Jürgen Klopp dismisses the speculation about Sadio Mane, but is concerned about the new Paris terrain

 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shrugged off the distraction of speculation about Sadio Mane's future as he prepares for Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid on a new ground at the Stade de France. Mane, whose contract expires in 2023, has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich. The Senegalese told reporters this week he will give a "special" answer when asked where he will play next season after the final. "Now is not the time to talk about it. Wherever Sadio plays next season, he'll be a great player," said Klopp when asked if Mane was a good addition to the Bundesliga.

"Bayern Munich rumors don't interest me at the moment. Sadio is fully focused on the game, don't worry.

"It's not the first time in my life that rumors about a big Bayern Munich game have surfaced."

It was a nod to the 2013 Champions League final when Mario Goetze came on for Klopp's Borussia Dortmund in a 2-1 defeat by Bayern, despite having already pledged to join Bayern next season.

Klopp also suffered defeat in his second European Cup final as Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in Kyiv in 2018.

But the Reds bounced back the following year to beat Tottenham in Madrid and lift the trophy for the sixth time.

A much-anticipated second leg between two of the most decorated clubs in Champions League history takes place on solid ground this week.

Klopp expressed concern that signs indicating where each section of new turf has been installed are still clearly visible.

"Usually when a pitch looks new it's good news. This pitch is new since yesterday, so of course, it's not the best news, but for both teams," he added.

"That someone thought it was a good idea to bring the turf into the stadium the day before the game is an interesting idea.

"It didn't spoil my mood by one percent. As long as both teams have the same circumstances, I'm fine with that."

“Exceptional” season

Liverpool is looking to score a hat-trick in Paris having already won the Coupe de la Ligue and the FA Cup.

Klopp's men narrowly missed an unprecedented quadruple as they missed the Premier League title by a point against Manchester City.

However, he conceded that his side's season will be judged on whether they win or lose in the French capital.

"If you're a footballer, you know what my boys have done outstandingly so far this season," said Klopp.

“But we all know that after a Sports News you are judged by the color of the medal. I'm beyond happy and proud of what we've achieved so far, it's really something special.

"I'll feel better if we win the game and that's all I'm worried about."

Paris was only chosen to host the final in February after St Petersburg was stripped of its hosting role due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"The fact that the game is still ongoing and not taking place in Saint Petersburg is perhaps exactly the right message that Russia should get," said Klopp.

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"Life goes on even if you try to destroy it.

"We're not just playing this final, we're playing it for all Ukrainians. I'm pretty sure there are some who can see it and we're doing it 100 percent for them." Referral Link