Emery heartbreak forced Klopp into unusual tactic - "You feel like s***"
It was May 2016 and Jurgen Klopp's hopes of a first major trophy with Liverpool had drifted away.
A magical run to the Europa League final, that had included a mesmerising quarter-final fightback against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield, had fans of the Reds believing their name was on the trophy as they took on Unai Emery's Sevilla side in Basel. And all was going to plan in the first half when Daniel Sturridge gave the Premier League side a deserved lead.
But then things unravelled. The LaLiga side dominated the second half to run out 3-1 winners, leaving Liverpool's players, and fans, devastated at another missed opportunity for silverware.
However, their new manager remained resolute, boldly declaring to the media afterwards: "I am responsible for this performance," before making a pledge that was undoubtedly fulfilled: "I promise everybody we will use it and come back stronger."
To their surprise of all involved however, Klopp then urged his downbeat players to enjoy a post-match party, telling them: "Two hours ago you all felt s***," whilst stood on the dancefloor and addressing the room with a microphone. "Now hopefully you all feel better. This is just the start for us. We will play in many more finals."
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He wasn't wrong. Two years later the Reds went all the way to the Champions League final, again beaten 3-1, this time in Kyiv by Real Madrid. True to form, Klopp responded by partying and singing songs with club fans way into the early hours.
In a podcast with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, the German boss later lifted the lid behind his unusual strategy: "If you deal with it in the right way, you have a chance to come back," he said. "The other team have won already, so what is the thing you can get out of the situation? That is what I'm looking for. It doesn't help if we're all depressed the whole night."
Klopp has since led Liverpool to three Champions League finals (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! How do you rate Liverpool's summer transfer window? Comment below.
In 2019, Klopp's theory came to fruition as Liverpool did capture Europe's top prize, beating Spurs 2-0 in the final in Madrid. And three years later he got his revenge on Emery, beating his Villarreal team over two legs in the Champions League semi-final before again tasting defeat to Real in Paris.
On Sunday afternoon, Klopp and Emery will go head-to-head again at Anfield, with Liverpool hosting Aston Villa. The Reds have seven points from nine thus far, whilst Villa have also started impressively by winning both league games since their opening defeat at Newcastle.
This time around, Klopp is unlikely to permit his players to party should they slip-up. But nor will he let them get down on themselves if they end up 'feeling like s***' afterwards' either.
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