Rafa: My new stadium dream

With the Reds still planning to leave Anfield for a larger stadium in Stanley Park, Benitez has spoken for the first time about what it would mean to him personally to be the Reds manager on the day the Reds kick-off a new era in a new ground.

"My dream is to lead out the team at the new Anfield," revealed Benitez, "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 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.

"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 game."