Liverpool were not meant to be together tonight to watch Chelsea take on Manchester City in a match where any point lost by the defending champions would mathematically ensure that the Reds would win the 2019-20 Premier League title.
In the end, however, they were reunited. Because it was always impossible to imagine that they had not. That Jürgen Klopp would not have called the team together to share the culmination of what is, for many, the culmination of years of hard work.
“There was no alternative,” Klopp told LFCTV. “We thought about it this morning, we should do something. We thought maybe it wasn’t mandatory, but I said no, that everyone had to be there. I know some will stay home and see it alone and regret it.
“Then we came here. It is our bubble, the people who are with us every day. We do two tests weekly, we train, so we are fine and it is a good time. It is wonderful to share it, and we also share it with everyone. We are here, there they are, but we are all together. ”
Klopp has been with the club now for just five seasons. Captain Jordan Henderson for nine. Almost ten years ago, the club was on the brink of administration. Thirty years, three decades, have passed since they won the league.
Global pandemic or not, the players had to be together for this. After 97 points last season, second place. After this season’s record of 28 wins, two draws and one loss. After 86 points with seven games still to play. After all
“I hope you are sorry,” added Klopp. “It is for many people. Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Sourness spoke to me and were very positive about us, but it is thanks to them because this club is based on what they did.
“It is built on Shankly and Paisley and Fagan and everyone else and on these players. Steven Gerrard: This club has been built over the last 20 years, it’s built on Stevie’s legs. He had to endure all the pressure, so I’m very happy that we can hand him the title as well.
“The kids love being a part of this club, they love being a part of this club’s history and history. It is very nice how we learned to deal with this story, how we learned to use it in the last two years. It’s just amazing. “
