Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he texted a few important people during his team’s Champions League semi-final victory over Villareal.
Liverpool rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat Villareal 3-2 and go to their third Champions League final in five years. The players were ecstatic since their efforts in Spain had culminated in a chance to win the club’s sixth European title.
While Klopp joined his players in their celebration, he took a moment to text a few persons who were instrumental in the team’s victory.
His wife Ulla, who Klopp credits with encouraging him to accept a new deal with the club lately, had already contacted him so Klopp replied to her texts.
Last season, defenders Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips were called upon during the club’s defensive injury crisis, which saw Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip all suffer long-term injuries.
Klopp told Sky Sports News : “I messaged Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips because we wouldn’t be there without them.
I remember the final game of last season and they left the pitch with a bandage around the head, cuts on their faces, and that was really a symbol for the whole period. We went through on one leg, with one eye… it was incredible. It was such a tough season.”
When Klopp’s team suffered six straight defeats at Anfield, including defeats to Burnley, Everton, and Brighton, things seemed gloomy.
Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League appeared to be dead as the clock approached the 94th minute of a 1-1 draw away at West Brom, but Alisson stepped up to strike a truly incredible goal to win the game in the last minute.
One year after Alisson’s critical header, Klopp is preparing his squad for a last drive to complete the season with the ultimate prize, the quadruple. With Premier League and Champions League titles still in the bag.