Sorry Liverpool fans, but we need to talk about Jurgen Klopp’s record in finals for a moment.The German coach has won just one of the six finals he has contested - a concerning statistic with the Champions League final less than a fortnight away.Since defeating Bayern Munich while the manager of Borussia Dortmund in the 2012 German Cup, Klopp has been on the losing side in all five of his subsequent finals.When you factor in Real Madrid’s imperious record in the Champions League in recent years - they are going for a hat-trick of titles - the omens don’t bode very well.Yet Real Madrid will be wary of an attacking trio that has swept everyone in its path aside this season.Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been breathtaking for Liverpool, scoring 88 goals combined in all competitions.Salah hogged the headlines but Firmino and Mane were both key cogs in Liverpool’s attack.
Carragher: Sign another Mane
It’s an area that Klopp will feel comfortable about. Instead, he will focus on improving other areas in the transfer window, with a goalkeeper potentially on his wishlist.
Yet Jamie Carragher has highlighted his concern with Liverpool’s squad - is the backup talent behind Salah, Firmino and Mane enough?
Arguably not.
“You have to be concerned,” Carragher told Goal. “I thought the squad was very good at the start of the season, but I think what it lacks is cover for the front three.
“When one of them misses out, the quality coming in is not enough.
“[Naby] Keita will add quality to the midfield, but I think we do still lack a little bit since [Philippe] Coutinho went in terms of that final pass.
“Defensively we’re fine in terms of numbers, but I think we need something more in the final third.”
Dominic Solanke, Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi are among the supporting cast but none can be relied upon to step up.
“We don’t need a striker,” Carragher added. “We need a multi-functional player. Another Mane, if you like.
“You could probably play Mane up front if you wanted to. He can play left, right or up front, like someone like Alexis Sanchez can.
“There’s no point bringing in a striker to cover for Firmino and sitting him on the bench.
“You need someone who can come in and cover for one or two players with quality, start games when he needs to and compete with the others.
Liverpool fans react
Liverpool fans reacted to Carragher's comments by naming the 'other Mane' they should sign - Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.
Many believe Zaha is the best player in the Premier League outside of the top six.
Indeed, he appears ready to the return to the top following his failed stint at Manchester United.
“As a manager it’s difficult," Carragher added. "You bring in a squad player, and you try to find someone who is good enough to replace your starters, but happy not playing every week. There aren’t many of those players around!
“If Liverpool can find a really good attacking player who can play two or three positions, he will get games anyway. He will almost play every week.
“Players need resting, the manager rotates, he changes for different fixtures. It is possible to keep them happy, but you have to find the right player.”
Carragher’s right. Liverpool were fortunate that Salah, Mane or Firmino didn’t suffer a major injury this season - and Klopp will be aware that the football Gods may not be quite so kind next time around.