Anfield. Liverpool. Home to one of the greatest football clubs in the world, where dreams come true, legends are made and rivals humbled.
“Liverpool is a city where football is in its streets, and it was the streets closest to the ground that I wanted focus on.”
Alex Amorós
The great Bill Shankly recognised the fear factor created by Anfield’s very name. But ‘Welcome To Anfield’ was the club’s original idea. Too nice, said Shankly.
“You’re not here to have a good time, “he said. “You’re not here to have a nice day.”
This Is Anfield, he stressed, emphasising its importance. Much more forceful. Up went the sign and the writing was on the wall, opponents crushed and trophies and titles amassed.
“It is there to remind our lads who they’re playing for,” he famously said. “And to remind the opposition who they’re playing against.”
This Is Anfield indeed.
This is Anfield | Alex Amorós
A photo documentary by Alex Amorós on the area of Anfield, home to Liverpool FC.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 25 colour photographs across 22 pages.
Anfield Football Stadium – The Facts…
Anfield, located on Anfield Road, Liverpool, England, opened its doors in 1884. With an approximate capacity of 61,000 it is the historic home stadium of Liverpool Football Club. Originally the home of Everton FC, a rent dispute led to the creation of Liverpool FC in 1892. Anfield has witnessed numerous historical moments in football history. Anfield is renowned for its electric atmosphere, particularly on European nights, and is considered one of the most iconic stadiums in world football.
The Kopites…
Liverpool fans, often referred to as the “Kopites,” are renowned for their unwavering loyalty to the club. The atmosphere they create at Anfield is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying in football. The Kop, a stand at Anfield, is where the most passionate and vocal supporters congregate, singing iconic chants and anthems that resonate throughout the stadium. The club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” is sung with immense fervour before every match, creating an emotional and spine-tingling atmosphere. The dedication of Liverpool fans to their club goes beyond matchdays; they support the team through thick and thin, embodying the spirit of the city. The camaraderie among Liverpool fans is legendary, and their unwavering support has played a significant role in the club’s rich history and success.
But as well as hosting this most famous football club, this area of the City of Liverpool is much more besides as photographer Alex Amorós discovered on his journey through the surrounding streets.
“I wanted to show the reality of the Anfield neighbourhood,” he said.
“For me, football is related to society and communities, peoples feelings and their integration. Football is not just boxes and business.
I wanted to show what the surrounding area of Anfield looks like and how the locals integrate around the stadium. Liverpool is a city where football is in its streets, and it was the streets closest to the ground that I wanted focus on.” Anfield itself is a community steeped in history. Working class, tight knit, it seems a world away from the glitz and the glamour of The Premier League.
“As a football fan, when you go to a historic stadium like Anfield, you can almost feel all the stories of the fans who have walked through those streets with their scarves and flags, and how those fans form part of the stadium and it’s history,” continued Amorós.
From the pubs such as the famous ‘Sandon’, where it all began for Liverpool Football Club in 1892 to the graffiti murals of their most legendary players, it is uniquely distinctive, full of pride, togetherness and humour.
Less than a mile walk across Stanley Park lies Goodison Park, home of Liverpool’s fierce local rivals Everton. Their original home had in fact been at Anfield for some eight years prior to Liverpool FC being formed.
’You’ll never walk alone’ as the anthem bellowed by The Redmen goes. It is a statement reflecting the unity that runs throughout not just the community of Anfield, but the people of Liverpool.
Now the murals of the mightiest of the Liverpool greats are a testimony to the club’s triumphs. King Kenny Dalglish, whose goals were a work of art, is now a work of art himself. He and Ian Rush were larger than life in their playing days. Now they are larger than life on the brick walls of Anfield’s side streets.
This Is Anfield: More than just a battle cry, it is a statement of intent, a declaration that this ground is our home and we will defend it with every ounce of our being.
Anfield is proud of its traditions. And proud of its football club.
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