Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called his side’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea the “most special trophy” he has ever won.
It gave the Anfield side a record-extending 10th EFL Cup triumph in Klopp’s last season with the club.
“In my 20 years, this is easily the most special trophy,” said Klopp.
“I couldn’t care less about my legacy. I was not here to create one. This was so special.”
Liverpool were without several key players through injury, including forwards Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
It meant that five players aged 20 or under featured, with the average age of the team that finished the game being below 22.
“What happened here was absolutely insane, these things are not possible,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be part of that tonight.
“The craziest thing is, we deserved it. We had lucky moments, they had lucky moments. The boys showed up, it was really cool.”
Netherlands defender Van Dijk said he was “so proud” to be a Liverpool player after his late winner.
“It’s all for the fans, so let’s enjoy it,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“An intense game for both sides, they had chances, we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain.
“We did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game.
“I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.
“I won’t speak too soon, but hopefully we can win a few more [trophies this season].”
‘We don’t have a team’ – Klopp looks ahead to FA Cup tie
While Klopp and his players can celebrate this win, attention will quickly turn to Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Championship promotion-chasers Southampton.
As well as attacking trio Salah, Jota and Nunez, goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip, and midfielders Dominik Szobsozlai, Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara also missed Sunday’s final with injury.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was forced off injured in the first half with what Klopp said was an ankle ligament injury, while Wataru Endo was seen leaving Wembley with foot in a protective boot and on crutches.
“We don’t have a team right now for Wednesday. The guys who came on can maybe play again, the rest will get treatment on Monday,” Klopp added.
“I love this country to bits, but the schedule is not made for winning a lot. We will see the price we have to pay, but we fight for everything, then we see what comes next.
“Somehow against Southampton there will be a team in Liverpool shirts.”
Following the challenge on Gravenberch by Moises Caicedo, which led to the Dutch midfielder leaving the pitch on a stretcher, Klopp said referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance was not one befitting a cup final.
“There were two teams fighting very hard, and the referee didn’t have the level of the game,” he said.
“It was not even a foul? Then the fourth official explaining we cannot give a card… good idea. This situation was obvious for me, everything you need for a card.”
Those injuries led to opportunities for younger players as 20-year-olds Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley started, while under-20 trio Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns and James McConnell came off the bench.
“I am sure we brought on all the kids. We needed fresh legs, they were fresh, very young, but they did the job,” added Klopp.
“The boys have trained for a long time with us, they know exactly what we have to do. They are a pain, to be honest, that is what you have to be in these moments.”
‘Klopp is such a special manager’
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher told Sky Sports: “These are the moments you dream about. It’s better for the heart than penalties. Another amazing moment for me, I’m delighted.
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, but this is great for momentum. We are in a good place right now.”
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley told Sky Sports: “He [Klopp] is such a special manager, I just want to enjoy every moment with him now and win everything we can for him.
“I don’t think I can put it into words, I have supported this club since I was about five years old, so to win a trophy with them at Wembley it’s just special.”
Liverpool teenager Bobby Clark, who came on as a 72nd-minute substitute: “When he called my name and said I was going on, it was an unbelievable feeling. Klopp fills you with confidence, gives you freedom, really lets you do your thing.”
