Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Rio Ferdinand is not happy with what Tottenham did before Liverpool Champions League final
TOTTENHAM arrived in Madrid for their Champions League final against Liverpool far too early.
Champions League: Liverpool fans celebrate Mo Salah's goal
That is according to BT Sport pundit and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
Tottenham flew to Madrid on Wednesday, four days ahead of their first Champions League final.
That was two days earlier than Liverpool, who left John Lennon Airport on Friday morning.
Ferdinand says he would have wanted to leave it as late as possible before travelling to the Spanish capital.
I’m sure they didn’t arrive five days before the group stage games or the semis
He claims the pressure would have grown on Tottenham during the days they have been in the City.
“The build up in terms of when you arrive here, correct me if I’m wrong but I think Spurs arrived five days ago,” Ferdinand said.
“They’ve been here for a few days. I don’t like that, it’s different [from normal preparation].
“I’m sure they didn’t arrive five days before the group stage games or the semis and stuff. Liverpool have been somewhere else but then they came here.
“What I’m saying is that if you’re here for five days I’m sure you’re seeing more Champions League stuff around the city, everywhere you turn is the Champions League emblem.
“So all of a sudden the magnitude of the game is rising and rising and rising.
“That pressure grows within that.
“I like to get here as late as possible, so you’re not seeing all of that and you’re getting here as normal as possible.”
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen compared the situation to the recent Europa League final.
Champions League: Liverpool and Tottenham clash previewed
Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 on Wednesday and the two sides’ preparation was different.
Arsenal arrived in Baku last Saturday, with Chelsea only getting there on Monday.
“The Europa League final shows that as well,” Owen said in response to Ferdinand.
“Arsenal got there [earlier] than Chelsea.”
Liverpool won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi.