Final preview from Mauricio in Madrid

In his last interview with us before the Champions League Final, Mauricio Pochettino emphasised the one word that now means more than any other - win.

Speaking at the team hotel in Madrid on Friday evening ahead of today’s showpiece against Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano (8pm UK), Mauricio was a picture of calm.

Almost three weeks of preparation done, history awaits...

“I’m so happy,” said Mauricio. “We’ve enjoyed a lot this preparation. It’s a unique event and we are so excited but also trying to be calm because on Saturday, nine o’clock (local time), we need all our energy. I’m so happy in the way we've prepared and now waiting to try to make history.

“We are so excited. Ever since the semi-final against Ajax it’s been impossible to keep this quiet in your mind, thinking about the final. We’ve tried to enjoy every moment of the preparation, to stay focussed and prepared to arrive in the best condition.

“You start to feel it when you are so close, the competition, the attention. Everything starts to change. It’s so important for us to stay calm and to keep our energy, thinking that we need to start the game at nine o’clock and not before and trust, have confidence, knowing it’s a final and a final we must win if we want to write history.”

It was put to the manager that the attitude of the squad has been that reaching the final isn’t enough - they will give everything to lift that famous trophy.

“That is a good mentality,” added Mauricio. “We start to prepare for the final with the word ‘win’. The final is about winning and winning is about being ready, preparing yourself, about the details.

“In the last three weeks we are always talking about winning. It’s so important to have this mentality. We know very well that football is sport and everything can happen but if you are ready to adapt to different circumstances, for sure you will be close to the possibility of winning.”