Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp admits Man City CL exit is ‘massive blow’ but claims Real Madrid clear favourites over Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, Liverpool vs Man City

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Real Madrid are the “favourites” in the Champions League final following their journey to Paris.

The two sides knew they could potentially meet in the showpiece again after the quarter-final draw. However, the drama in between which has created the tie has made this Champions League campaign one to remember.

Liverpool beat Inter Milan, Benfica and Villarreal on their run to Paris. After holding on for a 2-1 win over Inter, they got past Benfica with relative ease before coming back in style to beat Villarreal.

Madrid, meanwhile, have got past Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City with three spectacular comebacks.

Asked about the second Champions League final meeting in four years between Liverpool and Madrid, Klopp made the recently-crowned La Liga champions the favourites.

“When we lost that final, my favourite solution would have been to play final next year against Real Madrid but we played Tottenham in Madrid, so Madrid seems to be our destiny,” Klopp told a press conference.

“They are now the massive favourites. All the experience they have. We are more experienced than we were, probably, but it’s not for us to compare.

“We were not happy that night [in the 2018 final] but I’m happy to go there and give it a try.

“But until then, we have a lot of games to play. You ask a lot of questions about Real Madrid, but until then we can stop [talking about the Champions League final].”

Indeed, Liverpool are chasing a potential quadruple. Having won the Carabao Cup in February, they are in the FA Cup final too and so a treble with the European Cup is in their hands.

However, Manchester City have a one-point advantage in the Premier League title race and must slip up for the Reds to have a chance at quadruple glory.

And despite crumbling to Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League semi-final, Klopp insisted he has no doubts Pep Guardiola’s side will recover.

Klopp confident of Man City recovery

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Asked if the 6-5 aggregate defeat will benefit Liverpool or strengthen City’s resolve, Klopp said: “With all the things we know about City, I would rather think the second because they are too good.

“Yes, it was a massive blow. I think everybody was ready to switch the television off nearly and then, all of a sudden, part two started.

“That was really harsh, I can imagine it. I had nights like that, it’s not cool. The next morning is not enjoyable, but there’s a moment when you realise we cannot change that anymore.

“You have to focus on the next game and for them, it’s Newcastle on Sunday. They will be ready.”

Liverpool continue their quest for the league title against Tottenham at Anfield on Saturday.