Jurgen Klopp challenged Liverpool to chase a historic quadruple after the Reds won the League Cup final in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Chelsea on Sunday. Klopp’s side clinched the first of the four major trophies they are competing for this term when Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga smashed his penalty high over the crossbar.
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher lifts the English League Cup after helping his side win the final against Chelsea on Sunday. Pic//AFP
Kepa was the only player to miss in the shoot-out as Liverpool converted all 11 of their kicks including by keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and Chelsea netted 10. It was a tense conclusion to a thrilling encounter that finished 0-0 after extra-time despite both sides creating numerous chances. Liverpool had a Joel Matip goal disallowed for a dubious offside against Virgil van Dijk in the second half. Chelsea were denied three times by the offside flag, with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel furious that Romelu Lukaku’s effort didn’t survive a VAR check.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool’s record ninth League Cup triumph was their first domestic knockout tournament triumph since 2012. The Reds are six points behind EPL leaders Manchester City with a game in hand, hold a 2-0 lead heading into their Champions League Last-16 second leg against Inter Milan and host Norwich in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday. “This is the start. We are not silly. You need luck. We have to survive, work hard and, we have to play on Wednesday again, which I cannot believe at this moment,” Klopp said. “Anfield will be rocking because of this result and hopefully we can deliver a game to enjoy. We don’t get nervous when things don’t go well. We are more experienced now. It’s a big one for us. The first time for this group. It was nice to celebrate with the people after the match.”
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