Overcoming a lengthy injury list and having to rely heavily on youth, Liverpool's EFL Cup final success proved to be a memorable one for Jurgen Klopp in his final season as Liverpool manager.
The Reds managed to win the trophy for a 10th time and ensure that Klopp will leave the club with at least one more piece of silverware.
After the match, Academy products Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark hailed their boss, former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp said how "incredible" he is while goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher believes their triumph will provide momentum as they remain in contention to win an historic quadruple.
'I just want to enjoy every moment with him'
It's been a sensational start to 2024 for Bradley, one of the young players to have reaped the rewards of being coached by Klopp, leading him to say that the team wants to "win everything for him".
“I think it all comes from the gaffer, to be honest, the confidence that he puts in us youngsters," the 20-year-old told Sky Sports. "He just tells us to go out there and enjoy it and that’s what we try to do and we’re so happy to get the win today.
Conor Bradley savours 'special' Carabao Cup victory and pays tribute to Jürgen Klopp
“He’s such a special manager to work under and I just need to cherish every moment I have left with him because obviously he is going in the summer.
“I just want to enjoy every moment with him now and then try to win everything we can for him.”
An Academy full of character ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Hfd8a7hyxs
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2024
'Klopp fills with you with confidence'
Clark came on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Bradley, and up against Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, the 19-year-old showed a lot of composure as he attributed his performance to Klopp's influence.
“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," Clark said.
'We are in a good place right now'
Goalkeeper Kelleher made several saves to keep Liverpool in the match, denying Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher with outstanding stops, and he said this triumph will give the team confidence to win more silverware this season.
Absolutely world class from Caoimhin Kelleher ⛔ pic.twitter.com/wO5F0BKtmH
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2024
“It’s a great kickstart for the rest of the season,” he said. “We still have plenty of competitions we want to go and do well in and win some, so moments like this give you extra motivation to want to go and do it again.
“The reaction with the fans and the whole team, how buzzing everyone was, I think that kind of sums it up. It’s a great way to kickstart the rest of the season and we are delighted.”
'He wanted me to put my hand on it'
As Virgil van Dijk walked up the Wembley steps to lift his first trophy for Liverpool as captain, the Dutchman insisted that Klopp joined him, a gesture the Reds boss appreciated.
“I would have preferred him to do it alone, but he really wanted me to put my hand on it and I like that,” Klopp said.
“It’s such a special moment for Virg. I know how much he loves the club and the role.”
'How do you follow Jurgen Klopp?'
Former Liverpool captain Redknapp added his praise for Klopp, saying that it will be a tough ask for whoever replaces the German.
“What a man. How do you follow that? How do you follow Jurgen Klopp?” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“Trying to come to Liverpool after what he's done and what he's created, it's virtually impossible. It is. The guy is just such a leader of men.
“He's led a city, every Liverpool fan around the world has looked up to that man and what he's achieved."