Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says Manchester City's new owners have made the Premiership title even more difficult to win.
"People need to understand that to win trophies is really difficult. More and more teams are spending more and more money," he said. "We will try to be closer and have a lot of confidence because the squad is better, but you can't guarantee anything. We must make sure we do our best every time.
"I'm surprised when some of the experts criticise us. They don't analyse the situation, the bigger picture of the Premier League and the levels of the other teams.
"As a manager, you have to analyse things properly, because you aren't a fan. You have a responsibility. You can't just say what people want to hear.
"The Premier League is becoming more and more difficult because so many people are spending money. La Liga is fantastic, but now the Premier League is better and more difficult.
"For us to qualify for the Champions League for five years in a row is important for a club of our stature. We want to win trophies, and to win the Premier League would be amazing. But it's not easy."
Benitez feels the pressure on managers to deliver is increasing with each passing season and points to Manchester City as an example of a side with added finance who could go on to break the so-called top four's stranglehold.
"If the owners of the clubs keep on spending big, big money, then they will want more and more success. But how many teams can win the title? Just one," added Benitez.
"So the rest of the teams who spend big money, the owners will realise they haven't won, so it could be more pressure and more problems for everyone.
"We're improving the squad every year, the value of the squad has become much better. We know we're better than before, but maybe the other teams are better also. Look at City, for example.
"As always, it also depends on the other teams. The job isn't harder, it's the same. When you are at a top side, you need to be ready to challenge for titles or to be under pressure.
"I don't have any problem with the pressure. But if people analyse the situation properly, it's changed a lot because other teams are signing big players."
