Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shook off the distraction of speculation about Sadio Mane’s future as he prepared for Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid on a new pitch at the Stade de France. Mane, whose contract expires in 2023, is strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich. The Senegalese told reporters this week that he will provide a “special” answer to questions about where he will play after the finals next season. “Now is the wrong time to talk about that. Wherever Sadio plays next season, he will be a great player,” Klopp said when asked if Mane would be a good addition to the Bundesliga.
“I don’t care about the rumors about Bayern Munich at the moment. Sadio is fully focused on the game, don’t worry.
“It’s not the first time in my life that rumors about Bayern Munich have surfaced.”
That was a reference to the 2013 Champions League final when Mario Goetze lined up for Klopps Borussia Dortmund in a 2-1 defeat to Bayern, despite having already agreed to join the Bavarians next season. .
Klopp also suffered a defeat in his second European Cup final when Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1 in Kiev in 2018.
But the Reds came back the following year to beat Tottenham in Madrid and lift the trophy for a sixth time.
A highly anticipated rematch between two of the most awarded clubs in Champions League history takes place this week on a pitch that was just laid this week.
Klopp expressed concern at the signs of where every part of the new turf is still clearly visible.
“Usually it’s good news when a field looks new. This field is new since yesterday, which of course is not the best news, but for both teams,” he added.
“That someone thought it was a good idea to bring the pitch to the stadium the day before the game is an interesting idea.
“It didn’t ruin my mood by any means. As long as both teams have the same conditions, I’m fine.”
“Exceptional” Season
Liverpool are looking for a treble in Paris, having already won the League Cup and the FA Cup.
Klopp’s men narrowly missed out on an unprecedented quadruple, as they narrowly missed Manchester City’s Premier League title by one point.
But he acknowledged that his side’s season will be judged on whether they win or lose in the French capital.
“If you’re a football person you know what my boys have done so far this season, it’s been exceptional,” said Klopp.
“But we all know that after a race you are judged by the color of the medal. I am more than happy and proud of what we have done so far, it is really special.”
“I’ll feel better if we win the game and that’s all I’m worried about.”
Paris was only chosen as the venue for the final in February after Saint Petersburg was stripped of guest rights due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“That the game is still taking place and not in St Petersburg is perhaps just the right message Russia should be getting,” Klopp said.
promoted
“Life goes on even if you try to destroy it.
“We’re not just playing this final, but for all the people in Ukraine. I’m pretty sure there are some who can watch it and we’re doing it 100 percent for you.”
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