Rafa praises fans

Last updated : 25 September 2006 By Al Campbell
The club is looking to move to a new stadium in Stanley Park but Rafa Benitez says the new Anfield must have the special atmosphere that the current ground has.

"My dream is to lead out the team at the new Anfield and, if I stay here for three or four more years, then we have that possibility. That would make me really happy. The atmosphere in Anfield is amazing. And, if we can do the same in another big stadium, that will be perfect," said Benitez.

"I have been talking to the chairman and Rick Parry about how to do this. It's not easy but I think we can do it. How can you keep the spirit? You can if you keep the support.

"Then, in maybe 50 years' time, we can talk about the history of the new stadium. But we must feel the supporters behind us.

"Anfield has always been special because of the boot room, the people, winning trophies, the supporters. So just think about a new Anfield with even more fans.

"The design will be so important. When you talk about a new stadium, it's not necessary to plan one too big.

"If that happens, you separate the supporters from the pitch. The new stadium can be closer and still bigger. I've been to the Boca Juniors stadium - La Bombonera - and that's fantastic.

"The stands are very steep and I remember being on the bench and the supporters were above me. The atmosphere was amazing. The screaming came from above your head. It's like a coliseum.

"The Kop is amazing. So are all our supporters around the ground. If we can bring these people, plus 10,000 or 15,000 more and, if we are close to the pitch, the atmosphere will be the same as Anfield."