Liverpool boss Benitez offers sympathy for Sven's plight at Manchester City

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Benitez and Eriksson come face to face tomorrow as rival managers when Liverpool host City at Anfield.

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Say hello and wave goodbye: Sven Goran Eriksson at his first game in charge of Manchester City

Former England boss Eriksson is believed to know he will be sacked at the end of the season, and is in a strange limbo as the campaign comes to an end.

Benitez, who has been under pressure himself this term, says of his counterpart: "You do not know exactly what has been happening there, but I feel City have done a very good job this season.

"He (Sven) must be pleased with his own performance. You never know what is going to happen in football, but I am sure his players will do their best for him.

"I do not know whether that will be good for him or not.

"Football now is so difficult. I have been under pressure too. In football, everybody wants to win straight away, and that is not easy.

"Arsene Wenger has been in control for over 12 years, Sir Alex Ferguson for 21 years. So to win trophies and a strong team, you need time."

Benitez hopes to have Fernando Torres and Martin Skrtel back from injuries sustained in Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final exit at Chelsea.

But his view on City mirrors many in the game, including the club's former owners and directors who have been lobbying for Eriksson to keep his job.

Benitez said: "City have had a very good season. They lost a few and were too far away from the European positions, but people there have done a fantastic job.

"Winning is not easy, but Sven and his people have my sympathy over what seems to be happening.

"It is a surprise to see him under pressure. They have done a very good job."

He added: "As a manager, you always want more time. I can understand people in football now wanting success straight away, but stability is the key to success.

"If you look at the bigger picture, you can always see that is the case. You need to manage for some years in a row."