‘Jurgen Klopp’s kids against billion pound bottle jobs!’ - Liverpool’s Carabao Cup triumph over big-spending Chelsea saluted by Man Utd legend Gary Neville as youngsters cover for injured superstars

The Reds headed to Wembley without the likes of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Alisson. Klopp had to name a number of youngsters on the bench, and gave game time to James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Jarell Quansah.

Eight academy graduates got a medal on the day, with Virgil van Dijk settling the tie late in extra-time as he powered home a dramatic header – having previously seen one effort ruled out due to a controversial offside call from VAR.

Chelsea are now in danger of ending the 2023-24 campaign empty-handed, despite spending over £1 billion ($1.3bn) on transfers since the Todd Boehly-led ownership team arrived at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United legend Neville has taken aim at the Blues for buckling under pressure, saying during his punditry on Sky Sports: “It’s Klopp’s kids against the billion pound bottle jobs.”

Mauricio Pochettino’s side had plenty of chances to pick up another major trophy, but fluffed them all – while seeing a Raheem Sterling effort ruled out for an offside in the build-up – while Liverpool remain in the hunt for Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League glory in what will be Klopp’s final season at the helm.