RAFAEL BENITEZ has praised the desire of new signing Glen Johnson, hitting out at ‘money’ motivated former target Gareth Barry while also warning Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano that they owe loyalty to Liverpool.

Right-back Johnson, at £16million the most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history was unveiled at Melwood yesterday following his record-breaking move from Portsmouth and his new manager took the opportunity to point out that he had chose to come to the club for the right reasons unlike Barry who earlier this summer left Aston Villa to join Manchester City.

Benitez said: “He always wanted Liverpool as soon as he heard the name. He is a signing that wanted to come.

“He is an England international who has been at big clubs before and it shows the desire of the player to be successful here.

“We knew we had to pay good money because he had good offers. We are not spending big money normally for players but in this case we are talking about an English very good offensive defender.

“I have an idea, but maybe it’s just me. In this market now, money is not the main thing. Everyone at this level earns big money. You have to enjoy, make decisions, do your best in the right way.

“If it’s just for money sometimes you will make mistakes, like Gareth Barry.

“I won’t say too much (about Barry’s move to Manchester City) but it was clearly for money. The most important thing is to decide the passion of the player.”

Although Benitez is eager to have players that show the right desire to play for Liverpool, he also insists that managers in his position can hold on to players if they want them.

The Spaniard is determined to fend off interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona for Alonso and Mascherano, saying: “When you are at a top side you can do it so you have to decide about the players and the way to do things. If you have to be strong enough we will be strong enough.

“Both players are under contract, we are really pleased with them.

“Don’t forget when we signed Xabi Alonso, nobody knew of him. We renewed his contract two years ago and he said he was happy.