Basel - Jürgen Klopp's message to Liverpool's players before they face Sevilla in the Europa League final is clear: that this is their opportunity to become “legends.”
The German issued the rallying cry ahead of the club's first European final in nine years.
Klopp acknowledged that Liverpool's eighth place Premier League finish, confirmed following a draw at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, will have to be improved.
For the time being, though, his focus is absolutely on this “moment”, a word he used repeatedly when describing what Liverpool must seize in order to qualify for the Champions League, something that will be achieved should victory over Sevilla be secured at St. Jakob-Park.
“In my opinion we are really in a perfect moment to play a final,” he said. “That doesn't mean all is already done. No, it's far away from this. It's only about the preparation. This hard, intensive seven months feel like it should end in a final. Always working for each point, each goal and each opportunity in the game; sometimes yes, sometimes no: good performances, bad performances. At the end you have a final. It's not about a tournament, no, it's about being able to show all the things you have learned.
“I'm really happy. Usually the problem for all teams is that a final is the last game of the season so it has been a long time until then. But nobody feels the intensity of the Premier League season in this moment. We have the breath of fresh air.”
“We can still do better in the next season, we have to for sure. 100-per-cent,” he added. “It is easy to see in the league that there is a lot of space to develop. After this final it is a break and to use this to be a champion. In any part of life that is brilliant and it feels wonderful. It is a wonderful story to tell your grandchildren when you are old about being a Liverpool legend. How it feels to be a Liverpool legend I have no idea. But it is one of the best things you can feel in football. I would be really pleased for the boys if they can do it.”
Klopp believes Liverpool are better placed to win than they were ahead of the League Cup final defeat on penalties to Manchester City in February. Prior to that game, he was unsure what his side might do following a period of fluctuating form.
“There is no doubt about our quality at this moment; no doubt about the opportunity we have,” he said. “We are very, very deserved to be in this final. We will be a real competitor. That's all we can be. I am quite sure with all the things we did until now; all the ups and downs we had - and even with a position of eighth in the league there have been ups - it's the best moment to play a final.
Everything is prepared.”
PROBABLE TEAMS
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Lovren, Toure, Moreno; Milner, Can; Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho; Sturridge.
Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Soria; Mariano, Rami, Carrico, Tremoulinas; Nzonzi, Krychowiak; Coke, Banega, Vitolo; Gamiero.
The Independent