One Thing Liverpool Supporters Should Thank Rafa Benitez For

Nearly everyone knows that Steven Gerrard contemplated leaving the club in search of more trophies, but as he reaches his tenth year as a red, should Liverpool supporters be thanking Rafael Benitez for Gerrard's recent statement that he now wants to end his career with Liverpool?

Before Rafa took control in 2004, Liverpool was a team struggling in the league and were nothing more than a good UEFA cup side. Despite a good 2001 season, they had never really been considered to be one of the top sides in England on a consistent basis.

For the realistic Liverpool supporters out there, it is clear to see the progression of the club over the past four seasons.

Liverpool are now feared a great deal in Europe by some of the very best teams from the Champions League and it looks like Rafa is finally getting it right in the Premiership after his rebuilding process is nearing completion—the club is starting to look like the dominant force that it was once famous for.

Steven Gerrard appears to be going from strength to strength under the Spaniard and the captain's game seems to have improved considerably in the last four years. Some might say this is due to the quality of his teammates. Players like Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt, and Robbie Keane have been brought in by Rafa and it appears Gerrard's game has improved because of this.

The future for Liverpool is certainly looking good and not many supporters can deny that it is mostly down to the hard work of Rafael Benitez as the club's manager.

Gerrard has stated he wants to finish his career with Liverpool so should the club's supporters be thanking Rafael Benitez for this welcome piece of news?

Would you like to be forced to pay for cup games as part of your season ticket if you knew you couldn't make it to the games? Well that is whats happening at Manchester United right now. Have a quick look at my article explaining what is wrong with the compulsory Automatic Cup Ticket Scheme at Old Trafford.