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BERLIN,GERMANY | Xinhua | Departing Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp might face the challenge of finding the right place in Wembley Stadium this Saturday evening.
Unlike May 25, 2013, the 56-year-old will witness the on-pitch action from the stands rather than from the bench. However, it seems a pleasure for the former Dortmund coach to join the Dortmund supporters after receiving an invitation from his former club.
Now, the 2019 UEFA Champions League winner is turning into a mascot for the Black and Yellows, who must face Europe’s best side, 14-time Champions League winner Real Madrid, in what is described as a David versus Goliath match.
While Klopp can draw on his experience of losing a final in 2013 in the so-called “German final” against Bayern and winning it in 2019 against Tottenham, BVB coach Edin Terzic and his team hope for moral support from Klopp, who still enjoys a hero-like status in Dortmund.
Klopp has made no secret of his preferences for Saturday’s final. “One can easily imagine who I’m rooting for,” he stated.
The former LFC coach is likely as eager to see how his former side performs as the 25,000 ticket holders from Dortmund are.
He might hope BVB can improve their poor goal-scoring record in the 2023-2024 campaign. With only 17 goals in 12 games, the German side would be well-advised to increase their efficiency upfront.
Only once in the competition’s history has a club managed to take the coveted trophy after scoring just 17 goals in 13 games, like the Italian side Inter Milan.
While the pressure is on Real’s shoulders, as everyone in Dortmund claims, the club is relishing the underdog role and talking about delivering a surprise, with nothing to lose.
It is needless to praise Real’s qualities, says midfielder Julian Brandt, “but it is important for us to keep an easy mind. As for me, I go to bed on Friday, sleep, get up on Saturday, and play a football game.”
It remains to be seen if things are as easy as that since Real’s superstars are familiar with such challenges, while most in the 1997 Champions League-winning squad have not gained similar experience.
Finding gaps and developing speed when attacking seem to be key for the Germans to dethrone the Champions. Space might open behind Real’s high-pressing full-backs, and Borussia could exploit opportunities on the wings through Englishmen Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi or Donyell Malen.
While Dortmund is embracing the underdog role, there is talk of a farewell present for departing striker Marco Reus. The 34-year-old is leaving after his last game in the Black and Yellow shirt. Defender icon Mats Hummels might follow.
“Marco has done so much for this club; he somehow deserves a happy ending,” says sporting director Sebastian Kehl. ■
