MX23RW : Saturday, June 1 16:14:17| >> :600:364190:364190:
Jun 1, 2019 at 8pm UK at ​Estadio Metropolitano
SpursTottenham Hotspur
vs.
Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp confident Roberto Firmino will be fit for Champions League final

Jurgen Klopp confident Roberto Firmino will be fit for final
© Reuters
The Liverpool manager will be without the injured Naby Keita but Roberto Firmino looks set to play a part after recovering from a groin problem.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says his side are feeling "pure excitement" ahead of Saturday's Champions League final – although Naby Keita misses out.

The German manager, who guided the Reds to last year's final only to suffer defeat by Real Madrid, will pit his men against Tottenham in the Spanish capital on Saturday.

On Saturday's showpiece, Klopp said: "We are all very excited about having the chance again.

"Last year we played it, and four years ago some of us played another final (with Klopp's former club Borussia Dortmund) so we probably have more experience.

"It's about dealing with the situation, and so far we have controlled our emotions. It's pure excitement and we are looking forward to it."

Guinea midfielder Keita will not feature, though, as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

There was better news for Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, who is also grappling with a groin issue.

Klopp said: "There's no chance for Naby but he's progressing well.

"Bobby was part of training last week and will be a part again tomorrow. He's looking good so he will be part of the final, I'm sure."

On recovering from two near misses as a Champions League manager to try and make it third time lucky this weekend, Klopp said: "I don't like to blame my other team – I love them all – but I've never been part of a final with a better team, that's true.

"Our boys mix potential with attitude in the best way I've ever seen.

Liverpool v Barcelona – UEFA Champions League – Semi Final – Second Leg – Anfield
Liverpool's togetherness allowed them to stage a momentous semi-final comeback against Barcelona, according to Klopp. (Peter Byrne/PA)

"After Barcelona (the 4-0 semi-final comeback at Anfield), nobody believes more in this team than the team itself. We wanted it really badly."

With regard to the special dynamic of an all-Premier League final, Klopp added: "It looks at the moment that it is not unlikely two English teams could be in the final again.

"It is a proper European final, it is not a third game against Tottenham. It is a proper European final.

"It will be very tight, no doubt. The quality of us and Spurs is very similar.

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Anfield
A Toby Alderweireld, right, own goal in the 90th minute was all that separated the sides the last time Liverpool played Tottenham in March (Peter Byrne/PA)

"We know a lot about Tottenham but we have had three weeks since our last game and in three weeks I would have known the name of the groundsman of Barcelona, for example."

Klopp denied that reaching successive European Cup finals is a personal career highlight.

"The biggest moment of my career was in 2004 in getting Mainz promoted," said the Stuttgart-born coach.

"Winning the Champions League final with Liverpool would be (the) new (one)."


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Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino pictured on April 30, 2019
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38322495237298
2Liverpool38307189226797
3Chelsea38219863392472
4Tottenham HotspurSpurs382321367392871
5Arsenal382171073512270
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd381991065541166
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38169134746157
8Everton38159145446854
9Leicester CityLeicester38157165148352
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham38157165255-352
11Watford38148165259-750
12Crystal Palace38147175153-249
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle38129174248-645
14Bournemouth38136195670-1445
15Burnley38117204568-2340
16Southampton38912174565-2039
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3899203560-2536
RCardiff CityCardiff38104243469-3534
RFulham3875263481-4726
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3837282276-5416

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