Liverpool stand between Sevilla and Europa League treble

Manager Juergen Klopp is on the cusp of guiding the Reds to their first continental trophy since the famous fightback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final

Reading Time:2 minutes

Liverpool’s charismatic German manager Juergen Klopp has proved to be a master of the big occasion. He will become a hero for Reds’ fans if he can upset Sevilla in the Europa League final. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:30pm, 17 May 2016Updated: 5:19pm, 17 May 2016

Juergen Klopp, who has breathed new life into Liverpool in his seven months in charge, would seal his place in the hearts of the club’s supporters if he pulls off victory over Sevilla in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Basel, Switzerland.

You have to show that you’re really ready for the big moments

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp

It would bring Liverpool’s first European trophy since the famous fightback against AC Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul in 2005.

Klopp conjured up the spirit of that historic win in the extraordinary quarter-final performance over his former club Borussia Dortmund when the Reds turned a 3-1 half-time deficit in the second leg into a stunning 4-3 victory in stoppage time.

Sevilla, current holders, might be a different matter though. Klopp will be up against coach Unai Emery, whose side have won the last two editions of the tournament and hold a record four Uefa Cup/Europa League triumphs, all in the last decade.

Sevilla had an easier path to the final, beating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate in the semis, although they needed a penalty shoot-out to overcome fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao in the last eight.

A decision will have to be made on whether to start with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who only returned from a knee injury by playing half-an-hour as a substitute in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion. Photo: Reuters

Sevilla have endured a disappointing domestic campaign, finishing seventh in La Liga and failing to win a single away game, the only team in Europe’s top five leagues to do so.