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Rafa Benitez is now walking a very tight rope, following Liverpool’s shock exit to Barnsley on Saturday.

Much will be said about his rotation system again, which he stubbornly refuses to change, and which could prove his undoing.  He once again started with Gerrard on the bench and with Torres not even making it that far, deciding to rest players for the Champions League match this week.

However, the team he did put out, which was still full of Internationals should have been good enough to beat the boys from South Yorkshire.  The fact is they under performed and despite creating a number of quality chances, failed to take them, due largely it has to be said to some last ditch defending by Barnsley and some superb goalkeeping by Luke Steele.

But the buck will stop with the coach/manager as it always does in football.

The Liverpool fans appear to be split.  Some irrationally blaming the American owners, some blaming Benitez and others backing both just asking that he be given more time.

As an outsider looking in, the owners seem to have done little wrong (other than be American), apart from deny Benitez another £100m in the last transfer window. With what he has spent, they could and probably should expect some silverware this year.  As it is, they now have to pin all of their hopes on the Champions League, and if they don’t win it, might not even make that particular competition next year.  If the 4th spot is taken by Everton it will rub salt into the wound and even the most loyal of Benitez’ supporters will call for his head.

The bottom line is that spedning a fortune on quality players does not guarantee trophies as many have found before.  The team needs quality throughout and balance,  and consistency.  It is down to the coach to ensure that the fortune is spent wisely to achieve this.  As far as I’m aware, Benitez has been given free reign here, and has failed.  Undoubtedly the rotation policy will play a large part in the the inconsistency.

Fail to win, and win well against Internationale this week and their season is over.  If that is the case I think Benitez’ spell on Merseyside will also be over come the summer.