The Reds went down 2-1 to Championship outfit Reading, piling further pressure on their already under-fire manager.
Liverpool, who lay 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage and this latest blow could put Benitez's job under increasing scrutiny, with the Europa Cup now the club's one remaining hope of silverware.
Benitez is generally held in high regard by Liverpool fans following his side's infamous Champions League success in 2005, though this latest episode seems to be causing concern even amongst his most ardent supporters.
Amongst the biggest criticisms of Benitez's tenure has been his failure to successfully utilise the transfer funds available to him. Fernando Torres has undeniably proved a revelation at Anfield, but the likes of Ryan Babel, Robbie Keane, Andriy Voronin and Lucas Leiva have all failed to make the desired impact.
His notorious tinkerman tactics are also unappreciated by many, while his inability to replace the departed Xabi Alonso has undeniably contributed heavily to both his own personal downfall and that of Liverpool.
Benitez, who upset Alonso by publicly seeking to replace him with the signing of Gareth Barry last season, is widely criticised for failing to appreciate the contribution of the Spanish midfielder, as well as for replacing him with crocked £20 million man Alberto Aquilani.
Thankfully for Benitez, the fact that Reds fans have far bigger qualms with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett may play in his favour. The Liverpool moneymen would surely be anxious of causing further supporter unrest with the sacking of Benitez and that in itself could buy the Reds boss further time.
However, failure to get a positive result when the Reds travel to the notoriously hostile Britannia Stadium to face a dogged Stoke City side could prove the final straw. To make matters worse Liverpool could be without captain Steven Gerrard, Torres and Yossi Benayoun for the trip, all of whom picked up knocks last night.
If the Spaniard's worst fears are finally realised and he is sacked in the coming weeks possible replacements could include former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Reds legend Kenny Dalglish or Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.
- Gareth Burton
ODDS FOR NEXT LIVERPOOL MANAGER
Jose Mourinho - 2/1
Kenny Dalglish - 3/1
Guus Hiddink - 4/1
Gerard Houllier - 10/1
Jurgen Klinnsman - 12/1
Oswaldo de Olivera - 14/1
Martin O'Neill - 16/1
Frank Rijkaard - 20/1
Mauricio Pelligrini - 20/1
Luiz Felipe Scolari - 22/1
Source: DSG
