He may be only a few months in to his tenure but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says that Wednesday's Europa League Final against Sevilla in Basel is an "outstanding opportunity" for his side and one that they must enjoy.
The final in Basel is an opportunity for Sevilla to win the Europa League for the third time in succession and a fifth time since they hammered Gareth Southgate’s Middlesboro 4-0 in 2006. Liverpool have won this competition, when it was known as the UEFA cup, three times, twice in the 70’s before they conquered all in the Champions Cup, and also beat Spanish side Deportivo Alaves in a dramatic 5-4 battle in 2001.
If Klopp’s men can overcome the Spanish holders they will go joint top with them as four time winners. Currently Liverpool, Inter and Juventus have 3 titles. In the last few years sides from the Iberian Peninsula have dominated the competition, with Chelsea the only team to break the chain with victory over Benfica in 2013.
Sevilla may be dominant in this competition but they really struggled in the Champions League this season, losing 4 games in Group D, twice against Manchester City and in the home tie they looked very weak indeed. Liverpool showed with the Dortmund result that if they go for the kill they will triumph.
Whatever, happens on Wednesday it is sure to be a good game. I don’t think Klopp’s side should be judged on this result as he has done a good job with what he was given. However, saying that, I bet the German will feel slightly annoyed if Liverpool don’t come away as Champions, it’s in his nature and I reckon they are the better side and like he said an "outstanding opportunity" to bring a trophy home in the same year as the Hillsborough victory.
Source: DSG
