Rafael Benítez under-pressure: should Liverpool give Spaniard more time?

Liverpool's only realistic chance of silverware this season rests on the Europa League following their FA Cup defeat to Reading. Rafael Benítez has been told no decision on his future will be made until the summer but should the club cut their losses and sack him now?

By Emily Benammar

In his first three seasons at Anfield, the Spaniard won the FA Cup and the Champions League and reached a second European Cup final. Benítez broke a record last season after guiding the club to second in the table with 86 points – the highest points tally achieved by a club who did not win the title.

This season, however, has been dismal. Seventh in the league and 12 points adrift of leaders Chelsea means Liverpool have their work cut out if they want to salvage a Champions League place.

Speculation over how long Benítez has left has been rife since October – as has the topic of who could replace him.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes Kenny Dalglish could help turn the club around.

“The way Liverpool have been playing, they have not been good," said Whelan. "They have lost 10 of the last 20 games. Benítez should have gone a long time ago. They have got to do it now. Do they bring in someone until the end of the season?

"Kenny Dalglish is back at the football club. Could he do it until the end of the season and see what happens?”

Dalglish is currently the bookies favourite to become the next manager on Merseyside at 11/14. He is followed by Jose Mourinho (7/2) and Guus Hiddink (9/2).

With time appearing to be running out for Benítez, Rory Smith adds Englandmanager Fabio Capello, Martin O'Neill and Roy Hodgson to the list of potential contenders.

So should Liverpool cut their losses now or give Benítez until the end of the season?