Rafa Benitez full of praise for Liverpool's fans

Nov 28 2007

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez praised his side’s fans following the 4-1 Champions League win over Porto.

Supporters chanted Benitez’s name to show their support for the Spaniard in his row with the club’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

“First I want to say thank you to all our fans. They deserve the result today, it was for them,” Benitez said.

“It was a very tough game against a good team. We were a little under pressure but when we scored the second goal we were pushing and it was easier, but always against a very good team.”

Liverpool were in severe danger of not qualifying for the knockout stages after a home defeat to Marseille, but will travel to France for their final Group A game in buoyant mood after victories over Besiktas and Porto.

“We have confidence, we needed to win three in a row and we’ve won two, we will try to win the third and go forward,” Benitez added.

Pressed on the personal support for him, Benitez added on Sky Sports 2: “The supporters are always magnificent for us, the team, but the most important thing is that we won.

“I am really proud to be here and I say thank you because they know I want to stay and fight for my club.

“I don’t have any personal problem with the owners or anyone. We will talk and try to go forward.”