ReactionConor Bradley savours 'special' Carabao Cup victory and pays tribute to Jürgen Klopp
Conor Bradley struggled to articulate his emotions after helping Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The full-back put in another impressive performance after starting Sunday’s match against Chelsea, which was won 1-0 in remarkably dramatic fashion when Virgil van Dijk headed home with just two minutes of extra-time remaining.
And, speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Bradley said: “I don’t think I can actually put it into words. It’s an incredible feeling and obviously I’ve supported this club since I was about five years old so to now win a trophy with them at Wembley, it’s special and I’m just buzzing.
“Thankfully I wasn’t on at the end because I don’t know if I could have kept my composure! The boys did brilliant and especially the young ones that came on, they showed real heart and they always wanted the ball and they always wanted to make something happen. So, full credit to the boys.”
Bradley was replaced by fellow Academy graduate Bobby Clark in the latter stages of normal time, while three more youngsters – Jayden Danns, James McConnell and Jarell Quansah – were also later introduced from the bench by Jürgen Klopp.
He added: “Obviously we were all looking forward to it. It’s a massive game for us, especially the young ones. But obviously it wasn’t easy with the amount of injuries we did have but we’re just so thankful to get over the line and get the win, and get the win for the manager.
“I think it all comes from the gaffer, to be honest, the confidence that he puts in us youngsters. He just tells us to go out there and enjoy it and that’s what we try to do and we’re so happy to get the win today.
“It makes it much easier coming into the first team whenever the U21s and the U18s all play the same way, so you know what you are doing whenever you do get thrown in and it obviously makes it a lot easier. The work that goes in at the Academy is brilliant.”
Bradley went on to elaborate on his admiration for, and gratitude to, Klopp.
“He’s such a special manager to work under and I just need to cherish every moment I have left with him because obviously he is going in the summer,” the 20-year-old stated.
“I just want to enjoy every moment with him now and then try to win everything we can for him.”