Jurgen Klopp heaps praise upon title-winning Liverpool squad

Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise upon his title-winning side ahead of this evening’s penultimate Premier League clash against Chelsea at Anfield.

Liverpool will lift the Premier League trophy this evening in an empty Kop, regardless of the result against Frank Lampard’s side.

Writing in the official matchday programme, Klopp made clear the pure admiration he has for his side; one that he has shaped and built into Premier League champions and current holders of the Champions League since arriving in 2015.

He said: “I could not love this group of players more. I could not appreciate them more. I could not be more proud of them.

“This achievement is their achievement. Their focus. Their dedication. Their talent. Their hunger. That’s what has delivered this title. They sacrificed, individually and collectively, and they have their rewards.

“This group of players are giants for what they achieved. They have earned every bit of praise and adulation that has come their way.”

The 53-year old also lavished Reds’ supporters ahead of their last game at Anfield for this season. Although supporters will be unable to see their team lift the trophy, Klopp believes their celebrations will be very much active in spirit.

“Although absent since the season restarted, remain the wind in our sails”, he said.

“It is impossible to sum up their impact or their importance. They are the reason that representing this club brings the greatest possible emotional attachment and therefore emotional reward.

“What we do here, we do together; at times that has meant suffering together. But right now – and in the last 14 months – it has meant celebrating together. I love this.

“It would not mean as much were it not for our supporters. They might not be in Anfield tonight in person, but their spirit can be felt, and we lift this trophy for them.”

More thanks were on the horizon within the lengthy emotional notes, as he praised the support of his wife Ulla as well as sons, Marc and Dennis. Jurgen, who has been married to Ulla since 2005, claims they are the reason that he appreciates his job at Liverpool so much.

He said: “My wife Ulla, who is my best friend on this planet. I love you so much. My two sons, Marc and Dennis, you have only ever brought me joy and a feeling of pride. What incredible men you have become. To see you grow as people beats any other achievement in life.

“Doing this crazy job is fun because of these three people – my wife and my boys. The bad times are softened, and the good times sweetened because we live through them together, as our own ‘team’. They are my everything, and my heart is constantly filled with love and happiness because of them.”

Meanwhile, with Chelsea coming off the back of a victory at Manchester United, Klopp was once again quick to applaud tonight’s opposite half in Lampard ahead of their bout.

The result saw the Blues edge into third place, an excellent showing as the former Chelsea midfielder adapts to his first season of top-flight football as a manager.

“What a job Frank has done this season. We have played them three times already this campaign, in three different competitions and each time the games have been so close and so tight,” he added.

“They are already starting to reflect their manager’s personality in how they approach the game, and it’s very easy to see they are heading in the right direction.

“Wonderful players, some really smart and ambitious recruitments made, superb leadership in the manager’s office. Chelsea have been a real challenge this season and will be even stronger next.”