fingers are pointed toward the manager, people are saying things like liverpool will never win the title this season, benitez making lot of mistakes, benitez should go.

    When there are people happy, there are people unhappy. 

    ReplyDelete
  6. Babel had played well in pre-season. You earn your place... Babel has now failed, Riera gets the nod. Its not hard Albert!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What nonsense... Riera played well in pre-season too... I remember a goal of his (with his typical cool-finish), and btw, Riera has more than earned his place in the squad with his above-average performance last season, certainly better than anyone else we have on the left.

    And, Jaimie, regarding your accusation of Rafa sidelining or selling off players who've gotten into spats (if that) with him is rather unfounded... I remember you saying the same thing about Benayoun last season when Benny defied Rafa and went to play for his National Team... but, it turned out he played more matches later on. Anyway Rafa's ways are inscrutable I guess.

    Ultimately, Riera certainly deserves a starting opportunity in most of, if not all of our matches, He gives us the much needed width, flair and attacking intent. He had a great start and and average finish to the last season and certainly has the potential to improve... unlike our rapping-Babel. Rafa please don't waste Riera.

    ReplyDelete
  8. it would be an interesting experiment - I wouldn't mind seeing it :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. You talk about not doing things publicly but what sort of example does Rafa set?  Already this season, Benitez has criticised Gerrard, Torres and Babel in public.  You can hardly expect the players not to do it if the manager is constantly doing it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You can be pissed at Rafa for not playing Babel or Riera, but not for playing one over the other.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jamie when Rafa criticised Gerrad and Torres i public .. what happened - Both payers stepped up and had better more influencial in their lastgames and we all now hope that Liverpool will go on a good run .... Babel on the otherhand has done the opposite and asked to leave instead, This is not a good example to the manager, club or supporters.

    Babel's best position for us isn't on either wings because he's never played well consistently there but if he is brought on and plays up front with Torres on a regular basis- then we will (hopefully) see the best of out him. I know Gerrard is there at the moment so it's diffcult to accomodate. At the moment there are a few problem with our style of play in terms of creating but still feel every player has their part to play.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jamie when Rafa criticised Gerrard and Torres in public .. what happened - Both payers stepped up and were more influencial in their last game and we all now hope and expect Liverpool will go on a good run .... Babel on the otherhand has done the opposite and asked to leave instead, This is not a good example of a player wanting to work hard fir his manager, club or supporters. He's pratically admitting defeat and given up.
     
    Babel's best position for us isn't on either wings because he's never played well consistently there but if he is brought on and plays up front with Torres on a regular basis- then we will see the best of out him. I know Gerrard is there at the moment so it's diffcult to accomodate. There are a few problem with our style of play in terms of creating but still feel every player has their part to play.

    ReplyDelete