Klopp surprised Kovacic started against Liverpool

Liverpool manager Thomas Tuchel in a recent statement expressed shock that Chelsea player Matteo Kovacic started against his side on Saturday night in the FA Cup final.

This comes as Kovacic had suffered a light injury midweek after a reckless tackle from Daniel James in the Blues’ 3-0 win over Leeds United in midweek.

James was shown a red card for the challenge, while Kovacic was forced off injured, making the 28-year-old a doubt for the Wembley showpiece.

Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel was more positive about the Croatian’s fitness in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“It’s a bit of a surprise [Kovacic starting],” Klopp told ITV before kick-off.

“I heard in the press conference there might be a chance. I saw that tackle and the red card for Leeds and didn’t think he could make it.

“That was a surprise.”

Liverpool won the Blues again for the second time in a final this season on penalty shootouts, having done something similar in the Carabao Cup final in February.

The latest win means Liverpool have now won two domestic trophies – the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season and are still a contender in the EPL and UCL.