"They are unbelievable and it's a great feeling to know they are always behind us. I have said before they are our twelfth man and that is definitely the case," Benitez told the club's official website.
"I remember when I first heard them singing my name and it gave me a very special feeling. The players know the fans will always be with them and that is fantastic for the confidence.
"Many of them also travel away of course and even last week we saw and heard our fans in Kiev. It can be difficult to go to different countries but our fans always come with us wherever we are playing.
"I hope they can all help us pick up three important points against West Ham this afternoon."