Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus speaks during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
Two contrasting styles of football will be on show today at the Khalifa International Stadium when English giants Liverpool take on Flamengo club of Brazil in the FIFA Club World Cup decider.
All eyes will be focussed on Doha as the UEFA Champions League winners take on the Copa Libertadores holders in the showdown between European and South American schools of football in the eagerly-awaited title clash.
Liverpool booked their place in the final at the expense of Monterrey in a hard-fought semi-final, which they won 2-1 against the Mexican side while Flamengo turned the tables on Al Hilal in the second half of their last-four fixture.
The Reds have a 38-year old score to settle with Flamengo as they eye their maiden title in Qatar.
In 1981, Flamengo, captained by Brazilian great Zicio defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup and the South Americans will be looking to repeat the trick final today.
Coach Jorge Jesus’ side will aim to cap a superb season by adding the world title to the Brazilian League and Copa Libertadores trophies they won in November.
Much will depend on the Flamengo strikers and midfielders comprising of Bruno Henrique, Gabriel Barbosa and Giorgian De Arrascaeta having scored something like 100 goals between them all season.
The Flamengo creative midfielders Everton Ribeiro, Gerson and De Arrascaeta along Diego, will be the ones who will hold the key to the pace of the match.
In the rival camp, The Reds are hopeful defender Virgil van Dijk will be able to play after illness kept the Dutchman out of the Monterrey game, meaning Jordan Henderson partnered Joe Gomez in central defence while a lost will centre around Mohamed Salah performance and his skilful play.
Both the clubs from two different continents clash rarely and that what makes the clash interesting for fans in both camps.
“We know one thing I never played against a Brazilian team, that’s true, but Flamengo never played against a team like Liverpool as well. We will see who can make more of this tomorrow night,” said Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp, while talking to journalists on the eve of the match.
The German tactician at The Reds said his opposite number from Portugal has been able to build a strong unit in the short time he has been with the Brazilians.
“It is a really settled line-up, it’s a team where everybody knows what they have to do. They have different ways of play, they have playing build-up, they can be more direct, they have speed up front, they have creativity in the centre of the park, they are cheeky on the wings, they can play crosses, they go inside, all that stuff. It’s just like a football team should be, like a successful football team is. They are pretty much not used to losing football games anymore because they didn’t lose a lot since Jorge Jesus is in,” Klopp said while complementing the work of his Jesus.
The former Benfica and Sporting Lisbon coach only took over the Rio club in June, but led them to the Copa Libertadores title in November with victory over Argentina’s River Plate and then their first Brazilian Serie A title since 2009.
Klopp said his team was focussed on winning the trophy.
“The situation is different for Flamengo and for us. Flamengo got sent here from their continent with a clear order to win it and to come back as heroes. We got told, ‘Stay at home and play the Carabao Cup’. That’s a massive difference. We cannot change that. But we are here and we - my team - want to win the competition, even when we know it is very difficult because the other team is really, really good, but that’s how it is with the big competitions,” added Klopp.
Jesus, the Portuguese coach of Flamengo said entire Brazil is waiting for the club to win the Club World Cup.
“My priority is to think of how Flamengo wins and are crowned world champion. Me and the entire nation want us to win. Then, of course, in Portugal, the Portuguese people have been following Flamengo with passion. This is a pride for me. I’m happy that the Portuguese are following my sporting success and also playing an active role,” said Jesus.
The Portuguese trainer while complimenting Klopp said both the clubs are on the way to regaining their past glory.
“The comparison we can have with Flamengo is that Flamengo comes from a title win this season. Both clubs are regaining international prestige. Liverpool’s history in recent years is regaining its prestige as a great team in Europe and the world. Klopp is making a spectacular recovery, not just in England but in the Champions league,” Jesus said.
