Jurgen Klopp playing ‘mind tricks’ with Liverpool stars as ‘hangover’ claim made – expert
Jurgen Klopp will be playing “mind games” with the Liverpool squad ahead of the Champions League final to avoid any “hangover” from their Premier League disappointment.
That is the view of former Scotland manager Alex McLeish who, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the players need channel their frustration into their performances against Real Madrid.
Speaking to BBC Sport (22 May), Klopp confessed missing out on the Premier League title “increases the desire to win next week”.
The Reds finished second, just one point behind Manchester City in the table.
McLeish suggested Klopp would be able to provoke a response ahead of Saturday’s clash in Paris.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We know we know how dangerous Real Madrid are in these competitions and at this level. Klopp will be working on these guys.
“They missed out by a point and it shouldn’t affect their confidence, per se. They certainly will go into the game a little bit annoyed at not winning the league. It was kind of within their grasp.
“It was a fight between two magnificent teams. I don’t feel that there’ll be any hangover going into this final. Klopp says the right things, he’s brilliant with the mind games with the players.
“I’m sure they will be coming out and giving their best confidence.”
Liverpool came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 on the final day of the season.
They could secure a treble with victory over Real in Paris after winning the League Cup and FA Cup.
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