“My position hasn’t changed too much,” said Benitez. “People were saying ‘he wants power’, but it’s no different. We have a budget, a managing director – the only difference is the input into the Academy.

“Our fans are clever. They know even with Bill Shankly, the most famous manager this club has ever had, there were a few years without winning. Every club has bad moments but now everyone has an opinion. The proper fans know this clubs has won things, but we have lost as well.

“They understand that we are frustrated because the last year was so good and we wanted to be even closer. I think they understand it’s been a bad season and the only way to change it is to work even harder.”

Liverpool will welcome back Javier Mascherano into midfield after the Argentine completed his four-match suspension, while Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and David Ngog are all vying for a starting role.

New signing Maxi Rodriguez will go straight into the squad at the Britannia, but is likely to be on the bench.

“It will be difficult, because for a week when he knew he was coming he was not training at the same level as the rest of the team or involved in games,” said Benitez. “But he was training, he’s okay, but maybe Stoke is not the best game to start with a new player.”

Pepe Reina, who missed Wednesday’s defeat, faces a late fitness test on a back problem with Diego Cavalieri standing by to once again deputise.

“Pepe had a problem the other day but today we are checking a different problem, with his back,” added Benitez. “The other day was just precaution but now we have to manage a small problem in his back with the physios.”

One player not in the matchday squad is Ryan Babel, who used an online networking site to announce the news.

Writing on his twitter page, Babel said: “Disappointing news. The boss left me out the squad. No explanation.

“What happened after a first good season? Scoring 10 goals, being young talent of the year, and then second and this season don’t play at all?

“(I) never had a fight with the manager, I always kept quiet. Where did it go wrong? You have people who support me and don’t support me... and one day, you will see what I’m capable of, will it be at LFC or somewhere else... I have faith.

“In a football career you have ups and downs... Every player has them.”