Daniel Agger has dismissed claims that Liverpool's financial problems off the field have been a catalyst for failure on it.
The Reds have failed to live up to expectations this year after finishing just two points off winning the league title in 2009, with the team's exit from the Europa League at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Thursday leaving their season all but over.
But Danish defender Agger has claimed that his side are yet to give up hope, and that the players can not blame the unrest at boardroom level and the issues over the future of Benitez for their level of performance.
"The players can't use the ownership issue as an excuse because it had absolutely nothing to do with us," he said.
"You can talk all you want, but it means nothing if you don't show anything on the pitch."
The ongoing wrangling between owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks as they try to sell the club and settle outstanding debts has been seen by Benitez as a reason behind the club's alarming fall from grace this season, with little funds available to strengthen the squad.
Agger appeared to agree with Benitez's issues to some extent; however the 25-year-old stated that despite changes in the hierarchy being required, his team-mates had to stand up and be counted in the final games of the season.
"A lot of things have to change here," he added.
"We all have to realise this season hasn't been good enough and we need to do more.
"For me the reason is simple - the players have not performed. Players should be playing for their futures.
"If you don't perform then you shouldn't play. It is that simple."
The Reds have failed to live up to expectations this year after finishing just two points off winning the league title in 2009, with the team's exit from the Europa League at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Thursday leaving their season all but over.
But Danish defender Agger has claimed that his side are yet to give up hope, and that the players can not blame the unrest at boardroom level and the issues over the future of Benitez for their level of performance.
"The players can't use the ownership issue as an excuse because it had absolutely nothing to do with us," he said.
"You can talk all you want, but it means nothing if you don't show anything on the pitch."
The ongoing wrangling between owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks as they try to sell the club and settle outstanding debts has been seen by Benitez as a reason behind the club's alarming fall from grace this season, with little funds available to strengthen the squad.
Agger appeared to agree with Benitez's issues to some extent; however the 25-year-old stated that despite changes in the hierarchy being required, his team-mates had to stand up and be counted in the final games of the season.
"A lot of things have to change here," he added.
"We all have to realise this season hasn't been good enough and we need to do more.
"For me the reason is simple - the players have not performed. Players should be playing for their futures.
"If you don't perform then you shouldn't play. It is that simple."
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