Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has adressed questions over the redevelopment of Anfield, insisting that it will bring the Reds back onto level ground with those above them.
The legendary home ground of the club currently holds a capacity of just over 45,000, with work currently being done to expand it to over 55,000 by the beginning of the 16/17 season.
Following that, there are plans for even more work to be done to increase it to over 60,000 seats, which would make Anfield the second biggest ground in the Premier League.
A key step for the club
This summer has seen a new 650 tonne roof placed on the stadium's main stand, and Ayre explained how all the new developments were "vital" for the club to take steps forward.
Extra spectators will generate much more revenue for the Reds as they look to keep up with the ever changing modern game, and Ayre admitted that they "need to be on an equal footing from a revenue perspective" with their competitors.
One of these competitors he cited was Arsenal, saying that after building the Emirates Stadium, their match-day revenue has gone up to around 40%, in comparison to Liverpool's 20%.
The right decision
Some have raised questions as to why the Merseyside team decided to upgrade their current stadium rather than build a new one, but Ayre rubbished these suggestions.
Describing Anfield as their "spiritual home", Ayre commented that "staying here [Anfield] was important" and that this solution "finds the right economic solution for the club".
This is in part to Ayre telling the media that the club had "got the capacity" that they wished for, and "at a better cost than building a new stadium".
To allow for an extended time period to continue developing Anfield over the summer, Liverpool requested to have an away game to start their league season.
They got their wish, and will begin the campaign away to Stoke City on Sunday.