Jurgen Klopp has revealed his ‘respect’ for Mauricio Pochettino as he prepares Liverpool to face Tottenham in the Champions League final.
Liverpool face Spurs in an all-English affair for Europe’s biggest prize on Saturday, with the Premier League rivals clashing in Madrid for the chance to be crowned champions of Europe.
Klopp’s side will be competing in their second successive final, having lost last year to Real Madrid over in Kiev, while Spurs have reached the showpiece for the first time in the club’s history.
Speaking in the last press conference prior to the final, Klopp spoke of his admiration for Pochettino and hailed the Argentine’s ability to improve a ‘talented’ playing group.
“I respect a lot what Pochettino did – he had a talented group and how they improve together is really impressive. I like that.
“But if Ajax had been in the final it would have been deserved as well. It’s a real football final, now both have to deal with that because it makes the game pretty intense.
“We’re really looking forward to a proper game I’m sure.”