Four steps Liverpool took to win penalty shootout in FA Cup final missed by viewers

Liverpool secured a domestic cup double on Saturday when they beat Chelsea at Wembley for the second time this season – both wins on penalties

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Klopp reflects on Liverpool’s FA Cup final win

Jurgen Klopp has dedicated Liverpool’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea to a company he’s worked closely with for the past two years, which helps teams improve on penalties.

The Reds are still in contention for an unlikely quadruple, having won both trophies in the bag already at Wembley against Chelsea via dramatic penalties. In the Carabao Cup final, all eleven players appeared and took penalties before Blues keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the decisive penalty.

More recently, Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount became the culprits for the blues on Saturday as Klopp’s men lifted more silverware from under the iconic Wembley bow. Reds shot stopper Alisson Becker saved Mount’s while Sadio Mane was the only Liverpool player not to convert.

After the final whistle at the end of extra time, Klopp quickly got to work with his players. Football psychologist, consultant and speaker Geir Jordet has broken down how the German approached each of Liverpool’s customers and apparently gave them words of encouragement, followed by a hug that may have calmed some nerves.

The Reds boss seemed quick and emphatic in issuing his orders, motivating his side with a rallying cry before they made the long journey from the halfway line to the penalty spot. Above all, the mood among the Liverpoolers was more self-confident and assertive than among their Chelsea colleagues.

Liverpool had long since broken up their team huddle and the players made their way to the halfway line while Thomas Tuchel relayed the plan to a nervous-looking Chelsea side. Meanwhile, Klopp was even seen having a laugh with Virgil van Dijk, who was withdrawn before the shooting.

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With Klopp’s brief team chat over well before Tuchel’s, Liverpool players could choose which side of the pitch to form a line-up on. They chose to stand closer to the dugout, which meant relaying orders from the dugout was much easier.

It seems the most important factor behind Liverpool’s recent penalty shootout delight is Klopp’s ability to communicate with the same affection and calm he is famous for in the most intense, pressured environment.

With that win, attention almost immediately turns to the next time Liverpool could be put in a similar situation – the Champions League final later this month. The Reds know they’re in safe hands if they need to topple Real Madrid through another penalty shootout in Paris.