Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino issues Jurgen Klopp warning to referees ahead of Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged the match officials not to get caught up in the emotion of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool exit in Sunday's Carabao Cup final
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged the match officials for Sunday's Carabao Cup final versus Liverpool not to get caught up in the emotion of Jurgen Klopp's farewell.
Klopp announced at the end of January that he will be leaving Anfield in the summer after nine years at the Merseyside club and on Sunday, the German will have the chance to add his first piece of silverware since his decision was made public.
Asked if Liverpool or Klopp would feel extra pressure to deliver due to his summer exit, Pochettino said: "It is no pressure for him. Maybe it is people who want to celebrate with Liverpool that he is leaving.
"I think what we need to be sure is we are going to compete and be fair in every single decision. I think when we play against Liverpool in Liverpool, I think too many decisions that... not one key decision was for us.
"Two penalties were not given. Duels, 50-50, always for another colour. Always red. I want to be treated in a fair way. Of course, we are going to celebrate -- I am the first, I am going to say Liverpool is amazing, Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world.
"But I think after my last experience playing there, I think what I want in Wembley is to go there and no one feels the pressure. To play a game at the same level and the best will win, not to feel the pressure, people around or, you know? You understand what I mean.
"It is nice. Liverpool is an amazing club. I love Klopp and the way that he is, is amazing. But of course, it is his last season here, you go to compete in the same way, both teams and to give or see the things for both clubs in the same way."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Liverpool and Chelsea met in the 2022 Carabao Cup final, with the Reds prevailing 11-10 on penalties at Wembley.
Sunday's game kicks off at 3pm.
More Chelsea and Liverpool stories
Why is the Chelsea vs Liverpool Carabao Cup final kicking off at 3pm?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp opens up on 'celebration police' and claims Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was 'over-celebrating' in win over Reds
Chelsea line up shock Arsenal transfer raid as Todd Boehly plans surprise sale: report
Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.