Neutral venue could work against Liverpool: McAteer
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes the lack of an ‘Anfield factor’ at the Champions League final will give an experienced Real Madrid side a slight advantage when it faces the Merseyside club in Kiev.
By : migrator
Update: 2018-05-23 14:45 GMT
Playing the decider as a one-off game at a neutral venue could, says the ex-Republic of Ireland World Cup defender, give the 12-time champions the upper hand when it takes on Juergen Klopp’s side this weekend.
“I’m a bit apprehensive,” McAteer, who spent four seasons at Anfield from 1995, told Reuters.
“I had been quietly confident. Against Man City and Roma I thought they were excellent and I know everybody says in a one-off game Liverpool can beat anybody, but so can Real Madrid.
“I think a two-legged affair psychologically is better for Liverpool. I always think Liverpool at Anfield, certainly this season where they’ve been unbeaten in the league, they’ve got a great advantage.
“They can play there first and do a job on a team, or get them back there and turn it around. So I think psychologically two legs are better for Liverpool,” added the 46-year-old, who also had spells at Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland and Tranmere.
“But even saying that, a one-off game against Real Madrid — who are going for a treble and accustomed to those surroundings and that situation — is going to be a big ask and Liverpool need bring their ‘A’ game or I can only see one winner.
“Liverpool, time and time again this season, have brought their ‘A’ game in big moments.”
Liverpool won 12 and drew seven at Anfield during a Premier League season that saw it finish fourth in the standings, while Klopp’s side was also unbeaten on home turf throughout the Champions League campaign.
The unbeaten run in Europe includes big wins over Manchester City and Roma in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.
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