And the American stopper said: "If you look at two models of how to buy a football club, you would have to say Mr Lerner has done it the correct way, and the owners of Liverpool have done it in a more obscure way.
"Liverpool are a massive club and have tremendous supporters.
"But they are in a bit of a funk at the moment because of the ownership scenario."
Everyone at Villa Park hopes Barry stays out of Benitez's clutches until the transfer window closes at the end of August.
Friedel said: "He's a tremendous player and I'd obviously like all our top players to stay.
"But it is down to other people to comment on his situation."
