Mauricio Pochettino has looked to gain a psychological blow ahead of the Carabao Cup final by aiming to play the ‘officials ‘card’ and hoping the occasion is not decided by emotion.
The Chelsea manager is still clearly aggrieved by what he feels were wrong decisions as his team were convincingly beaten by Liverpool last month.
With Jurgen Klopp moving on at the end of the season, there has been a lot of articles written about the legacy of the German and what it will mean for Liverpool moving forward.
Pochettino was at pains to explain that this is in no way a criticism of Klopp, but more so decisions be judged fairly for both sides as ESPN reported.
" 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.
Pochettino seemingly on a roll at this stage and channeling his inner Jose Mourinho kept emphasizing his point and was heading into somewhat dangerous territory.
“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."
It was then that the Argentinian was asked whether there is a wide spread view among the Football community that people wanted Liverpool to win because of the German, something he was quick to refute.
“No. I don't say people want that, it is not to be part of the celebration. I would never say that, another part involved in the game, they want Liverpool to win.
"But the most important is to go and compete with the same view from different parts because we need to talk.
“They were better than us of course but the first decision after five minutes, that was a clear penalty. In the second half, that was penalty on Nkunku. After you see the VAR that interfered in many situations and it is different or maybe similar and gives a penalty, why not?
"We are Chelsea, we need to go there, we need to compete with the same tools and of course, if they are better, well done, congratulate them. But, being fair in every single decision.
"The pressure is not about delivering the job for Klopp, no. The pressure is not to be part of the ... you know? I cannot talk more."
Maybe Mauricio hasn’t seen enough of Liverpool in his absence from English Football in the last few years.
The last thing Klopp or anyone associated with the club will be expecting is any favourable emotion coming their way from officials.
To the contrary, they more than anyone will be counting the days until Klopp's departure, such has been the fractious relationship.
Fair to say the Cup final won’t be decided by decisions, moreso acts of individual quality just like it was at Anfield at the end of January.
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