Klopp’s thoughts about lifting PL Trophy

Jürgen Klopp believes Liverpool’s players will continue to deliver on the pitch even after lifting this season’s Premier League Trophy.

Klopp insisted the team still has something to play for despite having won over a month ago and posting a few loses, including to Arsenal last week.

“We have to prepare for two things. We prepare for the game and after the Arsenal we spoke about the challenges for this week. A game, a trophy lift. A challenge. From how training looked, we’re all set. Competition was there.”

“It’s a big challenge. When Pep was at Bayern, we came 2nd with Dortmund. They dominated and lost some games as there was nothing to go for. I am happy how we showed up. There was nothing obvious, just little things you could see. We were the better side v Arsenal.”

“I will try to be prepared. There is a football game and I cannot ignore what happens after that. I don’t want to. The boys have worked so hard for that. It is as good as possible, I will not disturb that. I will be in the best spirits,” he said.

Speaking ahead of the team’s final home game, against Chelsea, Klopp described his feelings.

“One of the greatest days in my life, absolutely. No-one thought it would be possible for us. So yes, I will be proud of the boys and what we have done. A milestone, 100%. An important day but not the last for us. We’ll be in good spirits.”

“This is a challenge, being champions and playing these teams. I thought about how it was when I’ve won something before and it’s football. The boys love doing what they do. So far I am fine with attitude we’ve shown. I expect a good game from us and Chelsea.”

“There are two things to prepare tomorrow which is different. Not the easiest game to prepare for. We have to go for something too. We are not there until the party starts. We have to deal with it. I am positive a proper performance will be there on the pitch.”

“Chelsea will make some good changes but they have had a proper boost [from FA Cup]. We have to make sure it is not easy for them. Small details decide games and we have to put these things right.”

“We have to make the first step before the second and first is the game. Then we get the trophy for an outstanding season. I am not willing to make that smaller. They all know it’s more fun if you win but it is a proper challenge. Chelsea have history with this [in 2014].”

“I trust my boys and myself 100% we are in proper competition mode. We cannot ignore [trophy lift] but we have to put the blinkers on.” “Not sure how many were in that team [in 2014] but if you want, we can strike back for that. I don’t think we will lose the game, we are in a proper mood for the game. But we have to show that on the pitch.”

Klopp also reflected on the first Premier League game he won against Chelsea:

“I cannot remember that really. Benteke scored? [Chelsea 2015]. I don’t know how I felt that day. Too many things happened since then. We played Chelsea 3 times already this season. All tricky and difficult. I respect what Frank is doing there”

“We have been champions for a month now. A bit like Christmas, you know you’re getting a specific present but you are still excited. It will be special. Absolutely delighted the boys have this moment. They deserve it more than anyone. So many setbacks they have dealt with.

“We’ve always had massive pressure but we have done quite well. Let’s make it difficult for them and possible for us. That is the plan.”

“It’s been a really long run up to this. It will be emotional again. How emotional? I don’t know, we will have to wait and feel them.”

Klopp on Lampard: “With managers one day you are the one to be and the next you are not. Frank is doing an exceptional job. He did well at Derby, a big challenge at Chelsea, no-one expected a title but qualify for CL in a really strong league. He’s done brilliantly.”

Klopp on Sir Kenny: “It’s great [he is involved]. Directly after the game we became champs, we talked to everyone and we saw Kenny and Souness and we saw how much it meant to them. Really nice to see. This club touches you and you can never get rid of it. It is so emotional.”

“He and Arteta in the FA Cup final, that is really impressive. A proper team with some interesting decisions. It shows that he used his playing time not just to move his legs. He learned a lot. Really prepared for the job. Still young. 100% ready for it though.”

“I am really happy that Kenny will be about. The most deserved nickname is ‘King Kenny’. I am so happy for Steven Gerrard too. It means so much to him, Carra and all these guys from the past. They know what this team did. How big the pressure is when it is close.”

“I can understand it is tricky [to stay at home]. We don’t want to say it is completely wrong but it is not right. We cannot excuse one wrong thing with another. This situation is different to any other we’ve faced. We will have this party when appropriate.”

“I hope our fans know we mean it that this is for them. We won this league before lockdown before it was over the line. I am happy with what the boys have done. It should show everyone together we can do anything. That is what has happened.”

“The first chance we get, will have this party but only when it is appropriate. Three months ago no-one thought this possible now we must do the right thing. I can only ask for exactly that. A challenge but we’ve faced bigger ones at this club. Stay at home with family.”

Klopp on Andy Robertson:

“Three years since he signed. Robbo, we would have paid £30m and it would be worth it. Not about the money we took him. £8m if you are not good enough is expensive. He was brought in because we thought he could help us.”

“I am happy with my squad 100%. I was last year when people wanted us to sign him and him. It/s not that we don’t want, we try to make the right decisions and then COVID came. Situation changed and not for the better.”

“It’s not that we don’t think we cannot improve with transfers, we just do what we can and cannot. Main difference with us this year was consistency. We won against Chelsea away and now they are how many points behind. The gaps you see on the pitch aren’t that big.”

“97 points last season, who do I bring in for the one point gap to City? We didn’t because we didn’t and we saw what happened. A lot of tests next year, we have to be ready. Some are decided on transfer market but not all of them.”

“He is a much better person and footballer [than I thought]. A massive win-win for us. A perfect fit from Glasgow.”

“We had to build this and that took time. It is not about spending it is about having the right team in the right situation. We can buy if we have the money and the need. If one of these is not there, we will not. It’s not an excuse.”