Matchweek 34

“In the first half, what was really disappointing was the manner in which we conceded the goals. I thought we were actually well in the game and had our moments going forward. Once they went in front it was really difficult, with the crowd behind them, to get back into the game.

“We’ve obviously rested a few, which I think we needed. The lads who played have come through OK, which is what we needed. [Thursday is] a massive opportunity. We’ll put all our energies, efforts and focus into that and try to push on to a European final.”

“Credit to Liverpool. They’re worthy champions – they’ve been outstanding all year. It was really hard for us. They proved to be too good.

“We were going to face a highly motivated team and so it proved. We started the game OK and tried to make it as hard as possible. We’re making a lot of changes to our team on a weekly basis. It’s affecting our fluency and consistency, and we’re paying the price for that."

“For me, when I came to this club, I’ve been here a long time, and you quickly realise how good Scottish players have been at this club. There’s a little bit of pressure with that but I took that on board. I don’t think Liverpool have ever won a trophy without a Scottish player in it.”

On the difference with the 2019/20 team: “It was a different style of play. High energy, high press. This team’s a bit more controlled. It’s two very different teams but from the manager’s point of view the key things are still the same - counter press, press high up, get the ball forward and get it to the dangerous players. The consistency has been there for both teams and that’s why we got over the line. It’s our consistency. Maybe a couple of slips but nothing mad, and that’s why you get to seal it so far ahead.”

On his move to Liverpool: “I think it was the right decision for me. Not just because of my team, the club, the city, it’s something amazing. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It was the right decision and I always thank Jurgen because he was a really important part.”

On his goal: “It was really good. I don’t think I’m gonna score that one again but I said the same against Fulham. After I scored a similar goal. It wasn’t bad!”

“Not bad, not bad! To win a World Cup and then a Premier League is something really special. It’s an achievement I really really enjoyed but it wouldn’t be possible without my team-mates. They are the most important thing for me and I’m just one part of the puzzle.

“They are really special. This team is really really good. Last year we showed it but it wasn’t enough. This time we made a big difference. Hopefully this way we can enjoy it.”

“Amazing, I’m so grateful. It was really amazing, from the start of the game we wanted to do it for [the fans] and we did it.

“I got a lot of the trust from the coach who put me in the [number 6] role. It’s really nice. When we arrived, it was just goosebumps, it was amazing with the fans. There were so many people.

“I’m really happy that the fans are here. I can’t wait for the next one.”

“The last time we won it was a strange time but we kind of got that feeling against Man Utd at home when it was pretty much done. Then the world paused and it was quite unique the way we did it. We enjoyed it but you can’t beat what we experienced today. The fans during the game, after the game. I’m glad we managed to experience that as well.”

“I play in my natural position now. The way we play gets me into positions that I can take on a man or go inside or outside. [Last year] I played in so many different positions and didn’t really get the chance to adapt to one position. That was a difficult time for me but I learned a lot from that year.”

“The Dutch impact, I think you guys saw it for years. Virgil’s been here for a long time. This year, we’ve played like how we knew in Holland. It’s amazing to play like this, and the coach, tactically, brought it to another level. It’s a good start.

“In Holland, the Premier League is one of the biggest, if not the biggest league. To even have a chance to come close to winning it, and now winning it, is amazing.”

On personal records he’d like to break: “Goal involvements for sure. Hopefully I’m going to break it soon. I know I broke the record for 38 games. Now one goal or one assist to go I think? I counted!”

“Incredible. At half-time I was a little bit frustrated because I had a chance in the first half. I wanted to win it at Anfield. We met last week and I didn’t want it to finish with Crystal Palace against Arsenal. To be able to score in this game and have a good result is incredible."

“Amazing! We worked really hard this year. Special moments. To get this is amazing.”

On Arne Slot’s impact: “People spoke about it often. I think it’s a slight chance of position and the way we play. He’s helped me a lot. I hope I can play many more better games than this one.”

On the difference Arne Slot’s made: “It’s quite tough to say one thing but the tactics are quite different. As long as you rest me defensively, I’ll provide offensively. I’m glad that I did! The manager’s idea, but he listens a lot. You can see the numbers.

“It’s quite tricky because when you play in the Premier League you also have to defend their left-back, but I spoke to him and told him I can gamble here and there, but when we get the ball I can make the difference. The number of assists shows that. It’s not just about goals, it’s about creating for the team."

“We had a bit of a scare but it was a fantastic performance. We’ve set really high standards. People say the league isn’t as good as it was but it’s nonsense. We’ve tried so hard to be so consistent and that’s why we’re so far ahead and win it with so many games to spare.

“We focus now on Crystal Palace to get our hands on the trophy. It was what [Slot] said in his first week, “we finished third last season, I want to finish first this one”, we all got right behind it.”