Liverpool are to review Rafael Benítez’s position at the end of the season after their home defeat by Barnsley. The move comes despite previous assurances from their co-chairman Tom Hicks that the manager will fulfil the final 2½ years of his Anfield contract.

Hicks last month assured Liverpool supporters that the Spaniard was safe until at least 2010 as he sought to repair damage caused by his approach to Jürgen Klinsmann. The embarrassing FA Cup exit, however, coupled with a 19-point gap between Liverpool and the Premier League leaders Arsenal, have raised further doubts over Benítez, and Hicks’ vote of confidence will be reassessed. That will be the case whether Hicks and George Gillett are in control of Liverpool in May or Dubai International Capital has succeeded in its attempt to buy out the Americans.