Klopp: Even in Manchester they have televisions

Jurgen Klopp has previewed Liverpool’s Capital One Cup final showdown with Manchester City, explaining what victory would mean to him and the club.

The Reds face Man City in Sunday’s Wembley showdown for the first silverware of the season, with the match giving the German his first chance to win a trophy at Liverpool.

In his media briefing to preview the match, Klopp explained what winning the match would mean to the club and of the so-called pressure on the Reds to lift the cup.

“It’s not important what I say today, it won’t change the game,” Klopp said. “It’s only important that we give our best performance in this game and what is possible in this moment. It won’t make a difference if I say a sentence today here or in a meeting tomorrow. 100% believe, confidence, whatever. But you have to know the other team will want to win too and it’s all about challenges.

“It’s all 100% in finals. These are the two best teams in this cup. This is the logical final.”

Asked about his tactics for the game, Klopp said: “All I will say is it will be completely different, or not. I won’t talk about tactics here. Even in Manchester they have televisions!

“I understand your question but I won’t say. We have a plan and my players will know.”

Klopp added: “We can use our own history. I know both situations of a final – winning and losing. Nothing is decided before the game. It’s helpful if you can imagine everything is possible. You can dream but stop at the first whistle.

“In this case it’s pretty easy, I saw a lot of pictures because we made a video for this game about the what and why. We don’t have to look at other teams or clubs, we can use our own history.

“I know the stadium because I was there [for Dortmund v Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League].”

Klopp was questioned whether winning the League Cup would buy him more time in the Anfield hotseat, but he said: “Do you think I need breathing space? We will see afterwards what it will mean to me.

“We’re in this job to win things – titles, cups, whatever. A lot of players or managers can work their whole life and not win anything. I’m sure you will see we really want to win this. That’s a pretty strong opponent, it feels like Liverpool v Manchester – like always.”

He continued: “In my opinion this is only the first try – not the last. You cannot go into a game thinking ‘This is my last chance’

“You cannot and should not, it’s a really big pressure then. If you are clear with your attitude and cannot do more, and stay cool enough – look at Messi at the Emirates, it’s easy for him after 1,000 goals – but this coolness is very important in a game like this.”