Former Liverpool captain Phil Neal says it was the right time for Rafa Benitez to go.
Neal pointed to both Benitez's mixed record in the transfer market and his infamous verbal attack on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last January as key factors in his dismissal.
Benitez took on Ferguson over his criticisms of referees and the Barclays Premier League fixture list in a memorable press conference which saw him read from a prepared list of "facts".
The Reds led the table at the time but finished the season in second place, and Neal told Sky Sports News: "Maybe people thought Rafa had lost the dressing room somewhat throughout that season, maybe without that rant he may have clinched the title.
"When we were scoring goals galore, why have a go at Fergie - his closest rival for the Premier League most years? There was no way that was going to help the team.
"I thought that was a serious mistake on Rafa's part and maybe he'll reflect that now that he's got plenty of time to think about what he did."
On transfer dealings, he added: "Rafa has been backed to the hilt. We could go through what he did and didn't do.
"Stephen Warnock's going to the World Cup and he was our player some years ago. Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch and (Craig) Bellamy are there to remind us they were part of Liverpool not too long ago.
"I think he had people behind him recommending him players, who let him down somewhat. Those people who have been recommended haven't been up to the standard Liverpool are used to."