Carabao Cup final: Mauricio Pochettino answers 'clever' Jurgen Klopp claim for Chelsea vs Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino insists that Liverpool are favourites to win the Carabao Cup final, but says Chelsea will compete after regaining momentum.

The Argentine was commenting in response to Jurgen Klopp saying earlier this week that his depleted Reds side are “definitely not” the favourites for Sunday’s showdown at Wembley.

Liverpool have between seven and 10 players out injured for the final, with Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai all facing late fitness tests.

But Chelsea also have eight players out and are currently 25 points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table. Asked about Klopp’s comments delivered after the 4-1 comeback win over Luton at Anfield on Wednesday, Pochettino insisted that his opposite number knows what he is doing.

“Of course, I think Liverpool are the favourites,” Pochettino said on Friday. “In the last few years, they have experience of competing as a team and being in finals.

“Our players are not only new to this competition, Premier League and Carabao Cup, but for some, this is their first final. In my opinion, I make them favourites.

Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino will go head to head in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final showdown at Wembley

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“But he is clever enough to say, ‘no, it is 50/50’. Yes, for sure [they are favourites]. It is always like this.”

Pochettino is though positive about Chelsea’s chances, having seen the Blues make progress in wins at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace before an impressive draw away at Manchester City last weekend.

“After Wolves, we competed against Aston Villa, Palace and Manchester City. It provided the team with the confidence and trust.

“The team is now awake for the competition. It was a click to change how we compete, which was missing in the first part of the season.”