26 February 2024 , 08:41
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Liverpool have kicked off Jurgen Klopp ’s final season at the club in the best possible way by claiming yet another trophy.
The Reds defeated Chelsea in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with Virgil van Dijk heading home the winning goal in extra-time. The result was significant for the Merseyside club, given their mounting injury problems - and it ensures that Klopp will depart with at least one piece of silverware in hand.
They could add more between now and the end of the season but the celebrations continued both in Liverpool and at Wembley throughout the night. After celebrating on the pitch with supporters following their trophy lift, the squad headed into the dressing room.
Dua Lipa’s One Kiss was heard playing, as has become customary following Liverpool successes since the 2019 Champions League final win against Tottenham. A number of stars joined in including Bobby Clarke, Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo and Adrian.
Winger Luis Diaz then walked into the dressing room with the trophy in hand and draped in a Colombian flag. It was a special moment for Diaz, who had dedicated the Reds’ success to his parents after their kidnap ordeal last year.
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He said: "I dedicate this title to my mum and dad for everything they have been through. It makes it so much more special to be able to win this title. It means a lot to be able to celebrate with my family.”
He then fully joined in with the dancing and handed the trophy to Adrian - Liverpool’s Spanish goalkeeper making sure he got fully involved. One other star that was then welcomed into the dancing was matchwinner Van Dijk.
The Liverpool squad celebrate their Carabao Cup success (LFC/X)
Virgil van Dijk made sure to get fully involved (LFC/X)Who was Liverpool's man-of-the-match vs Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The Dutchman was initially wearing a coat before he removed it and threw it to the side to play a key role in his side’s celebrations. Speaking after lifting his first trophy as Reds captain, he said: “You should always savour the good moments and this is definitely one of them.
“We will never take these things for granted, we are very, very blessed and you see today as well that it could have been the other way, we could have lost. But we didn’t, we did the job, even with all the problems that we had before the game and during the game – and yeah, I am so proud. I’m always proud to be part of this club but especially proud of the boys. They all played their part so it’s all credit to the team.”
He also made sure to pay special tribute to Klopp, who he celebrated alongside when lifting the trophy. Van Dijk added: “I wanted him to be next to me and I’m happy that he agree. It’s a proud moment, a special moment and something I will cherish forever.”
Meanwhile, Klopp - who had been wearing a Carabao Cup winner’s t-shirt instead of his regular attire - suggested that his latest success was his ‘most special’. Speaking after the game, he said: "In my 20 years, this is easily the most special trophy. I couldn't care less about my legacy. I was not here to create one. This was so special."
The squad sang along to Dua Lipa's One Kiss (LFC/X)
Luis Diaz was at the forefront of the Wembley dressing room celebrations (LFC/X)Van Dijk’s dancing was not his only dressing room contribution. A video of the defender shows him saying “thought I was finished” before firing a telling look to the camera.
While Van Dijk lead Liverpool’s celebrations - particularly after his winning goal - there were some worrying scenes regarding his club and international teammate Ryan Gravenberch. The midfielder was stretchered off during the first-half at Wembley following a particularly heavy challenge from Moises Caicedo.
He tried to join in as much as he could but was limited by the fact he had a supportive boot on and crutches in hand. Gravenberch looks certain to miss Wednesday’s FA Cup clash with Southampton, as the Reds attempt to earn yet more trophy celebrations.
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