Liverpool lift Premier League title as Jurgen Klopp thanks fans

“If you don’t see that we do it for you, I can’t help you really,” Klopp told Sky Sports, addressing Liverpool fans directly following last night’s Premier League trophy lift at Anfield. “Five years ago I asked you to believe us. I asked you and you did it.

“Prepare for a party, I don’t know when. When this b******** virus is gone then we will have a party all together. Thank you very much.”

Klopp admitted he will break his usual practice and take the time to have his picture taken with Liverpool’s stunning trophy haul, with the Reds now Premier League champions alongside holding the Champions League and Club World Cup titles.

“Champions of England, Europe and the world; it’s unbelievable to be honest,” said Klopp. “We’ve won four trophies, big ones, and I couldn’t be more proud.

“I don’t normally worry about pictures, because as long as I can remember it it’s worth it.

“But I will make sure I will have a picture with all four trophies because it doesn’t happen too often.

“We have internal challenges, we can improve, we have the chance to make another step. We have to because the others will not sleep.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson revealed his pride at lifting the Premier League trophy.

“We’ve been waiting a long time, but the build-up to it was amazing,” Henderson told Sky Sports. “The lads deserve the moment tonight, and thankfully the families are up there watching, which was a big thing for the team.

“It’s been an amazing season and to crown it off like that was special.

“The start of the season was really important of course, but we just grew and grew as the season went on; more confident and ruthless really.

“We found a way to win on so many occasions and that’s just down to mentality.”

Henderson admitted Liverpool claiming last year’s Champions League proved the catalyst for ending the 30-year wait for a League title.

“It makes it even more special after last season, getting 97 points and not winning it with Man City winning the league was hard to take,” said Henderson. “But we won the Champions League and that made a difference, and then at the start of the season we knew we had unfinished business.

“The Premier League has been a dream of mine since I’ve been a kid, that’s one of the reasons why you come to Liverpool.

“It was tough, it was never easy. It’s been a process, a journey, five years since the gaffer’s come in.

“After this, next season’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

Henderson downplayed his own role in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, preferring instead to lay the plaudits at the collective effort.

“Well it’s obviously nice to hear people say good things, but in time it’s not really about me, it’s about the team,” said Henderson.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the players I’ve played with, the managers I’ve had, the coaches I’ve worked with.

“The team has been immense and helped me massively the last few years.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be part of this football club.

“I’ve always tried to give everything I’ve got and that will always be that way until I finish.”

Defender Virgil Van Dijk insisted no one can dispute Liverpool’s supremacy this season, even with the Reds finishing off their title triumph after the coronavirus shutdown.

“No one can say anything about us, we are full deserved champions,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

“The water breaks and the extra substitutes, that doesn’t make a difference.

“We won it by a mile, well deserved and next season we’ll try to retain it.

“To finally get our hands on the Premier League trophy is a dream come true for all of us.

“It’s been quite a long way for all of us and the Liverpool fans around the world.

“It’s just a great, fantastic feeling to say that I’m a Premier League champion, and the other boys too.

“It’s very difficult to stay as consistent as we were this year.

“I think it (losing last season’s league to Man City) spurred us on.

“At the end City won it, we were disappointed but we said ‘we’re going to get it next year’, and that’s the feeling that the players had.”

Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold insisted Liverpool’s title win has only served to make them even hungrier for yet more silverware.

“A few years ago we spoke about getting the first trophy,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports. “Winning the Champions League last year, it helped our appetite to win more and more and more.

“The feeling you get, you just want to get it again. It’s something that will drive us.

“This is where we want to be in 12 months’ time. Hopefully in 12 months we’ll be able to celebrate with the fans here.

“The feeling of being up there, this was the one we all wanted, as fans, players.

“I’d swap every medal just to have this one around my neck.

“For the club, it’s massive. It’s amazing to be able to share it with your family.

“The gaffer said it before the game, as much as the fans, your family, they are the people who have helped you along the way, seen the dark times and the good times, and it’s amazing to share a night like this with them.

“I feel so lucky, so blessed to be a part of such a special club, special team.

“Everyone’s played a massive part.”

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