Mauricio Pochettino plays down Chelsea being favourites after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp comments
Earlier, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp commented that his side weren’t favourites going into the Carabao Cup final, and Mauricio Pochettino said he was being clever by calling Chelsea contenders to win the final.
In these circumstances, neutrals will say Liverpool are certainly going to get their hands on the trophy given their performance this season, and they are at the top of the Premier League table.
These are mind games as Klopp wants fans to perceive Liverpool as outsiders in the championship game. It’s quite difficult to persuade people that Chelsea are the clear favourite when the Reds have maintained their higher-quality approach despite injuries.
When asked about his comment on Liverpool not being favourites to win the Carabao Cup final, (h/t Football. London) the Argentine manager said:
“Yes, because he is one of the best, with Pep [Guardiola], coaches in the world, and he is clever enough, and he knows that when you arrive and play a final, there are always circumstances that can happen. Of course, if they are not the favourites, then we are not the favourites [laughs].”
Liverpool are the favourites.
When the manager downplays the fact that his team is the clear favourite to win the championship. After all, he wants to relieve some of the strain on his team because everyone will be rooting for them to win the tournament regardless. Liverpool are undoubtedly the favourite, and their performance alone should convince people.
But the Blues have improved since that 4-1 defeat and will be geared up to take on Liverpool. Both sides won’t be at their full capacity due to injuries, but given Liverpool’s more experienced players, they will have a key advantage in this game.
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The Chelsea players must maintain composure and avoid overthinking and giving the ball away during the match since any hint of anxiousness will be exploited by Klopp’s team.