Real will be better off at neutral venue, says ex-liverpool medio
HONG KONG: Former Liverpool midfielder Jason Mcateer believes the lack of an ‘Anfield factor’ at the Champions League final will give an experienced Real Madrid side a slight advantage when they face the Merseyside club in Kiev on Saturday.
Playing the decider as a one-off game at a neutral venue could, says the ex-republic of Ireland World Cup defender, give the 12-time champions the upper hand when they take on Juergen Klopp’s side this weekend.
“I’m a bit apprehensive,” Mcateer, who spent four seasons at Anfield from 1995, said.
“I had been quietly confident. Against Man City and Roma I thought they were excellent and I know everybody says in a oneoff game Liverpool can beat anybody, but so can Real Madrid.
“I think a two-legged affair psychologically is better for Liverpool. I always think Liverpool at Anfield, certainly this season where they’ve been unbeaten in the league, they’ve got a great advantage. They can play there first and do a job on a team, or get them back there and turn it around. So I think psychologically two legs are better for Liverpool,” added the 46-year-old, who also had spells at Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland and Tranmere.
“But even saying that, a one-off game against Real Madrid — who are going for a treble and accustomed to those surroundings and that situation — is going to be a big ask and Liverpool need bring their ‘A’ game or I can only see one winner. “Liverpool, time and time again this season, have brought their ‘A’ game in big moments.” Liverpool won 12 and drew seven at Anfield during a Premier League season that saw them finish fourth in the standings, while Klopp’s side were also unbeaten on home turf throughout the Champions League campaign.