Benitez scared Man City will eclipse Liverpool, Man United, Arsenal & Chelsea

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has identified the super-rich owners of Manchester City and Portsmouth as genuine challengers to the English Premier League's 'Big Four' - Liverpool Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The four clubs once again finished in the Premier League's top four positions in 2008/09, seeing off the challenges of Everton and Aston Villa. But, rather than worry about either of those clubs. Benitez believes the 'new money' of Manchester City and Portsmouth will play a key part in defining next season.

Manchester City have already begun spending, securing Aston Villa's Gareth Barry for US$18 million.

"For me it is clear that today it is more difficult and complicated to win the Premier League than La Liga," said the Spaniard, who won La lIga twice with Valencia but is yet to capture the Premier League title at Anfield. "The arrival of the millionaires to the Premier League changes the schemes. Manchester City and Portsmouth could cause many problems for the normal title candidates."

Benitez also spoke out again about his happiness at the club, following repeated rumours of backroom discontent over the last couple of seasons. "In Liverpool I am happy because I am working with a group very committed in its objectives," he insisted.