Klopp praises Liverpool's 'perfect' Carabao Cup journey & looks forward to final

Liverpool face another Wembley showdown with Chelsea next month after Jurgen Klopp’s men weathered a late storm at Craven Cottage to see off Fulham and book a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

The Reds came to west London with a 2-1 aggregate lead and extended that after 11 minutes through Luis Diaz but defender Issa Diop made it a nervy finish for Liverpool after his 76th-minute goal pulled one back in the tie and equalised on the night.

But Liverpool stood tall to book a third final in two years with Chelsea - after beating them in penalty shoot-outs in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final in 2022 - and Klopp warned: ‘We all know it’s Chelsea and they want to put history right.’

Klopp was delighted that Liverpool were able to cope with a raucous crowd at Craven Cottage after Fulham boss Marco Silva urged fans to create a memorable atmosphere before this match, the Cottagers’ first League Cup semi-final ever.

‘We were just ready for this game,’ said the German. ‘I heard Marco’s press conference, I respect him so much. It was their most important game of the season - we knew what it meant to them. We had to show the outside world that we wanted it as much - and I saw that.

‘We could have put the game to bed but didn’t. Harry Wilson had a really good moment to be honest. We had to bring it over the line and we did. It feels great, the dressing room is really happy, we wanted it and we got it.

‘Everything great about the Carabao Cup final. Around that we have to be focused on all the other competitions as well and that is what we will do. It is so perfect. Wembley is a special place and I am really happy for everyone involved that they can have that experience.’

Klopp singled out Liverpool’s youngsters for praise and confirmed that No