Liverpool winger Albert Riera has tried to fan to flames of the commotion caused by his comments made on Spanish radio yesterday in which he labelled the club “a sinking ship” under Rafa Benitez.
Riera, frustrated at a lack of first team chances in the run up to this summer’s World Cup, is thought to have been suspended by the club until next week in light of his remarks.
Today the Spanish international moved to explain his comments.
“Ultimately it is about playing, and if I am not, we have to talk about why not,” said Riera.
“I do not want to make trouble with the manager, quite the opposite, but we have not had any talk about why it is.
“I played all of last year, and sometimes if I did not play so well in one game, I would still play the next week. But this season I have not played at all.
“When that starts happening, you have to assume it is something personal, rather than professional.
“I believe in these situations it is better to talk about it and try to fix it, or at least make sure everyone knows where they stand. I have no problem talking to people.”
Riera was dropped for last night’s Europa League tie against Lille at Anfield, and is not expected to travel with the squad to Sunday’s Premier League clash against Man Utd at Old Trafford.
Some reports have suggested Riera has also had a recent altercation with a young member of the Liverpool squad.
