Liverpool’s co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are still searching for the outside investment they require by the summer to lower their debt to a manageable level and allow work on the proposed new stadium on Stanley Park to proceed.

Global private equity firm the Rhone Group are the latest potential investors and are believed to be preparing a £100million-plus offer for a 40% share in the club.

A cash injection would free up money to be spent on squad strengthening, and Benitez said: “We know that in the Premier League there can be a massive difference when you’re talking of money, size of stadiums and all those things.

“But one bad season, although it’s really disappointing, is not the main thing – the main thing is concentrating on the future.

“If we want to achieve things we have to do them properly. The manager, the staff, the whole club... everyone in all the departments. One good or bad year doesn’t make the difference, you have to see the big picture. My responsibility is to focus on the things I can change.”

Liverpool have not won silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2006, and Benitez remains determined to alter that statistic.

“The expectations were really high at the beginning of the season,” he said. “When we didn’t win a few games there were a few comments.

“There was a bit of uncertainty and also the confidence of the players was affected, but that is something we have to manage. My motivation is to win trophies. I want to be contenders in every competition, so we have to stay together to bring the best out of everyone. We have an important game to prepare for, and then have to do the same for another crucial one on Sunday.”

TONIGHT’S officials are from Italy, with Nicola Rizzoli the referee.