Monday 27th July 2009
Benitez blown away by Singapore fans
Rafael Benitez left Singapore on Sunday feeling "impressed" with the Liverpool fans in Lion City.
By Eugene YS Han
The Premier League side beat the hosts 5-0 at the Singapore National Stadium to register their first victory in their pre-season tour.
Singapore vs Liverpool blow-by-blow
The Kallang arena were decked all round in red as Reds fans, which consisted of Singaporeans, Indonesians and Malaysians, sang their hearts out before, during and after the game.
Looking visibly pleased with his team's performance, Benitez gave praise to the fanatical support they received from the local fans.
"The fans have been amazing. The fans were like in Anfield. They were singing together and (it was) very, very good. We were impressed," said the Spaniard.
The Liverpool manager then later explained that although the trip to Asia is a long one, the supporters made up for all the inconveniences caused.
"Everything was organised really well and the fans in both cities were fantastic. People were treating us with a lot of respect and you can see the passion," he said.
"Sometimes you think it's too far, one week without the families. (But) when you see the faces of the fans, you think "it's good to come here". I have people coming to tell me "I have been waiting eight years for this moment". It's something that you have to be really pleased to be here," he added.
When asked what his favourite memory of the Asian Tour so far, Benitez quipped: "It's the fans, no doubt. And some journalists."
On the pitch, Liverpool were again fielding inexperienced defender Mikel San Jose Dominguez at centre-back and Benitez gave central defender Daniel Agger the left-back berth. The Reds manager revealed it was just a back-up plan.
"I was trying to find solutions (for left-back). (Andrea) Dossena he was not training. (Emiliano) Insua has been playing a lot of games and I wanted to prove with Daniel Agger just in case."
The Reds will now return to England ahead of their game against Espanyol in Barcelona on August 2. Liverpool will then face Norwegian side FC Lyn on August 5 followed by a home clash against Fernando Torres' old team Altetico Madrid on August 8.
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