Alex McLeish Understands Liverpool Counterpart Rafa Benitez's Situation

Aside from the Manchester United scalp, Liverpool are winless since late September - a feat Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish hopes won't be remedied when his side take on Rafael Benitez's Reds on Monday evening.

McLeish, however, empathises with Benitez over the situation that has engulfed Anfield.

Liverpool have fallen down the Premier League rankings; nine points behind Chelsea, they are also facing a likely Champions League exit following their inability to defeat Olympique Lyonnais.

McLeish compared his experience at Rangers to the one Rafa is currently going through. He told the official website of the Premier League: "I think Rafa Benitez is a smart guy who has been in the game a long time and knows the expectation levels at a club like Liverpool, the same as I did at Rangers.

"We are not daft. When you have some results that are against expectations of the fans and what people expect of Liverpool, then you are always going to be under pressure.

"I was no different with the Rangers job but you have just got to keep your focus, your dignity and keep working as best as you know in the game," concluded the Blues' boss.