MY ACCOUNT
Jurgen Klopp is yet to beat a Chelsea side managed by Thomas Tuchel.
But there would be no better place to do it than Wembley, where Liverpool face the Blues in this afternoon Carabao Cup’s final.
The Reds have not lifted that trophy for a decade, so how can their manager mastermind a victory over his fellow German tactician?
We take a look at what the Merseysiders need to do to secure their first silverware of the season.
The midfield battle
In the game at Stamford Bridge just after the turn of the year, Liverpool let a 2-0 lead slip.
They were coasting after half an hour and looked comfortable with their two-goal advantage before, in the space of four minutes first-half minutes, the hosts hit back.
A key reason for this was the Reds’ lack of control in the middle third. The visitors could not get their foot on the ball and Chelsea were relentless.
Mateo Kovacic dominated that game. Even without his stunning goal, he was arguably the man of the match.
In previous matches between the two, N’Golo Kante has been the one to run the show. Mason Mount was impressive in the game at Anfield last season, too.
No matter who starts there for the Blues, Klopp is going to have to ensure his team can control that part of the pitch if his side are to have any joy.
Dictate the tempo
Liverpool have struggled to impose themselves on proceedings against Tuchel’s side and — as a result — have been unable to play their usual game.
In the first match of the season between the two teams, Reece James was sent off just before the break but Chelsea controlled all of the space in the second half. Liverpool had plenty of the ball but it was sterile possession.
At Stamford Bridge, the Reds had just 45% of the ball and struggled to pin the hosts back.
Klopp’s side usually wear the opposition down but to do that, they need to dictate the tempo.
Thiago could therefore have an instrumental role in the final. The Spanish playmaker has been almost flawless in his last few outings for Liverpool and the goals have been flowing as a result.
Set piece stand-off
Liverpool have scored 15 set-piece Premier League goals this term, while Chelsea have racked up a commendable 10.
In particular, Klopp’s men have used corners to great effect recently.
Virgil van Dijk netted against Norwich from a corner, while Roberto Firmino opened the scoring against Inter Milan in a similar manner. Fabinho also bundled home a corner to win the game against Burnley and Diogo Jota converted another from close range versus Leicester.
Chelsea have also had some joy from corners this season.
Kai Havertz scored at Anfield with a looping header in what was a rehearsed corner-kick routine, while the German attacker also scored against Lille in midweek in the Champions League clash, heading home a Hakim Ziyech delivery.
There are plenty of talented players on show at Wembley but do not be surprised if it requires a set-piece goal to break the deadlock.
Isolate Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku had a game to forget against Crystal Palace last Saturday — he was barely involved, touching the ball just twice in the opening 45 minutes.
The Belgian was then benched for the match against Lille but is expected to regain his place in Tuchel’s starting XI for today’s final.
In the game at Anfield earlier this season, Lukaku was comfortably handled by Joel Matip and Van Dijk. If the defensive duo are as aggressive as they were in that fixture, the Chelsea No9 could end up isolated and frustrated.
And if the Blues are not able to make the ball stick in the final third, they will struggle to sustain attacks and it will help Liverpool control the tempo and the space.
That will be a key battle to look out for.
Don’t get too emotional
Klopp is a fairly emotional manager — it is one of the reasons he has been so successful. However, there needs to be a balance.
Tuchel is the complete opposite. He is a meticulous planner and a shrewd tactician but, ironically, emotion could get the better of him this afternoon.
For years, he was in Klopp’s shadow and viewed as his apprentice. Though he is now his own man, beating the coach he is so often compared to would be a statement.
Christian Heidel, the former Technical Director at Mainz, provided some insight into their rivalry.
Discussing his time with the 05ers, he said: “I was saying that we, as a club, had to be a bit more engaging with our public.
“Then a phrase slipped out and I said: ‘When Kloppo [Klopp] was here…’ At that, Thomas [Tuchel] let rip and shouted at me.
“What was I thinking? The conversation was over in that moment. And I thought, ‘Oops! I’ve obviously hit on a sore point’.
“He was really upset. That’s where the rivalry with Klopp stems from.”
