“At the beginning of the season I was struggling with injuries and other lads did very well, so there was no reason to change,” Matip told Liverpoolfc.com.

“But in the second half I could play and could improve. I feel good.

“You are waiting for this. And then if you can use it, it’s not a bad feeling – it’s not the worst feeling.”

He added: “It was a great season and we can finish it. It’s the biggest game during this season and we will do everything for this.

“It will be a completely different game, but we know we can beat them and we are looking forward.”