Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s team ‘looks like it has been developed by an algorithm’ blasts club legend who slams Boehly’s recruitment

      by

      CHELSEA hero Pat Nevin launched a blistering attack on Todd Boehly’s £1billion Stamford Bridge revolution and said the team looks like it has “been developed by an algorithm”.Former winger Nevin, 60, fears the club he loves is in danger of collapsing and warns failure to qualify for the Champions League next season could lead to serious Financial Fair Play repercussions.
      Todd Boehly has forked out obscene amounts of money since taking charge of ChelseaCredit: ALAMY
      The spending spree hasn’t translated to success on the pitchCredit: ALAMY
      Former Blues midfielder has slammed the club’s transfer policy in the Boehly eraCredit: GETTY
      The Blues are languishing in tenth in the Prem — a massive 20 points behind leaders Liverpool following Wednesday’s 4-1 drubbing at Anfield.
      That is despite the club’s American owner Boehly splashing out a staggering £1bn on new players since his £4.25bntakeover in May 2022, which ended disgraced Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s 19-year reign.
      Nevin said: “Chelsea is almost unrecognisable from the club it was two years ago.
      “Not just personnel but the club’s whole outlook.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “The age of players, lack of really big stars, the atmosphere in the stadium, everything.
      “You don’t bring a bunch of young people into the Premier League who don’t have the experience.
      “It was madness — even if you spend £1bn it doesn’t matter.
      “Do they look close to being in the top four? No!
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Mauricio Pochettino’s troops are currently languishing in tenth placeCredit: Rex
      “They look like a team that’s been developed by an algorithm.
      “It’s a case of, ‘That bit’s good, that bit’s good, that bit’s good’ — but the collective doesn’t work.
      “The left-back doesn’t work well with the left winger, or that one won’t work well with that one.
      “Midfielder Cole Palmer is the exception and he can work with anyone.
      “It’s a great experiment. You buy all these young players but they’re never going to do well for the first two years.”
      Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has steered them into a Carabao Cup final against Liverpool later this month.
      But former Scotland star Nevin, who became a firm fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge during his spell with the Blues between 1983-88, believes their performances are nowhere near good enough for a club that were Champions League winners and World Club champions just three years ago.
      Chelsea were linked with a January swoop for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema — even though he is now 36 years old and at Saudi side Al-Ittihad.
      BBC pundit Nevin added: “There was talk about bringing in Benzema, which is diametrically the opposite of what the plan is!
      “So if you did that you’d be entitled to say, ‘What happened to the plan?’
      Chelsea have been linked with a shock move for former Real Madrid man Karim BenzemaCredit: GETTY
      “You can’t bulls**t people and say it’s great and it’s just about there.
      “It’s like a cure for cancer — it will be here in five years. And in five years, saying, ‘It’ll be here in five years!’
      “Chelsea need to finish in the top four next season because of how the finances work.
      “My background is in accounts and economics. I’ve also run Motherwell before. So that side of the business intrigues me.
      “Chelsea didn’t fall foul of FFP this time. But I watched Everton fall foul of that after they were going to be the next big thing.
      “They are another of my former clubs and I hope that doesn’t happen again.
      “Because if you spend that much and you don’t get Champions League football and you amortise over seven or eight years and it doesn’t work.
      “You need that £80million to £100m of Champions League cash every season for it to work.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “That’s why by next year they need to be in the top four.
      “And — right now — I don’t know if they will be.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole and Crouch pick Chelsea and Liverpool combined XI from stars they played with but fans fume at shock omission

      by

      JOE COLE and Peter Crouch named their combined Chelsea and Liverpool team – but fans were left fuming. The former England team-mates are on punditry duty for TNT Sports at Anfield.

      And they were tasked with putting together the ultimate combined XI from stars they played with.
      Blues icon Petr Cech was picked over Pepe Reina but the back four was split down the middle.
      Ashley Cole and John Terry – who played with both Crouch and Cole for England – were picked with Jamie Carragher and Steve Finnan.
      And it was the inclusion of centre-half Carragher and right-back Finnan that outraged fans.
      READ MORE IN football
      It meant the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic were all snubbed.
      One fan said: “Carragher and Finnan??? Carvalho left out for Carra.”
      Another fumed: “Finnan? Really? Paulo Ferreira was so far clear.”
      One slammed: “Finnan over Ivanovic and Carragher over Carvalho?! What sort of rubbish is this.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Cech, Carvalho and Ferreira were part of the Chelsea defence that famously only conceded 15 goals in their 2004/05 Premier League winning season.
      But Carragher and Finnan also lifted the Champions League the same year.
      In midfield, it is no surprise Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard featured with Claude Makelele named in the holding position.
      Luis Suarez managed to fit in the same forward line as Didier Drogba by being deployed on the left.
      And Arjen Robben was placed on the right, which would enable him to cut in on his left foot.
      Jose Mourinho, under whom Cole won two Premier League titles, was picked as manager.
      And Xabi Alonso was preferred as assistant coach instead of in the starting XI.
      The Liverpool legend, boss of Bayer Leverkuson, is now the front runner to succeed Jurgen Klopp next season after the German announced he will leave in the summer. More

    • 150 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest star Scott McKenna seals shock transfer to Champions League side

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST defender Scott McKenna has joined Copenhagen on a six-month loan.The 27-year-old was reportedly banished from first team training in December due to a dispute over his contract.
      Scott McKenna has joined Copenhagen on loanCredit: Getty
      He returned to the bench when Forest faced Brentford earlier this month, but has since been limited to just 18 minutes of game time.
      And with the centre-back already a long way down the pecking order at the City Ground, Forest officials have sanctioned a loan move.
      McKenna will now spend the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign with Copenhagen.
      Forest confirmed his departure on social media earlier today with a short statement.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It read: “Scott McKenna has joined FC Copenhagen on loan for the remainder of the season.
      “The Scotland international has featured six times for The Reds in all competitions this term. The 27-year-old now heads to Denmark for the rest of the campaign, with Copenhagen currently sat third in the Danish Superliga.
      “We wish Scott all the best for his time in Denmark.”
      Upon his arrival at Copenhagen, the Scotland international said: “I see it as a really good opportunity for me.
      Most read in Football
      “FC Copenhagen is an internationally recognised club, which always plays for the titles and which has shown itself fantastically internationally.
      “I’m really looking forward to meeting the team and coming to the training camp, which is a perfect starting point for me in terms of quickly getting into the group, and I will do my utmost for the championship to end in Copenhagen again.”
      Copenhagen face Manchester City in the Champions League round-of-16. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City goalscoring sensation who scored on debut after being Pep’s ballboy offered January loan transfer

      by

      MICAH HAMILTON has reportedly been offered a loan move away from Manchester City.The winger made the headlines after he scored on his debut for the Citizens.
      Micah Hamilton has reportedly got interest from the ChampionshipCredit: Alamy
      He was a ballboy at the Etihad in 2017Credit: TNT Sports

      Hamilton, 20, scored his side’s third goal in the Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade in December.
      The moment came six years after he was seen listening to manager Pep Guardiola as a ballboy on the touchline during a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace.
      The moment went viral at the time and it re-emerged after his debut strike.
      Guardiola called over the then 13-year-old during the match to tell him to speed up when giving the ball back.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Despite scoring in Europe’s premier competition, Hamilton has not played for the senior side since.
      Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that he could leave the Etihad this month.
      The report suggests that the attacker has interest from three Championship sides, including Watford.
      It is said that the Hornets have made an approach to sign Hamilton on loan.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      However, it has been added that Manchester City are keen on keeping the youngsters.
      It could be the case that the view from the reigning Premier League and European champions is that Hamilton could develop further with the first team than on loan.
      Watford are currently 10th in the Championship, just three points behind 6th-placed Coventry.
      Hamilton, who is currently the captain of City’s under-21 side, has been with the club for 12 years. More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League giants launch shock £15million transfer bid for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke

      by

      ITALIAN giants Lazio have entered the race for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke and made a fresh £15 million bid last night.Sunderland knocked back a similar bid from West Ham last week and are determined to keep hold of the former Leeds junior who joined Spurs in a £10million deal five years ago before his ‘undisclosed’ move to the North East.
      Lazio are pushing to sign Jack Clarke from SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Clarke, 23, has attracted interest throughout his second full season at the Stadium of Light from West Ham, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Brentford and last summer Sunderland turned down four bids from Burnley.
      Spurs have a 25 per cent sell-on clause which could affect Sunderland’s valuation of one of their crown jewels but the prospect of Champions League football with Lazio, who are scheduled to meet Bayern Munich in the round of 16 next month, is bound to interest Clarke.
      The York-born winger, who has scored 13 goals in 29 Championship games this season, has been in talks over a contract extension since the summer but the Wearside club have so far failed to secure his signature.
      Last week sporting director Kristjaan Speakman insisted Clarke, outstanding in yesterday’s 3-1 win over Stoke, would not be sold in this transfer window.
      Read More on Football
      He is currently concentrating on bringing in four players before Wednesday’s deadline including Manchester United forward Amad Diallo, who was such a huge hit on Wearside last season.
      Speakman said: “I get the news about selling players but our ambition is to retain our best players, develop them, go higher in the league.
      “I get the nervousness around selling players but there are players we all love and our ambition is to retain them and keep developing.”
      Sunderland midfielder Alex Pritchard is expected to leave the club this month.
      Most read in Championship
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The 30-year-old refused to play for the Black Cats against Stoke yesterday and instead demanded a move away.
      An official statement from the club read: “On Friday morning, Alex Pritchard informed the club that he was no longer available for selection and he subsequently withdrew from today’s match day squad.
      “The midfielder also expressed his desire to leave SAFC with immediate effect. The club will be making no further comment at this moment in time.” More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp next job odds: Germany national team most likely after Liverpool departure, Dortmund 15/2

      by

      THE German national side looks most likely to be Jurgen Klopp’s next job once he steps away from Liverpool.The 56-year-old shocked the footballing world when revealing this season would be his last at Anfield as he plans to step down from the role in the summer.
      Where will Jurgen Klopp go next?Betfair odds

      Germany national team 1/9
      Dortmund 15/2
      Real Madrid 11/1
      Barcelona 14/1
      England national team 16/1
      Bayern Munich 50/1
      Man Utd 200/1

      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*

      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*
      Klopp admitted he was simply running out of energy, having given everything to the role since his appointment in 2015.
      Speaking back in 2020, he revealed when he did leave Liverpool that he’d take a year away from the game, only returning if he felt he missed football during that time.
      While Liverpool begin their search for a replacement, this announcement is sure to spike the interest of other chairmen across the footballing world, who now know he’ll be available come the summer.
      Taking into account what he’s said, bookmakers Betfair have a pretty clear idea of where Klopp will be heading next, making the German national team as short as 1/9 to be his next role.
      That move might work as preference for Klopp, taking him away from the 24/7 nature of club football.
      It’s a role he’s regularly been linked with and certainly would seem a likely target of his.
      Bonus sign-up offer: Get £30 in free football bet builders with BetfairCredit: BETFAIRHow to claimBetfair offer

      Visit the Betfair website HERE*
      Open a new account using Promo Code: ZSKANH
      Verify your number by SMS
      Deposit a minimum of £10 using a Debit card
      Place a minimum £10 football bet on the Betfair Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater
      £30 Sportsbook free football bet builder will be awarded after the qualifying bet has settled
      All rewards are valid for 30 days after they have been awarded

      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*

      A return to Dortmund – where he enjoyed great success before leaving for Merseyside – is next in the betting at 15/2.
      Dortmund won two Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals and finished runners-up in the 2012/13 Champions League.
      Real Madrid (11/1) and Barcelona (14/1) come next, with Xavi under increased pressure at the Catalan side.
      Reports in Spain also already linked Klopp with Barcelona following his announcement earlier.
      At bigger odds come the England national team (16/1), Bayern Munich (50/1) and Manchester United at a huge – but probably not huge enough – 200/1.
      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly More

    • 163 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool next manager odds: Bookies list likely candidates after Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement

      by

      LIVERPOOL will begin the search for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement.The German – who joined the club in 2015, replacing Brendan Rodgers – has informed the club’s owners he plans to step down from the role at the end of the season.
      Follow the latest developments from Klopp’s bombshell statement
      Liverpool will have a new manager next season as Klopp confirms he’s set to quitCredit: Alamy
      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*
      Klopp has won the Premier League and Champions League in his time at Anfield and is currently in the race for all four trophies this season.
      Klopp’s announcement to stand down will put clubs across the world on alert, as well as many potential suitors who the Reds could likely turn to to replace him.
      Bookmakers Betfair make former midfielder Xabi Alonso the early 13/8 favourite to return to Anfield as manager to replace Jurgen Klopp.
      He’s one many Liverpool fans will be crying out for as he gets set to take his next step in management.
      His spell as Leverkusen boss couldn’t be any more impressive as they sit four points clear of Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga, scoring 50 goals in 18 games.
      They won all six of their Europa League games too, meaning an 88.8% win percentage in all competitions this year.
      And Leverkusen became the first side in German football history to stay unbeaten after the first 25 games of a campaign across all competitions.
      Next Liverpool manager oddsBetfair odds

      Xabi Alonso 13/8
      Pep Lijnders 3/1
      Steven Gerrard 11/2
      Roberto De Zerbi 15/2
      Julian Nagelsmann 9/1
      Ange Postecoglou 14/1
      Luis Enrique 14/1

      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*

      The style of football has been the most exciting part and the 42-year-old has worked his way through the Real Madrid and Real Sociedad academies to learn his craft.
      Klopp’s current No2 Pep Ljinders is 3/1 to step up into the hotseat.
      Lijnders has deputised previously in Klopp’s absence, most notably in League Cup outings and is a well-respected coach having worked under Rodgers too.
      His only spell in management didn’t quite go to plan when dismissed by Dutch side NEC having failed to gain promotion from the second tier.
      Anfield legend Steven Gerrard (11/2) was always talked about as the man who’d eventually replace Klopp, particularly after his spell in Glasgow.

      Gerrard’s heroics to topple Celtic as Rangers manager saw him swiftly move back south of the border and to Aston Villa, where he failed to live up to expectations.
      He’s now in Saudi Arabia and recently penned a new contract to remain at Al-Ettifaq but his dream has always been to be the Liverpool boss.
      Robert De Zerbi (15/2) is in the same category as Alonso when it comes to entertaining, attacking football and will be another popular choice, ahead of Julian Nagelsmann at 9/1.
      Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is another who plays attractive football and he’s next in the list alongside Luis Enrique at 14/1.
      BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp announces he will QUIT Liverpool at end of season in bombshell statement

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP is sensationally set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.The German took over at Anfield in October 2015 but he has now decided to call time on his Liverpool career.
      Jurgen Klopp will step down at the end of the season
      Klopp led Liverpool to their sixth Champions League title in 2019Credit: Getty
      He also won the League Cup and FA Cup double in 2022Credit: AFP
      Klopp took over as Liverpool manager in October 2015Credit: Reuters
      Klopp has won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds and is currently top of the Prem table.
      But he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.
      Klopp explained his decision to step down in an emotional interview in which he shared his love for the club, the fans and the city.
      He said: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
      “It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
      “After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
      Klopp informed Liverpool’s owners of his intention to quit in November.
      Most read in Football
      He has won five major trophies with the RedsCredit: Getty
      Liverpool won their first league title in 30 years under the GermanCredit: EPA
      Klopp’s wife Ulla previously convinced him to stay at LiverpoolCredit: Rex

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Liverpool next manager huntBy Chisanga Malata
      LIVERPOOL are on the hunt for a new manager following the shock revelation that Jurgen Klopp will leave the club.
      The German dropped the bombshell news on Friday morning, leaving Kopites around the world stunned.
      Fans’ attentions have now turned to who will replace the iconic German in the Anfield dugout.
      And SunSport is on hand with the five standout candidates to succeed the club’s soon-to-be former iconic manager.
      Xabi Alonso
      The former Reds midfielder is the favourite to replace Klopp after a stellar one-and-a-half seasons in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
      Alonso has a 64 per cent win ratio for the Bundesliga outfit, who he guided to a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football last season.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian has been a revelation for Brighton since replacing Graham Potter at the Amex in September 2022.
      Brighton finished in sixth place last season, a mere five points behind Liverpool.
      Jose Mourinho
      The former Chelsea and Manchester United is currently a free agent after being axed by Italian giants Roma this month.
      Mourinho has had a fiery history with the club in the past, but he’d be the perfect man to bring in if the Reds brass want to bring in a big-name manager.
      Unai Emery
      The Spaniard has well and truly bounced back from a disastrous spell with Arsenal at Villa Park.
      Emery guided Aston Villa to a seventh-placed finish last season, a feat they’re on course to better as they’re currently fourth in the Premier League table.
      Steven Gerrard
      The Reds icon has been touted as a future manager of the club ever since he hung up his playing boots.
      His ill-fated spell at Aston Villa, however, may put the club off from an emotional managerial Anfield return.
      And on top of that, the former England man has just signed a new contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

      His decision comes just 18 months after Klopp U-turned on his decision to quit the club after being convinced to stay at Anfield by his wife Ulla.
      Klopp signed a four-year deal instead but realised he was unlikely to stick around for next season when discussing summer plans with club chiefs.
      He continued: “I told the club already in November. I have to explain a little bit that maybe the job I do people see from the outside, I’m on the touchline and in training sessions and stuff like this, but the majority of all the things happen around these kind of things.
      “That means a season starts and you plan pretty much the next season already.
      “When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore’ and I was surprised myself by that. I obviously start thinking about it.
      “It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super-difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here, or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously.
      “For me it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about.
      “When I realised pretty early that happened, it’s a really good team with massive potential and a super age group, super characters and all that, then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome.
      “It is not what I want to [do], it is just what I think is 100 per cent right.”
      Klopp is only missing the Europa LeagueXabi Alonso is the favourite to take overBy Dan King

      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      Klopp’s decision has caused shockwaves with fans and pundits alike left stunned.
      Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher reacted saying: “This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.
      “I just thought it would be another few years away.
      “What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen!”
      While Gary Lineker said: “Wow. Huge news. What an incredible job he’s done. A special The Rest Is Football podcast will be with you this afternoon.”
      Compatriot Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Klopp as manager of Borussia Dortmund in 2015, added: “I have to digest that first.
      “Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world, he has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. It’s big news.”
      TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods also shared her shock, tweeting: “Wowwww. I don’t even support Liverpool and I’m upset!”
      He oversaw Liverpool’s first league win in 30 years in 2020 – a year after leading the Reds to Champions League glory.
      The German also led Liverpool to a cup double in 2022, beating Chelsea in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final on penalties.
      Klopp’s first final in charge of Liverpool was the 2016 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, with the Reds also losing to Sevilla in the Europa League final the same year.
      But he still has a chance to add more silverware to Liverpool’s trophy cabinet with his side top of the table and five points clear of second-placed City.
      Liverpool are also still in three cup competitions after progressing to the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday.
      The Reds are now on the search for a successor to Klopp, with former midfielder Xabi Alonso firm favourite to take over.
      Alonso has impressed in his first managerial job at Bayer Leverkusen, taking his side to the Bundesliga summit this season without losing a game.
      However he has played down talk linking him with the Liverpool job, saying: “Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen”.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment.
      “Big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jürgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration.” More