"We wouldn't be here" - Jurgen Klopp hails two squad players after League Cup final

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino after the League Cup final yesterday.

Neither Liverpool or Chelsea could be split after extra-time at Wembley Stadium. After 120 minutes of action, the game was locked at 0-0, which meant that a shoot-out was required to determine the winner.

The Reds ended up defeating the Blues 11-10 on penalties. Origi and Minamino did not start for Liverpool in the final.

Both players were named on the bench. Origi was eventually subbed in for Luis Diaz in extra-time.

However, Klopp did make it clear after the match that Liverpool would not have been able to win the final without the Belgium international and Minamino.

As quoted by the EFL's official website, the German said the following: “Today I had to make a few tough decisions; I said, ‘this is my squad’.

“The whole journey was absolutely outstanding. Without Takumi and Divock in this competition we wouldn’t be here. The penalty shoot-out was one of the most spectacular I ever saw. The whole journey was a squad journey and that’s what I love most about it."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Klopp is spot on in his assessment regarding Origi and Minamino. Origi scored two goals and registered one assist in three League Cup appearances this season.

Minamino on the other hand found the back of the net four times and secured one assist in five 2021-22 League Cup matches.

Without Origi and Minamino's contribution, Liverpool would never have had the opportunity to win the trophy.

Origi and Minamino don't appear to have a future at Anfield. Both players are behind the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

The Belgium international will be a free agent in the summer.

The Japan international is still contracted until June 2024. If both players were to depart in the summer, we would wish them nothing but the best.

Origi and Minamino have contributed towards Liverpool's recent success after all.