Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp has warned Real Madrid that their experience of playing in Champions League finals will only take them so far on Saturday.
Madrid are bidding to win the Champions League for the third successive year and Klopp admits that may give them a psychological edge prior to kick-off.
However, the German also pointed out that the teams have not met competitively during that period and Liverpool’s own record in Europe is not to be sniffed at as they chase a sixth crown.
“Experience is very important and I’m pretty sure that in the seconds before the game Real will be more confident than we are.
“But it’s not a problem because the game doesn’t end in that second, it only starts.
“We have had two weeks to prepare and everything is clear. We’ve analysed Real Madrid playing against different teams and thought, ‘wow they are really strong’, but they have never played us,” he said.
“We are Liverpool. Not only are we a really good football team, it’s in the club’s DNA to go for the big things.
“Nobody expected us to be here but we are because we are Liverpool. We had the most exceptional run to the final, scoring the most goals.
“The experience they have is a big advantage, 100 per cent, but in the game it doesn’t help all the time. We have to make it as difficult as possible for them.
“We cannot try to fight on their level but tactics in football are there to bring a better opponent to your level. When they’re on your level you can beat them,” he added.
