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Jurgen Klopp would be happy to play ‘on petanque’ as Liverpool boss is questioned over Paris pitch

Manager Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool

There were several hot topics during Jurgen Klopp’s final press conference ahead of the Champions League final - none more so than the state of the newly-laid pitch at Stade de France.

While Klopp did express concerns about the state of the field in Paris, the Liverpool manager didn't want to make pre-match excuses as his team gears up to face Real Madrid on Saturday night. 

The two clubs will go head-to-head in the Champions League final, which was moved from the Russian city of St Petersburg to the French capital due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

When asked about the condition of the playing surface, Klopp said: "Usually when I say the pitch looks new, that is good news. This pitch is new since yesterday, which is not the best news - but it will be the same for both teams.
"I saw the refs with their session and the good news is, the ball drops normal.
"You can see the lines where they put the pieces of the pitch (together), which is what we aren't used to.
"That someone thought it was a good idea to bring the pitch the day before to the stadium is an interesting idea.
"But it didn't kill my mood a per cent. I am really happy we are here, I would have played the game on petanque."
The new turf was driven over 600 miles from northern Spain and installed on Thursday.
Stade de France is set for a busy schedule, with two Nations League games taking place in June, as well as the Top 14 rugby union final.
"I think both teams are technical teams and you would wish - in a dream world - that the pitch is the best you ever saw in your life," added Klopp.
"That's obviously not the case. You will hear the same from (Real Madrid boss) Carlo (Ancelotti).
"Definitely, if you win you don't care about the pitch, that is easy to say. I don't know how bad or good it is, I only saw it. Maybe it's perfect but it looks not perfect.
"But I hope no one makes a story about 'Klopp moaning about the pitch' - I'm fine. I saw it and it could look different but let's get a feel of it.
"Normally these kind of sessions are for media, we are made to come, but today I am really happy we are here so we can feel it and pass a few balls on it."
Real Madrid boss Ancelotti was slightly more reserved in his comments.
"Yes, I knew they were going to change it but we haven't been out there yet and trained. I don't think it will be an issue," he said.
"I can't judge that and say if he is right or not as I haven't been out on the pitch yet."

READ MORE: Liverpool vs Real Madrid news: Champions League final stat pack

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