Borussia Dortmund's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dortmunds-marco-reus-banned-for-two-matches-marius-wolf-for-three-214701&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9ytXBxr7jAhUIo48KHSJ5AogQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw03_9d7LJcPct1Nn2exiHdc">Marco Reus</a>, while recalling his time with current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, has revealed that the 52-year-old was one of the reasons he joined the club.

"If Jurgen sits in front of you with his aura, with his aggressiveness, which he radiates even when speaking, with his size, then that is quite impressive," Goal.com quoted Reus as saying.

"Even the way he talks to you - this is rarely the case in professional business. He pulls you under his spell and will not let you go. I left the conversation with a fluttering heart," he adds.

"He was definitely one of the reasons why I signed for Dortmund," said Reus, who spent three years with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund before the latter made an exit in 2015.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dortmund-to-attempt-the-impossible-against-tottenham-marco-reus-201152&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9ytXBxr7jAhUIo48KHSJ5AogQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3w4kRkVubWIym3smUwCGUx">Reus </a>also stated that Klopp has a 'special way'&nbsp;of carrying out things and can make the players better.

"Shinji Kagawa signed for Manchester United that year, I was the substitute. We talked about what position he sees me in and in which areas I can improve myself," he said.

"Jurgen can develop players and make them better. That is a very important factor. He has a special way, in training and personal interaction," he added.&nbsp;

Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus, while recalling his time with current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, has revealed that the 52-year-old was one of the reasons he joined the club.

Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus, while recalling his time with current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, has revealed that the 52-year-old was one of the reasons he joined the club. "If Jurgen sits in front of you with his aura, with his aggressiveness, which he radiates even when speaking, with his size, then that is quite impressive," Goal.com quoted Reus as saying. "Even the way he talks to you - this is rarely the case in professional business. He pulls you under his spell and will not let you go. I left the conversation with a fluttering heart," he adds. "He was definitely one of the reasons why I signed for Dortmund," said Reus, who spent three years with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund before the latter made an exit in 2015. Reus also stated that Klopp has a 'special way' of carrying out things and can make the players better. "Shinji Kagawa signed for Manchester United that year, I was the substitute. We talked about what position he sees me in and in which areas I can improve myself," he said. "Jurgen can develop players and make them better. That is a very important factor. He has a special way, in training and personal interaction," he added.

Dortmund's Marco Reus hails Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, says 'he has a special way'

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been hailed as the 'ultimate professional' by former skipper Steven Gerrard after the midfielder led the Merseyside club to their sixth European Cup.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-beat-tottenham-to-win-champions-league-final-223520">Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur</a> 2-0 in Saturday's Champions League final to claim their first trophy since the League Cup in 2012 and Gerrard added that he was 'especially proud' of Henderson's refusal to fold in the face of criticism.

Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011 but came close to leaving a year later before finally establishing himself as a first-team regular, replacing the departing Gerrard as club captain in 2015.

"If I had to name someone I regard as the ultimate professional, then Jordan would come right at the top of the list," Gerrard wrote in a column in the Times newspaper on Tuesday.

"He is selfless, he puts himself at the back of the queue because he looks after everyone else first. He puts Jordan Henderson last,"&nbsp;Gerrard said.

Henderson came in for criticism early on in his Liverpool career and former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said in his autobiography that he had passed up the chance to sign the midfielder due to concerns over his running style.

"Everyone in football gets doubted. Jordan has had his fair share but he handles it well and the best thing to do is let your football do the talking. That is what he has done, that is what he will continue to do," Gerrard added.

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/only-the-start-jurgen-klopp-predicts-more-good-times-ahead-for-liverpool-223575">Jurgen Klopp</a> took charge of the club in 2015, a lack of cover in defensive midfield forced him to deploy Henderson in a deeper role but the 28-year-old also made decisive contributions in an advanced position this season.

"He has running power, you can trust him with the ball, has a good range of passing. Over the past few months, (he) has risen to the challenge of pushing Liverpool forward and has come right into top form," Gerrard said.

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohamed-salahs-penalty-strike-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-final-223514">Liverpool </a>set to resume their title battle with Premier League champions Manchester City next season, Gerrard said he hoped his former teammate would kick on from winning the Champions League to collect more trophies.

"I am hoping this will become the catalyst for him to lift more trophies above his head. I know that is what he wants," Gerrard said.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been hailed as the 'ultimate professional' by former skipper Steven Gerrard after the midfielder led the Merseyside club to their sixth European Cup.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been hailed as the 'ultimate professional' by former skipper Steven Gerrard after the midfielder led the Merseyside club to their sixth European Cup. Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Saturday's Champions League final to claim their first trophy since the League Cup in 2012 and Gerrard added that he was 'especially proud' of Henderson's refusal to fold in the face of criticism. Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011 but came close to leaving a year later before finally establishing himself as a first-team regular, replacing the departing Gerrard as club captain in 2015. "If I had to name someone I regard as the ultimate professional, then Jordan would come right at the top of the list," Gerrard wrote in a column in the Times newspaper on Tuesday. "He is selfless, he puts himself at the back of the queue because he looks after everyone else first. He puts Jordan Henderson last," Gerrard said. Henderson came in for criticism early on in his Liverpool career and former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said in his autobiography that he had passed up the chance to sign the midfielder due to concerns over his running style. "Everyone in football gets doubted. Jordan has had his fair share but he handles it well and the best thing to do is let your football do the talking. That is what he has done, that is what he will continue to do," Gerrard added. When Jurgen Klopp took charge of the club in 2015, a lack of cover in defensive midfield forced him to deploy Henderson in a deeper role but the 28-year-old also made decisive contributions in an advanced position this season. "He has running power, you can trust him with the ball, has a good range of passing. Over the past few months, (he) has risen to the challenge of pushing Liverpool forward and has come right into top form," Gerrard said. With Liverpool set to resume their title battle with Premier League champions Manchester City next season, Gerrard said he hoped his former teammate would kick on from winning the Champions League to collect more trophies. "I am hoping this will become the catalyst for him to lift more trophies above his head. I know that is what he wants," Gerrard said.

Steven Gerrard hails Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson for rising above criticism to win Champions League

Major takeaways from UCL final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-beat-tottenham-to-win-champions-league-final-223520">first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp</a>. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come.

A beaming Klopp revealed after Saturday's 2-0 final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid that he had received a congratulatory phone call from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.

Three weeks ago, the Reds were denied a first league title in 30 years by City, despite losing just once and racking up 97 points, but winning the Champions League makes up for that disappointment.

"We promised each other already that we will kick our butts next year again," Klopp said of his brief exchange with Guardiola in between speaking to the world's media at the Metropolitano Stadium. "We will go for everything and we'll see if we get something."

It was a sentiment shared by centre-back Virgil van Dijk as he spoke after being named man of the match in the final.

"In July when we start again, everyone starts on nil and everyone's working towards their goals," he declared.

"Obviously we want to challenge for every trophy if possible. We have the squad for it, but you've also seen it this year, you still have to do it, and hopefully we can challenge Manchester City again next season for the title, because I don't think they will go anywhere, so we won't go anywhere either."

Liverpool had won nothing at all since defeating Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final in 2012. A trophy, but not on the same level as this.

After losing the Europa League final in 2016 and last year's Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool seized their chance this time thanks to Mohamed Salah's early penalty and Divock Origi's late strike.

This was already a club reborn under the German's management, but such a tangible reward was needed, three and a half years on from his arrival on Merseyside.

"I'm interested really in development, but I get it, we have to win things, and so it's really important that people don't ask now all the time about not winning things," he said.

"Now we won something, and we will carry on, we want to win things, 100 per cent.

"This is only the start for this group, it's a wonderful age group, they still have the best times in their career still ahead of them, so that's big."

Istanbul again?

The former Borussia Dortmund coach has continually improved Liverpool in his time at the club, and nowhere was that more evident on Saturday than in goal.

Twelve months after two hideous errors by Loris Karius cost them dear against Real, his replacement Alisson showed just why Liverpool were prepared to pay £66.8 million (75 million euros, $84 million) to sign him from Roma as he made several key saves late in the game.

"He of course played a sensational game, he looked completely unbeatable pretty much," said Klopp.

Van Dijk was again outstanding too, so good that it was put to him that he could be a contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or.

It was not a great game and it was not a vintage Liverpool performance, but Klopp emphasised the importance of getting over the line. Now he will hope to strengthen again for next season, although they don't have long, with the new campaign starting on August 10.

Four days after that they will play Europa League winners Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul, and some fans will already be dreaming of a return to the Turkish city next year when it hosts the 2020 Champions League final.

"We know that sometimes we carry the burden of history and making Istanbul happen again will be a target I would say, but it will be difficult," warned Klopp.

Liverpool's previous Champions League triumph before this came in Istanbul in 2005, when they went 3-0 down to AC Milan but came back to win on penalties.&nbsp;

Van Dijk added: "To be two years in a row in the Champions League final, it's something we hope to do every year, but we know ourselves how difficult it is to reach."

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come.

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come. A beaming Klopp revealed after Saturday's 2-0 final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid that he had received a congratulatory phone call from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. Three weeks ago, the Reds were denied a first league title in 30 years by City, despite losing just once and racking up 97 points, but winning the Champions League makes up for that disappointment. "We promised each other already that we will kick our butts next year again," Klopp said of his brief exchange with Guardiola in between speaking to the world's media at the Metropolitano Stadium. "We will go for everything and we'll see if we get something." It was a sentiment shared by centre-back Virgil van Dijk as he spoke after being named man of the match in the final. "In July when we start again, everyone starts on nil and everyone's working towards their goals," he declared. "Obviously we want to challenge for every trophy if possible. We have the squad for it, but you've also seen it this year, you still have to do it, and hopefully we can challenge Manchester City again next season for the title, because I don't think they will go anywhere, so we won't go anywhere either." Liverpool had won nothing at all since defeating Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final in 2012. A trophy, but not on the same level as this. After losing the Europa League final in 2016 and last year's Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool seized their chance this time thanks to Mohamed Salah's early penalty and Divock Origi's late strike. This was already a club reborn under the German's management, but such a tangible reward was needed, three and a half years on from his arrival on Merseyside. "I'm interested really in development, but I get it, we have to win things, and so it's really important that people don't ask now all the time about not winning things," he said. "Now we won something, and we will carry on, we want to win things, 100 per cent. "This is only the start for this group, it's a wonderful age group, they still have the best times in their career still ahead of them, so that's big." Istanbul again? The former Borussia Dortmund coach has continually improved Liverpool in his time at the club, and nowhere was that more evident on Saturday than in goal. Twelve months after two hideous errors by Loris Karius cost them dear against Real, his replacement Alisson showed just why Liverpool were prepared to pay £66.8 million (75 million euros, $84 million) to sign him from Roma as he made several key saves late in the game. "He of course played a sensational game, he looked completely unbeatable pretty much," said Klopp. Van Dijk was again outstanding too, so good that it was put to him that he could be a contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or. It was not a great game and it was not a vintage Liverpool performance, but Klopp emphasised the importance of getting over the line. Now he will hope to strengthen again for next season, although they don't have long, with the new campaign starting on August 10. Four days after that they will play Europa League winners Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul, and some fans will already be dreaming of a return to the Turkish city next year when it hosts the 2020 Champions League final. "We know that sometimes we carry the burden of history and making Istanbul happen again will be a target I would say, but it will be difficult," warned Klopp. Liverpool's previous Champions League triumph before this came in Istanbul in 2005, when they went 3-0 down to AC Milan but came back to win on penalties. Van Dijk added: "To be two years in a row in the Champions League final, it's something we hope to do every year, but we know ourselves how difficult it is to reach."

'Only the start': Jurgen Klopp predicts more good times ahead for Liverpool

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silverware-is-priority-for-liverpool-says-alexander-arnold-ahead-of-champions-league-final-against-tottenham-223223">Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool</a> are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-believes-fortune-has-favoured-tottenham-to-reach-champions-league-final-223317">Mauricio Pochettino</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hugo-lloris-eyes-winning-his-second-final-in-a-year-as-tottenham-face-liverpool-in-champions-league-final-223327">Tottenham</a> can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium.

For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season.

A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears.

Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in the 1950s.&nbsp;

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs.

"Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said.

In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.

In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium.

"We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino.

Kane to start?

Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury.

Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings.&nbsp;

Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach.

The German put a positive spin on that record.

"I am probably at the moment a&nbsp;world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it."

Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled.

Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury.

Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick.

That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue.

Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home.

But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets.

Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard.

Security challenge

The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid.

With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried.

Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event".

Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild.&nbsp;

Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs.

Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988.

If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the&nbsp;cup&nbsp;since Chelsea in 2012.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are aiming to make up for several recent near misses while Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham can dream of winning the Champions League for the first time as the two English clubs meet in Saturday's final in Madrid. The Spanish capital is being taken over by a sea of English supporters on a searingly hot weekend ahead of the 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) kickoff in the Metropolitano Stadium. For Liverpool, it is a chance to become European champions for a sixth time and end the season on the highest of highs after they agonisingly missed out to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, despite losing only once all season. A year ago Liverpool lost the Champions League final 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was forced to go off injured and in tears. Underdogs then, they are the clear favourites now against opponents appearing in their first final in this competition since it started life as the European Cup in the 1950s. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said Liverpool were not taking anything for granted against Spurs. "Personally, the games I've played against them in the Premier League have been the toughest games we've played," the Scottish left-back said. In terms of European pedigree, Liverpool are clearly ahead as they prepare for a ninth appearance in the final of this competition. Their last win was the memorable come-from-behind victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005. In contrast, it is 35 years since Spurs were in any European final, so just being here is a huge achievement -- and it comes only weeks after they moved into a sparkling new stadium. "We are in football because we want to win but I think to get to the final in the Champions League, that journey is the most difficult thing," said Pochettino. Kane to start? Tottenham could bring back top scorer Harry Kane after an ankle injury. Form is against the London club as Liverpool have already beaten Spurs twice this season and have lost just one of their last 14 meetings. Klopp, however, has lost his last six finals as a coach. The German put a positive spin on that record. "I am probably at the moment a world-record holder, in the last seven years at least, in winning semi-finals," Klopp said. "But if I wrote a book about that probably nobody would buy it." Liverpool reached the Madrid final after their incredible comeback to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals, a 4-0 win at Anfield overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit as Lionel Messi's side crumbled. Salah missed that second leg but is fit now, while Klopp confirmed Brazilian livewire Roberto Firmino is ready after a groin injury. Tottenham were 3-0 down on aggregate at half-time in the second leg of their tie against Ajax, yet went through on away goals thanks to Lucas Moura's dramatic hat-trick. That ensured an English sweep in the European finals this season, but while UEFA's decision to play the Europa League showpiece between Chelsea and Arsenal in distant Baku on Wednesday was heavily criticised, nobody doubts Madrid is a fitting venue. Real's grand Santiago Bernabeu stadium has staged four finals in the past in this competition, as well as the final of a World Cup and a European Championship. This time the venue is Atletico Madrid's new 68,000-seat home. But there has been controversy over the ticket allocation with fans of both teams sharing just 33,226 tickets. Tickets have been changing hands for as much as £25,000 ($31,600, 28,200 euros), according to the London Evening Standard. Security challenge The lack of tickets mean as many as 50,000 English fans will watch outside the ground, and organisers have set up two separate fan zones in the centre of Madrid. With Spain still haunted by the image of the old-school English football hooligan, police are worried. Francisco Pardo, director general of Spain's National Police, promised "probably the biggest deployment to guarantee security which we will carry out at a sporting event". Whoever wins, the celebrations will be wild. Victory for Liverpool would put them ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the list of the competition's most successful clubs. Spurs reached the final despite not outscoring their opponents in the quarter-finals or semi-finals -- a statistical quirk also achieved by PSV Eindhoven when they won the trophy in 1988. If they can upset the odds, theirs will be the first new name on the cup since Chelsea in 2012.

Champions League: Liverpool and Tottenham set for the final showdown

Liverpool are now in a position where winning trophies has become a priority after proving themselves to be one of the best sides in the world, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/losing-champions-league-final-would-be-painful-says-tottenhams-son-heung-min-218869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8nZjO3cXiAhVFqI8KHYTVDqQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07uKDeXk50Fa_14bASBhMG">Tottenham Hotspur.</a>

They have made steady progress since Juergen Klopp was appointed manager in 2015 and the Merseyside club have qualified for the Champions League in his three full seasons in charge.

This season they stepped up their game to compete on two fronts, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title by a single point to Manchester City while also progressing to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mauricio-pochettino-optimistic-harry-kane-will-play-in-champions-league-final-221259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8nZjO3cXiAhVFqI8KHYTVDqQQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QBborjG54nS6PoPscWdIc">Champions League final.</a>

The final in Madrid is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-salah-seeks-champions-league-final-redemption-222467&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8nZjO3cXiAhVFqI8KHYTVDqQQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jEMENHdMb07LB2-S1wjuD">Liverpool's</a> last chance to ensure they do not finish the season empty-handed and Alexander-Arnold said they deserved silverware for their performances under Klopp.

"We're at a place where we demand silverware from ourselves. It's not something we shy away from or are scared of. We're one of the best sides in the world," Alexander-Arnold told&nbsp;in an interview.

"We can't put too much pressure on our first major season of competing on two big fronts but ultimately it's the objective we're striving towards,'' said Alexander-Arnold.

"If we don't win a lot of silverware over the next few years then something has gone massively wrong because with this manager... with the way that we've been playing, it's incredible and we will keep going and going. That will be rewarded," he added.

This is Liverpool's second consecutive Champions League final and their fourth in 14 years, last winning the coveted trophy in 2005.

After losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the showpiece event in Kiev last season, Alexander-Arnold said he was not surprised the Anfield side were back in contention to win their sixth European Cup yet again this year.

"It has come really soon, but I didn't doubt that it would. This team is good enough to win leagues, to win Champions Leagues. We've shown that across the last two seasons especially and we just need to get over the line now," he added.

"I'm sure soon as we get one, we'll be unstoppable and that's the focus for us -- becoming a formidable team that is unbreakable,"&nbsp;said Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool are now in a position where winning trophies has become a priority after proving themselves to be one of the best sides in the world, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool are now in a position where winning trophies has become a priority after proving themselves to be one of the best sides in the world, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold said ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur. They have made steady progress since Juergen Klopp was appointed manager in 2015 and the Merseyside club have qualified for the Champions League in his three full seasons in charge. This season they stepped up their game to compete on two fronts, narrowly missing out on the Premier League title by a single point to Manchester City while also progressing to the Champions League final. The final in Madrid is Liverpool's last chance to ensure they do not finish the season empty-handed and Alexander-Arnold said they deserved silverware for their performances under Klopp. "We're at a place where we demand silverware from ourselves. It's not something we shy away from or are scared of. We're one of the best sides in the world," Alexander-Arnold told in an interview. "We can't put too much pressure on our first major season of competing on two big fronts but ultimately it's the objective we're striving towards,'' said Alexander-Arnold. "If we don't win a lot of silverware over the next few years then something has gone massively wrong because with this manager... with the way that we've been playing, it's incredible and we will keep going and going. That will be rewarded," he added. This is Liverpool's second consecutive Champions League final and their fourth in 14 years, last winning the coveted trophy in 2005. After losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the showpiece event in Kiev last season, Alexander-Arnold said he was not surprised the Anfield side were back in contention to win their sixth European Cup yet again this year. "It has come really soon, but I didn't doubt that it would. This team is good enough to win leagues, to win Champions Leagues. We've shown that across the last two seasons especially and we just need to get over the line now," he added. "I'm sure soon as we get one, we'll be unstoppable and that's the focus for us -- becoming a formidable team that is unbreakable," said Alexander-Arnold.

Silverware is priority for Liverpool, says Alexander-Arnold ahead of Champions League final against Tottenham

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/losing-champions-league-final-would-be-painful-says-tottenhams-son-heung-min-218869">Tottenham Hotspur</a> in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid.

Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said Klopp.

"Bobby was part of training last week then we took him out and will be in training from tomorrow again. From what we saw so far he looked good. He will be fine, I'm sure," the German told a news conference on Tuesday.

Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said Firmino was crucial to Liverpool's way of playing.

"Really important, he sets the pressing from the front. We try to follow him. When we have the ball he is like an extra midfielder so we try and follow him in both ways. He is also an extra defender," Wijnaldum said.

The 28-year-old stepped into the Firmino role during the second half of Liverpool's stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona, scoring twice. While he would be willing to take on that duty again, he said he was more comfortable in his usual central midfield position.

"I prefer to play in the midfield but if the manager needs me I will play anywhere. That is a really difficult position to play. I think Divock (Origi) or (Daniel) Sturridge is a better option but if the manager needs me...," he said.

Guinea midfielder Naby Keita is recovering well from his thigh injury but Klopp said he had no chance to be involved.

Liverpool return to the final following their defeat to Real Madrid in last year's showpiece in Kiev. Klopp said they were fired up for the occasion but played down talk of them having more big-game experience than Spurs.

"We are all very excited about having a chance again. We are probably the more experienced, but it doesn't really make a difference," he said.

"It's about using the things that brought you to the final. So far we have controlled our emotions in a really good way."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid. Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said Klopp. "Bobby was part of training last week then we took him out and will be in training from tomorrow again. From what we saw so far he looked good. He will be fine, I'm sure," the German told a news conference on Tuesday. Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum said Firmino was crucial to Liverpool's way of playing. "Really important, he sets the pressing from the front. We try to follow him. When we have the ball he is like an extra midfielder so we try and follow him in both ways. He is also an extra defender," Wijnaldum said. The 28-year-old stepped into the Firmino role during the second half of Liverpool's stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona, scoring twice. While he would be willing to take on that duty again, he said he was more comfortable in his usual central midfield position. "I prefer to play in the midfield but if the manager needs me I will play anywhere. That is a really difficult position to play. I think Divock (Origi) or (Daniel) Sturridge is a better option but if the manager needs me...," he said. Guinea midfielder Naby Keita is recovering well from his thigh injury but Klopp said he had no chance to be involved. Liverpool return to the final following their defeat to Real Madrid in last year's showpiece in Kiev. Klopp said they were fired up for the occasion but played down talk of them having more big-game experience than Spurs. "We are all very excited about having a chance again. We are probably the more experienced, but it doesn't really make a difference," he said. "It's about using the things that brought you to the final. So far we have controlled our emotions in a really good way."

Roberto Firmino 'will be fine' for final says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopp-backs-liverpool-for-premier-league-miracle-217739&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLstu39pziAhUIMI8KHayoBgAQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14oLwgFxrsWph7TfwvlXzZ">Juergen Klopp says he will fill the three-week gap before the Champions League final </a>against Tottenham Hotspur by putting his Liverpool players through a two-week "pre-season".

The two Premier League clubs played their final domestic games of the season on Sunday and are in the unusual position of having a long wait for the June 1 clash in Madrid.

Klopp has given his team a few days off to recover from a gruelling Premier League campaign in which they pushed Manchester City to the final day in the title race, eventually losing out by one point.

They will reconvene next week to prepare for the showpiece meeting at Atletico Madrid`s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

"We have to do a couple of things in preparation for the Champions League, media stuff," Klopp told the club's website.

"We have to do that, then the boys will have a couple of days off and then we have two proper weeks as a pre-season for the Champions League final. We will do that, we will play that, (hopefully) win it, come home and then the people get what they deserve", Klopp said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-looked-like-schoolboys-says-suarez-after-barcelona-crumble-against-liverpool-216911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLstu39pziAhUIMI8KHayoBgAQFjAJegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_amWr4_W3TxWH6EU-Y-4E">Liverpool, who defeated Barcelona to reach their second consecutive Champions League fina</a>l, are bidding for their sixth European Cup, which would be their first piece of silverware under Klopp.

Tottenham, who produced a superb comeback to beat Ajax Amsterdam in the semi-final and reach their first Champions League final, will hope to use the gap to their advantage with top striker Harry Kane recovering from an ankle injury.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino, also seeking his first silverware after five years at Tottenham, said at the weekend after they clinched a top-four spot with a 2-2 draw at home to Everton that he would not put his players through a pre-season regime.

They were given Monday and Tuesday off before beginning the build-up to the final.

"We have our idea, we have our plan," Klopp&nbsp;said.

"We need to be natural. It is not a pre-season, but it is not going to be a holiday. The most important thing is that we apply common sense, we have the plan and we are going to deliver the plan so the players arrive in the best condition to win the final", Klopp added.

Juergen Klopp says he will fill the three-week gap before the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur by putting his Liverpool players through a two-week "pre-season".

Juergen Klopp says he will fill the three-week gap before the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur by putting his Liverpool players through a two-week "pre-season". The two Premier League clubs played their final domestic games of the season on Sunday and are in the unusual position of having a long wait for the June 1 clash in Madrid. Klopp has given his team a few days off to recover from a gruelling Premier League campaign in which they pushed Manchester City to the final day in the title race, eventually losing out by one point. They will reconvene next week to prepare for the showpiece meeting at Atletico Madrid`s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. "We have to do a couple of things in preparation for the Champions League, media stuff," Klopp told the club's website. "We have to do that, then the boys will have a couple of days off and then we have two proper weeks as a pre-season for the Champions League final. We will do that, we will play that, (hopefully) win it, come home and then the people get what they deserve", Klopp said. Liverpool, who defeated Barcelona to reach their second consecutive Champions League final, are bidding for their sixth European Cup, which would be their first piece of silverware under Klopp. Tottenham, who produced a superb comeback to beat Ajax Amsterdam in the semi-final and reach their first Champions League final, will hope to use the gap to their advantage with top striker Harry Kane recovering from an ankle injury. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, also seeking his first silverware after five years at Tottenham, said at the weekend after they clinched a top-four spot with a 2-2 draw at home to Everton that he would not put his players through a pre-season regime. They were given Monday and Tuesday off before beginning the build-up to the final. "We have our idea, we have our plan," Klopp said. "We need to be natural. It is not a pre-season, but it is not going to be a holiday. The most important thing is that we apply common sense, we have the plan and we are going to deliver the plan so the players arrive in the best condition to win the final", Klopp added.

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool players to face intense 'pre-season' ahead of Spurs final

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspurs-coach-mauricio-pochettino-hints-leaving-the-club-if-they-win-the-champions-league-217190&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNn_bA7ZziAhXdiHAKHZdoAm0QFjACegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2NbRrcfYDIvsgc3btpCa4C">Tottenham Hotspur's</a> South Korea forward Son Heung-min has said losing their first <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-gasp-lucas-moura-winner-sends-tottenham-into-champions-league-final-217128&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNn_bA7ZziAhXdiHAKHZdoAm0QFjAFegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TfFE_LRX9XgLjEokQRvys">Champions League final</a> would be painful for a very long time as he prepares to make sure that does not happen when they face Liverpool in Madrid next month.

Son would not speculate on the outcome of the June 1 match against a side who have already beaten them twice in the Premier League this season but said Spurs must work hard to overcome a team that just missed out on the domestic league title.&nbsp;

"I don't want to talk about winning or losing. There's a long time to prepare for this important game," he said.

"Winning the Champions League means a lot, but losing would be painful for a long, long time. We just want to be ready and then we will see what happens. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVoKzj7ZziAhXDuY8KHSIQAhsQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Oc_oGIY7r1NpWdhYFLIq8">Liverpool are a strong team,</a> so how we play will be important," he told the Evening Standard.

The 26-year-old Son is confident that a three-week break will see him return to what he called "fire mode" against the Merseysiders at Atletico Madrid`s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Tottenham, who came fourth in the Premier League with Sunday's 2-2 draw against Everton to qualify for the elite club competition next season, returned to training on Wednesday as they began preparing for their first European Cup final.

Despite netting 18 goals for Spurs in all competitions since November, Son finds himself in a mini scoring drought after failing to find the net in his last five appearances.

He has already had more time than his Tottenham team mates to recharge his batteries after serving the first game of a three-match domestic ban against Everton.

"I think everyone needs this time to rest. We're trying to get as fit as possible, to make sure we give everything in this game'',&nbsp;said Son.

"I am a really, really positive guy and it is one of the best feelings to be playing in the Champions League Final, so I just want to make sure that I am ready for every single ball and every single second.&nbsp;It is in three weeks, so everything is in our hands. I hope that I am in fire mode", Son added. 
&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korea forward Son Heung-min has said losing their first Champions League final would be painful for a very long time as he prepares to make sure that does not happen when they face Liverpool in Madrid next month.

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korea forward Son Heung-min has said losing their first Champions League final would be painful for a very long time as he prepares to make sure that does not happen when they face Liverpool in Madrid next month. Son would not speculate on the outcome of the June 1 match against a side who have already beaten them twice in the Premier League this season but said Spurs must work hard to overcome a team that just missed out on the domestic league title. "I don't want to talk about winning or losing. There's a long time to prepare for this important game," he said. "Winning the Champions League means a lot, but losing would be painful for a long, long time. We just want to be ready and then we will see what happens. Liverpool are a strong team, so how we play will be important," he told the Evening Standard. The 26-year-old Son is confident that a three-week break will see him return to what he called "fire mode" against the Merseysiders at Atletico Madrid`s Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Tottenham, who came fourth in the Premier League with Sunday's 2-2 draw against Everton to qualify for the elite club competition next season, returned to training on Wednesday as they began preparing for their first European Cup final. Despite netting 18 goals for Spurs in all competitions since November, Son finds himself in a mini scoring drought after failing to find the net in his last five appearances. He has already had more time than his Tottenham team mates to recharge his batteries after serving the first game of a three-match domestic ban against Everton. "I think everyone needs this time to rest. We're trying to get as fit as possible, to make sure we give everything in this game'', said Son. "I am a really, really positive guy and it is one of the best feelings to be playing in the Champions League Final, so I just want to make sure that I am ready for every single ball and every single second. It is in three weeks, so everything is in our hands. I hope that I am in fire mode", Son added.

Losing Champions League final would be painful, says Tottenham's Son Heung-min

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/winning-is-so-addictive-says-manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-218304/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUs7fv353iAhVFu48KHSrZBGYQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw08xUX_6TjtHN5v5Tgn1IQK">Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola</a> has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after his side's successful run in the league.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-panel-to-recommend-man-city-champions-league-ban-report-218690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFwdeF4J3iAhWMrY8KHajWCQkQFjADegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1usYPxQXQcbE1uGlIQBbrM">Manchester City</a>, on Sunday, clinched the Premier League title which was their second consecutive title.

Similarly, the 48-year old bagged the award for the second year in a row.

Guardiola gave credit to his players and the staff while calling Liverpool's manager <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-players-to-face-intense-pre-season-ahead-of-spurs-final-218882&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiW95r6353iAhWKvo8KHTgeAmQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lIbhIy3A09PIdcEqxTw6C">Jurgen Klopp</a>, who was also a nominee for the award, an 'incredible contender'.

"It's an honour to receive this award. I want to share it with my players because they are the artists of everything, to my staff because we fought a lot [against] all the managers in the Premier League, especially Jurgen Klopp, an incredible contender to face till the end," Premier League website quoted Guardiola, as saying.

"It was a pleasure to play against all of them and hopefully do big, big battles again to win an incredible title," he added.

The other nominees were Nuno Espirito Santo, Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino and the winner was decided based on the votes from public combined with those of a panel of football experts.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after his side's successful run in the league. Manchester City, on Sunday, clinched the Premier League title which was their second consecutive title.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been named the Premier League Manager of the Season after his side's successful run in the league. Manchester City, on Sunday, clinched the Premier League title which was their second consecutive title. Similarly, the 48-year old bagged the award for the second year in a row. Guardiola gave credit to his players and the staff while calling Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp, who was also a nominee for the award, an 'incredible contender'. "It's an honour to receive this award. I want to share it with my players because they are the artists of everything, to my staff because we fought a lot [against] all the managers in the Premier League, especially Jurgen Klopp, an incredible contender to face till the end," Premier League website quoted Guardiola, as saying. "It was a pleasure to play against all of them and hopefully do big, big battles again to win an incredible title," he added. The other nominees were Nuno Espirito Santo, Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino and the winner was decided based on the votes from public combined with those of a panel of football experts.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola bags Premier League manager of the season award

A thrilling Premier League title race comes down to the final day of the season on Sunday when Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will have to make history if they are to overtake leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year domestic title drought.

City lead by a single point, so to get their hands on the trophy Liverpool will have to become the first team in the history of Europe's richest domestic club competition to move above the leaders on the final day.

Pep Guardiola's City are firm favourites to retain the title as they travel to Brighton, a team that narrowly avoided relegation. Liverpool take on Wolves at Anfield, dreaming of a second dramatic turnaround in a week after the memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona on Tuesday that propelled them into the Champions League final.

The last team to start the final day in first place and not win the title were in fact Liverpool in 1989, when Arsenal's 2-0 win at Anfield clinched the old First Division.

Whichever club does win will have earned the trophy the hard way.

City, on 95 points, have won their past 13 Premier League matches to wipe out a seven-point lead for Liverpool and are on the brink of becoming the first team to win successive titles since Manchester United in 2009.

Klopp's men, with 94 points, have recovered from a mid-season stumble to record eight straight victories.

To underline the two clubs' dominance, third-placed Chelsea only have 71 points going into their final game against Leicester City.

Liverpool, who have been English champions 18 times but have not won since the 1989-1990 season, face the scarcely credible scenario of ending the season with the third-highest points tally in Premier League history and a single defeat yet still missing out.

Abu Dhabi-owned City look almost certain to finish off the job and Guardiola said he has so much faith in his players that a pre-match team-talk will not be necessary.

"I don't have to say anything to motivate them. I think my speech on Sunday will be zero," he said.&nbsp;

"They want to win the Premier League. From what I saw in the training sessions, they want to win it, knowing that we can lose it.

"We saw in the Champions League in the last week why this game is amazing. But we want to win. So we are going to go out there at Brighton to try to win the game."

If City only draw and Liverpool beat Wolves, it would hand the title to the Reds.

City cannot quite match the record 100 points they mustered last season but they have shown their ability to dig deep in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Guardiola's side have racked up 91 goals this season, but three of their past four wins have been 1-0 victories, including the nervy match against Leicester on Monday settled by a Vincent Kompany strike. It kept City on course for a historic domestic treble, which would underline their status as the dominant force in the English game.

'It's not in our hands'

Klopp will have to re-focus his players' minds after their heroics against Barcelona as they cling to the hope that City will slip up against Brighton.

"We think about Wolves now," said Klopp, who despite his stellar reputation has not won a major trophy since 2012.

"(Barcelona) was for sure one of the best moments in football history, not only Liverpool. But it has nothing to do with the weekend except that we should be confident."

The Liverpool narrative has changed dramatically since they humiliated Lionel Messi's Spanish giants amid ecstatic scenes at Anfield.

Even if they fall short on Sunday they have the chance to become champions of Europe for a sixth time if they beat fellow Premier League club Tottenham in Madrid on June 1.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether Liverpool finish the weekend on top, Klopp insists he is happy with his team's progress after four years in charge.

"Sunday is our last Premier League game. If we can win it, it's not in our hands what we get, but it doesn't make our season a little bit less good. It's just a different finish," he said.

Behind the front two, all the issues in the Premier League are virtually done and dusted.

Barring a spectacular swing in goal difference, Tottenham will finish above Arsenal and mathematically secure the remaining Champions League spot alongside Chelsea, while the highest Manchester United can finish is fifth.

Wolves, in seventh place, cannot be caught and will earn a Europa League spot provided Watford do not beat City in the FA Cup final.

Fixtures

Sunday (1400 GMT)

Brighton v Manchester City, Burnley v Arsenal, Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Fulham v Newcastle, Leicester v Chelsea, Liverpool v Wolves, Manchester United v Cardiff, Southampton v Huddersfield, Tottenham v Everton, Watford v West Ham

A thrilling Premier League title race comes down to the final day of the season on Sunday when Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will have to make history if they are to overtake leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year domestic title drought.

A thrilling Premier League title race comes down to the final day of the season on Sunday when Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will have to make history if they are to overtake leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year domestic title drought. City lead by a single point, so to get their hands on the trophy Liverpool will have to become the first team in the history of Europe's richest domestic club competition to move above the leaders on the final day. Pep Guardiola's City are firm favourites to retain the title as they travel to Brighton, a team that narrowly avoided relegation. Liverpool take on Wolves at Anfield, dreaming of a second dramatic turnaround in a week after the memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona on Tuesday that propelled them into the Champions League final. The last team to start the final day in first place and not win the title were in fact Liverpool in 1989, when Arsenal's 2-0 win at Anfield clinched the old First Division. Whichever club does win will have earned the trophy the hard way. City, on 95 points, have won their past 13 Premier League matches to wipe out a seven-point lead for Liverpool and are on the brink of becoming the first team to win successive titles since Manchester United in 2009. Klopp's men, with 94 points, have recovered from a mid-season stumble to record eight straight victories. To underline the two clubs' dominance, third-placed Chelsea only have 71 points going into their final game against Leicester City. Liverpool, who have been English champions 18 times but have not won since the 1989-1990 season, face the scarcely credible scenario of ending the season with the third-highest points tally in Premier League history and a single defeat yet still missing out. Abu Dhabi-owned City look almost certain to finish off the job and Guardiola said he has so much faith in his players that a pre-match team-talk will not be necessary. "I don't have to say anything to motivate them. I think my speech on Sunday will be zero," he said. "They want to win the Premier League. From what I saw in the training sessions, they want to win it, knowing that we can lose it. "We saw in the Champions League in the last week why this game is amazing. But we want to win. So we are going to go out there at Brighton to try to win the game." If City only draw and Liverpool beat Wolves, it would hand the title to the Reds. City cannot quite match the record 100 points they mustered last season but they have shown their ability to dig deep in recent weeks. Guardiola's side have racked up 91 goals this season, but three of their past four wins have been 1-0 victories, including the nervy match against Leicester on Monday settled by a Vincent Kompany strike. It kept City on course for a historic domestic treble, which would underline their status as the dominant force in the English game. 'It's not in our hands' Klopp will have to re-focus his players' minds after their heroics against Barcelona as they cling to the hope that City will slip up against Brighton. "We think about Wolves now," said Klopp, who despite his stellar reputation has not won a major trophy since 2012. "(Barcelona) was for sure one of the best moments in football history, not only Liverpool. But it has nothing to do with the weekend except that we should be confident." The Liverpool narrative has changed dramatically since they humiliated Lionel Messi's Spanish giants amid ecstatic scenes at Anfield. Even if they fall short on Sunday they have the chance to become champions of Europe for a sixth time if they beat fellow Premier League club Tottenham in Madrid on June 1. Regardless of whether Liverpool finish the weekend on top, Klopp insists he is happy with his team's progress after four years in charge. "Sunday is our last Premier League game. If we can win it, it's not in our hands what we get, but it doesn't make our season a little bit less good. It's just a different finish," he said. Behind the front two, all the issues in the Premier League are virtually done and dusted. Barring a spectacular swing in goal difference, Tottenham will finish above Arsenal and mathematically secure the remaining Champions League spot alongside Chelsea, while the highest Manchester United can finish is fifth. Wolves, in seventh place, cannot be caught and will earn a Europa League spot provided Watford do not beat City in the FA Cup final. Fixtures Sunday (1400 GMT) Brighton v Manchester City, Burnley v Arsenal, Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Fulham v Newcastle, Leicester v Chelsea, Liverpool v Wolves, Manchester United v Cardiff, Southampton v Huddersfield, Tottenham v Everton, Watford v West Ham

Man City on brink of Premier League glory, but Liverpool keep dreaming

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's astonishing European fightback proves his side will not give up hope of winning the Premier League until <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-on-brink-of-premier-league-title-as-epic-race-reaches-climax-217323">Manchester City have the trophy in their hands</a> on Sunday.&nbsp;

Klopp's team staged arguably the greatest comeback in Champions League history on Tuesday when they thrashed Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit.&nbsp;

With an all-English Champions League final against Tottenham set for June 1, Liverpool can pour all their energy into one last push to win their first English title since 1990.&nbsp;

The Reds are one point behind leaders Manchester City heading into their final game of the season against Wolves at Anfield.&nbsp;

City will retain the title if they win at Brighton but a draw or loss for Pep Guardiola's men would open the door for Liverpool to be crowned champions if they defeat Wolves.&nbsp;

Given Brighton's lowly position, the odds are firmly on a City coronation, but Liverpool boss Klopp says this week's astonishing Champions League drama showed anything can happen when the pressure mounts.

Not only did Liverpool author a fightback for the ages, but Tottenham scored three times in their semi-final against Ajax to go through on away goals after trailing 3-0 on aggregate with just 35 minutes left.

"It's been a week of big football moments. But from our point of view it could be a big football moment on the weekend -- the week is not over yet," Klopp said.

"I think at the start of the week most people expected me to be sitting here and saying 'OK, after not being in the Champions League final, it's difficult to be champions'. Well now we are in the final and it is still difficult.

"We are not used to moments of glory but we win from time to time. Focus is not a problem. The only thing we can do is win this game."

In virtually any other season, Liverpool, who have 94 points and have lost only once in the league, would have been champions by now.

Having secured successive Champions League final appearances, the sting of failure will not be quite so sharp if Liverpool do not get a helping hand from Brighton this weekend.

But do not tell that to Klopp and his players.

Reflecting the togetherness and desire fuelling their remarkable season, Klopp revealed Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson will all play through the pain barrier against Wolves.

'It's only pain'

Salah missed the Barcelona game with a concussion, while Henderson (knee) and Robertson (calf) both suffered injuries in that match.

"The famous three words of this week in the dressing room is 'It's only pain'. Very important for all the young lads to learn," Klopp said.

Liverpool fans will be glued to their phones for updates from Brighton as the drama unfolds on Sunday, but Klopp just wants his team to focus on Wolves.

"Maybe our supporters shouldn't celebrate the result before it's 3-0 for Brighton and 87 or 88 minutes played, all the rest is only information, nothing else," Klopp said.

The manager is still waiting for the first trophy of his four-year Liverpool reign, but that pales into comparison with his club's nearly three-decade title drought.

When Liverpool last won the league, it was their 10th title in 15 years -- a period of dominance that came to an unexpected end when Kenny Dalglish resigned as manager in February 1991.

In the barren years since then, Liverpool have finished second four times, most famously falling just short when Steven Gerrard's slip in a defeat against Chelsea allowed City to sneak past them in 2014.

While Liverpool have a special relationship with the European Cup, which they have won five times, this is a club raised on legendary boss Bill Shankly's demand that "the league is our bread and butter, that's the one I want".

Winning their 19th title would spark delirous celebrations across Merseyside and, after what he has witnessed this week, Klopp senses one last miracle could be on the cards.

"Both teams have to win their games. That's not sure (to happen) in the moment, so we have to focus on that," he said.

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's astonishing European fightback proves his side will not give up hope of winning the Premier League until Manchester City have the trophy in their hands on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's astonishing European fightback proves his side will not give up hope of winning the Premier League until Manchester City have the trophy in their hands on Sunday. Klopp's team staged arguably the greatest comeback in Champions League history on Tuesday when they thrashed Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit. With an all-English Champions League final against Tottenham set for June 1, Liverpool can pour all their energy into one last push to win their first English title since 1990. The Reds are one point behind leaders Manchester City heading into their final game of the season against Wolves at Anfield. City will retain the title if they win at Brighton but a draw or loss for Pep Guardiola's men would open the door for Liverpool to be crowned champions if they defeat Wolves. Given Brighton's lowly position, the odds are firmly on a City coronation, but Liverpool boss Klopp says this week's astonishing Champions League drama showed anything can happen when the pressure mounts. Not only did Liverpool author a fightback for the ages, but Tottenham scored three times in their semi-final against Ajax to go through on away goals after trailing 3-0 on aggregate with just 35 minutes left. "It's been a week of big football moments. But from our point of view it could be a big football moment on the weekend -- the week is not over yet," Klopp said. "I think at the start of the week most people expected me to be sitting here and saying 'OK, after not being in the Champions League final, it's difficult to be champions'. Well now we are in the final and it is still difficult. "We are not used to moments of glory but we win from time to time. Focus is not a problem. The only thing we can do is win this game." In virtually any other season, Liverpool, who have 94 points and have lost only once in the league, would have been champions by now. Having secured successive Champions League final appearances, the sting of failure will not be quite so sharp if Liverpool do not get a helping hand from Brighton this weekend. But do not tell that to Klopp and his players. Reflecting the togetherness and desire fuelling their remarkable season, Klopp revealed Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson will all play through the pain barrier against Wolves. 'It's only pain' Salah missed the Barcelona game with a concussion, while Henderson (knee) and Robertson (calf) both suffered injuries in that match. "The famous three words of this week in the dressing room is 'It's only pain'. Very important for all the young lads to learn," Klopp said. Liverpool fans will be glued to their phones for updates from Brighton as the drama unfolds on Sunday, but Klopp just wants his team to focus on Wolves. "Maybe our supporters shouldn't celebrate the result before it's 3-0 for Brighton and 87 or 88 minutes played, all the rest is only information, nothing else," Klopp said. The manager is still waiting for the first trophy of his four-year Liverpool reign, but that pales into comparison with his club's nearly three-decade title drought. When Liverpool last won the league, it was their 10th title in 15 years -- a period of dominance that came to an unexpected end when Kenny Dalglish resigned as manager in February 1991. In the barren years since then, Liverpool have finished second four times, most famously falling just short when Steven Gerrard's slip in a defeat against Chelsea allowed City to sneak past them in 2014. While Liverpool have a special relationship with the European Cup, which they have won five times, this is a club raised on legendary boss Bill Shankly's demand that "the league is our bread and butter, that's the one I want". Winning their 19th title would spark delirous celebrations across Merseyside and, after what he has witnessed this week, Klopp senses one last miracle could be on the cards. "Both teams have to win their games. That's not sure (to happen) in the moment, so we have to focus on that," he said.

Jurgen Klopp backs Liverpool for Premier League miracle

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

Klopp's men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions' 13 games winning run to come to an end at Brighton if they are to win the league.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjml92Z85DiAhUK3Y8KHdCBCy0QFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3K59Gqsg8ZeTJHPWWrkhl3">Liverpool are in high spirits after a stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona</a> on Tuesday booked their place in a second consecutive Champions League final.

Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out with a groin tear as &nbsp;Wolves visit Anfield.

Klopp said he hopes the Brazilian will be ready for the Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1.

Salah missed the Barcelona game after suffering a concussion in a 3-2 win at Newcastle last weekend.

"Mo looked good around the celebrations after the game, to be honest," said Klopp.

"The day before yesterday and yesterday he was running outside and will be part of training today", Klopp added.

Robertson had to be replaced at half-time against Barca and Henderson required a pain-killing injection at the break after taking a kick on the knee late in the first half.

"The famous three words of this week in the dressing room were&nbsp;'It's only pain,'" added Klopp.

"Very important for all the young lads to learn, I've said that already to the boys. Hendo said, 'It's only pain', Robbo said, 'It's only pain' - but it was real pain, wow!",Klopp said.

"Unfortunately, Robbo could deal with the pain but only the rest of his body couldn't because he couldn't really activate the muscle anymore, some nerve hit or whatever. They should be fine (for Sunday)", Liverpool boss said.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to have Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson fit for Sunday's Premier League finale against Wolves as the Reds aim to end a 29-year wait to win the title. Klopp's men trail Manchester City by one point at the top of the table and need the champions' 13 games winning run to come to an end at Brighton if they are to win the league. Liverpool are in high spirits after a stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday booked their place in a second consecutive Champions League final. Klopp confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out with a groin tear as Wolves visit Anfield. Klopp said he hopes the Brazilian will be ready for the Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1. Salah missed the Barcelona game after suffering a concussion in a 3-2 win at Newcastle last weekend. "Mo looked good around the celebrations after the game, to be honest," said Klopp. "The day before yesterday and yesterday he was running outside and will be part of training today", Klopp added. Robertson had to be replaced at half-time against Barca and Henderson required a pain-killing injection at the break after taking a kick on the knee late in the first half. "The famous three words of this week in the dressing room were 'It's only pain,'" added Klopp. "Very important for all the young lads to learn, I've said that already to the boys. Hendo said, 'It's only pain', Robbo said, 'It's only pain' - but it was real pain, wow!",Klopp said. "Unfortunately, Robbo could deal with the pain but only the rest of his body couldn't because he couldn't really activate the muscle anymore, some nerve hit or whatever. They should be fine (for Sunday)", Liverpool boss said.

'It's only pain' says Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp; hopeful on Mo Salah's return for Premier League finale

Liverpool's stunning victory over <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/we-looked-like-schoolboys-says-suarez-after-barcelona-crumble-against-liverpool-216911">Barcelona</a> in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday was made possible by the belief manager Jurgen Klopp's has instilled in his squad, according to Jose Mourinho.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history to beat Barcelona 4-0</a>, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit to advance to their second consecutive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">"For me, this has one name -- Jurgen,</a>" Mourinho, who led Porto and Inter Milan to the Champions League title, told beIN Sports.

"This is about him. This is a reflection of his personality -- don't give up -- his fighting spirit, every player giving everything", Mourinho said.

"He's not crying because he's missing (injured) players, he's not crying because they're playing 50 or 60 matches a season... Today is about Juergen's mentality. This is not about tactics, not about philosophy. This is about heart and soul and fantastic empathy he has created with that group of players", he added.

Liverpool risked finishing the season without a trophy with Manchester City leading the Premier League title race with one game to go and Barcelona heavy favourites to advance to the final after a commanding win at the Nou Camp.

But the thrilling victory over the Spanish champions gave the Merseyside club a chance of winning a sixth European Cup when they face either Tottenham Hotspur or Ajax Amsterdam in the final on June 1.

Klopp's side were only the third team in the history of Europe's top club competition to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress, matching Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona in 1985-86.

"I didn't expect (this result)," Mourinho, who also coached Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, added. "I said if it's possible, Anfield is one of the places to make it possible.

"They were at risk of finishing a fantastic season with nothing to celebrate and now they are one step away from being European champions", Mourinho added.

Liverpool's stunning victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday was made possible by the belief manager Jurgen Klopp's has instilled in his squad, according to Jose Mourinho.

Liverpool's stunning victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday was made possible by the belief manager Jurgen Klopp's has instilled in his squad, according to Jose Mourinho. Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history to beat Barcelona 4-0, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit to advance to their second consecutive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. "For me, this has one name -- Jurgen," Mourinho, who led Porto and Inter Milan to the Champions League title, told beIN Sports. "This is about him. This is a reflection of his personality -- don't give up -- his fighting spirit, every player giving everything", Mourinho said. "He's not crying because he's missing (injured) players, he's not crying because they're playing 50 or 60 matches a season... Today is about Juergen's mentality. This is not about tactics, not about philosophy. This is about heart and soul and fantastic empathy he has created with that group of players", he added. Liverpool risked finishing the season without a trophy with Manchester City leading the Premier League title race with one game to go and Barcelona heavy favourites to advance to the final after a commanding win at the Nou Camp. But the thrilling victory over the Spanish champions gave the Merseyside club a chance of winning a sixth European Cup when they face either Tottenham Hotspur or Ajax Amsterdam in the final on June 1. Klopp's side were only the third team in the history of Europe's top club competition to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final and progress, matching Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona in 1985-86. "I didn't expect (this result)," Mourinho, who also coached Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, added. "I said if it's possible, Anfield is one of the places to make it possible. "They were at risk of finishing a fantastic season with nothing to celebrate and now they are one step away from being European champions", Mourinho added.

Jurgen Klopp's mentality behind Liverpool's historic comeback, says Jose Mourinho

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-stun-messis-barcelona-to-enter-champions-league-final-216859">Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0</a> on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory at Anfield.&nbsp;

On overcoming the odds to crush Barcelona, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said, "Going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable.''

He also mentioned, "I said to the boys before the game 'I don't think it's possible but because it's you then I think we have a chance.'

"Because they are mental giants, that's unbelievable, after the season we've played, the games we've had, the injuries we've had at this moment."

"If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don't think you'd find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," Klopp added.&nbsp;

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Your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVBAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVBAR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/carlsberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carlsberg</a> M̶a̶n̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶M̶a̶t̶c̶h̶... 
 
...a truly remarkable TEAM performance. ✊ 
 
The Reds. ❤ <a href="https://t.co/HMMMQbvWj8">pic.twitter.com/HMMMQbvWj8</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1125887059569315842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum left Lionel Messi and Barcelona utterly shell-shocked by a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination.

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🙌 B O S S 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/kodFUlubcx">pic.twitter.com/kodFUlubcx</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1125902734958452737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'm really proud to be the manager of this team, it's unbelievable what they did tonight, it's so special. <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/emotional-juergen-klopp-hails-unbelievable-triumph-over-barcelona-216907">I will remember it forever, 100%", Klopp added.</a>

The Catalans won the first leg&nbsp;4-1 and Uruguay international the 32-year-old Luis Suarez admonished his team for letting a huge lead slip away from them once again.

Barcelona striker Suarez compared his team to schoolboys playing against a well oiled Liverpool side.&nbsp;

"For their fourth goal we looked like schoolboys, we have to be ready for all the criticism that is going to rain down on us now," Suarez told reporters after a miserable return to his former club, where he spent three years before joining Barca.

"We are very sad, we are in a lot of pain, we feel this pain even though we are professionals", Suarez added.

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde seemingly unhappy after the defeat, he said,&nbsp;''They've been really strong, they played really well and we've got to congratulate them on the performance they put up in the tie as a whole."

"It's a terrible result for our fans and for ourselves.''

"We didn't expect a situation like this, this is what's happened to us, it's really unfortunate but credit due to Liverpool", Valverde&nbsp;added.

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory at Anfield.

Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history to beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday, overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit and advancing to their second successive final with a 4-3 aggregate victory at Anfield. On overcoming the odds to crush Barcelona, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said, "Going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable.'' He also mentioned, "I said to the boys before the game 'I don't think it's possible but because it's you then I think we have a chance.' "Because they are mental giants, that's unbelievable, after the season we've played, the games we've had, the injuries we've had at this moment." "If you go out there and ask who bet a penny on us, I don't think you'd find a lot of people. And then going out there and putting in a performance like this on the pitch is unbelievable," Klopp added. Your #LIVBAR @carlsberg M̶a̶n̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶M̶a̶t̶c̶h̶... ...a truly remarkable TEAM performance. ✊ The Reds. ❤ pic.twitter.com/HMMMQbvWj8 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2019 × Two goals each from stand-in forward Divock Origi and halftime substitute Georginio Wijnaldum left Lionel Messi and Barcelona utterly shell-shocked by a Liverpool performance full of passion, belief and determination. 🙌 B O S S 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kodFUlubcx — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2019 × "I'm really proud to be the manager of this team, it's unbelievable what they did tonight, it's so special. I will remember it forever, 100%", Klopp added. The Catalans won the first leg 4-1 and Uruguay international the 32-year-old Luis Suarez admonished his team for letting a huge lead slip away from them once again. Barcelona striker Suarez compared his team to schoolboys playing against a well oiled Liverpool side. "For their fourth goal we looked like schoolboys, we have to be ready for all the criticism that is going to rain down on us now," Suarez told reporters after a miserable return to his former club, where he spent three years before joining Barca. "We are very sad, we are in a lot of pain, we feel this pain even though we are professionals", Suarez added. Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde seemingly unhappy after the defeat, he said, ''They've been really strong, they played really well and we've got to congratulate them on the performance they put up in the tie as a whole." "It's a terrible result for our fans and for ourselves.'' "We didn't expect a situation like this, this is what's happened to us, it's really unfortunate but credit due to Liverpool", Valverde added.

'We looked like schoolboys', says Suarez after Barcelona crumble against Liverpool 

Jurgen Klopp admitted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-best-player-ever-but-we-have-a-chance-says-jurgen-klopp-ahead-of-champions-league-tie-against-barcelona-214977">Lionel Messi</a> was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final.

Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final</a> first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield.

"He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. What a strike. He's a world-class player but I knew that already. It's no surprise."

Klopp could only smile after Messi's curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side.&nbsp;

They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi's brilliant brace, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post.&nbsp;

"I said to the boys I was&nbsp;proud of how we played against a side like this," Klopp said. "If you lose away it's not a massive problem as long as you score a goal. That's our problem tonight - it doesn't make our life any easier."

Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions.&nbsp;

It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe's most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert.&nbsp;

The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday.

"They can still make us suffer," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "The result is good but the tie is open."

Scintillating

Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left.&nbsp;

The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi's finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from sprinting clear.&nbsp;

Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson.&nbsp;

A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in.

Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson's cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over.&nbsp;

Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson.&nbsp;

But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Salah, and held a Milner drive.&nbsp;

Then Messi intervened, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only knee the ball against the crossbar but it came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net.&nbsp;

Two was tough on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out. He whipped it over the wall and into the top corner.

Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post. It could have been a lifeline. Liverpool are on the brink.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Lionel Messi was "unstoppable" on Wednesday after he left Liverpool needing a miracle to reach the Champions League final. Luis Suarez poked in against his former club before Messi hit a late double, the second a stunning free-kick for his 600th Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead from a pulsating semi-final first leg ahead of next week's return at Anfield. "He's unstoppable," said Klopp afterwards. "Obviously we couldn't defend the free-kick. What a strike. He's a world-class player but I knew that already. It's no surprise." Klopp could only smile after Messi's curling shot nestled in the top corner but this result was harsh on his side. They matched Barcelona in the first half, dominated them early in the second and could still have left with an away goal after Messi's brilliant brace, only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post. "I said to the boys I was proud of how we played against a side like this," Klopp said. "If you lose away it's not a massive problem as long as you score a goal. That's our problem tonight - it doesn't make our life any easier." Messi and Suarez did what they have done all season, their tallies now at 47 and 27 goals respectively in all competitions. It had been a breathtaking contest befitting two of Europe's most exhilarating teams. The first half was electric, a reel of chances, breaks and blocks, while the second was tense, a tactical battle where Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert. The comeback will be even tougher for them given Barcelona, with La Liga wrapped up, will surely rest a host of players against Celta Vigo this weekend while Liverpool, a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, will have to be at full throttle again away at Newcastle on Saturday. "They can still make us suffer," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "The result is good but the tie is open." Scintillating Messi was already fresh, after playing just over half the La Liga minutes he could have done in April, and he looked sharp early on, weaving through the centre while for Liverpool, the sensational Sadio Mane raced down the left. The attacks were scintillating but the defending was good too. Andy Robertson scrambled across to block Messi's finish from six yards and moments later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, preventing Mane from sprinting clear. Messi wanted a penalty when the ball jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita went off injured in the 25th minute, replaced by Jordan Henderson. A minute later came the goal. Arturo Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead curved a perfectly weighted pass to the near post, where Suarez nipped in. Liverpool came again. Mane scampered in behind then flicked the ball round Sergio Busquets. He should have scored too, Henderson's cross finding him free from eight yards but the shot flew over. Barca took control just as Suarez began to lose it, irked by James Milner barging Messi into the sideboards after the Argentinian had danced past Robertson. But Liverpool were re-energised at the start of the second half. Marc-Andre ter Stegen pushed away shots from Milner and Salah, and held a Milner drive. Then Messi intervened, striking twice in seven minutes. His own run started the first, setting Sergi free to square to Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only knee the ball against the crossbar but it came back for Messi, who chested and finished into an open net. Two was tough on Liverpool but Messi was not done. The free-kick was central, 30 yards out. He whipped it over the wall and into the top corner. Barca were delirious but Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal when a clearance on the line fell kindly for Salah, who hammered against the post. It could have been a lifeline. Liverpool are on the brink.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hails 'unstoppable' Lionel Messi after losing to Barcelona

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Klopp also referred to the English Premier League where the second-placed Liverpool are in a close contest with their rivals Manchester City for the league title.&nbsp;

On the eve of the UCL clash, Klopp said, "Messi would be for me – as a player I saw – the number one, 100 per cent, that's me."&nbsp;

"Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see. I saw… I have coached a few really good players, but they didn't finish their careers so we have to… they still have time to develop."&nbsp;

"My father always said it's Pele, but I didn't see Pele live – I am too young for that. But there are lot of good players around, but that's my ranking – Leo (Messi) is, for me, the best," he added.&nbsp;

Back in August Messi, in his first public address as Barcelona captain, told a packed stadium before a friendly against Boca Juniors he and the players had made it their ambition to win the trophy for the sixth time.&nbsp;

"We promise that this season we will do all we can to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Camp Nou,"&nbsp;Messi to the Barca fans.&nbsp;

But Klopp said that it's not only about Messi, but there are also other 10 game changers as well.&nbsp;

"It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well,"&nbsp;Klopp&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments but if we only concentrate on him there are 10 other world-class players who can decide the game as well.&nbsp;

"Messi said before the season, 'we want to bring back that cup'. That sounds like a threat to me. Now we did it, now we are here and all I can say is we want to go to the final as well," Klopp added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that Barcelona great Lionel Messi is the best out of the players he has seen in his career but his side have a chance against the Spanish giants in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday. Klopp also referred to the English Premier League where the second-placed Liverpool are in a close contest with their rivals Manchester City for the league title. On the eve of the UCL clash, Klopp said, "Messi would be for me – as a player I saw – the number one, 100 per cent, that's me." "Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see. I saw… I have coached a few really good players, but they didn't finish their careers so we have to… they still have time to develop." "My father always said it's Pele, but I didn't see Pele live – I am too young for that. But there are lot of good players around, but that's my ranking – Leo (Messi) is, for me, the best," he added. Back in August Messi, in his first public address as Barcelona captain, told a packed stadium before a friendly against Boca Juniors he and the players had made it their ambition to win the trophy for the sixth time. "We promise that this season we will do all we can to bring that beautiful trophy back to the Camp Nou," Messi to the Barca fans. But Klopp said that it's not only about Messi, but there are also other 10 game changers as well. "It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well," Klopp said. "Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments but if we only concentrate on him there are 10 other world-class players who can decide the game as well. "Messi said before the season, 'we want to bring back that cup'. That sounds like a threat to me. Now we did it, now we are here and all I can say is we want to go to the final as well," Klopp added.

Messi 'best player ever' but we have a chance, says Klopp ahead of UCL tie

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp&nbsp;said he would be disappointed if defender Virgil van Dijk missed out on the Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) Player of the Year award as he has had an "outstanding season".

Dutchman Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool's defence since joining the club from Southampton in January 2018, and has been key in the Merseyside club keeping 18 clean sheets in the league this season.

The 27-year-old has missed just 35 minutes Premier League action all season as Liverpool edge closer to a first top division title in 29 years.

"Would I feel sad if Van Dijk doesn't win Player of the Year? For him yes, of course," he told reporters.

"He's had an outstanding season. Will he have deserved it? Of course. It was last season when (Manchester City's) Kevin De Bruyne and (Liverpool's) Mo Salah both played unbelievable seasons and Mo won it.

"We were happy about that and not because De Bruyne lost it, because he would have deserved it as well. I think it is the same again in this case."

Van Dijk is one of the six players in the running for the award alongside teammate Sadio Mane, Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester City trio Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva.

The winners, voted for by the PFA members, will be announced on April 28.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he would be disappointed if defender Virgil van Dijk missed out on the Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) Player of the Year award as he has had an "outstanding season".

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he would be disappointed if defender Virgil van Dijk missed out on the Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) Player of the Year award as he has had an "outstanding season". Dutchman Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool's defence since joining the club from Southampton in January 2018, and has been key in the Merseyside club keeping 18 clean sheets in the league this season. The 27-year-old has missed just 35 minutes Premier League action all season as Liverpool edge closer to a first top division title in 29 years. "Would I feel sad if Van Dijk doesn't win Player of the Year? For him yes, of course," he told reporters. "He's had an outstanding season. Will he have deserved it? Of course. It was last season when (Manchester City's) Kevin De Bruyne and (Liverpool's) Mo Salah both played unbelievable seasons and Mo won it. "We were happy about that and not because De Bruyne lost it, because he would have deserved it as well. I think it is the same again in this case." Van Dijk is one of the six players in the running for the award alongside teammate Sadio Mane, Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester City trio Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva. The winners, voted for by the PFA members, will be announced on April 28.

'Outstanding' Virgil Van Dijk deserves PFA award, says Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

After guiding his team to the semi-finals of UEFA Champions League, Liverpool manager&nbsp;Jurgen Klopp said that his focus is now on Liverpool's next Premier League clash against Cardiff.&nbsp;

Liverpool registered an easy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohamed-salah-shines-as-clinical-liverpool-see-off-porto-211307">second leg win over Porto</a> in the quarter-finals of UCL with an aggregate of 6-1 on Wednesday. The Reds have set up their semi-finals with La Liga giants Barcelona.&nbsp;

Klopp, whose&nbsp;side is in contention for a domestic league, said and said his focus now will solely be on their next domestic opponent - Cardiff City as the two sides will meet on Sunday.&nbsp;

"That is in my mind and will be in my mind 100 per cent when I wake up tomorrow. And not how we play against Barcelona. We have enough time for that," said Klopp during the post-match conference.&nbsp;

"I'm happy for all the people at the club. It is the second time, second year in the semi-final and that is a big statement."

Jurgen Klopp made a series of changes to the lineup from the first leg, revamping the midfield and using Firmino as a second-half substitute.

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk netted for the Premier League leaders after they had held off the ambitions of Porto in the first half and then scored three times in the final half an hour.

It was not quite a repeat of the 5-0 rout Liverpool enjoyed here 14 months ago but by the final whistle the effect was just the same.

Liverpool, which lost to Real Madrid in the final last season, will now face Barcelona, which eliminated Manchester United 4-0 on aggregate on Tuesday.

After guiding his team to the semi-finals of UEFA Champions League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that his focus is now on Liverpool's next Premier League clash against Cardiff.

After guiding his team to the semi-finals of UEFA Champions League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that his focus is now on Liverpool's next Premier League clash against Cardiff. Liverpool registered an easy second leg win over Porto in the quarter-finals of UCL with an aggregate of 6-1 on Wednesday. The Reds have set up their semi-finals with La Liga giants Barcelona. Klopp, whose side is in contention for a domestic league, said and said his focus now will solely be on their next domestic opponent - Cardiff City as the two sides will meet on Sunday. "That is in my mind and will be in my mind 100 per cent when I wake up tomorrow. And not how we play against Barcelona. We have enough time for that," said Klopp during the post-match conference. "I'm happy for all the people at the club. It is the second time, second year in the semi-final and that is a big statement." Jurgen Klopp made a series of changes to the lineup from the first leg, revamping the midfield and using Firmino as a second-half substitute. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk netted for the Premier League leaders after they had held off the ambitions of Porto in the first half and then scored three times in the final half an hour. It was not quite a repeat of the 5-0 rout Liverpool enjoyed here 14 months ago but by the final whistle the effect was just the same. Liverpool, which lost to Real Madrid in the final last season, will now face Barcelona, which eliminated Manchester United 4-0 on aggregate on Tuesday.

'I'm thinking about Cardiff,' says Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool's UCL win over Porto

Liverpool manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Jurgen+Klopp">Jurgen Klopp</a> has appealed that the Chelsea fans who were filmed singing a racist song about Mohamed Salah should get a lifetime stadium ban.&nbsp;

In a Europa League match, three Chelsea fans were stopped from entering Slavia Prague's stadium after an alleged racist chant about Liverpool's Egypt international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-fc-condemn-fans-calling-liverpools-mohamed-salah-a-bomber-209808">Mohamed Salah</a> circulated on social media.&nbsp;

It has been reported that the fans were apparently chanting "Salah is a bomber" repeatedly.&nbsp;

Salah, Player of the Year in England last season and winner of the African Footballer of the Year award for the second time in a row in January, is of Muslim faith.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-managers-stand-togerther-to-fight-against-racist-abuse-206678">Premier League managers stand together to 'fight' racism in football</a>&nbsp;

Liverpool's boss, in a press conference, said, "It's disgusting."&nbsp;

He further added, "Another example of something which should not happen. We should not see it as a Chelsea or Liverpool thing."

"If you do something like that you should not be able to enter a stadium again, from my point of view, for life."

"As a part of the football community, I can say these people should not be involved. Go in each dressing room in the world and they are all sitting there; no one cares where their parents are from."

"Football has a strong voice, and we have to use that voice and show that we all think the same. Things like this should not be allowed to happen again."

In an official statement released on their website, Chelsea said condemned any form of discriminatory behaviour directed towards Salah.

Chelsea will meet Liverpool in a Premier League fixture on April 14.&nbsp;

Merseyside Police said they were investigating publication of offensive Tweets made in relation to a Liverpool player.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has appealed that the Chelsea fans who were filmed singing a racist song about Mohamed Salah should get a lifetime stadium ban. In a Europa League match, three Chelsea fans were stopped from entering Slavia Prague's stadium after an alleged racist chant about Liverpool's Egypt international Mohamed Salah circulated on social media.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has appealed that the Chelsea fans who were filmed singing a racist song about Mohamed Salah should get a lifetime stadium ban. In a Europa League match, three Chelsea fans were stopped from entering Slavia Prague's stadium after an alleged racist chant about Liverpool's Egypt international Mohamed Salah circulated on social media. It has been reported that the fans were apparently chanting "Salah is a bomber" repeatedly. Salah, Player of the Year in England last season and winner of the African Footballer of the Year award for the second time in a row in January, is of Muslim faith. Also Read: Premier League managers stand together to 'fight' racism in football Liverpool's boss, in a press conference, said, "It's disgusting." He further added, "Another example of something which should not happen. We should not see it as a Chelsea or Liverpool thing." "If you do something like that you should not be able to enter a stadium again, from my point of view, for life." "As a part of the football community, I can say these people should not be involved. Go in each dressing room in the world and they are all sitting there; no one cares where their parents are from." "Football has a strong voice, and we have to use that voice and show that we all think the same. Things like this should not be allowed to happen again." In an official statement released on their website, Chelsea said condemned any form of discriminatory behaviour directed towards Salah. Chelsea will meet Liverpool in a Premier League fixture on April 14. Merseyside Police said they were investigating publication of offensive Tweets made in relation to a Liverpool player.

Jurgen Klopp demands lifetime ban for Chelsea fans singing racist song about Mohamed Salah

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has called for a rule that can permit the Premier League managers to stop the match if a player is racially abused.&nbsp;

Sarri said, "We need a rule for the Premier League but I think for all the championships, for all football, a rule that can permit us to stop the match."&nbsp;

The Chelsea head coach was reacting after the club's 18-year-old winger, Callum Hudson-Odoi, was racially abused twice in 11 days playing for his club and on his England debut.&nbsp;

Chelsea lodged a formal complaint with UEFA over the racist abuse aimed at Hudson-Odoi in the 5-0 Europa League win at Dynamo Kiev on March 14.&nbsp;

UEFA has charged Montenegro with racist behaviour after abuse suffered by England players in their 5-1 victory in Podgorica in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday (25th March).&nbsp;

Sarri said, "We need to do something different, probably it's right to stop the match for 10 minutes at the first situation."

Apart from Sarri, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also took a stand against racism. He said is prepared to take their players off the pitch in a bid to combat racist abuse.&nbsp;

In the press conference, Guardiola said that football can be a 'strong weapon' against racism and contemplated abandoning matches in protest.&nbsp;

"Football is a strong weapon, they are not nice words to say, is a strong weapon to defend the principals of humanity," said Guardiola.&nbsp;

"I remember a long time ago the people said you cannot mix football and politics, that is not true. Politics is everywhere, human rights is everywhere."&nbsp;

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp commented on the racist abuse suffered by some England players during England's 5-1 win over Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday, as he spoke to the media ahead of his side's EPL game with Tottenham on Sunday.&nbsp;

Klopp said he was ''disappointed'' that the incident occurred, and he would consider taking his team off the pitch if he felt abuse was serious but would ultimately like match officials to make the decision.&nbsp;

"It's very difficult for me to hear it, to hear things like that in the stadium and probably see it in a moment," said Klopp.&nbsp;

Klopp showed determination to stand together with other coaches on the subject of racism but he said there should be "better ways to punish these guys.&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has lent his support to defender Danny Rose, after the defender was one of the players who was subjected to racist abuse during England's 5-1 win over Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday.

"No, he's OK. I think we wanted always from the beginning to show the support. Not only the support to him, support to (Raheem) Sterling or other people that feel," said Pochettino.&nbsp;

Pochettino added, "Our job is to win football games. But if a whole stand could do it then it's completely different."

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has called for a rule that can permit the Premier League managers to stop the match if a player is racially abused. Sarri said, "We need a rule for the Premier League but I think for all the championships, for all football, a rule that can permit us to stop the match.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has called for a rule that can permit the Premier League managers to stop the match if a player is racially abused. Sarri said, "We need a rule for the Premier League but I think for all the championships, for all football, a rule that can permit us to stop the match." The Chelsea head coach was reacting after the club's 18-year-old winger, Callum Hudson-Odoi, was racially abused twice in 11 days playing for his club and on his England debut. Chelsea lodged a formal complaint with UEFA over the racist abuse aimed at Hudson-Odoi in the 5-0 Europa League win at Dynamo Kiev on March 14. UEFA has charged Montenegro with racist behaviour after abuse suffered by England players in their 5-1 victory in Podgorica in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday (25th March). Sarri said, "We need to do something different, probably it's right to stop the match for 10 minutes at the first situation." Apart from Sarri, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also took a stand against racism. He said is prepared to take their players off the pitch in a bid to combat racist abuse. In the press conference, Guardiola said that football can be a 'strong weapon' against racism and contemplated abandoning matches in protest. "Football is a strong weapon, they are not nice words to say, is a strong weapon to defend the principals of humanity," said Guardiola. "I remember a long time ago the people said you cannot mix football and politics, that is not true. Politics is everywhere, human rights is everywhere." Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp commented on the racist abuse suffered by some England players during England's 5-1 win over Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday, as he spoke to the media ahead of his side's EPL game with Tottenham on Sunday. Klopp said he was ''disappointed'' that the incident occurred, and he would consider taking his team off the pitch if he felt abuse was serious but would ultimately like match officials to make the decision. "It's very difficult for me to hear it, to hear things like that in the stadium and probably see it in a moment," said Klopp. Klopp showed determination to stand together with other coaches on the subject of racism but he said there should be "better ways to punish these guys. Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has lent his support to defender Danny Rose, after the defender was one of the players who was subjected to racist abuse during England's 5-1 win over Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday. "No, he's OK. I think we wanted always from the beginning to show the support. Not only the support to him, support to (Raheem) Sterling or other people that feel," said Pochettino. Pochettino added, "Our job is to win football games. But if a whole stand could do it then it's completely different."

Premier League managers stand together to 'fight' racism in football

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Premier League title rivals Manchester City are currently the best team in the world but there is no guarantee Pep Guardiola's side will finish the season with an unprecedented quadruple.&nbsp;

With the League Cup already in the bag, City are a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the league, and have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"City look like the best team in the world, that's how it is," Klopp told reporters.

"Barcelona struggled a little bit (against Villarreal on Tuesday) but still did the job. Juve look pretty impressive in Italy but you don't exactly know how it will be in the Champions League if Cristiano Ronaldo cannot do it.

"And you think, OK, City look a bit more stable than all of them. But that doesn't mean they will win all their games."

While focus has been on City seeking a clean sweep of silverware, the prospect of Liverpool's themselves completing a Premier League and Champions League double seems to have slipped under the radar.

Klopp, however, does not expect his players to take their foot off the gas until the end of the campaign.

"I'm just interested in our games and we cannot do more than win our games," the German manager added.

"We knew pretty quick Southampton was the next challenge, then Porto, then Chelsea, then Porto again. There is a lot to come and the only thing I can say is that we try everything to be really ready for that fight."

Liverpool visit Southampton in the league later on Friday before City meet Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Premier League title rivals Manchester City are currently the best team in the world but there is no guarantee Pep Guardiola's side will finish the season with an unprecedented quadruple.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Premier League title rivals Manchester City are currently the best team in the world but there is no guarantee Pep Guardiola's side will finish the season with an unprecedented quadruple. With the League Cup already in the bag, City are a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the league, and have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup. "City look like the best team in the world, that's how it is," Klopp told reporters. "Barcelona struggled a little bit (against Villarreal on Tuesday) but still did the job. Juve look pretty impressive in Italy but you don't exactly know how it will be in the Champions League if Cristiano Ronaldo cannot do it. "And you think, OK, City look a bit more stable than all of them. But that doesn't mean they will win all their games." While focus has been on City seeking a clean sweep of silverware, the prospect of Liverpool's themselves completing a Premier League and Champions League double seems to have slipped under the radar. Klopp, however, does not expect his players to take their foot off the gas until the end of the campaign. "I'm just interested in our games and we cannot do more than win our games," the German manager added. "We knew pretty quick Southampton was the next challenge, then Porto, then Chelsea, then Porto again. There is a lot to come and the only thing I can say is that we try everything to be really ready for that fight." Liverpool visit Southampton in the league later on Friday before City meet Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

Manchester City look like world's best but Liverpool will fight: Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that luck and momentum have aided his side following his side's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/late-own-goal-gives-liverpool-vital-win-over-tottenham-hotspur-207059">2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur</a> on Sunday. After the match, Klopp said, "Without a bit of luck you cannot be in the position we are in, that's not possible."

After Roberto Firmino first goal, and Lucas Moura netted the equaliser for Liverpool but a 90th-minute own goal from Toby Alderweireld gave Liverpool all three points and put them two points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.&nbsp;

Klopp further added, "The boys worked so hard and I think really they deserved a bit of luck again today and so I am obviously very happy about the result."&nbsp;

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said that was proud of how the team had played despite being disappointed by the result.&nbsp;

Pochettino's men remain in a close battle with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea for third and fourth place in the league.&nbsp;

Pochettino asked his team to focus on the upcoming games. He said, "I think we have seven games ahead in the Premier League, we need to forget everything and be focusing (on the fact) we have ahead a mini-league that starts on Wednesday, in our new stadium that must be a big boost for everyone."&nbsp;

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"It's in our hands to be in the top four at the end of the season," Pochettino added.&nbsp;

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that luck and momentum have aided his side following his side's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. After the match, Klopp said, "Without a bit of luck you cannot be in the position we are in, that's not possible.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that luck and momentum have aided his side following his side's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. After the match, Klopp said, "Without a bit of luck you cannot be in the position we are in, that's not possible." After Roberto Firmino first goal, and Lucas Moura netted the equaliser for Liverpool but a 90th-minute own goal from Toby Alderweireld gave Liverpool all three points and put them two points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Klopp further added, "The boys worked so hard and I think really they deserved a bit of luck again today and so I am obviously very happy about the result." Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said that was proud of how the team had played despite being disappointed by the result. Pochettino's men remain in a close battle with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea for third and fourth place in the league. Pochettino asked his team to focus on the upcoming games. He said, "I think we have seven games ahead in the Premier League, we need to forget everything and be focusing (on the fact) we have ahead a mini-league that starts on Wednesday, in our new stadium that must be a big boost for everyone." Next month, we will crown our 2018/19 #PL champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nTvvxqIteT — Premier League (@premierleague) April 1, 2019 × "It's in our hands to be in the top four at the end of the season," Pochettino added.

'Top four in Tottenham's hands,' says Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino

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From Raheem Sterling's sparkle to Harry Kane conundrum: Major takeaways from this week's Premier League

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho gave Jurgen Klopp advice for Liverpool's title challenge in the Premier League.&nbsp;

He said, "The best way to prepare sometimes is to be honest."&nbsp;

Jurgen Klopp's side faced Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday but could only achieve a 0-0 draw, leaving them in second place with nine EPL matches remaining this season.&nbsp;

He added, "It is not to try to sell dreams. It is not to sell dreams. I think to be honest is to say we are not in our best moment."

"They (Liverpool) are not in their best moment," Mourinho added.&nbsp;

Currently, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are currently top of the table with 71 points, one point ahead of Liverpool.&nbsp;

Although, Mourinho also praised Klopp saying he is a positive person.&nbsp;

"A guy [Jurgen Klopp] who has some contact with the players, some skin contact, very tactile."

"I think he's very supportive. I think he's going to make them believe what we also believe, it is open. It is not closed. City are not champions, it is open," he concluded.&nbsp;

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho gave Jurgen Klopp advice for Liverpool's title challenge in the Premier League. He said, "The best way to prepare sometimes is to be honest.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho gave Jurgen Klopp advice for Liverpool's title challenge in the Premier League. He said, "The best way to prepare sometimes is to be honest." Jurgen Klopp's side faced Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday but could only achieve a 0-0 draw, leaving them in second place with nine EPL matches remaining this season. He added, "It is not to try to sell dreams. It is not to sell dreams. I think to be honest is to say we are not in our best moment." "They (Liverpool) are not in their best moment," Mourinho added. Currently, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are currently top of the table with 71 points, one point ahead of Liverpool. Although, Mourinho also praised Klopp saying he is a positive person. "A guy [Jurgen Klopp] who has some contact with the players, some skin contact, very tactile." "I think he's very supportive. I think he's going to make them believe what we also believe, it is open. It is not closed. City are not champions, it is open," he concluded.

Jose Mourinho gives Klopp advice for Liverpool's title challenge

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool still have the look of Premier League champions despite a goalless Merseyside derby draw at Everton that saw them fall a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table.

After a run of four draws in their past six league games, Liverpool ended the weekend behind City for the first time in three months having played the same number of games as Pep Guardiola's defending champions.

Everton's run without a derby win extended to 19 games stretching back to 2010.

However, the celebrations from the home supporters on the final whistle indicated how much they believe they have damaged Liverpool's hopes of securing a first league title in 29 years.

Klopp, however, remained defiant and continues to see evidence that his players have the resilience to cope with the pressure of one of the most tense title races in years.

"I don't have to give my players any advice, they know already," said Klopp. "They're not little boys any more.

"Sometimes you have the lead and people say it's done when there are 20 games to go to the end of the season, and now they have one or two more points than us. It's the beginning of March, who cares?

"I believe 100 per cent in our chances. I know that game-by-game my feeling gets better about the boys because they look ready for it.

"Today, of course, we didn't score, that can happen. A difficult game, opponent, and the wind and weather circumstances didn't help for football in general, it was just a fight.

"We were ready for that today and now we have a point more than before -- all good."

Wasteful Salah

The game, and league table, could have had a very different look had Mohamed Salah not missed the best chance of the game on 28 minutes.

Morgan Schneiderlin's error in midfield allowed Fabinho to play a first-time through ball which sent the Egyptian bearing down on goal with only Jordan Pickford to beat.

But the England goalkeeper, who was at fault for Liverpool's dramatic 96th-minute winner when the sides met in December, did well to spread himself and beat away Salah's shot.

Salah also missed the best opportunity of the second half when a bad touch allowed Michael Keane to make a magnificent last-ditch challenge.

The African player of the year, who scored 44 goals in an incredible first season at Anfield, has now scored just once in his last seven games.

"When you see the situation, he is doing everything right," Klopp said of Salah's wasted chances. "He takes his decision a millisecond earlier or later and the defender can jump in.

"We had our moments but there is no reason for taking it or not taking it, you have to fight against the circumstances, against the opponent, and the boys did that."

There were other chances for Liverpool, the best of which fell to Fabinho 21 minutes from time, but he took too long to control and allowed Lucas Digne to make a tackle.

Yet, Everton could even have snatched a long-awaited win near the end when substitute Richarlison's low cross just eluded Bernard.

"We knew how much this fixture means to the fans," said Pickford. "If you can't score then don't concede."

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool still have the look of Premier League champions despite a goalless Merseyside derby draw at Everton that saw them fall a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool still have the look of Premier League champions despite a goalless Merseyside derby draw at Everton that saw them fall a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table. After a run of four draws in their past six league games, Liverpool ended the weekend behind City for the first time in three months having played the same number of games as Pep Guardiola's defending champions. Everton's run without a derby win extended to 19 games stretching back to 2010. However, the celebrations from the home supporters on the final whistle indicated how much they believe they have damaged Liverpool's hopes of securing a first league title in 29 years. Klopp, however, remained defiant and continues to see evidence that his players have the resilience to cope with the pressure of one of the most tense title races in years. "I don't have to give my players any advice, they know already," said Klopp. "They're not little boys any more. "Sometimes you have the lead and people say it's done when there are 20 games to go to the end of the season, and now they have one or two more points than us. It's the beginning of March, who cares? "I believe 100 per cent in our chances. I know that game-by-game my feeling gets better about the boys because they look ready for it. "Today, of course, we didn't score, that can happen. A difficult game, opponent, and the wind and weather circumstances didn't help for football in general, it was just a fight. "We were ready for that today and now we have a point more than before -- all good." Wasteful Salah The game, and league table, could have had a very different look had Mohamed Salah not missed the best chance of the game on 28 minutes. Morgan Schneiderlin's error in midfield allowed Fabinho to play a first-time through ball which sent the Egyptian bearing down on goal with only Jordan Pickford to beat. But the England goalkeeper, who was at fault for Liverpool's dramatic 96th-minute winner when the sides met in December, did well to spread himself and beat away Salah's shot. Salah also missed the best opportunity of the second half when a bad touch allowed Michael Keane to make a magnificent last-ditch challenge. The African player of the year, who scored 44 goals in an incredible first season at Anfield, has now scored just once in his last seven games. "When you see the situation, he is doing everything right," Klopp said of Salah's wasted chances. "He takes his decision a millisecond earlier or later and the defender can jump in. "We had our moments but there is no reason for taking it or not taking it, you have to fight against the circumstances, against the opponent, and the boys did that." There were other chances for Liverpool, the best of which fell to Fabinho 21 minutes from time, but he took too long to control and allowed Lucas Digne to make a tackle. Yet, Everton could even have snatched a long-awaited win near the end when substitute Richarlison's low cross just eluded Bernard. "We knew how much this fixture means to the fans," said Pickford. "If you can't score then don't concede."

Liverpool ready for title fight despite losing lead, insists manager Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.

Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski.

"It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday. "There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.'&nbsp;

"That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago."

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Join us LIVE with the boss, ahead of our clash with <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernEN</a>. 
 
Klopp gives the latest team news and updates as <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> football returns to Anfield. 🙌 
 
▶️ Enjoy more on <a href="https://twitter.com/LFCTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFCTV</a> GO: <a href="https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4">https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWtv04CR89">https://t.co/mWtv04CR89</a>
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Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago.

Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015.

"The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp.

"Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet."

Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has defensive problems to resolve.

Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing.

However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time.

"In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp.

"Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday. Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012. Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski. "It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday. "There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.' "That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago." Join us LIVE with the boss, ahead of our clash with @FCBayernEN. Klopp gives the latest team news and updates as @ChampionsLeague football returns to Anfield. 🙌 ▶️ Enjoy more on @LFCTV GO: https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4 https://t.co/mWtv04CR89 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 18, 2019 × Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago. Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015. "The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp. "Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet." Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has defensive problems to resolve. Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing. However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time. "In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp. "Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."

'Nothing personal' in beating Bayern for Jurgen Klopp

Manchester City, Liverpool look for fresh impetus after Premier League stumbles

Liverpool manager <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Jurgen+Klopp">Jurgen Klopp</a> admits the "outstanding" Naby Keita has yet to reproduce the form that persuaded him to sign the midfielder -- but says he has a bright future at Anfield.

The 23-year-old started his Liverpool career brightly and has made 18 appearances so far this season but he has failed to feature in the past three matches for the Premier League leaders.

However, Klopp is prepared to give the Guinea international, who arrived from RB Leipzig during the summer, time to adapt.

"I spoke to Naby. Everything is fine. I am completely happy with Naby," said the Liverpool boss.

"Could he be a bit more confident in the games? Yes. Is he exactly the player in his best time at Leipzig? No. He is still adapting, that's how it is.

"Everyone saw at the beginning of the season how brilliant he played."

Klopp said minor injury problems had held the player back but he was a welcome addition to the squad.

"It is so good and I am looking forward to our common future," he said. "You see it every day, wow, there is so much to come and there is so much influence he can have on each game."

He added: "There is really no doubt about the boy, he is an outstanding player."

Keita is likely to get a start in the FA Cup tie at Wolves on Monday as one of a number of players in need of pitch time.

Another of those is Adam Lallana, who has also had his struggles with injuries.

"I can tell you it is a good opportunity for all the players," added Klopp. "Adam is actually in outstanding shape. It's unbelievable. It was close in the last game whether we started him or not. He is really, really good."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits the "outstanding" Naby Keita has yet to reproduce the form that persuaded him to sign the midfielder -- but says he has a bright future at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits the "outstanding" Naby Keita has yet to reproduce the form that persuaded him to sign the midfielder -- but says he has a bright future at Anfield. The 23-year-old started his Liverpool career brightly and has made 18 appearances so far this season but he has failed to feature in the past three matches for the Premier League leaders. However, Klopp is prepared to give the Guinea international, who arrived from RB Leipzig during the summer, time to adapt. "I spoke to Naby. Everything is fine. I am completely happy with Naby," said the Liverpool boss. "Could he be a bit more confident in the games? Yes. Is he exactly the player in his best time at Leipzig? No. He is still adapting, that's how it is. "Everyone saw at the beginning of the season how brilliant he played." Klopp said minor injury problems had held the player back but he was a welcome addition to the squad. "It is so good and I am looking forward to our common future," he said. "You see it every day, wow, there is so much to come and there is so much influence he can have on each game." He added: "There is really no doubt about the boy, he is an outstanding player." Keita is likely to get a start in the FA Cup tie at Wolves on Monday as one of a number of players in need of pitch time. Another of those is Adam Lallana, who has also had his struggles with injuries. "I can tell you it is a good opportunity for all the players," added Klopp. "Adam is actually in outstanding shape. It's unbelievable. It was close in the last game whether we started him or not. He is really, really good."

Naby Keita still adapting to life at Liverpool, says Jurgen Klopp

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