Klopp: I love the Capital One Cup so far!
'I love this cup!' declared Jürgen Klopp after Liverpool won through to the German's first final with the club by beating Stoke City on penalties in the Capital One Cup.
The Reds took a one-goal advantage into the second leg of their semi-final with the Potters on Tuesday night, but the visitors levelled the tie through Marko Arnautovic’s close-range finish in first-half stoppage time.
Mark Hughes’ team were a tough nut to crack at Anfield and forged chances to strike again, only for the remainder of the game – including 30 minutes of extra-time – to pass by without any further goals.
After six penalties each in the shootout, Simon Mignolet repelled Marc Muniesa’s spot-kick and Joe Allen subsequently placed his own high into the corner to set up a Wembley meeting with Manchester City on February 28.
A delighted Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “Until now, it has been a great tournament.
“The final is for the whole squad because nearly everybody has played. We had all our parts of this cool tournament. The first round, I was not here.
“The second round, a young team played and did great against – as you see now – a really strong opponent, Bournemouth. Then we played a perfect game at Southampton and a really good game at Stoke. We fought for the final.
“Until now, I love this cup!”
Watch the free clip above for more reaction from the manager to Liverpool reaching the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.