LIVERPOOL, Feb 26 ― Juergen Klopp has already ended Liverpool's 30-year top-flight title drought as well guiding them to Champions League glory but he will be hoping to overcome his Wembley jinx as he attempts to finally win a domestic cup in England.
He takes his side to Wembley tomorrow for a showdown with Chelsea in the League Cup final, on a ground where he has not enjoyed a great deal of success to date.
“How many times have I been to Wembley? Twice and lost both times,” Klopp told Sky Sports this week. “That's fine, because I normally do things the third time. It has been the story of my life.
“I did it with the Champions League and other things. It is a good sign. I like the stadium. Both times my teams have played here we played really well and lost. I am more than happy to try again.”
Klopp's Borussia Dortmund lost to fellow German side Bayern Munich in England's national stadium in the 2013 Champions League final, before seeing his Liverpool team beaten by Manchester City three years later in the League Cup final.
Liverpool are looking to win the League Cup for a record ninth time, with their last success in the competition coming in 2012 via a penalty shootout victory over Cardiff City. This is their 13th final in the competition ― at least four more than any other side.
Klopp's record against Chelsea and their boss and compatriot Thomas Tuchel is not all that impressive, however.
Under Klopp, Liverpool have won 35 per cent of their meetings with Chelsea in all competitions ― six out of 17. Among sides they have faced at least 10 times under the German, only against Manchester United (33 per cent) do they have a lower win ratio.
Klopp is in fact winless in his last four managerial clashes with Tuchel, including three since Tuchel joined Chelsea.
Tuchel is set to become the eighth different manager to take charge of an English club in the finals of each of the League Cup, FA Cup and European Cup/Champions League, and the first to do all three while in charge of the Blues.
He is aware of the task facing the Champions League holders since Liverpool appear to be back to their relentless best. They have won their last nine matches in all competitions, including a 6-0 thrashing of Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday.
“We don't speak regularly,” Tuchel said of his relationship with Klopp. “It's only pure pleasure to play them because they give you a hard time and we're facing him with a very strong Liverpool team, after brilliant results.
“So, it's a big challenge but it's a big occasion and we feel competitive regarding our last matches with Liverpool. It's a pleasure to meet him and be in a final at Wembley again. I am very grateful for that.” ― Reuters
