"It is easily the most special trophy I've ever won. It's absolutely exceptional. I wish I could feel pride more often, tonight that's the overwhelming feeling”

Liverpool began the long goodbye to Jurgen Klopp in style as Virgil van Dijk's header in the final moments of extra-time secured Carabao Cup glory

an achievement the German described as the most special of his career.

Klopp was without 10 first-team players at kick-off and that increased to 11 by the 28th minute as Ryan Gravenberch was carried off

Only five Liverpool players from their 4-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield less than four weeks ago started at Wembley

The bench contained six academy graduates aged 21 and under.

Klopp

"What we see today is so exceptional,"

"We might never see it again, these things don't happen in football. Apparently, you don't win trophies with kids, I didn't know that.

"It is easily the most special trophy I've ever won. It's absolutely exceptional. I wish I could feel pride more often, tonight that's the overwhelming feeling - nothing to do with maybe my last game at Wembley.

"It was how everyone contributed.

"Seeing the faces of these kids. Nobody will ever forget this story - it's so difficult.

"This tonight, if you find the same story with academy players coming on against a top side and still winning it, wow."

Klopp added:

"I couldn't care less about my legacy, I'm not here to create one. I'm here to do the job. We've learned so much in this time. From time to time you need something to really celebrate, this was so special.

"We had problems before before the game, injuries, we had a referee who wasn't up to the level of the game - no common sense again. You see tired players.

"I have no clue who can play on Wednesday [against Southampton in the FA Cup].

"We finished the game with players who have [injury] problems. But for tonight, it is a night I will never forget.

"If no one else sees it like that, no problem, but for me it's a really special memory."