LIVERPOOL We’ve
DURING a season that has promised so much, Jurgen Klopp has often cautioned against over-confidence.
So when he addresses his players before tonight’s semi-final second leg, he will remind them for all the domestic victories and a Champions League run to the brink of the final, they have “nothing in their hands” yet.
What he will also tell them, though, and with heartfelt conviction, is that he believes this group has the opportunity to do “something special” the next three weeks.
He will tell them if they can get past Roma tonight, they move to Kiev and the final with genuine belief this can be the start of another great era for the club.
In this group of players which he has developed through the season, from qualifying for the tournament against Hoffenheim way back in August, Klopp sees resilience, resourcefulness and, importantly, potential.
“They are at the best football age – too young to say they are experienced but already that good that you think, ‘OK, we could do something special’,” he said.
“We already have done some special things, not really historical that we can put in any cupboard, but still good.
“There have been so many big developments this year and it is really good, but there is still nothing in our hands – not the Champions League final or even qualification.
“Two games to go and now we play Roma while Chelsea watch the game. Then we go to Chelsea, then Brighton at home, with still real jobs to do. Nothing we have done so far has put us in a position where we can relax and take a deep breath.”
If not a deep breath, then perhaps a sigh of relief after in