Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described his team’s Carabao Cup final triumph against Chelsea as the “most cherished trophy” he has ever earned.
At Wembley, the German celebrated his 10th trophy as Liverpool’s manager as captain Virgil van Dijk secured a late victory with a header for the injury-plagued Reds.
This marked Liverpool’s record-extending 10th EFL Cup victory in Klopp’s final season with the club.
“In my 20 years, this is easily the most special trophy,” said Klopp.
“I couldn’t care less about my legacy. I was not here to create one. This was so special.”
Liverpool had to contend with the absence of several crucial players due to injuries, notably forwards Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez.
Consequently, five players aged 20 or younger were included, resulting in the team’s average age at the end of the game being below 22.
“What happened here was absolutely insane, these things are not possible,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be part of that tonight.
“The craziest thing is, we deserved it. We had lucky moments, they had lucky moments. The boys showed up, it was really cool.”
Netherlands defender Van Dijk said he was “so proud” to be a Liverpool player after his late winner.
“It’s all for the fans, so let’s enjoy it,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“An intense game for both sides, they had chances, we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain.
“We did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game.
“I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.
“I won’t speak too soon, but hopefully we can win a few more [trophies this season].”
‘We don’t have a team’ – Klopp looks ahead to FA Cup tie
While Klopp and his players savor this victory, their focus will swiftly shift to Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Southampton, a team vying for promotion in the Championship.
In addition to the absent attacking trio of Salah, Jota, and Nunez, goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip, and midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Thiago Alcantara were also sidelined for Sunday’s final due to injury.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was forced off with an ankle ligament injury in the first half, as confirmed by Klopp, while Wataru Endo was spotted leaving Wembley wearing a protective boot and using crutches due to a foot injury.
“We don’t have a team right now for Wednesday. The guys who came on can maybe play again, the rest will get treatment on Monday,” Klopp added.
“I love this country to bits, but the schedule is not made for winning a lot. We will see the price we have to pay, but we fight for everything, then we see what comes next.
“Somehow against Southampton there will be a team in Liverpool shirts.”
Following the challenge on Gravenberch by Moises Caicedo, which led to the Dutch midfielder leaving the pitch on a stretcher, Klopp said referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance was not one befitting a cup final.
“There were two teams fighting very hard, and the referee didn’t have the level of the game,” he said.
“It was not even a foul? Then the fourth official explaining we cannot give a card… good idea. This situation was obvious for me, everything you need for a card.”
Those injuries led to opportunities for younger players as 20-year-olds Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley started, while under-20 trio Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns and James McConnell came off the bench.
“I am sure we brought on all the kids. We needed fresh legs, they were fresh, very young, but they did the job,” added Klopp.
“The boys have trained for a long time with us, they know exactly what we have to do. They are a pain, to be honest, that is what you have to be in these moments.”
‘Klopp is such a special manager’
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher told Sky Sports: “These are the moments you dream about. It’s better for the heart than penalties. Another amazing moment for me, I’m delighted.
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, but this is great for momentum. We are in a good place right now.”
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley told Sky Sports: “He [Klopp] is such a special manager, I just want to enjoy every moment with him now and win everything we can for him.
“I don’t think I can put it into words, I have supported this club since I was about five years old, so to win a trophy with them at Wembley it’s just special.”
Liverpool teenager Bobby Clark, who came on as a 72nd-minute substitute: “When he called my name and said I was going on, it was an unbelievable feeling. Klopp fills you with confidence, gives you freedom, really lets you do your thing.”