Liverpool beat Newcastle again as Champions League winner delivers Anfield, St James’ Park verdict (exclusive)

Former Liverpool and Newcastle United midfielder Didi Hamann has given Anfield the edge over St James' Park when comparing two of the most atmospheric stadiums he experienced during his playing career.

Hamann spent the majority of his Premier League career at Liverpool, making 283 appearances for the Reds between 1999 and 2006, while he joined Newcastle for the 2008-09 season. His experiences at both grounds have given him a close-up view of the atmosphere generated by two of English football's most passionate fanbases.

Despite enjoying his time on Tyneside, Hamann ultimately selected Anfield as his favourite, largely because of the memories he created there during the most successful period of his career.

“Liverpool and Newcastle, to split the two, both are fantastic grounds. I had a great time at both,” Hamann said.

“I was only with Newcastle for one season, unfortunately, but I had a great time there.

“But I have to say that we played so many epic games at Anfield. It has to be my favourite ground because, obviously, I spent my longest time there, my most successful time. And Anfield will always be a special place.”

Hamann was blown away by St James' Park atmosphere

Although Anfield ultimately won the stadium battle for Hamann, the former Germany international reserved particularly strong praise for St James' Park.

His first experience of Premier League football at a home ground came after moving to England from Bayern Munich, where he had played his football at Munich's Olympic Stadium, and the contrast was striking.

“Having said that, my first experience of Premier League football at a home ground was at St James' Park,” Hamann explained.

“And I've got to say, I was blown away coming from Munich, where sometimes the atmosphere was a bit mediocre.

“We still played in the Olympic Stadium, a big ground which wasn't filled every week. Going to St James' Park for the first time, and hearing the roar when the teams came out was something special.”

St James' Park's steep stands and position in the heart of Newcastle have helped make it one of the most recognisable grounds in English football, while the relationship between the supporters and team has traditionally been one of its defining characteristics.

Why Anfield remains Hamann's favourite

Hamann's affection for Anfield is also connected to his outstanding spell with Liverpool.

The midfielder won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League during his time at the club, with the 2004-05 Champions League triumph providing one of the defining moments of his career.

He also pointed to other grounds where successful memories shaped his view, including Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and Aston Villa's Villa Park.

“Well, you always look back at grounds for the games where you've been pretty successful,” Hamann said.

He recalled Liverpool's strong record at the Millennium Stadium while Wembley was being rebuilt and joked that Aston Villa had also been a particularly enjoyable destination because Liverpool seemed to win there whenever they visited.

Ultimately, however, the emotional connection with Anfield proved impossible to overcome.

FGG Says: Anfield edges St James' Park in atmosphere battle

Hamann's verdict highlights why comparing Anfield and St James' Park is so difficult. Both grounds have developed reputations for producing some of the best atmospheres in English football, but they offer different experiences. 

Newcastle's home has the sheer intensity and noise that can overwhelm visiting teams, while Anfield has the added weight of Liverpool's history and Hamann's own memories of major European nights.

Didi Hamann was speaking to FGG on behalf of MrQ