Jurgen Klopp has hailed Liverpool's dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup final as the most special trophy of his career.
“There are longer careers than mine but in more than 20 years, [it's] easily the most special trophy I ever won," said Klopp.
"It's absolutely exceptional. Sometimes I get asked if I'm proud of this, proud of that, proud of that, and it's really tricky. I wish I could feel pride more often, I just don't do. Tonight there's an overwhelming feeling, 'Oh my God, what's going on here?' I was proud of everybody involved in everything here."
Jürgen Klopp press conference: 'It's easily the most special trophy I ever won'
Despite being without 12 injured players, and having to use Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jayden Danns off the bench, the most teenagers to feature in an EFL Cup final since Arsenal also had three in 2007, the Reds triumphed thanks to Virgil van Dijk's 118th minute header.
"What happened here was absolutely insane," Klopp added. "The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be a part of that tonight.
An Academy full of character ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Hfd8a7hyxs
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2024
"This tonight, if you find the same story with Academy players coming on against a top, top, top side and still winning it, I never heard."
Liverpool are back in action on Wednesday night, when Southampton are the visitors at Anfield for an FA Cup fifth-round tie.
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The Premier League leaders then travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, when they have the chance to restore their four-point lead at the top, given Manchester City and Arsenal play on Sunday and Monday respectively.