KEIR RADNEDGE in PARIS: Jurgen Klopp said his Liverpool team will be playing not only for themselves and their fans but for the people of Ukraine.

The 2022 Champions League final was scheduled originally to be staged in St Petersburg which was switched to Saint-Denis after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Klopp, asked about the venue switch and the reasons, said: “The fact that the game still happens and not in St Petersburg is maybe the right message Russia should get: life goes even when you try to destroy it.

“We are playing this match also for all the people in Ukraine. I’m sure some can watch it – and we do it for you as well, 100pc.”

Klopp believes Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho should be able to play some part in the final.

Thiago was a major doubt after suffering an achilles injury during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Sunday, while Fabinho had a thigh problem and has not played since May 10.

Klopp said both players have trained ahead of the final as Liverpool bid to win their third piece of silverware this season, having already won the League Cup and FA Cup.

He said: “The mood is good, very good. We’re really excited about being here now and getting a feeling for the stadium and the occasion.

“It looks good for both Fabinho and Thiago. Fabinho trained as normal. Thiago trained yesterday and will train again today.”

No rabbits

Klopp said he had no intention of springing any surprises.

He said: “If I do something surprising – a rabbit out of a hat- my players could think I am nervous.

“When you do the right stuff all the time time then it’s right for the final, you just have to be at the highest level. If we could do that it would be really cool.

“We can talk about how good Real Madrid were in the past and also this season but we are good as well and that’s what we want to show.”

####