Liverpool are just one game away from becoming world champions for the first time in the club’s 127-year history. The European champions will line-up against Brazilain side Flamengo on Saturday in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Jurgen Klopp’s team progressed to their first CWC final since 2005 following a 2-1 victory over Monterrey on Wednesday. It was already the team’s 24th victory of the season after Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino took Liverpool to their fifth final of the Klopp era.
It could also be the third trophy to come back to the Anfield trophy haul since June – before their Champions League triumph, Liverpool had only one piece of silverware (Carabao Cup) in 13 years.
However, if Jordan Henderson is to lift yet another crown to the heavens in Qatar on Saturday evening there won’t be the usual celebrations from this Premier League title-chasing team.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp with Leicester City Manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on October 5, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
The Reds are currently 10 points clear at the top of the league summit and have their all-important clash against 2nd place Leicester City five days after the CWC final. Brendan Rodgers’ team will host the runaway leaders at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day – a win for Liverpool could open up an unassailable 13 point gap.
Liverpool’s relentless drive for perfection typifies the model and self-belief Klopp has helped install over a four year period. The FIFA Coach of the Year was able to engrave the winning mentality into his players and the hunger for consistent success.
There will be no open-top bus parade should the Reds create history in Doho, nor will the players expect to be serenaded by supporters once they land back in the UK. Klopp demands consistency meaning there is no time for anyone to sit on their laurels.
Liverpool’s current crop have proven their unwavering resilience to emerge from doubters to believers to sky-high achievers. They will be confident they have harnessed the ability to win even when they are not at their devastating best.
Winning is in their DNA meaning the players will be ready to go again long after their date with destiny on Saturday.