Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid was ‘TORTURE’

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed he watched back last year’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid for the first time this weekend – and called the agonising loss ‘proper torture’. 

The Reds welcome the 14-time Champions League winners to Anfield on Tuesday night in the Last-16, looking for revenge after Vinicius Jr’s winner was enough to secure the trophy yet again for the Spanish giants. 

In a game that was marred by chaos before the kick-off in Paris with tear gas thrown at fans and tickets not accepted, things did not go Liverpool’s way as they struggled to get past an organised side under Carlo Ancelotti.

Klopp spoke openly about the game ahead of their next clash against Madrid, saying the game was so painful that he only recently watched it back as he looked to find answers for their defeat – and how he can hurt them this time around. 

‘I didn’t watch it back [until] this wekeend,’ he said at his pre-match press conference. ‘And I realised why immediately. It was proper torture because we played a good game and could’ve won it. 

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted last year’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid was ‘torture’

The German coach said he had only re-watched the game this weekend after the agony of losing the pivotal match last summer

‘You could see how experienced Madrid are – they don’t lose confidence. They are there for chances and defend deep. 

‘That was seven or eight months ago. The last time we played them [before that] was in their training ground and then an empty stadium here [during Covid]. That was a really good 0-0. We made them work hard. 

‘This is same clubs, different teams, different times. There’s a history and in the last few years one of us was always in a final. If you wanna go to the final you have to kick us out or them. Let’s see who goes through.’

Klopp says he is most frustrated by how few risk Liverpool took as they attempted to halt Madrid in their tracks and limit their counter attacking threat. 

‘What held us back was the fact it was a final – we didn’t take enough risks. We were protective against counter attacks. Analysing [the game] is super easy but it was feelings of [if we had] an extra spark, we could have made this thing [work]. 

Liverpool were unable to find a way past Madrid as they bid to overcome them in the last 16

‘We cannot play them without respect – they have world class players and it’s a well set up team. That’s why it’s so difficult, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. We tried in a final but in the rounds before it looked like game over and it wasn’t. 

‘It’s their quality. Some of their players have won it five times. They probably think they own the competition, but we still give it a try. 

Klopp is pleased his side has turned a corner amid their turbulent campaign following two wins on the bounce, saying it has come at the perfect time – but stressed that his side had to play their best game to win, while Madrid could play badly and still win. 

‘I’m happy we can play now, four weeks ago it would have been different but it’s all about timing,’ he added. ‘I would’ve expected us to be ourselves anyway because it’s a different competition. 

Klopp said Liverpool want to ‘put things right’ in front of a packed-out Anfield this week 

‘Hopefully we can build on results but we need to play a super game to get through. If you don’t play your best you don’t have a chance. Madrid don’t have to play their best and still have a chance. That’s the difference.’

Klopp insisted that regardless of whether the team played Madrid in last year’s final, this would still be a special game as he urged fans to savour the moment. 

‘I don’t think we needed the Paris game to make this a special game. We lost the game and that’s the good thing about sport – you want to put things right. This would be a massive game regardless. 

‘Our fans are football people – Real Madrid are in town, celebrate this in the best possible way. I can’t wait for them [to come] as well. The fans will be welcomed, enjoy your time here and come to one of the most historical football places in the world. 

‘Two top teams facing each other. I can’t see why the Paris final should be a reason to enjoy it more.’