Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shrugs off chronic failure record in finals as Reds plot Europa League glory bid against Sevilla
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has played down the significance of his recurring tendency to lose major finals as the Reds prepare to derail Sevilla’s bid to win an unprecedented third successive Europa League crown in Basel on Wednesday.
Klopp’s respective sides have fallen at the final hurdle four times in succession since he guided Borussia Dortmund to victory in the 2012 DfB Pokal – the German equivalent of the FA Cup.
During that period he has lost twice to Bayern Munich and once to Wolfsburg, while Liverpool lost on penalties to Manchester City in February’s Capital One Cup final.
“I am not frustrated by my final record, it could be a little bit better, I was for sure not happy after finals when I didn’t win, but when it’s over, it’s over,” said Klopp.
“At home I have a little too many silver medals, that’s true, but it’s better than having no medals. For me, when you try hard, and keep trying, then you get there eventually.”
Klopp, whose side can secure a place in next season’s Champions League with victory over Sevilla, has confirmed that striker Divock Origi is in contention to play some part in the final after being sidelined since 20 April with knee ligament damage.
Despite Sevilla’s unrivalled Europa League record, Unai Emery’s side arrive at the final having lost their last three domestic matches, which resulted in a seventh-placed finish in La Liga.