Champions League Final: Liverpool vs. Tottenham live buildup

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool (Saturday, June 1, 21:00 CEST)

— Jürgen Klopp’s final press conference ahead of the game is just wrapping up. He confirmed that Roberto Firmino will be fit to lead the line if selected, presumably replacing semifinal hero Divock Origi, and riffed a little on his miserable record in finals.

“If I was the reason for losing six finals in a row then everyone should worry,” he said. “If not, we have a chance. Last year there were three strange goals, apart from that it was a good game.”

The German boss also said he expects his compatriots to get behind his team: “I would be disappointed if German people were supporting Tottenham! It’s my responsibility to make a party possible this time.”

Mauricio Pochettino will face the media later on Friday night.

— All the talk around Tottenham Hotspur is who will play in attack. Harry Kane should be fit and will likely start, but perhaps Spurs have another plan up their sleeve? This guy looks pretty good.

— Klopp has coached some great talents of the years, but if we had to break it down to his best European finals XI we think it would look a little like this. Do you agree?

— The same is true of Tottenham fans, who seem to have the support of the staff at Stansted Airport in London. This departures board has a somewhat unique look to it. 

— Liverpool fans have already made their presence felt in Madrid. It hasn’t been easy for many to get there, with some fans opting to take the ferry, and some driving the whole way all in the face of rising flight prices/no more flights available.

— Still not enough? No problem. Take a trip back in time with the 51-year-old coach, who has come from humble beginnings to the top of the football tree. What a story.

— “I’ve never been to a final with a better team than this. It’s a sensational situation,” Klopp said at the press conference two days ago. Dortmund fans might find that a bit hard to take, but one look at this Liverpool team and I think it’s easy to understand where Klopp is coming from. While this Liverpool team hasn’t been prolific, they have been effective. Liverpool have scored 22 goals in Europe this season – the third most – and conceded 12. Tottenham, on the other hand, have shipped 17 but scored 20. Advantage Liverpool, just about.

— Jürgen Klopp. The man always has something to say, and he says it the most extraordinary way. DW sat down with him earlier in the month to talk about his career, life in Great Britain and why he really is “The Normal One”. Klopp talks about life being the best preparation and how he has always been interested in people, particularly looking after youngsters. His voice is so engaging. It’s hard not to listen to him. Sit back and enjoy the interview below.

— Jürgen Klopp’s record in finals is worth reviewing. Surely it has to end soon?

2018 Champions League Final: Loss (3-1 vs. Real Madrid)
2016 Europa League Final: Loss (3-1 vs. Sevilla)
2016 League Cup Final: Loss (3-1 on pens. vs. Manchester City)
2015 German Cup Final: Loss (3-1 vs. Wolfsburg)
2014 German Cup Final: Loss (2-0 aet vs. Bayern Munich)
2013 Champions League Final: Loss (2-1 vs. Bayern Munich)
2012 German Cup Final: Win (5-2 vs. Bayern Munich)

— Good afternoon! The final game of the European club season is just one day away and what a game it looks to be. Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool overcame Barcelona in the most dramatic fashion in the semifinal. Tottenham did the same against Ajax in an equally breathingtaking contest. It has been an amazing season, with so much drama, and now it’s time for the final chapter.

Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/champions-league-final-liverpool-vs-tottenham-live-buildup/a-48982693?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf