Jürgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of the Champions League final clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid tonight.
Interestingly, the German discussed why he won’t be surprising his players by making a tactical change ahead of the showpiece event in Paris.
What’s the story?
Well, in the 2021 Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola decided to line up without a recognised defensive midfielder.
It came as a bit of a shock, and the Spaniard’s bold decision backfired as the game’s only goal came via a through-ball straight through the centre of the Citizens – where a defensive midfielder would’ve stood.
When asked if he’d be making any similar changes, Liverpool’s official site quote Klopp as saying: “If I do something surprising for my players, they could think I’m nervous. I believe when you do the right stuff all the time then it is the right thing to do in the final as well. But, it has to be on the highest level possible.”
In our view, that is the best thing to do.
A final is already a nerve-wracking affair, and the last thing players need is for new – potentially confusing – tactical information to be dropped on them.
As Klopp states, it makes more sense to play with personality in a way the players are familiar with, as it should make Real Madrid feel very “uncomfortable” indeed.
Liverpool have advantage over Real Madrid
In our view, Liverpool are in a better position than Real Madrid to win the Champions League final.
Why? Well, the Reds have already been involved in the Carabao Cup final this season, as well as the FA Cup final.
Contrastingly, Real Madrid have not been involved in any finals, having failed to go all the way in the Copa del Rey.
Carlo Ancelotti did win the Supercopa de España, although that is no different to the Community Shield over here.
In our view, the fact Liverpool have already experienced two tense finals this season will give them confidence going into tonight’s game.
They have been there twice, done it twice, and also in extremely challenging circumstances from a mental aspect with two penalty shoot-out wins.
In our view, that could make all the difference tonight at the Stade de France.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
