Champions League – showdown between Klopp and Real: “mentality monster” duel

New lawn does not dampen anticipation

The discussions about the lawn could not harm Klopp either. It had been relocated the day before the game, which the coach described as “an interesting idea”. “But please don’t make the story that Klopp complains about the grass,” he said: “That doesn’t dampen my anticipation by one percent. I would also play on concrete. It’s important that both have the same requirements.”

Only at the very end of his press conference did Klopp briefly think. He has not yet dealt with the fact that the final was moved from St. Petersburg to Paris months ago. Then he began to answer softly and slowly. And escalated into a plea for peace. “I’m glad the game is here, for a thousand reasons. The war is going on and we always think about it. The fact that the game is still going on, but not in St. Petersburg, is exactly the right sign that we had to give up to Russia “He said: “Life goes on, even if you want to destroy it. We play this final for all people. Not only, but also for those in Ukraine.”

Klopp allowed this special thought, otherwise there was full focus on the game. That will be necessary, because not only will the two best teams in Europe meet this season, but above all the two with the strongest mentality. “I love it when Jürgen Klopp says that his players are mentality monsters,” says Xabi Alonso (40), who not only played for Bayern, but for both finalists: “But in the final, Liverpool have to show a great mentality. Because Real Madrid – these are the other mentality monsters.”

The Spaniards have proven that several times recently. Klopp was also deeply impressed by how Real turned the game around, first against Paris Saint-Germain, then against defending champions FC Chelsea and especially in the semifinals against Manchester City with two goals in added time. “If you take the last two minutes of every Real game, they’re unbeatable,” said Klopp, who is the first German coach to be in the final of the premier class for the fourth time: “Fortunately, there are still 88 minutes to go. And we’re standing not even by magic in the final. We deserved it too.”

Klopp brought the term “mentality monster” into play in Spain at the beginning of May. After reaching the final at Villarreal, he once again raved about the attitude of his players and tried to translate. With “mentalidad monstruoso” he managed tolerably. A day later, Real showed what it means against City.

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