Phil Thompson shared that he was feeling positive about Liverpool’s chances of beating Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
The Sky Sports pundit didn’t directly predict the outcome of Saturday’s game but pinpointed two reasons why his former side had the edge over their opposition.
Thompson suggested that Madrid’s style of play, their attacking nature, would help the Reds achieve victory and that Jurgen Klopp’s side clearly would also benefit from having more energy as they were the much more fitter team, due to the squad’s age.
“I really feel as though, if you look at the games where we’ve played ever so well this season which is three games against Manchester City,” said Thompson in an interview with OffTheBall.
“Manchester City can only play one way and that’s very offensive, go for it and players who just want to attack and can’t park the bus,”
“That’s Real Madrid, that’s how they play, that’s how Barcelona play, that’s how Man City play, and I think that plays into the way we want to do it.”
“Not just that. I think we’ll have too much energy. I think they’re an ageing side and I think we’ll have more legs on us than what they will.”
OPINION
Thompson may not want to directly predict a Liverpool win in case he jinxes it, but his positive remarks clearly suggest that he thinks the trophy is coming home to Anfield. The Reds legend has pinpointed two areas where his former side have the edge over the Spanish giants, and it’s hard to argue with his logic. Klopp’s side are clearly packed with more energy as several of Madrid’s stars are approaching the wrong side of 30 or are just about to hit the dreaded age. It’s hard to see how Zinedine Zidane is going to be able to find a solution to cover his side’s frail legs as unless he plucks out some wildcards from his side’s academy, there’s not much he can do. He will just be hoping that Klopp doesn’t tell his team to go all out attack from the get go, something the German manager is clearly going to do. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino will all cause Madrid problems due to their non-stop running and constant desire to get goals. Therefore it might be a long night for Madrid, especially if Thompson is right with his assessment.
