Klopp on why Liverpool have struggled in the FA Cup during his tenure
Check out Jurgen Klopp’s pre match press conference ahead of the FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley. The German manager discusses why Liverpool have struggled in the FA Cup since he’s been in charge, and reiterates his desire to win the historic trophy for the first time.
Chelsea vs Liverpool: Line-ups
Chelsea
Liverpool
Big Game For Both Teams
#1
Not since the infamous Gerrard stunner of 2006 have Liverpool got their hands on the FA Cup – defeating West Ham United on penalties that year – and they will bring a 15-game unbeaten run in all tournaments into Saturday’s final since that inconsequential Champions League loss to Inter Milan at Anfield.
#2
Seven of their last eight have ended in victory, but given their extremely high defensive standards, a three-game run without a clean sheet has been something of a harsh reality check, and there are plenty more strenuous battles to fight for Liverpool over the next fortnight.
#3
However, the prospect of completing a domestic cup double for the first time since the 2000-01 season is one that Liverpool will be in no mood to pass up, and even if the tie goes to penalties like it did in 2006, Klopp’s side have Chelsea’s number in that department.
#4
Chelsea can breathe a little easier in the knowledge that they should now wrap up a top-four finish in the Premier League with minimal difficulty, and ending the season with another FA Cup in the glass case would be a surefire way for Tuchel to write his name into the new owners’ good books early doors.
#5
No team has ever suffered three consecutive FA Cup final defeats since the turn of the millennium, but Arsenal defeated Sheffield Wednesday both times when the same two sides last met in the EFL Cup and FA Cup finals in a single season back in 1992-93, and Chelsea could take some inspiration from their capital counterparts if their Wembley hoodoo is to end with a slice of revenge against Liverpool added into the mix.
DPP Verdict
With neither Tuchel nor Klopp likely to be able to put out their desired midfield combinations on the Wembley turf, expect an open-ended encounter in Saturday’s gargantuan final, and there are added incentives on both sides to get the job done. Securing a first-ever FA Cup title with Liverpool would be the perfect way for Klopp to celebrate his recent contract extension, while Chelsea’s new ownership will have a very keen eye on the weekend’s exploits in the capital. However, Liverpool were able to grant more of their star names a midweek rest and taught Man City a lesson in attacking dominance in the semi-finals – whereas Chelsea’s Wembley curse is yet to be lifted – so we expect the red side of the stadium to be celebrating after 90 minutes as the Blues’ FA Cup misery is prolonged.
