Stephen Warnock believes Liverpool’s recent experiences in European finals will give them a crucial advantage in the Champions League final against Tottenham.
Liverpool were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League final, while Jurgen Klopp’s side also lost the Europa League final to Sevilla by the same score line in 2016.
Tottenham meanwhile will be competing in their maiden Champions League final when they take to the field against Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
Warnock believes that despite Liverpool losing their last two European finals, the experience of competing in them could give them a crucial advantage against Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the final.
“Liverpool’s experience of having been in three European cup finals in three years will be key because they know what to expect in the build-up to the game and the hype around it, the expectation. I think Liverpool have that advantage,” Warnock told the Daily Mail.
“I look at Tottenham and think they can beat them, but the biggest fear is getting beaten by them. That is the biggest worry because to get to a Champions League final and then get beaten by another team from the Premier League is a tough pill to swallow.”
OPINION
Warnock is right to suggest that Liverpool could hold an advantage over Tottenham in the Champions League final, given Klopp’s side have played in two European finals in the past few years. However, as Warnock alludes to Liverpool’s biggest problem could be the mental aspect of losing their previous two finals in the Champions League and Europa League, which could make the Reds feel extra pressure to ensure that they do not suffer a third defeat. As Warnock also states Liverpool will not be wanting to miss out on another major trophy this season, after they were just beaten to the Premier League title by Manchester City. Liverpool though have beaten Tottenham twice in the league already this season and they will be confident on making three wins against Spurs, which would see them lift the Champions League trophy. Reds supporters will be hopeful that the club can manage to secure the win, as Warnock expects and that the club can use the experience gained in the last few years to their advantage.
