JOHN Barnes reckons Liverpool today face the defining moment in their bid to end their 19-year title drought.
Kop idol Barnes is adamant the league should be the only trophy that matters on Merseyside.
And he has warned boss Rafa Benitez that he has no choice but to rip up his Champions League plans and adopt a win-or-bust policy against Blackburn this lunchtime.
The former England winger claims the Reds’ reaction to Wednesday’s shock quarter-final first-leg defeat to Chelsea will determine whether they face another season as also-rans.
And he also believes Benitez will be making a huge mistake if he goes into the Rovers clash with one eye on next Tuesday’s return at Stamford Bridge.
Barnes – who was one of the stars of the Anfield side that last clinched the championship in 1990 – said: “It’s now a huge game against Blackburn.
“I think if they win the game they will be back on track because, looking at the fixtures, I can see them winning all their games.
“But the Chelsea result probably dented their confidence a little bit, so it’s important to come back with a good result and a good performance.
Benitez’s side currently lie one point behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more – but Barnes is convinced this is Liverpool’s best title shot in years. However, after seeing Steven Gerrard shackled by Chelsea’s Michael Essien in midweek and with the England man nursing a groin problem – the current Jamaica coach believes they must quickly find someone else to load the bullets for striker Fernando Torres.
He said: “Liverpool are a competent side, but they really need Steven to be playing well.
“Chelsea may have figured that if you can stop Steven Gerrard, then you can stop Liverpool.
“Other teams have tried it and failed and Liverpool have won important games without Gerrard and Fernando Torres. But I think Wednesday night showed that at the very, very highest level Liverpool probably need a bit more creativity.
But whatever the outcome of the current campaign, the 1990 World Cup star reckons Benitez has made massive strides this year and has given the club a massive boost by signing a new deal.
Speaking at a Wembley Stadium tour, Barnes said: “They have definitely overachieved this season. As much as the fans have been disappointed over the years, if you look at the tools Benitez has had to work with, I think he has maximised their potential.
“The expectation is huge and I never thought the wait would be so long after we won in 1990.
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