Liverpool vs Tottenham: Coaches, fans stick out neck

The stage is set as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur meet in Madrid for the first all-English Champions League final since when Manchester United triumphed over Chelsea on penalties 2008.

Neither Jurgen Klopp nor Mauricio Pochettino has won a major trophy at their respective clubs and one of them will be able to turn around that table of criticism by close of play at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Victory at the Wanda Metropolitano would be Liverpool’s sixth Champions League Cup final, while Spurs are playing in their first ever Cup final. Who wins? Opinions differ:

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool coach:  If we are really at our absolute top level then we are a difficult team to play against, but we know Tottenham are as well. In Germany we have a saying: ‘All the best things come in threes.’ At Mainz, I missed promotion twice and we got promoted in the third season. We hope that will repeat itself for the Champions League.

Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s coach: We’ve enjoyed every moment of this Champions League campaign and every game has been a final for us, as we’ve seen with the way we’ve celebrated and enjoyed them. It’s something that hasn’t fully sunk in just yet but when the game begins, we’ll have a better understanding of it. The predominant feeling across the coaching staff is that we’re grateful to football, this club and, above all, the players.

Edith Agoye, Ex-international: As it stands, it is a very tight one and I believe it would be a close battle. There are factors that would be in play:  both teams play in the premier league, so they are conversant with each other style of play. Having said that I will give it to Liverpool. Although it is football and anything is possible sentimentally I will give it to Liverpool.

Dimeji Lawal, Ex-international: Personally, which ever of the two teams that won the trophy, I will be very pleased and be happy. At least, for the first time in a long time, both teams are coming from EPL because that is what we enjoyed watching in this part of the world.

I will give it to Liverpool by winning the cup. They were unlucky for not getting EPL trophy, I think this will be a big compensation for them. I don’t see them losing both ways.

Mondale Daniel: I am a Tottenham fan to the core. Tottenham would win this weekend. Remember the team’s motto “to dare is to do.” I pick Tottenham for victory. It would be a demolition, Liverpool have no chance. Jurgen Klopp should be prepared to lose his third UCL final.

Sulaimon Rasaq: I think Tottenham will win based on the fact that they would be coming with a different level of determination. It is seemingly sure for Liverpool but the most unexpected thing will happen today.It is going to be an upset for Liverpool.

Dada Femi: It’ll be a dicey one mainly because both teams would be playing for their managers but Jurgen Klopp’s side will win. They had been there before. Just last season, they lost to Real Madrid. The loss will serve as a big experience for them.

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Faith Adeoye: I will be supporting Liverpool because they worked so hard in defeating title favourites Barcelona and they haven’t won any trophy in a long time. I am predicting a 3-nil score line in favour of Liverpool.

Sanusi Kolawole: If we look at the way both sides get to the final we would see that Liverpool stand a better chance, because Jurgen Klopp has better managerial ability to win. Losing the EPL title by such a close margin, he would love to take this home. Then judging from experience Liverpool stand a better chance. So Liverpool for the trophy.

Alausa Kabiru, 3SC coach: I think it’s open, it is a 50/50 game because both teams are tough. So I believe it is open and could go either way. But if I should choose one I will tilt toward Liverpool, because of the coach. I think he’s a great coach. Both sides are solid in base and structure and are well handled by maestros but I have a soft spot for Jugen Klopp’s manageria acumen. I want him to nick this.

Kola Ogunjobi: Based on experience, Liverpool stand a better chance, there’s no need flogging the issue, I think Liverpool should win. I am predicting the scoreline would be 2-1 because I expect Tottenham to put up a very strong challenge.

Royalty Eromosele: The Final would be a contest of great English football, but I’ll be rooting for Liverpool, because I think they possess a better squad and have one of the best coaches in Europe right now. It would be a very competitive game but the Reds would triumph in the end. YNWA.

Ramoni Oluyole: I pray that Tottenham win, the hardwork they put in to get to this final should not be in vain. They have never lifted the trophy before so I wish they would be able to lift it.

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Ayoma Okezi: It is Liverpool for the trophy, they have had such a terrific season and should end it with earning a trophy. Spurs have done well to get to the final but I vote Liverpool for the trophy. All in all, it is football and anything can happen.

David Abel: Tottenham for the trophy, because I’m still having beef with Liverpool for knocking out Barcelona.

Andrew Eneto: I would say Liverpool will win, because they are an attacking side. Though the match promises to be fun, I will be rooting for Liverpool.

Baj Jerry: I will give it to Tottenham Hotspur because they are underdog. They have what it takes to claim the trophy. I see them beating Liverpool by 2-1. This is a final, anything can happen but I believe Tottenham will shock Liverpool.