Andrew Robertson had already established a reputation as a footballing everyman, a down-to-earth figure who happened to be excelling for one of the world’s biggest clubs.
That was even before he revealed how he dealt with the disappointment of defeat in last year’s Uefa Champions League final. His life did not spiral out of control. Instead, he went to a nearby garden and DIY store to buy a barbecue.
There will not be a repeat this week. “I’ve still got that barbecue actually, so there’ll be no need to go to Homebase,” Robertson said. “Hopefully we’ve not got that nonsense again. Hopefully we’re feeling better this time. It’ll be a better party.”
The Liverpool left-back had 27 people to entertain upon his return to Merseyside last year. There are rather more who would celebrate if Liverpool could win a sixth European Cup. “We have a job to do, and that’s to make these people happy and to bring them out onto the streets,” Robertson said.
Liverpool’s task on the pitch is to produce a tangible reward for their evident progress and to add silverware to the golden memories they have supplied.
The reality is that their last honour was the 2012 League Cup, with Jordan Henderson the sole survivor of that team. Under Jurgen Klopp they have finished second in the Premier League, the Champions League, the Europa League and the League Cup.
“We just think we need to win trophies to be a successful team, whether that’s on Saturday or next season or the season after, we won’t stop trying,” added Robertson. “This club, the size of it, and these fans, deserve trophies.”
Liverpool have come agonisingly close. There is the sense that they merit silverware for the season they have had. Robertson does not subscribe to that school of thought.
“For me we don’t deserve anything yet,” the Scotland captain said. “The Premier League shows that. A lot of people would say 97 points deserves the Premier League, but it didn’t because Manchester City got 98. They were that little bit better than us in the end
"But we aren’t going into the game thinking we deserve it because we’ve had a good season and got 97 points. Never. That’d be stupid of us.”
Liverpool finished 26 points ahead of Tottenham, but Robertson implied that is no advantage. “I’ve watched Tottenham over the last three or four years under [Mauricio] Pochettino and they are a ruthless team as well.
"The way they go about things and the way they win games, they destroy teams at times. They beat us last season and if they perform like that then we’ll be in for a hell of a game against a fantastic team with fantastic players.”
Perhaps Liverpool have an advantage in the fact that Tottenham are the rookies on this stage. Most of their players have appeared in a Champions League final and one who has not, Alisson, is a marked upgrade on the unfortunate Loris Karius. Robertson was outstanding against Real Madrid 12 months ago. It should stand him in good stead.
“But I don’t think last season has any bearing on this,” he added. “It’s a different challenge, a different team, different set-up.”
Calm and focused, a seemingly ordinary man leading a life less ordinary, Robertson sounded ready for the challenge. He added: “Nothing fazes us.”
