Iceman Jurgen Klopp learns how to win ugly: Liverpool boss mirrored control of his team with untypical restraint on the touchline
- Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 to clinch the European trophy in Madrid
- The Reds almost treated the ball like the enemy but were so solid throughout
- Against Sevilla, in the Europa League final defeat, it was a very different story
- Liverpool let lead slip by continuing with high-octane approach after half time
- Spurs did not look like they were capable of scoring against stingy defence
There is a way to play a final. After four years at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has learned how to do it.
His crazy demeanour on the touchline has often been reflected in his players’ performances, but on Saturday night he was the iceman. He appeared in complete control throughout.
Think back to his first showpiece with the club, against Sevilla in the 2016 Europa League.
Jurgen Klopp was a more composed figure during the Champions League final on the sideline
Mo Salah scored early on and the Reds showed a more pragmatic approach than the past
Liverpool were quick out of the blocks, enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and deservedly led at half-time through Daniel Sturridge.
Rather than manage the game, they persisted with their high-octane approach. It was too frenetic, too gung-ho and Liverpool lost 3-1.
Contrast that with Saturday night. Such was the confidence in their watertight defence that, after taking an early lead, Liverpool were content to let Tottenham have possession.
Virgil van Dijk and the Liverpool defence never looked like conceding against Spurs
They almost treated the ball as if it was the enemy, yet at no point did I feel Spurs were capable of scoring.
Their objective was simply to win ugly and get the job done — especially after the drama of the semi-final against Barcelona.
Klopp has learned lessons from his previous final defeats without allowing himself to be damaged by them.
That is why he returned to Liverpool a winner.