The European Dilemma that Threatens to Sink Liverpool

Another European night that had much in the balance, another win against all odds that showed Liverpool's and, in particular, Rafael Benitez's European pedigree. While the live commentary provided by commentators worldwide betrayed a lack of belief in the Anfield club's ability to pull another rabbit out of the hat in this game, Benitez and his team seemed to play with a strength of character and determination that oddly enough, lacked in their domestic game. Thus it was another result that put even more focus on the problems that has beset the most successful English football club in history.

Their Spanish manager, Rafael Benitez, has never faced much of a challenge bringing his team into battle on the European front. Twice in the last three years, Benitez has carried Liverpool on the back of his tactical genius to two Champions League finals, winning one of them, albeit in dramatic circumstances. That does not belittle his achievements in any way, in fact, his track record in the competitions of the best teams representing their own domestic leagues is second to none. To provide even more strength to his argument that he is the right man to lead Liverpool to further glory, he has continually done so with players that admittedly, are short on quality compared to the other top European teams.

However, and this is a big but, Benitez has consistently failed to lift Liverpool to the same lofty heights in the English Premier League. The gap between them and the eventual champions during his time in charge has often been huge, with an average close to 20 points per season. Prior to each season, big money transfers would be made, with fans' hopes raised dramatically in hope that each season would finally be the one in which they won their long awaited 19th English league title. Alas, that end is nowhere in sight, and as this season unfolded, the problems seemed to become bigger with each passing game.

Therein lies the enigma that is Rafael Benitez, which threatens to lead Liverpool to a deepening crisis and potential financial ruin. So often the king tactician in Europe, Benitez has failed to come to grips with the English game. Even more worrying is his inability to adapt his tactical plans when evidence has shown that they do not work. The argument for him would point to a lack of quality players willing to come to Liverpool. But ultimately, he is the one who decides which player the club pays good money for, and so far, his signings have generally failed to deliver. Perhaps with better players, his much maligned rotation policy might work. Unfortunately, it has been too many seasons too long, and Liverpool continues to sink deeper into mediocrity.