Liverpool legend John Barnes insists whoever gets the Anfield hot-seat, whether it is Roy Hodgson or Kenny Dalglish, will enjoy a "win-win situation". Benitez parted company with the Reds by mutual consent last week and speculation continues over the contenders to step into his shoes at Anfield.
The former league and FA Cup winner said: "Whoever comes in will finish better than seventh, regardless of whether there is money to spend.
"To be honest, I would like there not to be money to spend because if there is, it means you have sold Gerrard or Torres. So under those circumstances, I'd rather have no money!
"A manager coming in has to be prepared to work in those circumstances, knowing that Liverpool will finish higher than seventh. So it's a positive thing.
"Even with no money to spend, if you finish fourth you have done better than last year. The same if you finish fifth or sixth, you have still done better.
"It's a win-win situation. I hope Liverpool fans don't expect a manager coming in saying 'we're going to finish first or second' and I don't think they will."
As for the names in the frame, Barnes insists he has no strong opinion. However, he believes both former boss Dalglish and Fulham boss Hodgson are well qualified.
"Is it going to be Kenny Dalglish or Roy Hodgson? Who knows?" he said.
"Both would do a great job, there are lots of good managers and whoever it is will have to be a proven manager so they won't get the decision wrong.
"If Kenny wants it, why not Kenny? If it's Roy Hodgson I'm sure he'll do a good job as well."
