Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media ahead of his clubs clash against Sevilla in Basel tomorrow night.
When asked if his club were due some luck in the final Klopp stated:
“Not really. No frustration. Before a final I think only about a performance. All you can do is win or lose!
“All the teams in finals I have had performed really well and had close games, so I am not frustrated in my final record. Sure, I could have won more, but that is how it is. When it’s over it’s over. I was not happy after finals when I didn’t win, but I don’t think about it now. I have silver medals, but that’s better than no medals. The longer you go without winning, the harder you try.”
Klopp on Liverpool support:
“Everybody recognised that I took back my invitation, right? So it is not because of me!
“We already know about the desire of our supporters. We know how much they want to win this cup. They showed us in an impressive way, home and away. Travelling around Europe, it was great to see. They live all over the world, which shows everything about this club. We would really love to be the team that makes these dreams come true. I can promise that we will try everything. The problem is, Sevilla will do the same!”
On Orgi:
“We will see. We have another session. He has had two, and done well. We will see how he feels and then make a decision.”
On team preperation for a final:
“As normal as possible. The special circumstances are obvious - we have to do more press work, everything changes. Since 2-3 weeks, everybody wants to ask about this game, tickets etc. The rest needs to be as usual as possible, otherwise our preparation for other games would have been wrong.
“We had pressure against Villarreal, Dortmund, and these boys always did a perfect job, so why should I change. If I change, they think ‘maybe he thinks they are not ready’ I am sure they are ready.
“That’s the situation. We feel good. I am pleased that I can be part of this moment, with this team. When I came here there was doubt about these players, and I am happy that they could show how strong they are. Tomorrow is a big chance to take a big step.”
On mentality:
“It’s a football game, and if you forget that then that is the first mistake. We have to defend and be organised at the highest level. The mental side is a big influence, but we have done everything to be perfectly prepared. It is to use what we already know.”
On belief and long term commitment:
“Seven years in Liverpool, hopefully! If they hope I stay longer, I’m not sure. For me it is the only way I can work to be honest. When I came here, everyone told me the British media are v.impatient - your best friends until they are not. Until now, we have a good relationship, even if I don’t read what they write.
“I don’t feel pressure. I feel pressure about developing players, but I have never felt doubt around me in a club. That makes me free for decisions, and to give my team and myself the time to develop together.
“I came here because I was really convinced of the quality of these players. In the start I was the only person, but now a few more people know. To see how they deserve this final, makes me feel really good. I am not sure what will happen tomorrow, but even the experience tomorrow is important.
“What can I say? My former clubs always wanted to extend my contract! That’s how it was. Everything is ok. Maybe I will be along time at Liverpool. Everything is ok in the moment, and we want to use the momentum.”
On Unai Emery
"Both managers were very emotional, because the game is very important. There will be no problem between us. We try to help our team, that is all."
On success:
“It depends on the public judgement. If we don’t win, nobody will think it’s a success.
“For me, we have had lots of success in seven months, but in 100 years nobody will think ‘yeah, it was quite cool’ Maybe some games will be easy to remember, but we have a big chance to win tomorrow. Winning would make it much easier to see it as a success.”
When asked which Sevilla players are dangerous:
“Hahahahaha! A lot! You know all the names. I really don’t like to put the finger on these players. It depends where we show weaknesses. They can only be as strong as we let them be.
“The target is that nobody talks too much about Sevilla’s decisive players, they talk about ours. I have big respect for the whole Sevilla squad. Both teams have taken this tournament very importantly. And its deserved.”
On Organisation:
“Organisation. To be prepared for moments to play the last pass. If you are a neutral viewer, then it is easy to enjoy to see two teams on the highest level. In a final, you need to be ready to make mistakes when the whole world is watching. Football doesn’t work without mistakes. It’s about finding the next solution.
“Its concentration, using your skills on the highest level.”
On the difference between Spanish clubs and rest of Europe:
“Yes, best football country I would say. Combination of good managers, scouting, good education of players. When you hear about the Spain squad for Euro 2016, you think ‘oh, they would go well with another nation’
“Lot of young players from South America like to go to Spain cos they can settle in. Lot of reasons, but at this moment La Liga is the highest level and it is the job for everybody else to reach this level and pass this. Germany was the last world champion, then Spain, so things can change! Perhaps England has the most strikers in world football at this moment.
“Spain's status is deserved, but hopefully tomorrow nobody will see it!”
Source: transfermarketweb.com