Klopp ranks Liverpool’s League Cup glory as his ‘most special’ trophy

Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates following the English League Cup final football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley stadium, in London, on February 25, 2024. – Virgil van Dijk scored the only goal deep into extra-time as Liverpool won the League Cup for a record tenth time. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / 

Jurgen Klopp hailed Liverpool’s League Cup final triumph against Chelsea as the “most special” trophy of his career as the German learned he can win with kids.

Virgil van Dijk clinched Liverpool’s 1-0 win with a dramatic header two minutes from the end of extra-time at Wembley on Sunday.

Liverpool’s victory was especially sweet for Klopp as it came during an injury-hit period for his club that forced him to field a remarkably inexperienced team.

The Reds boss started with 20-year-olds Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott in his side and brought on Bobby Clark (19), James McConnell (19), Jayden Danns (18) and Jarell Quansah (21) from the bench.

Injuries had deprived Klopp of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Alisson Becker and Joel Matip among others, while Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off in the first half.

In the circumstances, Klopp ranked the seventh major trophy of his nine-year Liverpool reign as the most memorable of his career.

“In more than 20 years it is easily the most special trophy I have ever won. It is absolutely exceptional,” he said.

“Sometimes people ask me if I’m proud of things and it’s really tricky, I wish I could feel pride more often but tonight is an overwhelming feeling.

“I was proud of everyone involved in everything here. I was proud of our academy, I was proud of my coaches, I was proud of so many things. It was completely overwhelming.”

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