Van Dijk reacts to claim Klopp's Liverpool exit has changed things for squad
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted his squad "will never take things for granted" after they won their first piece of silverware since Jurgen Klopp confirmed he will leave the club this summer.
Van Dijk headed home in the 118th minute to secure a 1-0 extra-time victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. It was a memorable afternoon for the Reds at Wembley as they won the first of four potential trophies in what has been described as Klopp's farewell tour.
Klopp announced last month that he will be stepping down as Reds boss after almost nine years at the end of the season. After winning the Carabao Cup, Liverpool are now eyeing up a potential 'quadruple' with the FA Cup, Europa League and Premier League all still to play for before the German leaves Anfield.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, the reporter insinuated to Van Dijk about whether the Carabao Cup win is more special because Klopp is leaving. However, Van Dijk seemingly played down that suggestion. He said: "You should always savour the good moments, this is definitely one of them.
"Listen, we will never take things for granted and you see today it could have been the other was as well that we lost but 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."
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An ecstatic Van Dijk added: "All the young boys on the pitch, in extra time. It's incredible, I'm so proud of the team. Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain, it's all for the fans so let's enjoy it."
Meanwhile, Klopp appeared to be overjoyed after victory for Liverpool and hailed it as the 'most special trophy' he has won during his time on Merseyside so far. It was the eight major piece of silverware the Reds have won since Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers in October 2015 and the first in almost two years.
Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk lift the trophy"I got told outside that you don't win trophies with kids. Write it new. In my more than 20 years (as a manager), this is easily the most special trophy I have ever won. Sometimes I get asked if I am proud of this or that, I wish I could feel pride more often, but I was proud of absolutely everything today," Klopp said.
"Seeing the faces of the kids after the game, Jayden Danns, can you create stories in football that nobody would ever forget - this tonight if you find the same story with academy players coming on against a top, top side, and winning it, that's how we do it," Klopp added.
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