Rafael Benitez's frustrations at Liverpool's inconsistencies this season finally surfaced last night as the Spaniard publicly questioned his players' attitude and suggested some are motivated more by money than the prospect of reviving the club.

The Merseysiders suffered their 10th league defeat of the season on Saturday with a meek 2-0 loss at Birmingham City, leaving them five points adrift of their city rivals Everton in fourth. Benitez's fury at that result was exacerbated by the fact that his team were aware that Everton had lost earlier in the day to Chelsea, yet still could not take advantage with a listless display at St Andrew's.

"I have come here to work hard and I expect everyone else to do the same," said Benitez, who signed a five-year contract at the club last summer. "I don't want to spend time here without trophies. It is not enough for me to see my side play well in one or two games. I want consistency and that means everyone working harder.

"I told the players this week that, when I decided to join this club, I took it on as a challenge. I haven't come to Liverpool to earn money. We all have to accept responsibility and do everything we possibly can to make a strong team, not only in the future but now."

Benitez has remained publicly supportive up to now, refusing to criticise his recently adopted squad, though his patience appears to have snapped.

The outburst mirrors similar statements made by Benitez's predecessor, Gerard Houllier, who questioned his players' commitment as his side struggled to make an impact last season, before the Frenchman left the club.

"After the Birmingham game I felt very disappointed and it was the same the day after," added Benitez. " On Monday we spoke to the players and told them we must change our mentality. We cannot have a team which always plays good some times and bad at others."