Why Liverpool still need Jose Mourinho to win the Premier League, by Stan Collymore

Rafa Benitez has just signed a new five-year contract at Liverpool with orders to bring a maiden Premier League crown to Anfield.

As a former Liverpool player I desperately hope Benitez succeeds but I cannot join in the enthusiasm over him.

I still have my doubts about the Spaniard. I know he will now have more control over transfer dealing.

But the bungling American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett remain in charge of the purse strings.

I have long believed that Jose Mourinho is the man for Liverpool.

Benitez cannot attract the type of players Mourinho was able to sign at Chelsea.

Benitez, in charge since 2004, has only ever recruited one future superstar in Fernando Torres. But he will need six or seven players of Torres' stature to ensure Liverpool are the best team in the country.

And I am not sure enough players like Torres will go to Liverpool while Benitez is there.

Mourinho is the true 'Special One' and I am still not convinced Liverpool's players believe Rafa is anything out of the ordinary.

Liverpool have recently had fantastic results against Manchester United and Real Madrid.

And I fancy them to edge past Chelsea in their big Champions League clash.

But losing at Middlesbrough last month has handed the Premier League title to United in all likelihood and it is that kind of inconsistency I believe only Mourinho can rectify.

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