If Liverpool defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday, former Liverpool player Steve McManaman believes his old side would be regarded as English football’s greatest ever squad.
Jurgen Klopp’s team faces Real Madrid in Paris with a triple in mind, having previously won the FA Cup and League Cup.
Liverpool came within a whisker of completing a quadruple as Manchester City won the Premier League by a single point on the final day of the season.
The Reds can still win their eighth European Cup at the Stade de France to crown an extraordinary season.
McManaman, who played for Liverpool in the 1990s and went on to win two Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, feels that this would elevate Klopp’s side to a new level as the greatest English team of all time.
“For Liverpool to win three titles and amass 92 points after playing every game possible is incredible. “I really believe that would be the greatest accomplishment,” McManaman told AFP.
“I believe they should be rated first. In any other season, 92 points would be enough to win the league. I wouldn’t be making this comment if Liverpool had scored 50 points.”
McManaman is fully aware of rival claims to be the greatest ever, but he maintains that no team will ever top Liverpool if they win three trophies during a grueling 63-game season.
“Everyone believes Man United to be the finest of the treble-winning sides since they won the Champions League and the Premier League in 1999,” he remarked.
“It’s a fantastic accomplishment.” However, when you consider it, they were eliminated in the League Cup quarterfinals.
“Manchester City accomplished it in 2019, but they were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.” Even back in the 1980s, when Liverpool had that amazing squad, they were knocked out of the FA Cup fourth round by Brighton.
“Man United supporters will say, ‘He’s spouting nonsense.'” But, when everything is said and done, I believe it is the finest.”
‘THEY ARE LIKE MACHINES,’ says the narrator.
Klopp has termed his players “mentality monsters,” and McManaman believes their relentless concentration is the key to their success.
“That unyielding temperament. They’re simply going up and upwards. They’re like machines, which is difficult in today’s game,” he remarked.
While McManaman praises Liverpool’s position in history, the 50-year-old admits that Klopp’s team would be disappointed if they only win two trophies after such a successful season.
Liverpool is also seeking vengeance after losing 3-1 to Real in the 2018 Champions League final and being ousted by them in the semifinals last season.
Before presenting a street art artwork outside the Stade de France, McManaman observed, “They need to win this game or there will be a tinge of disappointment.”
The artwork, created on behalf of FedEx, depicts key events from this season’s Uefa Champions League, which McManaman anticipates to finish with Liverpool triumph.
“It won’t be a failure,” he remarked, “but it will be a squandered chance to win this great prize.”
“Due to their expertise, Madrid were undoubtedly favorites in 2018.” They’d been there before and won similar games. Liverpool, on the other hand, has been so successful recently that they are the clear favorites in this match.
“We’re all aware that they’ll be doing a tour of the city on Sunday.” It’s a moment to be proud of, but, God love them, wouldn’t you want to go on that trip with the Champions League in your hands?”
McManaman, who was born in Liverpool and scored for Real Madrid in the 2000 Champions League final versus Valencia in Paris, is looking forward to Saturday’s match.
“It reminds me of some pleasant recollections.” It’s good to score a goal, but it’s much better when you win the game. He described the experience as “very weird.”
“Of course, I have mixed loyalties. I have an excessive number of friends in both sides, and you want them to be happy. However, I believe Liverpool is the superior team. I believe they’ll win, and I hope they do.”