IT’S HUG OF WAR TIME
Klopp: No pressure on us in final day... we know we have to win but that’s nothing new Pep: League trophy is always most satisfying as it’s most difficult thing in our lives
JURGEN KLOPP insists any pressure in tomorrow’s title finale will be entirely on Manchester City.
The Liverpool boss was supremely relaxed ahead of another momentous occasion.
But with the Premier League hanging on a super Sunday showdown, he said: “For us there is no pressure.”
Klopp believes there is nothing to lose for his side, arguing they have never had the trophy in their hands, so it is not theirs to throw away.
But he wondered whether that pressure makes the situation different for City.
Klopp said: “I cannot talk about pressure for the other team but for us, it’s not about ‘what if ’, we don’t have that. If City have that, I don’t know.
“For us, it is pretty positive, it is so special. If you have something to lose it feels different but we don’t have that.
“We have been in situations like this before and we know it is not easy but most of the time we have dealt with it OK.
“I have no reason to think why Man City wouldn’t. But the situation is different.”
Klopp knows only one way to approach what will be a spectacular finale to another incredible Premier League season.
And he said: “Our way is full throttle.”
He added: “We will put everything we have to give it a try and let’s see what the outcome is.
“This is a different situation. I’ve seen these games before. Not when I was involved but I have watched them when one team is really going for it and then oh, 1-0 for the other team. Then you have to deal with that.”
Klopp says if Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah are back to 100 per cent fitness he may play them against Wolves “for rhythm ahead of the Champions League final” but will take zero risks if they’re not in peak condition.
Klopp also confirmed Divock Origi will leave at the end of this season. He’s set to join AC Milan after agreeing terms.
And his boss added: “I expect Div to get a special reception. He is, for me, a Liverpool legend, one of the most important players I ever had.”
PEP GUARDIOLA has told title rival Jurgen Klopp the Premier League remains the true mark of greatness.
Guardiola will make it four titles in five years if his Manchester City side beat Aston Villa tomorrow, irrespective of how Liverpool do at home to Wolves.
Although the Anfield side have won the League Cup, FA Cup and are in the final of the Champions League, Guardiola said the league is always the most satisfying trophy to lift.
The Spanish boss said: “I would say, because it’s more difficult to win.
“There are a lot of weeks and games, struggling with injuries and good and bad moments.
“The success is in being there all the time in the last five years. There was one year when Liverpool were unstoppable and we weren’t good enough.
“But it’s satisfying because it’s succeeding every day.
“When you win and win, it gives good training sessions and a good mood.
“It’s not like the FA Cup. In terms of the Premier League it’s every day, every week. It’s a routine, the most difficult thing in our lives.
“Over 38 games it is different, that’s why I like it, ever since I was a player.”
Guardiola paid tribute to Klopp’s Liverpool, for pushing City all the way this season and closing what was, at one stage a 14-point gap to just one going into today’s final round of fixtures.
He said: “They’ve only lost twice in their 37 league games, and when you face this type of team, you have to win the last game.
“I said you would need more than 90 points to win the title and that’s the case.”
Guardiola hopes that his side can wrap up the title quickly – and avoid a repeat of their nerve-shredding maiden Premier League title win a decade ago.
Then they looked to have blown their chance, before Sergio Aguero’s iconic goal in added time against QPR saw them snatch the title at the death from local rivals Manchester United.
Guardiola added: “I said to the players, it’s just a football game and just think about what you have to do to win.
“As a club, we’ve not been here many times, so once we’re here we should try to enjoy the game, enjoy the moments and then do it.”