Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp concerned over new pitch for Champions League final

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp questioned the need to drop a new pitch into the Stade de France two days before the Champions League final on Saturday.

Klopp shrugged off questions over Sadio Mane's future but did express concerns over the quality of the surface at Friday’s press conference.

He said he wants Liverpool to show they can more than match Real Madrid as the European giants collide in a Champions League final on Saturday for the second time in five seasons.

“Usually when a pitch looks new, it's good news. This pitch is new since yesterday, that's obviously not the best news but for both teams,” he said.

“That somebody thought it was a good idea to bring the pitch to the stadium the day before the game is an interesting idea.

“It didn't kill my mood by one per cent. As long as both teams have the same circumstances I'm fine with it.”

Liverpool are looking to complete a treble in Paris having already won the League Cup and FA Cup.

Mane, whose contract expires in 2023, has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich and the Senegalese told reporters this week he will reveal a “special” answer to questions over where he will play next season after the final.

“This is the wrong moment to speak about that. Wherever Sadio plays next season, he will be a big player,” Klopp said on Friday.

Real Madrid were too strong when the sides meet in the final in Kyiv in 2018, but Klopp's men bounced back to become European champions a year later and are now in their third final under the German.

Liverpool will join AC Milan as the second most successful club in European Cup history with seven titles if they lift the trophy at the Stade de France. Madrid are well out in front as the kings of Europe with 13 titles.

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