Jurgen Klopp has expressed his excitement at the thought of finally being able to lift the Premier League trophy with Liverpool, describing the feeling as ‘like Christmas’.
The Reds will lift the trophy after their game against Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night, almost a month after they were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in their history.
Liverpool to lift the trophy at an empty Anfield / Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Speaking to the press ahead of their match against Chelsea, Klopp said the moment would be ‘one of the best days. [his] life’ and loved it on Christmas Day, beaming: “We’ve been champions for a month. Like Christmas, you know you’re getting a special gift but you’re still excited.
He also said he was ‘delighted’ to be able to achieve the feat and credited his squad for overcoming setbacks – such as finishing runners-up with a record points haul in the 2018/19 season. – but also urged fans to celebrate at home.
“I can understand that it is difficult. [to stay at home]. We don’t want to say it’s completely wrong but it’s not right,” continued Klopp. “We can’t excuse one wrong thing with another. This situation is unlike any other we have encountered. We’ll have this party when it’s appropriate.”
Despite Liverpool winning their first league title in 30 years, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic means fans can’t enjoy the parade, complete with trophy celebrations as usual. A full parade is expected later in the year, when it is safe to do so.
“We’re taking it up on you – you’ve pushed us to achieve this dream. But the values of this club are about looking after each other and that means from home and in a safe environment. Support us.” ✊
An important message from our captain… #StaySafe #LFCchampions
— Liverpool FC (Premier League Champions?) (@LFC) July 21, 2020
Before lifting the trophy, they face a tough 90 minutes against Frank Lampard’s Blues, who are still fighting for Champions League qualification next season. He admitted the fixture would be a ‘challenge’ with an eye on celebration, but confirmed his team were focused and intent on performing on the pitch.
Liverpool fans can also expect to see Kenny Dalglish as part of the celebrations on Wednesday evening. The Anfield legend worked as a player, and then player/manager, during their most successful periods in the 1980s, and came on as a substitute during the games that helped them win their last league title in 1990. What did