Reaction'Best in the world' - Joe Gomez salutes Liverpool fans after Wembley glory
Joe Gomez hailed Liverpool fans as ‘the best in the world’ after the Reds’ remarkable Carabao Cup final triumph at Wembley.
On a memorable day in the capital on Sunday, Jürgen Klopp’s side defeated Chelsea 1-0 to lift the League Cup for a record 10th time, with captain Virgil van Dijk heading home the winning goal in extra-time.
The victory was even more impressive given the absence of no fewer than 11 senior players due to injury, with Ryan Gravenberch also stretchered off in the first half of the game.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Gomez insisted the backing of supporters was key as Klopp’s team dug deep to find a way to win.
“Honestly, I’m not one for cliches but I generally think we have the best in the world,” said the No.2.
He added: “It’s credit to them. I hope they realise that and how much it means to us. We just get that [boost] and it helps us so much. That is one thing we are all grateful for.”
The scenes that greeted the final whistle at Wembley will live long in the memory, with Klopp describing it as the most special trophy he had ever won.
In an image reminiscent of the 2019 Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, the manager, his staff and players lined up together in front of the fans, who sang You’ll Never Walk Alone in tribute to their heroes.
“The gaffer leads us in those moments and he has the mindfulness to say, ‘Let’s enjoy this moment’ and rightly so,” said Gomez.
“The fans are the reason why we do it. Not to speak in cliches but it is the truth. We have to enjoy it.
“We are still in the middle of the season and it’s not done but if we don’t savour these moments, what do we do it for? To do it with the fans is another bit of history.”
Liverpool now move on to yet more big games, with an Emirates FA Cup fifth-round tie against Southampton to come on Wednesday and key clashes in both the Premier League and Europa League to follow.
It promises to be a thrilling end to the campaign, and with Klopp having confirmed he will be stepping down as manager in the summer, Gomez says there is an obvious motivation within the squad to ensure he leaves on a high note.
“It’s kind of like it is obvious, it doesn’t need to be spoken about,” explained the defender.
“Everyone knows about the importance and we get that aura anyway in team meetings at the minute. We know it’s that last hurrah and we just want to give our all for him. We always did but now when the finishing line is in sight it adds that extra emphasis.
“It’s special and hopefully it’s the first of a few we can get this year.”
He added: “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but we are in every competition and we are going to try to win every game. That’s the target and we will go again.
“We have a game again in three days so we’ll have to band the boys together and see what we can do.”
Gomez also paid tribute to the youngsters who featured in Sunday’s final, with the likes of Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns, James McConnell and Jarell Quansah all contributing.
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He believes Klopp’s commitment to trusting in youth should be celebrated and respected.
“It’s credit to the gaffer,” said Gomez. “He makes the younger lads come and feel so confident and comfortable to make the impact they made.
“A lot of us have been nurtured by him and he’s unbelievable at that. He’s such a great manager and creates an environment where the boys can come in and express themselves. That’s down to him.
“It’s special for the young boys, they deserve a big mention as they came in for a cup final and all of us feel that [pressure] so they will too. I hope they can enjoy it.”