Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun says they will not win the Premiership any time soon — but insists he wants to play out his career there.

The Reds last won the top prize in 1990 when Ronnie Rosenthal, played for them, but Benayoun believes the fans must be patient.

“It could be that after so many years without becoming champions that a mental problem has developed at the club,” said Benayoun. “You have to remember this is the toughest league in the world and Liverpool are never going to be the favourites. I understand it is difficult to remain at the top but things can change so quickly.”

Benayoun, 28, joined Liverpool from West Ham last July after turning down a new five-year contract which would have earned him 20 per cent more than he is being paid at Anfield.

Israel’s national captain made 30 appearances last season and scored four goals as Liverpool reached the Champions League semi-finals and finished fourth in the Premier League. He scored hat-tricks in the 8-0 Champions League drubbing of Besiktas and in the FA Cup against Havant & Waterlooville

Amid rumours of a move to Aston Villa in part exchange for England midfielder Gareth Barry, he said: “There are three or four clubs in England willing to buy me after the season I have just had. But I want to stay at Liverpool until the end of my career. It really moves me when I go out on to the pitch at Anfield and the crowd start singing.”