We’re now just one day away from the Champions League final.Liverpool and Real Madrid will meet in Kiev on Saturday evening to determine the champions of Europe.It promises to be an enthralling battle between two teams who are better in attack than they are in defence.Liverpool have scored 40 goals in this season’s competition and their semi-final tie against Roma, which culminated in a 7-6 aggregate victory, highlighted their gung-ho approach.Fans should expect goals, and plenty of them.The players and coaches spoke to the media on Friday and there was an interesting exchange between a journalist and Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.The Brazilian was asked for his opinion on Jurgen Klopp saying that he can’t defend - except Klopp has never said such a thing.
Liverpool fans aren't happy
In a recent interview with Robbie Fowler, Klopp quoted what is considered a regular opinion of Marcelo by saying: “You saw it, everybody saw it, seems obvious: ‘Marcelo, what an offensive player, but... he can’t defend’.”
Klopp’s comment was misinterpreted by a journalist and put to Marcelo, much to the frustration of Liverpool supporters.
Check out the reaction below.
As Twitter user @jendavax has pointed out, Klopp is wise enough to know that criticising an opponent before a match would be a really silly thing to do.
It would only serve to motivate Marcelo even more.
When asked about Klopp’s comment, the 30-year-old replied: “I'm happy with my work. I don't think I've got to prove anything to anyone.”
That’s a fair response. Many football fans may consider Marcelo a weak point in this Real Madrid side but his record speaks for itself.
He’s won four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. Zinedine Zidane wouldn’t select him in his starting line-up if he didn’t feel confident in his abilities.
In his interview with Fowler, Klopp continued by stating that Real have no weaknesses.
“They won the Champions League twice, they are again in the final!,” he added.
“Bayern Munich thought they were the better team in the two games, but what is better at the end?
“Real need four chances to score twice. Bayern needed eight to score one. They are experienced from head to toe. There is no weakness.”
That's how it's done. No need to give Real any extra incentive.