Rafa

floyd · September 24, 2006

Would love to see Kenny hanging from the rafters, waving his scarf going mental.

KOP THIS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COUNTDOWN Benitez: I want to lead Reds out at new stadium - and it should be like Boca's LIVERPOOL v GALATASARAY Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm

By Simon Mullock

RAFA BENITEZ has revealed his dream of leading out Liverpool at the new Anfield.

The Kop boss has been asked to forward his ideas about how the Merseysiders' proposed £180million stadium at nearby Stanley Park should look.

And his message to chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry was that they must recapture Anfield's unique atmosphere or face the consequences.

Benitez said: "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.

"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 colosseum.

"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."

Liverpool may be Britain's most successful club, but they trail the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea when it comes to cash.

United now generate £3m in gate receipts alone whenever Old Trafford is filled to its 76,000 capacity, while Arsenal are now reaping the benefits of moving to Ashburton Grove and Chelsea have the financial might of billionaire Roman Abramovich.

The Merseysiders have reopened talks with millionaire supporter Steve Morgan and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft about investment opportunities at Anfield.

Liverpool, who host Galatasaray in the Champions League this week, have until next Friday to prove that they have the means to fund the stadium project or they will lose almost £25m in European grants.

Benitez believes the promise of a new state-of-the-art stadium will be a huge incentive to potential money men.

He added: "I know for a fact that it will be easier to bring more money into the club if we have the possibility of a new stadium.

"Liverpool are special in that we are one of the few clubs in this country who could fill a stadium like that every single game."

September 24, 2006

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