Carabao Cup final: Mauricio Pochettino calls for ‘fair’ decisions in League Cup showpiece as Jurgen Klopp exit nears

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has called on League Cup final officials to make “fair” decisions as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool reign edges closer to its conclusion.

Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years in charge, and Pochettino does not want the emotion to get the better of Sunday’s officials as the German eyes a fairytale ending.

The Argentine manager referenced Chelsea’s humbling 4-1 defeat on Merseyside in January, as he felt his team should have been awarded two penalties.

“It is not pressure for him. Maybe it is for the people who want to celebrate with Liverpool,” Pochettino answered when questioned whether there is more pressure on Liverpool because of Klopp’s impending departure.

He continued: “I think we need to be sure we are going to compete and be fair in every single decision. When we played at Anfield I think too many decisions, not one key decision was for us. Two penalties were not given. Duels, 50-50s, always for another colour. Always red. I want to be treated in a fair way.

“Of course, we are going to celebrate. I am the first who is going to say that Liverpool is amazing and Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world. But after my last experience playing there, what I want in Wembley is to go there and not feel the pressure.

“It is to play a game in the same level and the best team will win. But not to feel the pressure of people around.”

Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool was the first game after the news broke that Klopp would leave the club at the end of the current campaign.

Potchettino said that The Blues are not looking to spoil Liverpool’s “party” in the League Cup final, but want to win “because of Chelsea”.

“Liverpool is an amazing club and I love Klopp,” the 51-year-old said. “The way he is is amazing.

“It is his last season here. We are going to compete in the same way, both teams, and [we want] both clubs to be seen in the same way.

“We want to win because of Chelsea. Of course, Liverpool want to win. But please, not another party involved in the game will be part of the celebration that Klopp is leaving, no? That is important.”

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