Benitez can’t understand O’Neill’s outburst

Rafael Benitez can’t understand why O’Neill reacted so angrily to the Gareth Barry saga.

“We were just talking about football so why he was so angry, I do not know,” he added.

“I have been very clear. The player had said before that he wanted to play Champions League football. We knew that and so tried to sign a good player. It is that simple.”

“If your captain wants to leave it’s a problem but that’s football,” said Benítez.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill earlier blasted the £10million tabled bid from Rafael Benitez in a bid to prise captain Gareth Barry away from Villa Park.