Meanwhile at Anfield … incredible reaction as Liverpool wins EPL title
Liverpool’s first championship in 30 years may have been secured in an empty stadium — but it’s still drawn an incredible reaction.
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Long-serving and long-suffering Liverpool great Steven Gerrard declared “let the party begin” — and begin it has.
The Reds are champions of England for the first time in three decades and players and supporters are letting loose.
Liverpool was in an impregnable position when COVID-19 forced the season to be suspended but were never in doubt once the EPL was back up and running.
A win on Thursday against Crystal Palace — their 28th from 31 games — created a 23-point advantage over Manchester City with seven games remaining.
City needed a win on Friday morning to extend the race to next Friday’s clash between the two top teams, but fell 2-1 to Chelsea to hand over the crown.
Liverpool’s players and staff are being housed in a bubble as the league attempts to finish amid coronavirus restrictions but watched the City-Chelsea game together in jubilation.
“I have no words,” manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports. “It is unbelievable, much more than I thought was possible. Becoming champions with this club is absolutely incredible.
“The Manchester City game was really tense, I didn’t want to be involved. It was intense but it is incredible from my players. What they have done over the last few years is exceptional and it’s a pure joy for me to coach them.”
An emotional Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson added: “Amazing. I didn’t want to talk about it until this moment so it’s amazing to finally get over the line. I’m so happy for all the boys, the fans, the whole club, the city. I’m a little bit overwhelmed right now, it’s an amazing feeling and I’m just so proud of what we’ve achieved.”
A group of supporters gathered outside the club’s stadium at Anfield.
Henderson was ecstatic and credited Klopp for transforming the club. “To be honest, I’m lost for words at the minute. It hasn’t really sunk in. You never really think of this end moment, you’re just always concentrating on each game and then when this moment comes, I can’t really describe it,” Henderson told Sky Sports.
“I said after the Champions League final that it wouldn’t be possible to do it without the manager and it’s the same with this title. Everything from when he came in, and that’s no disrespect to the managers before him or who I’ve worked with before, because we have come close but I felt from day one, he came in the door and he just changed everything.
“Everybody followed him and we all did what he said, followed him and believed him and so far, it’s been pretty special. It’s been an amazing journey and I hope we can just continue in this, stay hungry, keep wanting more and just keep following him.”
This was a season for the ages and for the faithful of Liverpool Football Club. It has been an incredible year of magnificent achievement culminating tonight in capturing the Premier League title.
— John W. Henry (@John_W_Henry) June 25, 2020
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports it was just the start. “This Liverpool team now will want to emulate what Manchester City have done and retain the title for sure,” he said. “I don’t think one title will be enough for Jurgen Klopp and this team with the energy they have.
“Ninety-seven points last season and winning the Champions League, you wondered how hard it would be winning the title this season, but they have absolute ran away with it. It’s great to get Liverpool back on their perch.”
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who guided Liverpool to their previous title triumph in 1990, also hailed Klopp’s impact since arriving at Anfield.
“I think back then if you’d have said it would take 30 years you’d have been arrested and sectioned, but sometimes things happen,” he said.
“The last two years since Jurgen came in, it has been very, very positive all the way. He’s been fantastic and he epitomises everything that Liverpool stands for. He respects everyone at the club.
“It’s not just a one-off as last year they came within a point of it and won the European Cup and a World Club Cup too, so onwards and upwards and I think there will be plenty more days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is there.
“It takes a fantastic dressing room to win things. You don’t win anything with division, it takes solidarity, and Liverpool from top to bottom have been together.”
#19 🾠pic.twitter.com/G6HiPzw3JA
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 25, 2020
Originally published as Meanwhile at Anfield … incredible reaction as Liverpool wins EPL title