A NIGHT FOR NEW LEGENDS

Klopp’s men can make their own history in Kiev and this could just be the start of something very special

HENRY FORD, of the motor company that had one of its homes in Liverpool, once said history is “bunk” and all that matters “is the history we make today”.

They did not say as much, but that could have been the mantra of Liverpool’s representatives on the eve of a Champions League final between two teams who share 17 European Cup triumphs.

Yes, the only thing that immediately matters for Jurgen Klopp, Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk is to find a way past the most decorated team in European football.

Yet the buzz here in Kiev is not just about this thrilling opportunity, but about the potential for a new era.

And the three men who fronted up ahead of the matchup with Real Madrid looked like a trio to lead a true Liverpool resurgence.

Nowhere echoes to the sound of heroes quite like Anfield, but Klopp is assembling a squad that might eventually be worthy successors to Dalglish, to Hansen, to Souness, to Rush, to Gerrard, to the medalled many.

That is why Liverpool supporters are excited, not just for this epic moment, but for the prospect of a Klopp dynasty.

After two-and-a-half years, he has the fundamentals in place.

Mo Salah has had just one season and it remains to be seen how he will respond if the Spanish make covetous eyes.

But all the vibes are that he is thinking strictly long-term with Liverpool.

He has time to make a Dalglish-style impression.

Liverpool’s golden period was founded on defensive solidity and Van Dijk looks more like a Hansen throwback with every game.

“Liverpool is my team, Anfield is my home, I love playing for this club,” Van Dijk (right) said with a sincerity that shone.

And in Henderson, Klopp has a captain who could soon be entitled to rank himself alongside Emlyn Hughes, Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard.

Defying expectation, he has emerged as an inspirational leader. “It is in Liverpool’s DNA to win trophies,” Henderson said, relaxed but purposeful at the final pre-match press conference.

“It is important for the fans that we are going in the right direction.”

There was the realism, the implication that lifting the trophy will be a mountainous achievement, but the long climb back to domestic and European pre-eminence is only in its early stages. After all, the miracle of 2005 did not inspire a run to a longoverdue Premier League title. And remember, Liverpool finished fourth this season, 25 points off Manchester

City.

Win or lose tonight, there will have to be serious investment to get anywhere near them.

But in Klopp (left), they have a manager who shows the characteristics of great Liverpool managers. He does not have an ego, for a start.

“I am responsible for defeats, the players take credit for winning,” he said.

Asked about similarities with Bill Shankly, Klopp declared: “You must never compare anyone to him. Shankly should remain unparalleled until the end of time.”

Klopp just gets Liverpool, like Henderson, like Van Dijk.

The Reds can make their own history tonight and it might just be the start of

something special.

PAISLEY SHANKLY