Mark Lawrenson - Liverpool's problems won't end if Rafa leaves

The man in charge of the team has to go when he reaches the stage where the players won't play for him and he has, to coin the phrase 'lost the dressing room'.

And the performance against Stoke proved that's not happened.

The last place you would want to go when you're under fire and have just been dumped out of the FA Cup by a Championship side is the Britannia. You just don't need another physical battering when you're already being counted out on the floor.

But Liverpool bounced back off the canvas. They obviously paid for the fact that they were missing their three most creative players and the lack of a cutting edge cost them in the end.

But they stood up and fought to the finish. It proved that the players responded to the manager and at the end the fans responded the way Liverpool fans do - they shook off their disappointment at the late equaliser to show the appreciation of the effort.

However, it's not that I think Benitez will necessarily turn it round by winning the Europa League and finishing in the top four.

Even before the brief respite the performance at Stoke has given him, I just didn't see the point of removing him.

His contract is very much tied to all aspects of the club now, like the academy.

You would be talking about a lot of upheaval not just in removing the current manager, but in sounding out a new one.

There's also the problem with Spanish players following him through the exit, especially as Torres and Reina have been two of this season's top performers.

And of course, the Americans are still looming large. With issues over ownership, investment and overall financial instability, there are too many unanswered questions.

And that alone jeopardises the whole process of choosing a new manager anyway.

So I think Liverpool have little choice but to stick with him, and certainly give it to at least the end of this season before assessing his future.

As regards that outcome, tomorrow's clash with Tottenham is massive.

The two managers are polar opposites. Harry Redknapp will always try to squeeze in an extra striker to his team, Benitez an extra defender.

So Spurs should be coming to Anfield and having a go and that makes it an intriguing prospect.

But it's not so much the result that will be significant as the nature of the game. I would be really concerned if Tottenham came and outplayed us with the better football.

I think that would be an indication of how far Liverpool have slipped down the order. Spurs, Aston Villa and Manchester City have all improved while we have been struggling to just stand still.

Tomorrow is the perfect time to set about changing that pattern.