Klopp: “Now we only think about fighting hard and winning”

There is very little left for the Champions League final against Real Madrid, for Klopp this new meeting with the Spanish team is not revenge for what happened in 2018. The German coach was happy at a press conference and stated that there is a lot of desire in the squad to play a good game and win the title.

Klopp also gave a piece of calm with the medical situation of Thiago and Fabinho. “Very well, the team is really looking forward to this. I see Thiago doing well, he trained yesterday and repeated today. Fabinho, the same”, indicated the DT who is going for his second Champions League.

The German also clarified the rumors of Sadio Mané’s departure to Bayern Munich and in the end applauded UEFA’s decision to change venues and play in Paris. He stressed that they will do it for all the people of Ukraine.

Revenge of 2018 and rumors of Mané’s departure

Will it be more special than the 2019 final?: “I don’t know how I would feel if we won. That’s what we’ll talk about tomorrow. Now we only think about fighting hard and winning. Real Madrid is the team that it is, with players who, if they win, would lift their fifth Champions League, their coach their fourth. We cannot compare that level of experience. But it is our third final in five years, we are not doing badly”.

This final is a revenge: “What Salah feels is normal, he was injured very early in 2018. That can motivate him, it’s true. But getting revenge for that final in kyiv is not the only motivation. We don’t forget what happened, of course we don’t, but we can’t boil it all down to that either. There are many reasons to give everything tomorrow. Taking revenge on 2018 is one, but not the only one.”

Mané exit rumors: ”Mané is going through a spectacular moment, it is a pleasure to see him train and play. Regarding the Bayern rumours… They don’t interest me at all. Everyone, including him, is focused. It is not the first time that voices have come from Munich the day before a final.”

The meaning of winning, Ballon d’Or and playing for Ukraine

What it would mean to lift the Champions: ”Very, very much. In sport you are judged by the result, whether you win or lose. Any fan knows that this team has already had an exceptional season, but in the end, despite everything, everyone will look at the color of the medal tomorrow. I am proud for this group that has taken me to so many finals.”

Who is the favourite?: “Looking at history, the comebacks, I would say Madrid, from experience. But in terms of level, I think we are at the same level. Liverpool is a very difficult team to beat. Honestly, I don’t care who’s the favourite.”

Could this final decide the winner of the Ballon d’Or?:“Probably yes. The Ballon d’Or in recent years has been for Ronaldo, Messi or someone who wins the Champions League. So sure, it will increase your chances.”

Does Liverpool have to do something different to win?: “If I did something different, they might think I’m nervous. We are not here by chance, but because we deserve it. We must be ourselves also at the highest level. We are a difficult rival. You can talk about Madrid’s achievements, you could even write a book. But I repeat, Liverpool are a great team and they want to prove it tomorrow.”

The change of headquarters from St. Petersburg to Paris: “To tell you the truth, until this question I was only focused on football. Do you want me to launch a political message? I am happy that the game is played here in Paris for a thousand reasons. It is strange, the war continues and the fact that the party is not in Russia is an important message. Life goes on even if they try to destroy it. We will play this final for all the people of Ukraine.”