Rafa rapped by Ronnie

Liverpool legend Ronnie Whelan has accused Reds boss Rafa Benitez of sacrificing the Premier League in order to "get a job in Europe".

Former Republic of Ireland star Whelan, who was a key part of the midfield at Anfield throughout the trophy-laden 1980s, has spoken out to claim Benitez's days on Merseyside are numbered following their defeat at Fulham on Saturday.

The Reds are now nine points behind league leaders Chelsea after 11 games and also face a make-or-break Champions League trip to French giants Lyon in midweek as they bid to keep their European season alive.

And Whelan has stuck the knife into Spaniard Benitez following the decision to substitute star striker Fernando Torres, who has struggled with groin trouble recently, at Craven Cottage after an hour with the game delicately balanced at 1-1.

He told RTE TV in Ireland: "It's all gone wrong with the manager and he's shown exactly where his priorities lie.

"He wants to win the European Cup so he can get a job in Europe. For me, his days have got to be numbered at Liverpool.

"He's taken players off who are the only players who are going to give you a chance of winning the game. And he drags them all off because he's got a game on Wednesday."

Liverpool, who have big injury problems, lost to Lyon at home last time out in the Champions League and have little margin for error at the Stade de Gerland