Rafa Benitez believes that Liverpool are capable of winning the Premiership, but bemoaned the lack of financial support his board gave him after the club failed to sanction the £18 million signing of Gareth Barry.

“We are here to win every trophy, but now we have United, Chelsea and City spending big, big money. Also this year, Aston Villa, and then you’ve got the quality of Arsenal,” said Benitez.

“Our supporters need to know that we are always doing our best, but it cannot be a case of ‘oh you’ve spent £20 million so you should win.

“We spent £20 million on [Fernando] Torres last year and £20 million on Robbie Keane this year, and people are saying we have to win the title now.

“United has £20 million for Nani, £20 million for [Owen] Hargreaves, £18 million for [Michael] Carrick, £30 million for [Wayne] Rooney, £30 million for [Rio] Ferdinand, £20 million for Anderson, and some of these players can sit on the bench.

“People need to understand that it is not easy to win the title, so it is important to support the team and take the pressure away.”