The Reds boss is aware the semi-final will be a tough challenge, but he has designs on an unforgettable afternoon for his side under the Wembley arch
Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to exert every inch of themselves to beat Stoke on Tuesday night and book a spot in the League Cup final at Wembley, where he’d like them to create a memorable experience.
The Reds hold the advantage over Mark Hughes’ side going into the second leg of the semi-final at Anfield after a Jordon Ibe goal secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture three weeks ago.
And while Klopp is expecting the visitors to pose problems, he expects Liverpool to summon a collective spirit to reach the climax of the competition on February 28.
“Let’s take the whole power of LFC and go to the final – that’s what we’ll try to do,” the manager urged at Melwood.
“We can prepare everything as much as possible and that’s what we are doing, not thinking about the result. You will see in which direction the game is running and then you maybe have to react.
“But in this moment, we only want to defend really near to perfection because Stoke are a football-playing team. Mark Hughes is doing a brilliant job, one of the biggest changes in football style I have heard about in the last 10 years.
“It’s not easy but it’s a great job and they keep on going this way, that’s a good idea. We have our problems with the line-up, they have one or two problems, and then you have to be ready for the semi-final.
“It seems to be an interesting night.”
Klopp was quick to highlight that getting to Wembley is only a small aspect of Liverpool’s task.
“It’s only a step to get there. I saw some [finals] as a visitor and it’s cool but not the same as when you win it. I have never heard about second place in the cup. That’s the situation,” he said.
“But it’s the only possibility to go to the final and you can win it. That’s what we have to do. Reaching a final is great but at the end it’s only memorable when you win it. But we have a little bit of time until then.
“For tomorrow, there is only one target – go to the final. Then celebrate it more in your mind than the real world, because we have the next game on Saturday.
“You should not waste opportunities to win something and I know for the players it is very important.
“They have been here much longer than I have and that’s the most important thing – they want to go to the final. That’s pretty cool and hopefully I can come with them!”
After the madness of his side’s 5-4 victory at the death away to Norwich on Saturday, Klopp was asked if he’d take another narrow win over Stoke.
“Of course! No problem. Boring is not too cool but 1-0 is a great result. We had it in Stoke in a really good game from my side,” the German replied.
“After the game, a lot of people thought ‘good game’ but the result could have been a little bit clearer.
“But now we have nearly the best situation you can have ahead of the second leg in a semi-final. We won the first game and it was an away game.
“Now we have the opportunity to play at Anfield, I have heard about the special atmosphere in semi-finals at Anfield. I’m really looking forward to it, I’m really excited.”
- Goal