Pochettino responds to Klopp's psychological tricks

According to Chelsea coach, Klopp's dismissal of Liverpool's status as the favorites in the League Cup final is just a psychological trick.

In an interview before the final on the evening of February 25, coach Jurgen Klopp said: "Are we the favorites? Definitely not. Since the last time we played them, Chelsea have improved a lot. The final will be very difficult."

When asked about Klopp's statement, Mauricio Pochettino said it was just a psychological trick of his colleague. According to the Chelsea coach, like Pep Guardiola, Klopp is one of the world's leading coaches. And he believes that such coaches are smart enough to psychologically influence their opponents.

Pochettino's Chelsea (right) lost 1-4 to Liverpool in round 22 of the Premier League on January 31 at Anfield. Photo: LFC — Pochettino's Chelsea (right) lost 1-4 to Liverpool in round 22 of the Premier League on January 31 at Anfield. Photo: *LFC*

Pochettino also said that Klopp fully understands the nature of any possibility that can happen in a final. Therefore, making a cautious statement is understandable and appropriate.

"If Liverpool are not favourites, then we are not," Pochettino added. "They have experience of playing many different finals. On the contrary, maybe some Chelsea players have not played in a final. Klopp is smart enough to say that."

Liverpool are without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota due to injury. Three other key players - Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai - could also be out for more time, having missed the 4-1 win over Luton Town on 21 February. Chelsea, meanwhile, have suffered fewer injuries. Thiago Silva may be absent, but Pochettino has not ruled out the possibility of the veteran centre-back returning for the final.

Under Klopp, Liverpool have played 12 cup matches and won six. They have met Chelsea three times and won on penalties: 5-4 in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, 6-5 in the 2022 FA Cup final and 11-10 in the 2022 League Cup final.

Pochettino has only been in charge of Chelsea this season. In their two Premier League matches against Liverpool, the Argentine coach and his team drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and lost 1-4 at Anfield. Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League with 35 points, 25 points behind Liverpool. After losing 1-4 to Liverpool on January 31, Chelsea lost 2-4 to Wolves, but picked themselves up with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and a 1-1 draw with Man City.

The League Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium, London, on the evening of February 25. Three days later, Chelsea will host Leeds in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while Liverpool will host Southampton.

Thanh Quy (according to Goal )

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