Liverpool owner George Gillett has pushed manager Rafael Benitez closer to the Anfield exit door after blaming the Spaniard for the Reds' failure to win a major trophy over the past three years.

Gillett has blasted Benitez for a lack of progress since he and fellow owner Tom Hicks took control of the club in February 2007.

At a meeting with supporters group Spirit of Shankly last week, Gillett told fans they should look at Benitez's transfer policy as oppose to the owners, who he insists have backed their manager unconditionally.

"In the last 18 months, we have invested £128 million on top of what has come in. That means it should be getting better," Gillett said.

"Now if it's not getting better, it's not Gillett and Hicks, it's the manager.

"You have to make sure you balance out your analysis. There was plenty of money, so if you have any complaints, take a look at the ins and outs."

The American has also rubbished reports Liverpool are struggling financially, insisting the club are in a far better condition than other members of the so called 'Big Four', Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

"The club is in extraordinarily good financial condition. Far better than Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal.

"We have invested massively, we have put more money in than anyone other than Manchester City, with the craziness they have got," Gillett said.

Gillett's latest comments will not go down well with Benitez who has continually insisted that Liverpool do not have the financial muscle to compete with their big spending league rivals.

The pressure is on the former Valencia coach to deliver a trophy after coming to within four points of Sir Alex Ferguson's side last season, who could overtake their long-standing record of 18 league titles this season.

Having lost three games already this season, after Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea, time is running out for Benitez to turn things around and save his job.