‘Kids in age but Liverpool players in talent’ – Klopp’s glowing tribute to Carabao Cup heroes

Robin Bairner

• 28 Feb 2024 03:53 CST
• 3 min read

Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to the kids that helped Liverpool to a 1-0 extra-time victory in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

Virgil van Dijk headed the only goal of the game after 118 minutes to lead the Reds to the first leg of what they hope will be a historic treble.

That quest continues on Wednesday when they face Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup, and prior to that clash, Klopp hailed the Liverpool academy products who played their role in Sunday’s success.

Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Jarell Quansah were among the youngsters who played a role in the Wembley final, with the manager reserving praise for them in his program notes before the Southampton clash.

“Of course a special mention must go to our Academy. What can I say except ‘wow’? We had so many young players with us – kids in age but Liverpool players in talent and attitude – and they were an absolute credit to themselves,” Klopp said.

“It should also be said, though, that for these youngsters to have the best chance of making this kind of impact they have to enter into an environment that gives them the best possible chance of fulfilling their potential and this is something that our more senior players have created.

“We wish more than anything that our injured players were not injured so to have them with us at Wembley was really special. Everywhere you looked, on and off the pitch, you could see examples of the Liverpool togetherness that gives fuel to so much for what we do. I would not like to think of this club without it and, to be honest, I do not think it is possible to think about this club without it.”

With the Carabao Cup already in the bag, Liverpool can concentrate on winning the FA Cup and Europa League, though the main aim is to reclaim the Premier League title, with Klopp’s men holding a one-point advantage over Manchester City in the league.