CHRISTIAN PURSLOW has dismissed any notion Rafael Benitez’s job as Liverpool manager is in danger despite his team’s Champions League exit last night.

A 1-0 win in Hungary against Debrecen wasn’t enough as Fiorentina’s victory over Lyon by the same scoreline means Liverpool cannot now qualify from Group E.

The Anfield outfit will instead drop down to the Europa League for the first time under Benitez’s reign, the latest setback of a disappointing campaign with Liverpool already out of the Carling Cup and five points off the top four.

But Liverpool managing director Purslow said: “The fact we are out has no bearing on Rafa whatsoever.

“He signed A new five-year deal four months ago and in those terms he is four months into a five-year journey and you don’t deviate from long-term plans and the way to take the club to the next level because of two late goals against Lyon, and that’s what it boils down to.”

Purslow also allayed fears the elimination will have a major impact on the club’s finances.

Liverpool budget for progress to the first knockout stage of the Champions League, and the anticipated shortfall of £2.4million, would be covered by a run in the Europa League.