Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea is the “most special trophy” he has ever won.
The German lifted his 10th trophy as Liverpool boss at Wembley after captain Virgil van Dijk headed a late winner for the injury-hit Reds.
It gave the Anfield side a record-extending 10th EFL Cup triumph in Klopp’s last season with the club.
“In my 20 years, this is easily the most special trophy,” said Klopp.
“I couldn’t care less about my legacy. I was not here to create one. This was so special.”
Liverpool were without several key players through injury, including forwards Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
It meant that five players aged 20 or under featured, with the average age of the team that finished the game being below 22.
“The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be part of that tonight.
“The craziest thing is, we deserved it. We had lucky moments, they had lucky moments. The boys showed up, it was really cool.”
Netherlands defender Van Dijk said he was “so proud” to be a Liverpool player after his late winner.
“It’s all for the fans, so let’s enjoy it,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
While Klopp and his players can celebrate this win, attention will quickly turn to Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Championship promotion-chasers Southampton.
As well as attacking trio Salah, Jota and Nunez, goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip, and midfielders Dominik Szobsozlai, Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara also missed Sunday’s final with injury.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was forced off injured in the first half with what Klopp said was an ankle ligament injury, while Wataru Endo was seen leaving Wembley with foot in a protective boot and on crutches.
“We don’t have a team right now for Wednesday. The guys who came on can maybe play again, the rest will get treatment on Monday,” Klopp added.
“I love this country to bits, but the schedule is not made for winning a lot. We will see the price we have to pay, but we fight for everything, then we see what comes next.
“Somehow against Southampton there will be a team in Liverpool shirts.”
