Rafa has priorities wrong - Whelan - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Whelan, who won six league titles during his Anfield career, believes Benitez's decision to substitute striker Fernando Torres after an hour of the Reds' 3-1 defeat to Fulham - when the scores were locked at 1-1 - was proof the Spaniard has his eye on Europe.

The Reds face Lyon away on Wednesday night, and Whelan told Ireland's RTE Television: "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."

The defeat at Fulham slipped the Reds nine points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, and Whelan believes Benitez may not see out the season in charge.

"For me, his days have got to be numbered at Liverpool," he added.

"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.

"When I saw the team I thought he's not bothered about this game. He's putting all his eggs in one basket and I can't see why he's done it."