Virgil van Dijk expects the end of Liverpool’s season to be “very emotional” as the end of Jurgen Klopp’s reign draws in with the Carabao Cup final 2024 against Chelsea on Sunday.
Klopp surprisingly announced in January that he will leave Anfield after almost nine years in charge at the end of the campaign, explaining that the demands of being a Premier League manager have taken their toll on his wellbeing.
“Everyone reacts differently towards the news… all the players have given their reaction,” Van Dijk told Liverpool’s website.
“The end of the season will be probably very emotional for a lot of people, including the manager, but we are not there yet.
“The final is waiting for us and that is what we are looking forward to all together: the players, staff and manager want to make that a special day and get our first trophy of the season.”
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Nine-time champions Liverpool moved ahead of Manchester City as the most successful team in Carabao Cup history by beating Chelsea on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2022 final.
While the Reds are top of the league by four points, their opponents are a lowly 10th as they pursue a sixth Carabao Cup triumph and their first since 2015.
“They have their goals but I want to look at our goals, said Van Dijk. “I want to achieve our goals that we have and we want to go out there and win the final.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game because Chelsea are a very good team with very good individual players who can make a difference.”
Liverpool vs Chelsea ‘special’
“Playing finals for this football club is something out of this world,” added Van Dijk. “You don’t want to lose finals, first and foremost.
“It is always a special thing and it is the first chance for silverware this season. Hopefully, if it happens, it will give us a massive boost for the last part of the season.”
Liverpool host Championship club Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday and will discover their opponents in the Uefa Europa League round of 16, which begins on March 7, when the draw is made on Friday.
