Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits the club is living on their past reputation. Benitez has argued throughout the campaign that their second-place finish behind Manchester United last season was a result of the squad performing at their absolute maximum with no margin for error.

Without significant reinforcements the Spaniard believes it makes it almost impossible for them to challenge for the Premier League title never mind end a 20-year championship drought.

"At this moment the club has a big name and a big history and everyone is expecting us to be at the top," said Benitez.

"But in reality we don't have enough money so we have to manage the expectation."

When senior players start calling for a raft of new signings it becomes obvious there is concern about the future in the dressing room.

"Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres were talking about needing between three and five players and I agree with them," said Benitez, who continues to be linked with an end-of-season exit to Juventus.

"We will need those to have a stronger team.

"When I was asked about this I didn't say how much but a top-class player is around £15million so you can do the numbers - but it depends on the investors."

When asked if he had been given any indication there would be money available for rebuilding Benitez replied with a blunt: "No."