Liverpool reach League Cup final - but what's Jurgen Klopp's record on the big occasion?
The charismatic German reached four cup finals with Borussia Dortmund but, after a historic win over Bayern Munich in 2012, his record shows three defeats ahead of his trip to Wembley
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Your support makes all the difference.Jurgen Klopp has promised Liverpool will win the Capital One Cup, and there is no doubt the charismatic German thrives on the pressure of a showcase final. In his seven years at Borussia Dortmund Klopp took his side to four finals at home and in Europe – winning one and losing three – and revelled in a rivalry with Bayern Munich that produced one of the greatest matches ever.
We take a look at his record.
2012 DFB Pokal final - Borussia Dortmund 5 Bayern Munich 2
“It’s the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me,” stammered a hoarse and emotional Klopp after Borussia Dortmund tore apart Bayern Munich in one of the truly great cup finals.
Bayern had been expected to put Dortmund firmly in their place having lost twice to the Black and Yellows in the league. Instead, they were blown into oblivion by Klopp’s marauding side.
Shinji Kagawa put Dortmund ahead early on, but Arjen Robben levelled for Bayern from the penalty spot. Dortmund then struck twice, through Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski to lead 3-1 at half-time. Lewandowski added a thunderous second to put the game beyond Bayern.
Franck Ribery netted a late consolation for a shocked Munich, only for Lewandowski to complete his hat-trick. It was Dortmund’s first double in their 103-year history.
“I am lost for words,” said Klopp afterwards. “The result will speak for itself.”
2013 Champions League final – Borussia Dortmund 1 Bayern Munich 2
Arguably the peak of Dortmund’s Klopp era, and an all-Bundesliga final that lived up to its billing in front of an enthralled Wembley Stadium crowd, as Bayern exorcised the demons of their 2012 defeat to Chelsea.
Dortmund dominated the early stages – urged on by the animated Klopp - but were kept out by Bayern’s excellent goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and it was Bayern who took the lead as Ribery and Arjen Robben combined to give Mario Mandzukic a simple finish.
Dortmund levelled seven minutes later as Marco Reus was brought down inside the area and Ilkay Gundogan scored from the penalty spot. But it was Bayern who went on to win it, Robben poking home the winner in the final minute. A memorable match drew a memorable reaction from Klopp: “It was great, the weather was good, everything is OK…only the result is sooo s**t.”
2014 DFB Pokal final – Borussia Dortmund 0 Bayern Munich 2
Robben was Klopp’s tormentor again as Bayern beat Dortmund in extra-time.
Bayern had finished 19 point above Dortmund in the league, but this was a closely-contested match until Robben struck in the second minute of the second half of extra-time, touching in Jerome Boateng’s cross to break the deadlock.
Thomas Muller broke clear in the dying seconds to add the second goal and win the cup for Pep Guardiola in his first season in charge.
2015 DFB Pokal final – Borussia Dortmund 1 Wolfsburg 3
Klopp took Dortmund to Berlin for his final match in charge seeking to go out on a glorious high – but instead he was beaten as Wolfsburg came from a goal down to triumph. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Dortmund the lead from close range in the opening minutes, but Wolfsburg hit back through Luiz Gustavo, Kevin De Bruyne and Bas Dost to win their first German Cup.
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