Gareth Barry has admitted that Fabio Capello was justified in claiming his form had suffered markedly after a summer spent craving a move to Liverpool which never materialised, though the England midfielder is confident he will reimpose himself at the higher level having accepted that his future remains at Aston Villa.
Barry laboured during last month's friendly against the Czech Republic with Rafael Benítez still intent at the time on signing him, prompting Capello to concede after the fortunate 2-2 draw that the midfielder had struggled "because, at the moment, the Liverpool situation means he is not at his best". The 27-year-old has since reaffirmed his commitment to Aston Villa and, having now been a regular fixture in the England set-up for a year after four seasons in the wilderness, is hoping to underline his qualities in the first competitive fixtures of Capello's reign.
"It was a tough summer and it may have played a bit on my mind," said Barry, who saw his hopes of a move evaporate with Liverpool unwilling to meet Villa's £18m valuation. "It's the first time I've really experienced anything like that in my career, the first transfer I've been involved in after being at Villa more than 10 years, but it's all in the past now. I didn't go into the last game [against the Czechs] thinking about my club situation. I was still just trying to do the best for my country.
"But, sure, it wasn't the ideal pre-season for me, and it wasn't what I've been used to in previous years. I admit it was difficult at times, and that's why I felt it was important I didn't wait until the last minute before the transfer deadline to make a statement. I made it 10 days ago now, to let everyone know my mind's focused on playing for Villa and now, more importantly, for England. Everyone knows now what I'm focused on. I personally feel very good, very fit, and I'm mentally ready for these two games."
Next week's trip to Zagreb looms ever larger, though Capello's competitive debut should prove far less daunting against Andorra - ranked 186th in Fifa's rankings - in Barcelona tomorrow.
The Italian's predecessor, Steve McClaren, was embarrassed in the corresponding fixture in qualification for Euro 2008, his team becoming embroiled in a physical battle during the first period at the Olympic Stadium and retiring at the interval with bruised egos and the scoreline goalless. Masses of travelling England supporters then unleashed their frustration on the players.
Barry was an unused substitute that night, sharing the side's relief as Steven Gerrard finally scored against the part-timers to set up a 3-0 victory, though the memory of the ugly atmosphere remains with him. "I found it quite strange," he said. "It was hostile, and there was obviously a lot of pressure on the team at that moment. Sitting on the bench, there were boos quite early in the game. That's the expectation the fans have of England.
"So many had travelled over that day, and they were expecting us to get out of the blocks straight away. But that's football and the pressure that comes with it. The players who were there will have learnt from that experience. Hopefully, we can get off to a better start this time around, because it's a clean slate. This is the first game of the qualifying campaign and if we win convincingly, confidence can rise and rise for next week's game against Croatia."
Capello would expect his side - even in the context of their recent toils - to floor Andorra and, with that in mind, may be persuaded not to risk Rio Ferdinand tomorrow. The Manchester United defender has missed training for the past two days after suffering a stiff back, a problem from which he frequently suffers, and although he will travel with the squad to Spain today, he will be assessed by the Football Association's medical staff before a decision is taken as to whether he can play. Joe Cole, too, missed training at London Colney yesterday after suffering a kick to a calf, but he is expected to recover in time to feature.
Regardless, there is a sense of relief that after five friendly fixtures this squad can finally plunge themselves into a competitive game. "You can tell around the set-up that the lads are anxious to get going now," added Barry. "We've had five friendlies and there have been lessons to be learnt, but everyone knows this is where we're going to be judged. This is where it all starts."
