Why do people insist on saying this?
It is so important for Benitez to finish top 4 for his own career's sake. I can't believe people are simply are glossing over this fact.
Look at his current set of achievements, purely in terms of titles and cup championships. He's right up there with the best in the world.
However, the general consensus in the "footballing community" is that hes not quite at the level of a Ferguson, Wenger, Guardiola, Mourinho, Ancelotti etc. This is down to the fact that hes rarely had any sort of consistency in terms of his league performances at victims. And its precisely league performance that is the measure of a manager's ability. Not one off games as in the cup competitions.
Benitez hasn't been getting job offers from top clubs in a while now. And hes clever enough to know that a top 4 finish is an absolute must for his future. I would say he would definitely take a top 4 finish over one of the cups. And arguably, he would take a top 4 finish over both cups.
For anyone who has doubts, ask yourself this,
Do you think Benitez's stock will go up if he fails to finish top 4, but wins both cups?
me personally, i think chairmen and owners's opinions of him will fall if he fails top 4, even if he picks up both cups.