Irish and Liverpool soccer legend Ronnie Whelan was hugely critical of Rafa Benitiez’ substitutions against Fulham in their 3-1 defeat at the weekend and suggested that the Liverpool manager was only using his position to secure another job In Europe.

“It’s all gone wrong with the manager. He has shown today exactly where his priorities lie. He want to win the European Cup so that he can get a job anywhere in Europe,” said Whelan while working as a pundit on RTE television on Saturday night

“For me now, his days have got to be numbered,” continued Whelan. "Why, after such a great result against Manchester Unite,d do you want to take a huge step backwards after losing to Arsenal in the Carling Cup as well?

“He showed me today that all he wants to do today is win the European Cup because of the way he picked the team and because of the way he filled the bench."

During the Liverpool game, Benitez took off Torres, Benayoun and Kuyt, arguably his three most creative players, decisions which rankled with Whelan.

"He's taken players off who are the only players who are going to give you a chance of winning the game. And he drags them all off because he's got a game on Wednesday.

"When I saw the team I thought he's not bothered about this game. He's putting all his eggs in one basket [the European Cup] and I can't see why he's done it."

Liverpool face Lyon in a must-win Champions League game Wednesday, and if they suffer another defeat then Benitez could lose the support of the Liverpool fans, who have patiently supported him up to now.