'I was simply overwhelmed'
Rodolfo Borrell has spoken of the overwhelming emotion he felt at this year's Hillsborough Memorial Service – and revealed it was his most memorable day of 2010-11 by far.
The newly installed reserve team boss led the U18s to the best league finish since the inception of the Academy as well as playing his part in helping to push through the likes of John Flanagan and Jack Robinson into the first-team set-up.
However, he insists none of those achievements come close to matching the moment he arrived at Anfield to pay his respects to the 96 for the very first time.
Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The Hillsborough Memorial Service was my highlight of the season, there's no doubt about that.
"Once again I was amazed by the Liverpool fans. Seeing the Kop full of supporters paying their respects with such a powerful feeling of emotion was quite extraordinary.
"It just intensified my belief that they are some of the most special supporters in the world. I could not hold back my tears and I was not expecting to be so overwhelmed by the occasion.
"The way the people spoke about the events on that tragic day transported me back in time to the afternoon it happened 22 years ago.
"It was very sad and a dark day for the club. I was not fully aware of what actually happened because I was a young man back in Spain, but this service really struck a chord with me.
"I do not have the words to explain how I felt during and after it but I know I am very privileged to be here at this club.
"Yes, there may have been many high points for the U18s this season but, for me, none of them came close to that April day sat in Anfield."
Borrell's impressive record since arriving at the Academy in the summer of 2009 has led to a well-received promotion to reserve team coach.
The Spaniard was delighted to take up the role and feels confident he can make a success of it with the backing of Kenny Dalglish and his coaching staff.
Borrell said: "Kenny is a legend. I've said many times that when I arrived here I was amazed at how welcome he made me feel.
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"He is still the same now that he is first-team manager. This is another thing that is special about him. Quite often a person will change and become more distant when they take on a bigger job - but not Kenny. He is still the same and I cannot thank him enough for the positive influence he has had on me since I moved here.
"We now have a situation where the first-team manager of the club knows all of the names of the players and staff from the U8s right up to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez. That is quite unique in modern day football and it means the world to all of us. I think Liverpool will benefit greatly from this in the future.
"But it's not just Kenny who has made us all feel like one club pulling in the same direction. Steve Clarke and Sammy Lee are also heavily involved. They are always coming to the Academy and watching games and training sessions.
"They have had a massive influence since the start of the year and it is very positive. I am looking forward to working with them more and more in my new role next season."