Liverpool cannot afford to sack Rafa Benitez due to his backroom staff, it has been revealed.

The Mirror says there are nine reasons why Liverpool will not sack Benitez before the end of the season.

They are the eight Spaniards and one Argentinian in the Anfield bootroom and getting rid of them and Benitez now would cost the Reds in excess of £25million.

Liverpool would have to pay up most of the £22.5million five-year deal Benitez signed just eight months ago if they gave him the boot.

And they would also have to pick up the bill for the exodus of his eight compatriots and Argentinian Mauricio Pellegrino, who would follow him through the exit.