Programme notesJürgen Klopp's message to fans and Carabao Cup sentiment

Winners of the trophy last term, the Reds return to Anfield this evening to kick off their defence with a third-round tie against Derby County.

Klopp’s side come into the game on the back of successive victories over Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League and Premier League respectively.

The manager offers his thanks for the influence fans played in those positive results being secured, while explaining the lessons and memories he took from clinching the cup in 2021-22.

“Usually I do not like to look back, but on this occasion it makes at least some sense that we do because winning the Carabao Cup was one of the great moments that we have had in my time at Liverpool,” he writes.

“Winning any trophy is of course always special but each one is also special in its own right and in the case of the Carabao Cup it was that so many players were involved over the course of the campaign and each of them played a part.

“The problem with any final – and it is definitely not the worst problem in the world – is that they are such unbelievable occasions that everything that happens on that particular day is bigger than everything that has happened before.

“But without the moments along the way, the performances that make the difference, the victories that take you an extra step, nothing that happened at Wembley would have been possible.”

He adds: “The final does not begin at Wembley in February. It starts at Anfield tonight and this is because the only way we can arrive at Wembley is by getting things right in the earlier rounds.”

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Klopp made a beeline to celebrate with Liverpool fans immediately after the win at Tottenham last weekend, and underscored his appreciation for the backing his team has received as they seek momentum on the pitch.

The boss says: “I would like to thank our supporters for the difference you have made in recent fixtures. The away end at Tottenham on Sunday was as special as it always is and it felt really good to reward our travelling support with a really good win and a really good performance.

“At Anfield, the backing we received after our defeat to Leeds United and also when it seemed Napoli had gone in front last week is what makes our support so special.

“This is not something we could ever or would ever take for granted and it is the main reason why we strive to create new memories like the ones that were made in the Carabao Cup last season. We know that this will not be easy but we will do our very best.”