Former Liverpool star Didi Hamann is urging Jurgen Klopp's side to win the midfield battle against Real Madrid in Paris on Saturday to bring the European Cup back to Anfield for a seventh time.
But the German Kop favourite, who achieved European glory with the Reds in Istanbul 17 years ago, is worried that the manner in which the Reds' domestic season has ended hands a psychological advantage to Carlo Ancelotti's side. Madrid have been crowned La Liga champions this season, finishing 13 points clear of Barcelona. And although Klopp's side has already completed a domestic cup double, they were pipped to the Premier League title on the final day of the season by Manchester City in dramatic late fashion.
Speaking exclusively to Lord Ping, Hamann said: "I think if Liverpool had won the league on Sunday, I would have been very confident that they would win this match, but now, I’m not too sure. Fabinho will only return to training today, Thiago may not be available. His absence wouldn’t be a huge loss, but Liverpool would need to bring somebody in. Psychologically, I think the result from Sunday probably plays into Madrid’s favour.
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"I do think that with the way Liverpool’s domestic season finished, with City missing a penalty and drawing against West Ham and then being two nil down against Villa last week and finding a way to win that game, things haven’t gone to plan. Liverpool could have been and probably should have been champions and that disappointment is where the danger lies in my opinion. Liverpool shouldn’t underestimate Madrid, I think other teams were guilty of that and were punished for it.
"The more I think about the game, the less confident I am because Madrid have beaten City, Chelsea and PSG and they looked dead and buried in each of those ties - nobody gave them a chance - but they still found a way to come back. Ancelotti has huge confidence in his team and they have a lot of experience, especially in the middle of the park with Kroos, Modric and Casemiro.
"For Liverpool to get a positive result, they will have to try and make sure they can control the midfield, which won’t be easy against them and then they also have good attacking players in Vinicius, Rodrygo and Benzema. At the back, their defending is a bit shaky, but then again they still found a way to go through against City, Chelsea and PSG, which is a worrying sign for Liverpool."
Supporters were given a boost this week with the sight of Fabinho back in training with the first team squad and on Tuesday Klopp also revealed that midfield partner Thiago could be back in training today and has a chance of being involved in Saturday's final.
With the middle of the park being identified as a key area in the match, Hamann - who was nicknamed 'The Kaiser' during his playing days - thinks the involvement of both players could be crucial in tipping the balance in Liverpool's favour.
Hamann said: "If you can control the midfield, usually you control the game. If you want to bring your forward players into the game, you need to have time on the ball. Liverpool need to be at their best there and this is why it would be huge if Fabinho could play because he is the guy who gives the forward players the freedom because he always sits and is very disciplined. He is very clever at intercepting balls.
"For Madrid, Casemiro does the same job and they also have Modric. The midfield battle is the key to winning the match. It is absolutely vital. Until we know the midfield three that Liverpool will play it is very hard to make predictions on the outcome of the game. If there is no Fabinho and Thiago it will be a depleted Liverpool midfield and it will be harder for them."
Looking further up the pitch at Liverpool's attacking options, Hamann believes that exciting new signing Luis Diaz will start the match on the bench. He added: "I don’t think the team is as efficient when (Sadio) Mane plays through the middle, which is what happens when Diaz plays.
"I’d rather see Mane on the wing and this is why I think Klopp will start with Mane, (Diogo) Jota and (Mohamed) Salah on Saturday. Diaz has shown what a wonderful sub he can be. He doesn't need much time to make a difference and this is why I think he will probably start on the bench."
