While speaking in an interview with Betway, Liverpool icon Steve McManaman suggested why Real Madrid has a strong relationship with the Champions League trophy.
Real Madrid defeated Liverpool to win their 14th Champions League title, the accomplishment seems overwhelming for any other team, but a similar can’t be said from the perspective of a Los Blancos star as they are expected to achieve such heights when they play for the white shirt.
We all know the kind of relationship Real Madrid has maintained with the Champions League title over the years. And Liverpool icon Steve McManaman, who has won two UCL titles with Los Blancos, seems to know the exact reason that made Real successful.
Steve McManaman during his Liverpool days.
Former Liverpool winger turned commentator McManaman suggested that the glorious history of Real Madrid provides the extra edge in the players’ subconscious minds. When they think about all-time greats like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Francisco Gento etc. they automatically understand the huge demand that comes with the white shirt.
“They had a relationship with the European cup, the champions league because of course they’d won it so many times so there was always this talk of the history of the club. I mean people went back to that area of to Stefano Puskas and gento and things like that pictures on the wall to Stefan are walking around the building you were hit with the fact of you have to win.”
The 50-year-old ESPN and BT Sport pundit revealed what it felt like to win the final in 2000, when he scored the second goal for Madrid against Valencia in a 3-0 win at the Stade de France.
“I remember going into the dressing room and they are all singing these Spanish songs, and I didn’t know any of the words… I remember getting my phone and I left the dressing room and sat outside the dressing room on the floor… and I had loads of messages off different. Yeah, it was a very special moment.”
What positive aspects Liverpool should take from McManaman’s comments?
Even though Liverpool have become quite a formidable force under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp, they haven’t enjoyed success over Real Madrid. The Reds met Los Blancos on two occasions – both in finals (2018 and 2022) and came out as the unsuccessful one.
In the recent tournament, Liverpool dominated the game and played wonderfully. Jurgen Klopp’s team had more chances and better opportunities, but when the crucial moments came, Real Madrid were the one that took the advantage.
Raphael Varane with the UEFA Champions League trophy for Real Madrid. (GETTY Images)
This reflects that Real Madrid players knew how to hold composure in big matches and limited their mistakes. Liverpool should take inspiration from such a winning mentality as it has been hugely successful over the history of the prestigious tournament.
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Liverpool have a huge possibility of coming up against Real Madrid and when that happens they should be ready to overcome Los Blancos’ strategy. One crucial way to do that is to study them in detail.
