Euphoric Klopp hails Liverpool’s top-four finish
Jurgen Klopp has not been so euphoric after any other Liverpool win this season – not on any of those consuming European nights; not after destroying Porto; not after defeating Manchester City; not even after overcoming Roma to reach the Champions League final.
The moment of victory over Brighton and Hove Albion to secure participation in next year’s Champions League finally enabled him to celebrate the chance of winning it on May 26.
All the emotions buried at the Etihad Stadium and Stadio Olimpico were finally exposed, the German coach unburdening himself as his prime ambition was realised. It felt like he was back in Rome, in front of those away fans, fist-pumping and arm waving without fretting that such experiences might be denied his club next year.
The endurance test of the Premier League was over, Klopp said his players would take on Real Madrid with less pressure and more freedom once they get to Kiev via a ‘mini pre-season’ at a Spanish training camp.
“After we went 3-0 up, it was the first minute in the season I could enjoy it,” said Klopp.
“Somebody told me it is 3-0 at Newcastle United. I knew it is done. I knew we were in the Champions League. It is a fantastic achievement by the boys. Last year everyone said we went to the Champions League because we didn’t have European football.
“This, for us, is the next step. It is a perfect finale to an intense season. We showed the football we could, which has not shown in past few games because the boys are human, not machines. I am so happy and proud of the boys.”
This was the outcome most had taken for granted, Liverpool easing past unmotivated opposition to reaffirm Champions League status.
Not so Klopp. Before now, it has been nine years since Liverpool qualified for the competition in successive campaigns. The prolonged exile in the post-rafael Benitez era was a symbol of how the lustre at Anfield was fading.
Returning, cementing the position and – potentially – winning it, again shows the polish is back.
Consider the scars that needed healing since this last happened in 2009 – five managers, a club takeover as well as team and stadium rebuilds.
Liverpool have enjoyed success during trying periods in their recent history, but it is more than 30 years since every aspect of the club was ready to make the most of it on and off the pitch.
In many respects, the season ended as it had proceeded since August for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah scored, Roberto Firmino hassled opposition defenders into submission and the chant acclaiming Scottish left-back Andy Robertson matched all others.
This has been an Anfield campaign where global superstars and cult heroes have emerged, hailed with equilibrium by The Kop.
Any Real Madrid scouts present and scribbling notes would have registered nothing new about the style, zeal and ambition of this Liverpool side, but they will have identified what difference a sevenday rest does to them.
The bloodhounds were let loose on Brighton. The Spanish observers’ most positive assessment ahead of the Champions League final would be that the final is on neutral territory. Liverpool would fancy anyone here.
Only once previously in the past 30 years have the club gone a full season without a home league defeat. When Salah struck the first after 26 minutes to puncture limited Brighton resistance, there was no possibility of a stumble on the last lap.
“They’re a team that we’re all hoping can win the Champions League in a few weeks’ time,” said Brighton manager Chris Hughton. “At this moment, if you look at the two most difficult away games you’d say they are Manchester City and Liverpool.” For Salah, a season of personal triumph may yet end in the ultimate team award. Every recent strike has been a landmark. His 32nd in the Premier League ensured he has scored more than anyone in a 38-game campaign. If he can claim a hat-trick against Real Madrid, he will match Ian Rush’s club record of 47 in a single season. That is unlikely, obviously, but when Liverpool attack like this they inject terror.
Klopp has been circumspect in his recent praise for Salah, relieved the accolades did not prove distracting. “Everyone gives you an Oscar, an award for this and award for that, for getting out of the car without an accident,” he said.
“It is really difficult to stay focused, but he was focused. He is really difficult to defend, but he is young enough to improve.”
Top status was effectively preserved once Salah pounced on Dominic Solanke’s clever flick to beat Matthew Ryan after 26 minutes and Liverpool subsequently mounted one of their attacking blitzes, one of those irresistible spells which could have yielded another four before half-time.
They had to settle for one before the break, Dejan Lovren connecting with Robertson’s left-wing cross. Solanke and Robertson would score their first Liverpool goals in the second half, by which time the contest had become a training session.
As the players re-emerged 10 minutes after their 4-0 victory for a lap of appreciation worthy of the name – led by the imperious Salah and his collection of Player of the Year awards – it truly was a reminder of how things used to be at this place.
The final home game would rarely be a farewell in those dominant years, but a send-off ahead of the history-chasing to come. “Now I am really looking forward to it,” said Klopp. “Now, we will be ready.”