Jürgen Klopp: So many parts of Carabao Cup win make me burst with happiness

Programme notesJürgen Klopp: So many parts of Carabao Cup win make me burst with happiness

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Jürgen Klopp has reflected on Liverpool's 'special' achievement of securing Carabao Cup glory at Wembley last weekend.

The Reds' pursuit of other honours this season resumes tonight when they welcome Norwich City to Anfield in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

And in his programme notes for the tie, the boss paid tribute to the efforts from his entire squad and the backing they received from the supporters throughout Sunday's showpiece.

Inside Wembley: Incredible Carabao Cup final celebrations

He writes: "The Carabao Cup win was something special for all of us. There are so many parts of it that make me burst with happiness.

"Firstly because it really is the competition which encompasses the entire squad, including our young players. This cup is all about the journey. You don't get to pick up the trophy at Wembley without the crucial contributions in the earlier rounds.

"These games come in a part of the season where the demands on the team are crazy. Premier League games, Champions League games and international football. So everyone has to contribute and play their part. Without everyone we have no chance.

"The worst part of my job is disappointing people who don't deserve it. When selecting a squad in the circumstances we had to on Sunday, this was so hard. But the truth is, even without being on the teamsheet for the final, the win is still just as much about them and what they did for us and this club.

"It's not the best comparison, but when you win a league title it's not just the players who feature in the final matchday who are considered champions. It's everyone. Same with the League Cup on Sunday. We won it because of what happened at Norwich away, Preston away, Leicester at Anfield and over two games against Arsenal.

"The other part that made Sunday incredible was being able to celebrate it with our supporters. The Liverpool section of Wembley… wow! And I mean wow! The atmosphere was one I will remember for the rest of my life. And it was constant. They were with us for every second of it. And then after… that felt like a party."

Klopp continued: "I am not a politician or a diplomat and I know my words will count for nothing, but I pray each hour of the day that this madness stops and stops before any more innocent people lose their lives.

"I have spent time in Russia also in my career and know Russian people; they are people with love in their hearts. This is not representative of them. It is not in their name. Showing support for Ukraine is separate. To support Ukraine now is about supporting humanity against brutality.

"So yes, continuing to prepare and play football matches against this backdrop isn't easy but it is the job to do. And as Sunday showed, football still gives us the opportunity to present the best of ourselves and find joy in something that is about the collective and community.

"Coming back to tonight, I don't know what team we will select, but I know we approach the game with the only motivation being to win and get through. Norwich will have the same objective. So it's a proper game.

"Under the lights at Anfield. I'm sure there will still be a feel-good factor for the supporters because of Sunday. That's cool. I don't discourage that.

"For us, we cannot allow any 'follow over' other than a feeling of positivity and greed for more. I want us, as a team, to be completely in tonight and nothing else. The trophy we have won won't matter come kick-off. The trophies we could still win are irrelevant right now. The only thing that can be achieved tonight is progression in the FA Cup. So let's do it. Let's have a right go, tonight, in this game.

"Let's make the performance and the atmosphere special. Really special. We can if we are minded to."

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