Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Monday May 5 2008
Time: 10:48AM
Patrik Berger has spoken about Gareth Barry and says he should leave Villa and go to Anfield.
In an article for The Telegraph, the Czech Midfielder, now public enemy number one amongst Villa fans (!) said:
'It is Liverpool and if I was in Gareth's position I would go there tomorrow. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, it would mean Champions League and challenging for trophies every season. The manager is doing a fantastic job here, but I think to reach the top four it will take more time, more work and more players.'
Fans in the Vital forum are saying Berger should be shipped out immediately: Click Here But lets be honest without our claret and blue specs on, what exactly has he said wrong? These players aren't fans of clubs, they are staff and they have to think about their own careers surely?
If I was in Barry's position, (he is not a fan, he is a member of staff) what would I do? 10 years in one job and no European football? Possibly £100k a week and a new challenge? Champions League football whilst at the pinnacle of my career?
Where is Berger wrong? MON is doing a good job (not sure fantastic yet but we are moving forward) but we were out of both cups at the first hurdle, we could have challenged for 4th with proper players being brought in last summer but that was totally screwed up.
Barry waited last year, he was excited at the prospect of the world class players incoming and we got Harewood (nice chap, 100% commitment, but come on, the next level?), Moustapha Salifou who hasn't been played and Wayne Routledge (in January) who again, to date, hasn't got a look in despite a wafer thing squad.
Maybe Berger shouldn't have said that in public, but I can't argue, as much as I'd like to, with what he said.
This summer we 'might' do the business in the transfer market, does Barry take the risk and end up being disappointed again?
Careers are short, yes we helped build Barry's career but a few seasons ago (under David O'Leary) he was the only bugger who cared and was the one that kept Villa up.
Not sure he owes us anything does he?
Personally I'd rather see him at least see out his contract but an unhappy player is not good in the dressing room so....?
Always good to remember that no one person is bigger than our fantastic club, I hope to God he stays as I've been a Barry bore for years, I think he is quality, but a club this size does not have to beg anyone to remain, we've survived departures before, we'll survive departures again. One thing we (hopefully) can be sure of is this current board won't be giving any players away, the clubs that want our lot can either cough big time up or sling their hooks!
Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.
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