Blame Benitez, Says Gillett—Is This The Beginning Of The End?

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The latest remarks from Liverpool co-owner George Gillett seem to have turned the temperature on Rafa Benitez' already-warm seat up to blistering hot.

"That means it should be getting better. Now if it's not getting better, it's not Gillett and Hicks; it's the manager; it's the scouting. You have to make sure you balance out your analysis.

"There was plenty of money, so if you have any complaints, take a look at the ins and outs," said Gillett, speaking of the £128 million invested in the club by himself and co-owner Tom Hicks in the last 18 months.

Such a statement makes it sound like the clock is ticking on Benitez' tenure at Anfield, but is all of this pressure deserved?

Liverpool fans are understandably anxious with regards to their club's league title drought, but it's not as if the club is starved for silverware. Benitez has had success with Liverpool both in Europe and domestic cups. He is undeniably a manager of high-quality, but he seems to face a lot of criticism over his inability to bring a Premier League title to Anfield.

Rather than be so quick to criticize, perhaps we should take a look at his competition and his other accomplishments at Liverpool.

Every member of the Big Four has a world-class manager. In his time at Liverpool, Benitez has had to compete with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti.

In addition to their managerial prowess, the Big Four also boast considerable financial resources. Liverpool is not alone when it comes to making large investments in a squad.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have been willing to splash cash on pricey transfers, and Manchester City has also recently joined the ranks of the extravagantly wealthy.

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