Rafa Benitez Edging Toward Liverpool Exit

In the wake of Liverpool’s Europa League exit, Rafa Benítez’s Anfield future has come under increased focus, with the coach’s recent comments and refusal to affirm his status fueling speculation that he will be moving to Juventus at season’s end.

That speculation has finally climbed out of the tabloids and into the mainstream, with Benítez’s own words - in addition to the great Benítez-Juventus fit - filling the gaps between the story’s lines.

As an explanation of Liverpool’s Thursday defeat, Benítez pointed to the financial state at Liverpool. Over the last few years, the manager has complained about the lack of transfer money, but in the wake of the club’s difficulties servicing the debt they owe to the Royal Bank of Scotland, this summer’s funds are unlikely to be more abundant.

Current Liverpool owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have said they are trying to sell the team. A new owner could come in with significant investment, solving Benítez’s budgetary problems. However, Benítez knows better than anybody that the current financial situation will not allow the five summer signings he wants, particularly given Liverpool might be without their regular installment of UEFA Champions League money, the Reds looking long-shots to gain a lucrative spot in the tournament.

In light of these obstacles, it is curious that Benítez continues his call for more money - asking for something he knows he is unlikely to get. What is the point of publicly airing this demand?

Perhaps Benítez is merely providing the press and public with his honest evaluation, but it also seems the Spaniard is paving his way out of Anfield. Benítez is defining the circumstances by which he can succeed. He needs investment. He needs players, and if he doesn’t get it, he can claim the situation at Liverpool is untenable, a circumstance under which he can justify leaving. A supportive fanbase around the Kop, about whom Benítez has always cared, will blame ownership, not the manager, for the exit.

And all of this comes ahead of Sunday’s huge match at Anfield against Chelsea. Should Liverpool lose, their slim hopes of Champions League will be extinguished. Should they win, they get a season-defining victory but also move rival Manchester United closer to a historic title.

Neither scenario would be a glorious end to the Benítez-era at Anfield.