Spurs boss Pochettino reveals what he thinks will decide Champions League final with Liverpool

MAURICIO POCHETTINO says the Champions League final will not be decided by tactics – but by the heart.

Pochettino is preparing his Tottenham side as they go in search of being crowned champions of Europe for the first time in their history.

They face Liverpool on June 1 in an all-English final which sees two of the brightest coaches in the world football go head-to-head.

Pochettino, 47, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will spend the next week coming up with master plans in an effort to lead their side to glory.

But the Spurs boss admits he thinks nothing he and Klopp do will make the difference in the Wanda Metropolitana stadium in Madrid.

Speaking at a conference in Bilbao, he said: “It’s impossible to say that it’s just another game.

“The great thing is that we’re going to have three weeks to enjoy it; we’re experiencing unique moments.

DECIDING FACTOR

“Everyone is expecting a tactical battle, but emotions will be the deciding factor.

“We’re two teams that know each other well, so no tactics are going to be a surprise. The emotional side is going to be fundamental.”

Liverpool go into the match as slight favourites on the back of their experience in European finals and their better performance as a side over the Premier League season.

Pochettino accepts that as a fair analysis of the match, but he is still dreaming of victory next weekend.

He added: “Maybe Liverpool are favourites because they were in the final last year and they’ve fought for the title until the end.

“They’ve invested heavily to win either the Premier League or the Champions League in the last few years.

“No one expected Tottenham to be able to get to a final, but we’re here on our own merit. This makes it more amazing and you enjoy it in a different way.

“We can make history. Obviously, you play a final to win it and we’re preparing to win it.”