Jurgen Klopp put himself through torture to re-watch last season's Champions League final for the first time. Here’s his take:
‘We saw how experienced Madrid is and how little they are fussed by the fact when the other team has chances. They don't lose confidence in one second.’
‘We saw how experienced Madrid is and how little they are fussed by the fact when the other team has chances. They don't lose confidence in one second.’
Klopp: ‘They know “our chance will come” and they defend with legs. That's what you can learn from them, definitely.’
Klopp: ‘Carlo is the most relaxed manager I met in my life, one of the best people you could meet; a fantastic humble person, super-smart and nice.’
Klopp: ‘His man-management is on a completely different level to anyone. I admire him a lot. With this world-class team, they brought in super exciting young players, they struggle a little in the league but are always super competitive and difficult to beat.’
Klopp: ‘But I think it makes sense to try. I expect Anfield to be on their toes, the people really happy they saw us in a better shape the last two games so more things to look forward to. Let’s go together again.’
Klopp said he was most frustrated by how few risks Liverpool took as they attempted to halt Madrid in their tracks and limit their counter attacking threat.
Klopp: ‘What held us back was the fact it was a final - we didn't take enough risks. We were protective against counter attacks. Analysing [the game] is super easy but it was feelings of [if we had] an extra spark, we could have made this thing [work].’
Klopp: ‘We cannot play them without respect - they have world class players and it's a well set up team. That's why it's so difficult, that doesn't mean it's not possible. We tried in a final but in the rounds before it looked like game over and it wasn't.’
Klopp: ‘It's their quality. Some of their players have won it five times. They probably think they own the competition, but we still give it a try.
Klopp the game against Madrid has come at the perfect time: ‘I'm happy we can play now, four weeks ago it would have been different but it's all about timing. I would've expected us to be ourselves anyway because it's a different competition.’
Klopp: ‘If you don't play your best you don't have a chance. Madrid don't have to play their best and still have a chance. That's the difference.'
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