Klopp a proud coach for “passing test after test”
Klopp praised his players for “passing test after test” after they became Club World Cup champions for the first time. The Reds beat Flamengo 1-0 in Qatar.
Roberto Firmino scored the decisive goal in extra time and secured a 1-0 win at the Khalifa International Stadium.
This is the second trophy the Reds have won this season after beating Chelsea to win the Uefa Super Cup in August.
“The boys dug in again and massively put in a performance.” Said Klopp
“They keep getting tested constantly-our life is like this. At the moment we pass test after test after test. We have to make sure we pass further tests as well.”
Victory was all that Liverpool needed considering it has come in the middle of a busy December for the 2019 Champions League winners.
The Club World Cup clashed with the Reds Carabao Cup quarter-final. This meant they had to send separate teams to compete in the competitions.
A youthful Reds played in the Carabao Cup and lost 5-0 to Aston Villa. However, the first team added another trophy and returned to England with a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Klopp could not hide how proud he was for his players.
They kept in such a strong performance in another final. He said, “I struggle to find the words to express my respect for the boys. It was incredible. We did so many good things.”
“I saw so many sensationally good performances and I am really happy.”
“It was a very intense game for different reasons. It was not our best game we have ever played. But it was enough to win.”
“This was a wonderful night for the club. I said before I didn’t know how it would feel.”
“Now I know it feels outstanding, absolutely sensational. I am so proud of the boys.”
One concern for Liverpool was a potential injury to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The England midfielder was seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot during Liverpool’s celebration having earlier been substituted following an awkward fall.
“Hopefully it is not too serious.” Said Klopp
“Even he was smiling at the end which helped us all.”