LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp is confident he has fulfilled his promise to make doubters believers ahead of the Europa League final against Sevilla.
In his first press conference back in October, the German made the pledge after insisting he saw qualities in the squad he inherited from Brendan Rodgers where others saw none and would ensure people - players, the public, critics - changed their opinion.
And on the eve of the club's first European final for nine years, Klopp believes he has delivered: "I came here because I was really convinced about the qualities of these players and this squad, despite the doubts people had," he said.
"To see how they have reached this final gives me a really good feeling. When I came here, there was a big amount of doubt about these players and, now, I am really happy they can show how strong they are and it is a big opportunity to make the final step this season and achieve something.
"I don't feel the pressure. I cannot change. I feel opportunity, I feel the pressure of the game and developing players. I don't think I've ever felt doubt around me. If that's right, I don't know, but it makes me completely free to make decisions and, for my team and myself, to be free to develop together.
"I am really pleased for the boys and that they can be part of the moment with this team. We have a big chance and winning tomorrow will make it much more easy for you to see it as a success - and I try to help."
Liverpool are favourites to win in Basle, despite Sevilla looking to become the first team to win the competition for three successive seasons. This current Reds side lack similar European experience, with even Klopp's record in finals nothing to write home about.
The German has lost his last four, but intends for that to change in Switzerland: "I don't think, to be honest, I deserve some luck," he added.
"There are only two possible things in a final, you win or lose. The only thing is the performance. You would have seen that all the teams I was involved with have done really well. I am not frustrated by my final record, it could be a little bit better, I was for sure not happy after finals when I didn't win, but when it's over, it's over. And I know we performed to the right level and they were very close games.
"At home, I have a little too many silver medals, that's true, but it's better than having no medals. For me, when you try hard and keep trying, then you get there eventually."
Klopp is confident his players, who lost February's Capital One Cup final to Manchester City on penalties, can deal with the expectation in a 35,000-capacity stadium which is likely to house around 20,000 - double the number of tickets the club received - Liverpool fans.
"We had pressure, so how could the pressure be bigger tomorrow?" he said.
"The mental side is a big influence obviously, there is no doubt about it, but all we have done since we have been together, we have done to be perfectly prepared for a game like this tomorrow. We had a lot of difficult moments, but we solved them and we will use that experience.
"In a final, you need still to be ready to make mistakes even when [the] whole world is watching because it is all about finding the next solution and using the skill at the highest level - and not being afraid to use that skill.
"We already know about our supporters, we know how much they want to win this cup. They showed us in an impressive way at home and away travelling all around Europe. We really would love to be the team who can make these things come true."
Klopp will make a late decision on the fitness of striker Divock Origi, who returned to training in the last couple of days after a month out with ankle ligament damage: "We will see after training with Divock, we will see how he feels and then we will make a decision," the Reds boss said.
The major talking points surrounding Wednesday night's game...
IS LIVERPOOL'S NAME ON THE CUP?
History suggests the omens are good for Jurgen Klopp's side. Liverpool have reached six semi-finals in this competition's various guises and, on each occasion they have progressed, they have gone on to win the trophy (1973, '76 and 2001).
However, Sevilla boast an even more impressive record, having reached the final four times and won all of them (2006, '07, '14 and '15)
CAN KLOPP FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GREATS?
Should the German guide his side to victory in Basle, he will become the sixth Liverpool manager to lift a European title after Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Gerard Houllier and Rafael Benitez.
All are revered at Anfield and Klopp has already gone a long way to cementing his relationship with fans, immersing himself in local culture and forging a real bond with the supporters, who now chant his name.
WHAT WOULD WINNING MEAN TO THE REDS?
Firstly, it would be their fourth success in the competition, coincidentally joining Sevilla for the most victories by any club, and a ninth major European trophy overall to draw level with Barcelona and AC Milan and three behind outright leaders Real Madrid.
Secondly, it secures a welcome return to Champions League football next season - a competition Liverpool have played in just once in the last seven years.
ARE THERE ANY INTERESTING SUB-PLOTS?
Liverpool's left-back Alberto Moreno is facing his home-town club, having come through the ranks to make 62 first-team appearances for the Andalusian club. His last match for Sevilla was their 2014 Europa League final victory over Benfica.
Sevilla forward Jose Antonio Reyes and Liverpool's Kolo Toure were team-mates at Arsenal.
WHAT ARE SEVILLA'S CHANCES?
Unai Emery is bidding for a personal treble as he seeks to lead his side to an unprecedented third successive victory in the competition. Sevilla's Europa League pedigree cannot be questioned, with their four wins all coming since Liverpool's last European triumph in the 2005 Champions League.
Victory for them would provide Spain with a 10th Uefa Cup/Europa League success, lifting them above Italy as the competition's most successful nation.
WHAT ABOUT SEVILLA'S TRAVEL SICKNESS?
Somewhat bizarrely for a team in Spain's top seven, Sevilla's record on the road is woeful. In 26 away matches in La Liga and Europe this season, they have recorded just one victory - and even that was in their own country against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals last month.
They obviously prefer home comforts, with 19 victories in 25 games at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. They have already been to Basle this season and came away with a goalless draw.
