That night, the visitors were thoroughly outplayed, although were denied two penalty claims despite VAR officials assessing the incidents. Liverpool however, were awarded a spot-kick, although Darwin Nunez hammered it against the post.
And Pochettino has cited those decisions in a plea to referee Chris Kavanagh not to be caught up in emotion of the occasion on Sunday. It could prove to be Klopp’s last match in charge at the national stadium, having confirmed he’ll leave Merseyside in the summer.
“I want to be treated in a fair way. What we need to be sure of is that we are going to be fair in every single decision,” said Pochettino in Friday’s pre-match press conference. “When we played in Liverpool, I think not one key decision was given to us. Two penalties not given. Duels, 50/50, always another colour.”
The Argentinian boss also urged his players not to cave in light of the magnitude of the match, and did praise Klopp and his side. “I am one of the first to say Liverpool is an amazing club,” he added.
“Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world. But after my last experience, playing there (Anfield), what I want in Wembley is to go there and for nobody to feel the pressure, for people around, to feel the pressure, you understand?”
The comments could land him in hot water if perceived by the authorities to be an attempt to influence officials. If that proves the case, a fine could potentially be heading Pochettino’s way.
His opposite number appeared to be playing mind games in his own media briefing, implying Liverpool would kick-off as underdogs in light of their current injury crisis. And that’s despite a gap of nine places – and 25 points – between the leaders and the Blues in the Premier League.
But Pochettino was having none of it, accusing Klopp of trying to be “clever” in public and arguing the German didn’t mean what he said “He is one of the best coaches in the world and he is clever enough,” said the 51-year-old.
“I think Liverpool are favourites because after eight years they have experience and have been competing in finals. For some of our players it is maybe their first final. Are Liverpool favourites? For sure. And he knows it is like this.”
