Manager Jurgen Klopp called Liverpool’s dramatic Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea “absolutely insane” as the Reds triumphed 1-0 after extra time.
It gave Liverpool a record-extending 10th EFL Cup triumph in Klopp’s final season with the club.
“What happened here was absolutely insane, these things are not possible,” the German told Sky Sports.
Liverpool were without several key players through injury, including forwards Mohammed Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
It meant that five players aged 20 or under featured, with the average age of Liverpool’s team that finished the game being below 22.
“The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be part of that tonight,” said Klopp.
“The craziest thing is, we deserved it. We had lucky moments, they had lucky moments. The boys showed up, it was really cool.”
Netherlands defender van Dijk said he was “so proud” to be a Liverpool player after his late winner.
“It’s all for the fans, so let’s enjoy it,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain,
“We did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game.
“I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.
“I won’t speak too soon, but hopefully we can win a few more [trophies this season].”
‘We don’t have a team’ – Klopp looks ahead to FA Cup tie
While Klopp and his team can celebrate this win, attention will quickly turn to Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Championship promotion-chasers Southampton.
As well as Salah, Jota and Nunez, goalkeeper Alisson, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, midfielders Dominik Szobsozlai, Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara, and centre-back Joel Matip also missed Sunday’s final with injury.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was forced off injured in the first half with what Klopp said was an ankle ligament injury.
“We don’t have a team right now for Wednesday. The guys who came on can maybe play again, the rest will get treatment on Monday,” Klopp added.
“I love this country to bits, but the schedule is not made for winning a lot. We will see the price we have to pay, but we fight for everything, then we see what comes next.
“Somehow against Southampton there will be a team in Liverpool shirts.”
Following the challenge on Gravenberch from Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, which led to the Dutch midfielder leaving the pitch on a stretcher, Klopp said referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance was not one befitting a major cup final.
“There were two teams fighting very hard, and the referee didn’t have the level of the game,” he said.
“It was not even a foul? Then the fourth official explaining we cannot give a card… good idea. This situation was obvious for me, everything you need for a card.”
Those injuries led to opportunities for younger players as the 20-year-old duo of Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley started, while under-20 trio Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns and James McConnell came off the bench.
“I am sure we brought on all the kids. We needed fresh legs, they were fresh, very young, but they did the job,” added Klopp.
“The boys have trained for a long time with us, they know exactly what we have to do. They are a pain, to be honest, that is what you have to be in these moments.”
