Liverpool’s task against Spurs is easier than 2005 Champions League win, says Liverpool hero Djimi Traore
DJIMI TRAORE reckons Liverpool are under LESS pressure tonight than Rafa Benitez’s Istanbul heroes of 2005.
The Kop cult hero was part of the legendary team which unforgettably recovered from 3-0 down against AC Milan to land an amazing penalty shootout win 14 years ago.
That Steven Gerrard- inspired Champions League triumph ended Liverpool’s 21- year wait to be crowned Euro kings for a fifth time.
The French defender, now 39, is adamant the weight of history which helped fire Benitez’s troops will not be there for Jurgen Klopp’s side in Madrid against Tottenham.
And Traore reckons that is a serious bonus for the German Liverpool chief. He said: “For us, there was more pressure.
“When you win it, you’re forever in the heart of the fans. Even today, people stop me to talk to about the final.
“It’s in the DNA of the club — you need to win that cup because it’s so special.”
Liverpool’s brilliant Premier League campaign may have ended in final-day heartache with Manchester City retaining the title but winning tonight in Spain will go some way to easing that pain.
Traore, who is now a coach for the Seattle Sounders in MLS, added: “It’s a massive game. To lose the league on the final game of the season was tough for them.
“But it shows they have character because they are now in the Champions League final. I hope they will gain from the experience from last year against Real Madrid.
'LIVERPOOL ARE FAVOURITES HAVING DONE IT BEFORE'
“Real were favourites but now it’s a different game . I think Liverpool are the favourites because they have been there before.
“This kind of final is tough to predict though.
“My advice is to play as they have all year. They have the front three that is capable of scoring against any defence.
“I hope they will do the job because they are a very strong team, have a top-class goalkeeper, centre-backs are top class and that is a massive advantage for the final.
“They will not underestimate Tottenham — they did what there were supposed to do to get into the final.
“But Liverpool have been there for before, most of the starting 11 has been there before.
“Hopefully if we can keep everyone healthy for the final it will make the difference.”
Traore may miss the match because Seattle are playing later in the day but he will be anxiously trying to keep tabs on what is happening.
The Frenchman admitted: “I just came back from Europe doing my coaching licence.
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“I had one week there, so I can’t ask for two weeks because people will start thinking I’m going on holiday.
“We play on the same day against Dallas, so it will tough to watch both games but I will do my best and hopefully they will win the cup.
“Everybody will think I’m pretentious, but I think that Liverpool will win 3-0.”