MY REDS NO MATCH FOR KLOPP’S XI

RAFA BENITEZ is convinced Jurgen Klopp has a better team than his 2005 Champions League winners.

The former Liverpool boss has outlined how he thinks Klopp’s men can create their own version of the miracle of Istanbul against another of his former clubs, Real Madrid.

Newcastle boss Benitez (above, with the trophy in 2005) said the Reds can rattle Real in Saturday’s final in Kiev because they have three game-changers in Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

The Spaniard reckons his own European champions had only Steven Gerrard who could single-handedly alter the course of a game.

Asked how this Kiev-bound Liverpool side compares with his winners 13 years ago, Benitez replied: “I think this one is better. The value of this team is so much higher.

“We had Stevie, of course. Also some players with experience and quality in Xabi Alonso and Didi Hamann.

“We had players who worked very hard. We had a good balance.

“I think this team also has good balance but the three players up front can make a difference on their own.

“We had one player who maybe could make a difference on his own (Gerrard) and here they have three.

“The team spirit, the intensity, could be more or less the same because it’s the Liverpool way. But what they have today is more quality, especially up front.”

Benitez described Saturday’s mouthwatering final as finely balanced, with Liverpool’s vibrancy pitted against Madrid’s experience.

But he is sure the Spaniards can be got at.

He added: “The difference between the Premier League and the other leagues is the intensity of the games. Liverpool have the intensity to hurt you.

“Real Madrid have the experience and the quality but Liverpool can do it. They have the intensity, the quality, the passion, the desire.

“Can they maintain that intensity? Yes. Can the other side mange the intensity of Liverpool? Yes.

“So I think it’s a fine balance.”