Benitez wary of City threat

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that the new influx of money at Manchester City is a direct challenge to Liverpool's top four spot.

City have joined the mega-rich elite this week with their latest takeover and they have already flexed their financial muscle signing Robinho from Real Madrid and Benitez knows it makes his job a little harder at Anfield."You cannot just win the title by spending money but Chelsea won for two years spending big, big money. Afterwards Manchester United won spending lots of money too," said the Spaniard.

"If we are talking about spending money then maybe Manchester City will win the title this year.

"It is not just a question of money but if you have more money it is easier. If you don't have too much money, you must do the job as best you can.

"If we are talking now, maybe they (City) need time but if we talk in January maybe they will buy five players, then you never know.

"But it is not just a question of 'I will invest more and I will win'. You cannot guarantee anything."

Benitez added: "We are here to win every trophy, but now we have United, Chelsea and City spending big, big money.

"Also this year, Aston Villa, and then you've got the quality of Arsenal.

"Our supporters need to know that we are always doing our best, but it cannot be a case of 'oh you've spent £20m so you should win'.

"People need to understand that it is not easy to win the title, so it is important to support the team and take the pressure away."