Liverpool harness Klopp emotion to keep quadruple dream alive

Liverpool remain in the hunt to send Jurgen Klopp off with a quadruple after beating Norwich 5-2 to progress to the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday. Klopp was greeted by an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before kick-off and banners of thanks in the first match since the German announced his decision to leave at the end of the season.

The 56-year-old said on Friday when he made the shock announcement on his impending departure that he hoped the “best memories were still to come” despite having won the Premier League and Champions League during his time in charge. Should Liverpool progress to the FA Cup final, Klopp’s final game will be at Wembley and they will be strong favourites to progress to the quarter-finals after being paired at home to Watford or Southampton in the last 16.

Klopp’s opposite number, Norwich boss David Wagner, was the best man at his wedding after the two played together at Mainz. The pair enjoyed a warm embrace in the tunnel before kick-off, but Liverpool showed no mercy on Wagner’s men despite Klopp giving the chance to some of his youngsters to shine.

James McConnell was handed his full debut in midfield and the 19-year-old set up the opening goal as his teasing delivery was headed in by Curtis Jones at the back post. Norwich hit back almost immediately as Ben Gibson powered past Alisson Becker from Gabriel Sara’s corner.

Liverpool should still have been out of sight by half-time as Darwin Nunez slotted home his 11th goal of the season after great work down the right by Conor Bradley. Bradley, who has impressed in recent weeks deputizing for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should have had another assist moments later when Cody Gakpo sliced a glorious chance wide.

Ryan Gravenberch then had an effort cleared off the line as Norwich struggled to beat Liverpool’s press as they played out from the back. The Reds have so far not missed a beat in the absence of Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League and in the hunt for three more trophies in the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.