Month: May 2019

The full-back wants his team-mate to stick with Real Madrid for another term despite the captain having reportedly asked for a move to China

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and president Florentino Perez must clear up talk surrounding a potential transfer to the Chinese Super League, according to Dani Carvajal. 

Perez revealed on Monday that he rejected Ramos’ request to leave La Liga giants Madrid for a Chinese club on a free transfer . 

The future of star defender Ramos in Madrid remains uncertain – with Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly interested – but team-mate Carvajal would love for the 33-year-old to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season.  

“What is normal is that Ramos receives offers and it’s logical that many clubs want to have his services,” Carvajal said. 

“But the president and he have to clear it up. I would be delighted to have him [at Real Madrid] next year again.” 

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Asked if he feared Ramos leaving, Carvajal added: “No fear, each one [Ramos, his agent and Perez] must clarify [about the China move]. Ramos is our captain. That word already defines him.” 

Ramos has enjoyed great success since arriving from Sevilla in 2005, winning four La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies among others. 

The Spain international scored six goals in 28 La Liga appearances as Madrid finished third last season, while he played 40 matches in all competitions, with the club’s Champions League title defence ending in the last 16. 

Goal can confirm that Ramos recently met with coach Zinedine Zidane and president Perez to express doubts over this future , but that there was reason to believe he could stay with the club. 

The 33-year-old centre-back was believed to be close to joining Premier League giants Manchester United in 2015 before extending his Madrid contract, which now runs until 2021. 

The Spain international scored six goals in 28 La Liga appearances, while he played 40 matches in all competitions. 

However, the season ended in disappointing fashion with Real Madrid finishing third in La Liga while the club’s Champions League title defence ended in the last 16 with a stunning loss to eventual semi-finalists Ajax. 

And reports of unrest between Ramos and Perez are nothing new, with the defender having been left furious by the club boss following their exit from the Champions League .  

The Villains returned to the top flight following their 2-1 win against Derby in the Championship play-off final on Monday

John Terry says Aston Villa will be ready for the challenge of returning to the Premier League following their play-off final win against Derby County.

Villa confirmed their place back in the top flight on Monday after three years away by beating the Rams 2-1 at Wembley.

Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn scored for Dean Smith’s team before Frank Lampard’s side pegged them back with a Martyn Waghorn strike in the final 10 minutes.

Villa hung on to secure their Premier League return, capping a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season as Smith’s men went from a side languishing in the bottom half of the table in March to one toasting promotion.

And Smith’s number two Terry believes that, when the new season rolls around in the top flight, the Villains will be primed.

“We’re not just going in to make the numbers up,” said Terry. “I think we’re prepared. It’s great that we have gone up, it means we get to keep the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and all our top players.

“It’s Jack’s football club, he’s been here right from a boy and it’s just great to see.

“We have players out of contract and we need to strengthen to make the jump, of course, but if we add in the right departments, I’m sure we will be fine.”

Villa were relegated from the Premier League in 2016 at the end of a disastrous season that saw them pick up just 17 points.

The team began the season under the stewardship of Tim Sherwood, and the former Tottenham boss oversaw a horror streak of 19 winless games between August and January.

Former Arsenal midfielder Remi Garde was brought in to replace Sherwood in November but couldn’t mastermind an upswing in fortunes, and was himself replaced by Eric Black in March, shortly before the club’s relegation was confirmed.

The team won just three games all season, and finished up 22 points adrift of safety.

They will be joined in the Premier League next term by Norwich, who were relegated alongside Villa in 2016, and Sheffield United, who are themselves returning after a 12-year absence.

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The French forward is proud of his team-mates achievements, and he’s set his sights on one more with the Europa League final coming

Alexandre Lacazette says there are no ill feelings between himself and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the two Arsenal forwards continue to push one another as part of a telepathic partnership. 

The two strikers are set to lead the line for the Gunners on Wednesday in the Europa League final, where they’ll meet Chelsea knowing that a win will book Arsenal a spot in the Champions League next season. 

Aubameyang finished the Premier League campaign in a three-way tie for the Golden Boot alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah on 22 goals, solidifying his place among the world’s best goalscorers. 

Lacazette, meanwhile, bagged 13 goals himself, good for a place in the Premier League’s top 10. 

But the Frenchman insists that there’s no jealousy between himself and the Gabon international. Instead, there’s a genuine bond that has made both players better in the year-and-a-half they’ve been partners. 

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“Me, I am not jealous of anyone. I just want to win trophies, Auba as well,” Lacazette told the Mirror.

“Of course it is always better to play together, but when one plays and the other stays on the bench you just have to help the team when you can. 

“Yeah (it does feel telepathic), but sometimes it is wrong! Sometimes he goes left and I put the ball right. But normally we work a lot to be on the same wavelength. We want to be as perfect as possible. 

“Of course, the coach knows we want to play together but of course he has to make a choice and we have to respect them. Playing with Auba is always a pleasure for me.” 

Aubameyang originally joined Arsenal in January 2018, kickstarting a partnership with Lacazette soon after. 

Lacazette says that partnership formed naturally and, now with a full campaign under their belts, he feels the two, and Arsenal as a whole, are getting even better. 

“It depends on the player, how they think, and we work a lot in training to be quicker and have a good relationship,” said Lacazette. 

“It’s been different this season because we have had Auba for the whole of the season. Auba is a really good striker and the defenders find it difficult to take care of him. 

“But we don’t feel it is just because of us, we feel it because we are a good team. We have Mesut [Ozil] and more good players and it’s easier for the team. Even when I don’t play, like against Burnley, the team was good and we played well so I don’t think it’s just because of Auba and me. We have a good group and we just want to keep going and play well.” 

The Europa League final is a vital one for Arsenal, as it represents the Gunners’ last opportunity to seal a Champions League spot after finishing fifth in the Premier League. 

And Lacazette, who hasn’t played for France since 2017, sees a Champions League place as vital to his international career and a key factor in why he moved to Arsenal in the first place. 

“Lyon is my club since I was younger so that’s why I enjoyed playing there. But I really wanted to leave my club for a good team where I knew I could feel good,” he said. 

“When Arsenal came I knew it would be a good club for me. 

“I would like to be in the French team but I have to respect the manager’s decision. Maybe I need to score 30 or 40 goals, I don’t know. 

“I know it is a really good atmosphere to have the Champions League in your stadium so I want to know it in Emirates. We just have to win the final.” 

Goal brings you everything you need to know about this summer’s youth tournament in Italy

With all 12 teams having been confirmed for the tournament, this year’s European Under-21 Championship will get underway in Italy and San Marino as the sides search for continental glory.

Defending champions Germany are favourites for the competition and will be looking to clinch a third youth European Championship, while Italy will be seeking their first U-21 European title since 2004.

Goal takes a look the 2019 European U-21 Championship, how it works and key dates and fixture information.

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What is the 2019 European Under-21 Championship?

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This year’s European Under-21 Championship is the 22nd edition of the biennial youth football tournament organised by UEFA for the men’s U-21 national teams of Europe.

The finals will be hosted in an array of cities and venues across Italy and San Marino this summer, where a total of 12 teams will play to be crowned U-21 continental champions.

Players who are born on or after January 1, 1998 will be eligible to participate, and this tournament will serve as European qualifying for the Olympic football tournament.

The group winners and the best runner-up advance to the semi-finals and qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

The tournament will comprise of 12 teams competing in the group stage before progressing immediately to the semi-finals and finals.

The group phase is set to begin on June 16 with Poland taking on Spain and host nation Italy competing against Belgium, with the final to be held on June 30 at Stadio Friuli in Udine.

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European Under-21 Championship Group A tables, fixtures & results

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Pos	Team	GP	W	D	L	Pts
1	?? Italy	0	0	0	0	0
2	?? Spain	0	0	0	0	0
3	?? Poland	0	0	0	0	0
4	?? Belgium	0	0	0	0	0

Fixtures

Date	Game	Time (UK)	Venue
Jun 16	Poland vs Belgium	5:30pm	Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Jun 16	DR Congo vs Uganda	8pm	Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna
Jun 19	Spain vs Belgium	5:30pm	Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Jun 19	Italy vs Poland	8pm	Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna
Jun 22	Belgium vs Italy	8pm	Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Jun 22	Spain vs Poland	8pm	Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna

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European Under-21 Championship Group B tables, fixtures & results

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Pos	Team	GP	W	D	L	Pts
1	?? Germany	0	0	0	0	0
2	?? Denmark	0	0	0	0	0
3	?? Serbia	0	0	0	0	0
4	?? Austria	0	0	0	0	0

Fixtures

Date	Game	Time (UK)	Venue
Jun 17	Serbia vs Austria	5:30pm	Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste
Jun 17	Germany vs Denmark	8pm	Stadio Friuli, Udine
Jun 20	Denmark vs Austria	5:30pm	Stadio Friuli, Udine
Jun 20	Germany vs Serbia	8pm	Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste
Jun 23	Austria vs Germany	8pm	Stadio Friuli, Udine
Jun 23	Denmark vs Serbia	8pm	Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste

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European Under-21 Championship Group C tables, fixtures & results

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Pos	Team	GP	W	D	L	Pts
1	??????? England	0	0	0	0	0
2	?? France	0	0	0	0	0
3	?? Romania	0	0	0	0	0
4	?? Croatia	0	0	0	0	0

Fixtures

Date	Game	Time (UK)	Venue
Jun 18	Romania vs Croatia	5:30pm	San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Jun 18	England vs France	8pm	Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena
Jun 21	England vs Romania	5:30pm	Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena
Jun 21	France vs Croatia	8pm	San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Jun 24	Croatia vs England	8pm	San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Jun 24	France vs Romania	8pm	Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena

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European Under-21 Championship favourites

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Germany are 11/2 favourites according to bet 365 to defend their 2017 title and are the number one ranked U-21 team, having qualified for the finals with flying colours. The young German team finished first in Group 5 of their qualification group, 10 points ahead of second-placed Norway and a further 11 over Republic of Ireland and Israel. They won eight of their 10 qualifiers, losing just once, and recorded a memorable 6-1 victory over Azerbaijan.

England are backed at 7/2 odds to win the tournament following a similarly impressive qualifying phase that saw them finish first in their group, winning eight of their 10 games and drawing just twice. The Young Lions are unbeaten in the build-up to the tournament and will be keen to build from emphatic qualifying victories over the Netherlands, Ukraine, Scotland and Latvia.

The young France team are 4/1 odds to follow in the footsteps of their senior men’s team who became world champions in 2018, with forward Martin Terrier scoring seven goals in the qualification stages and the side winning nine out of 10 qualifiers, losing once.

Host nation Italy, who earned automatic qualification into the tournament, can be backed with odds of 11/2.

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Previous European Under-21 Championship winners

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Defending champions Germany are two-time winners of the competition, while hosts Italy have been victors a record five times, though they last won the tournament in 2004.

In 2017, Germany beat Spain 1-0 in the final with the solitary goal scored by Bayer Leverkusen right-back Mitchel Weiser in the final in Poland.

Marco Asensio was the second-highest goalscorer in the 2017 competition with three goals, followed by the likes of Max Meyer, Gerard Deulofeu, Tammy Abraham and Serge Gnabry on two goals apiece.

England won the competition in 1982 and 1984, with the Netherlands and Russia also having won the tournament twice.

The 27-year-old was unable to complete the Selecao’s first full session after gathering ahead of the Copa America

Neymar limped out of Brazil training on Tuesday, with the 27-year-old appearing to have suffered an injury to his left knee. 

While attempting a shot Neymar came off favouring his knee and, after trying to continue training, he eventually was forced to limp off the field alongside team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Neymar has already begun treatment for the injury and will remain under evaluation. 

The injury will be a major concern for the Selecao as they get ready to host the Copa America, with their opening match set to take place against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14.  

Before then Brazil will face Qatar on June 5 and Honduras four days later in a pair of friendlies, before taking on the Bolivians, Venezuela and Peru in Copa America group play.  

For Neymar, the injury could represent yet another setback after a frustrating club season that saw him play in just five games with PSG after his April return from a foot injury suffered in January. 

Despite the injury, Neymar still finished tied for fifth in the Ligue 1 scoring charts with 15 goals. 

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The 2018-19 campaign was the second straight season in which Neymar has been hampered by a foot injury, with a different metatarsal problem knocking him out of the last three months of his debut campaign with PSG in 2017-18. 

Neymar was able to return for last summer’s World Cup, where he scored two goals in five games as Brazil were knocked out by Belgium at the quarter-final stage. 

The Selecao will look for redemption at the Copa America this summer, but they will not be captained by Neymar even if the attacker does return to fitness ahead of the tournament. 

On Monday the CBF announced that manager Tite had stripped Neymar of the captaincy and instead handed the armband to his club team-mate Dani Alves.

Neymar had only been named permanent Brazil captain by Tite in September 2018, but he has now been replaced by his 36-year-old compatriot. 

The star winger is targeting a perfect summer that could include major trophies for Liverpool and Egypt

Mohamed Salah says he is targeting a perfect summer, starting with Champions League glory with Liverpool this weekend.

The Egyptian star is out for redemption after seeing his dreams ruined in Kiev last year. Salah’s injury in the first-half of the Reds’ final defeat to Real Madrid 12 months ago was a devastating blow, both for the player and his team.

A year on, the 26-year-old is hoping for better memories as Liverpool take on Tottenham at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. Jurgen Klopp’s side are favourites heading into the game, and Salah is targeting not only victory, but a goal or two for himself too.

“It’s not just a dream,” he told BeIn Sports at Liverpool’s media day at Melwood on Tuesday. “I hope it becomes a reality and I score in the final, then win the African Cup of Nations too.

“I am so happy that I have the chance to play another final. I hope I can play the full game this time. I am very excited for that. I hope we can right what happened last season, get a good result, and win the competition.”

Salah believes the fact it is Tottenham who stand in Liverpool’s way adds an extra challenge. Spurs, like the Reds, had looked dead and buried in their semi-final but fought back remarkably to beat Ajax with a last-gasp goal.

“I think it will be tough,” Salah said. “But by the end of the day, this is a final and no opponent would have been easy. It would be the same if it were Ajax, a team that beat Real Madrid and Juventus. 

“But now we only think about Tottenham. It is harder because it is an English side, but anyway we needed to win whether it was against Ajax or Spurs. And that is the most important thing we want to do.

“I don’t think [being favourites] will change much. All we have to do is stay focused on the game to win. Who is favourite and who isn’t will not change what you have to do on the pitch. It could give us a bit of a boost, but it won’t be the main reason why a side wins a game.”

Liverpool are expected to welcome back Roberto Firmino for the game, with the Brazilian having failed to start any of their last five games due to a groin issue.

Firmino trained away from the main group at Melwood on Tuesday, but Jurgen Klopp expects the striker to be fit to start in Madrid – something Salah will welcome.

“He is very important for us and helps us so much in all our games,” he said. “I’m so glad that he’s back, especially for him personally. I hope he can help us again to achieve something good.

“We are very excited. Of course this is our second final in a row. We lost the first, but everything feels better this time around and we have more experience than the last time.

“We are all looking forward and we had a good preparation period in Spain. We are back in Liverpool, and we are feeling very motivated as players and coaching staff. I hope we can win it this time.”

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Goal takes a look at when the next national team matches take place and what time you should tune in…

It’s a new era for the Mexico national team.

After once again exiting the World Cup at the round-of-16 stage, then slumping to the end of 2018 with interim manager Tuca Ferretti getting only one victory in six tries, the energy is back.

Tata Martino kicked off his stint as Mexico manager with a pair of convincing triumphs over South American opposition.

Now Martino and El Tri are looking forward to the Gold Cup as the manager prepares to set his roster for the continental championship. There’s not much time to gel, with only a pair of friendly matches prior to a group stage that could be trickier than it looks on its face.

Here are Mexico’s upcoming fixtures plus a look back at the team’s performances in 2018 and 2019:

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Upcoming Mexico national team fixtures

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Friendly: vs. Venezuela – June 5 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia)

Friendly: vs. Ecuador – June 9 (AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas)

Gold Cup Group A: vs. Cuba – June 15 (Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California)

Gold Cup Group A: vs. Canada – June 19 (Broncos Stadium at Mile High – Denver, Colorado)

Gold Cup Group A: vs. Martinique – June 23 (Bank of America Stadium  – Charlotte, North Carolina)

If Mexico advances from its Gold Cup group, it will play its first knockout match on June 29 at Houston’s NRG Stadium

Friendly: Opponent TBA – Sept. 10 (Alamodome – San Antonio, Texas)

Concacaf Nations League: at Bermuda – Oct. 11

Concacaf Nations League: vs Panama – Oct. 15

Concacaf Nations League: at Panama – Nov. 15

Concacaf Nations League: vs. Bermuda – Nov. 19

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Recent Mexico scores and results

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Mexico 3-1 Chile – March 22 (SDCCU Stadium – San Diego, California) –  Mexico begins the Tata Martino era with a victory that shows the manager’s ideas and concepts already are sticking.

Mexico 4-2 Paraguay – March 26 (Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California) – With two big wins over South American opponents in two matches, Martino’s initial mission with El Tri is accomplished.

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2018 Mexico national team results and analysis

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Mexico 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina – January 31 (Alamodome – San Antonio, Texas) – Gio dos Santos fails to impress, but Hugo Ayala’s header gives Mexico a win to open the year.

Mexico 3-0 Iceland – March 23 (Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California) – A pair of goals by Miguel Layun lifts El Tri to a victory over another World Cup-bound country.

Mexico 0-1 Croatia –  March 27 (AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas) – Mexico leaves frustrated after losing not only the game but also seeing Nestor Araujo and Carlos Salcedo suffer injuries.

Mexico 0-0 Wales – May 28 (Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California) – There are plenty of chances created but no goal for the crowd of 82,345 to celebrate.

Mexico 1-0 Scotland  – June 2 (Estadio Azteca – Mexico City, Mexico) – The team is sent off to Russia with boos and chants of ‘Fuera Osorio’ despite topping Scotland.

Denmark 2-0 Mexico – June 9 (Brondby Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark) – Worries are raised about a number of positions for Mexico with the home side dominating the final match before the World Cup.

Mexico 1-0 Germany – June 17 (Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia) – A dream start to the World Cup for la seleccion, as Hirving Lozano’s goal helps Mexico top the reigning champ.

South Korea 1-2 Mexico – June 23 (Rostov Arena – Rostov-on-Don, Russia) – Exactly the result Mexico needed, with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scoring what proved to be the winner.

Mexico 0-3 Sweden – June 27 (Ekaterinburg Arena – Yekaterinburg, Russia) – A near-disaster, as Osorio’s side fell apart in the second half against Sweden, advancing only thanks to Germany’s loss. 

Brazil 2-0 Mexico – July 2 (Samara Arena – Samara, Russia) – El Tri starts brightly but can’t keep up with Neymar, Willian or Roberto Firmino as the quarterfinal dream once again is dashed.

Mexico 1-4 Uruguay – Sept. 7 (NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas) –  A young Mexico led by interim coach Tuca Ferretti is taught a lesson by Luis Suarez and Uruguay’s World Cup base.

United States 1-0 Mexico – Sept. 11 (Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee) – Rising star Diego Lainez will never forget his first El Tri start after a pair of memorable moments in a rivalry defeat.

Mexico 3-2 Costa Rica – Oct. 11 (Estadio Universitario – San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico) – Victor Guzman leads a young group that twice comes from behind to top the Ticos in Ferretti’s first win as interim.

Mexico 0-1 Chile – Oct. 16 (Estadio Corregidora – Queretaro, Mexico) – Nicolas Castillo makes El Tri pay for their poor finishing with a late goal to give La Roja the victory.

Argentina 2-0 Mexico – Nov. 16 (Estadio Mario Kempes – Cordoba, Argentina) – Defensive concerns emerge that Mexico’s next manager will have to deal with as El Tri again concede from a set piece.

Argentina 2-0 Mexico – Nov. 20 (Estadio Malvinas Argentinas – Mendoza, Argentina) – Different place, same result with another defeat showing how ready Mexico is to turn the page and start the Martino era.

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Juventus are searching for Massimiliano Allegri’s successor and have cast covetous eyes at the German as he prepares for the Champions League final

Jurgen Klopp says reports linking him with Juventus are “bullsh*t and insists he has no interest in leaving Liverpool.

The Serie A champions are hunting for a new boss after parting ways with Massimiliano Allegri.

Lazio’s Simone Inzaghi, Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri and free agent Antonio Conte are among the names to have been mentioned in connection with the role.

The Bianconeri board reportedly view Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as ideal – albeit less realistic – options, but the German removed all doubt about his future as he focuses on this weekend’s Champions League final.

“Of course it’s a league that I like, Italy is a beautiful country, but these rumours about me going to Juventus are bullsh*t,” Klopp told Sky Sport Italia.

“There’s nothing true about it, I’m not going to leave Liverpool.

“I know Serie A very well, I follow it and I like it but I am going to stay at Liverpool.”

Liverpool will hope to be crowned European champions for the sixth time when they meet Premier League rivals Tottenham at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.

The Reds lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in last year’s Champions League final, a defeat that was catalysed by a horror performance from goalkeeper Loris Karius.

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The German ‘keeper made an errant pass that allowed Karim Benzema to give Real the lead shortly after half-time in Kyiv, before allowing a long-range strike from Gareth Bale to fall through his hands to wrap up victory for the Spanish giants. 

The Reds are looking to assuage the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City on the final day of the season. 

Liverpool beat Wolves to finish on a tally of 97 points – a record for a runner-up in the English top flight – but failed to overtake City who were 4-1 winners away at Brighton. 

The Polish international will begin rehabilitation work immediately a after successful operation

Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has undergone surgery on his right knee, the club have announced.

Outgoing boss Massimiliano Allegri confirmed the need for an operation last week but the Poland international was still on the substitutes’ bench for the Serie A champions’ season closer against Sampdoria on Sunday.

A statement on the club’s official website on Tuesday said that the keyhole surgery was successful and that Szczesny would begin rehabilitation work immediately.

“Wojciech Szczesny was today operated on, by Dr. [Ramon] Cugat in Barcelona,” the statement read. 

“He had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The process was perfectly successful and the player will immediately begin physiotherapy/rehabilitation treatment.”

The 29-year-old, who was signed from Roma in 2017, made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Bianconeri in 2018-19.

Szczesny started 28 of Juve’s 38 Serie A games as the club won their eighth consecutive Scudetto. 

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Liverpool face Tottenham in the Madrid final on Saturday aiming to win a sixth title in Europe’s top competition

Jurgen Klopp has hit out at Pep Guardiola’s suggestion that winning the Premier League is more important than the Champions League, as he prepares his Liverpool team to face Tottenham in Saturday’s final.

The Reds are playing in the final for the second successive season having lost out to Real Madrid a year ago.

Klopp’s side also missed out on clinching the Premier League title this campaign, as Guardiola guided his Manchester City team to top spot.

And the German responded to his rival’s assertion that the domestic league takes priority in his estimations, claiming that the former Barcelona manager’s long absence from the final has re-aligned his priorities.

“The Premier League is more important for Guardiola because he hasn’t been in the Champions League final for a while,” said Klopp.

“Don’t get me wrong, we all know he is the best manager in the world and he deserves all the praise he gets.

“I say that the Champions League is more important because I can still win it and we have already lost the Premier League, as they have a better team and I think our season was better than theirs.”

Liverpool’s tally of 97 points marked a new record for a runner-up in England’s top flight, with City’s total of 98 coming just two points off their own English league record of 100 set last season.

Victory for the Reds in Madrid against Tottenham would be their sixth success in Europe’s top competition, and their first since the side managed by Rafa Benitez beat AC Milan on penalties in 2005.

“We want to go as far as possible, that means we want to win that. I heard that Pep said people will only see him as a success if he wins the Champions League, it shows how luxurious the problems he has are,” Klopp said.

“During the season we have to fight against them for the Premier League title and there is another competition. This year we were a little bit better than them in the Champions League.”

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