Liverpool gaffer stresses need for ‘associated players’

Following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Lazio on Friday night, Rafa Benitez was very quick to defend his pursuit of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry:

We need to improve if we can and I think we need another player, because clearly we have problems on the left. I have sold [John Arne] Riise, [Harry] Kewell has gone, [Fabio] Aurelio is injured and [Sebastián] Leto didn’t get a work permit, so we need another left-sided player. I cannot say now who that will be but Barry can fill that position and play in others, too.

Aside from denying the existence of Xabi Alonso, there’s nothing too mental going on in the quote above. But get ready for some crazy…