Bruno’s out to be title passion killer
BRUNO LAGE believes no one connected with Wolves will be fazed by the passion at Anfield this afternoon.
The Portuguese has shrugged off suggestions that the Black Country club will be intimidated as the Reds chase their 20th top-flight title.
Liverpool’s home is set to be a cauldron of noise as Jurgen Klopp’s side chase early goals to send jitters down the M62 to rivals Manchester City.
But Lage says that a stint in the hot seat with Benfica has prepared him for whatever comes his way today – and that several of his players have been through similar experiences.
Asked if he was ready for the trial on Merseyside, Lage said: “I lived that kind of passion for two years with Benfica.
“Go and check Youtube and see the way we arrived at our stadium to play our final fixture of the season three years ago.
Goosebumps
“We had to win our last game against Santa Clara to win the league and see how our fans turned out to support us.
“I get goosebumps every time I think back to it. And if you also saw the way the Benfica fans celebrated in the Marques de Pombal square in Lisbon when we won the 37th title, you would understand.
“So, for me, it’s the same atmosphere that I’m looking forward to experiencing.
“It’s important for these players to love these moments.
“And most of them do because we have big players who have come from Porto, Sporting and Benfica – they’ve experienced it before. They know what it means to Liverpool’s players.”
Lage claimed that even if Jurgen Klopp and his players miss out, they should still be happy with second place.
He added: “It’s going to be difficult for both teams.
“For us, it’s going to be hard because they are doing such a fantastic job.
“For them, it will be hard because they know they can win the league.
“If they finish second they should be proud and happy because if they lose it will only be on the final day.
“All their goals and points would have won them the league comfortably in many previous seasons.
“They still have a big final to play against Real Madrid, so they are doing a fantastic job whatever happens.
“And we want to have a good finish to the season for our fans.”