Jurgen Klopp quips ‘getting this in Manchester is even sweeter’ as Liverpool boss is named Coach of the Year at BBC SPOTY awards, while his side collect Team of the Year prize after ending 30-year wait for Premier League title
- Liverpool won big at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards on Sunday
- Jurgen Klopp was named Coach of the Year after a sensational 12 months
- His players were named Team of the Year after winning the Premier League
- Captain Jordan Henderson was also in the running for the ceremony’s main prize
Liverpool completed a double at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Sunday night with Jurgen Klopp winning the Coach of the Year prize and the Premier League champions being named Team of the Year.
It has been a memorable 12 months for the Reds after they ended their 30-year wait for a league title in the summer – and their manager even had time to aim a cheeky dig at their rivals Manchester United when collecting the awards alongside his captain Jordan Henderson.
Klopp’s side won their first-ever Premier League title with a record-breaking seven games to spare after a staggering campaign that saw them collect 99 points, losing just three matches.
Jurgen Klopp was named Coach of the Year after another stunning 12 months at Anfield
Jordan Henderson was on hand to claim the Team of the Year prize for the Reds on Sunday
After an almost perfect start to the season, they finally wrapped the title up in June after the English professional game was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The domestic triumph followed their Champions League success in 2019.
Klopp said: ‘I think my team deserve it because they did an incredible job. It is a mix of talent, character, desire, plus the power of the club, which is really a big one.
‘That all comes together so we became champions and it was a great moment.
‘We do what we can to bridge the time until they (fans) are back. We want to organise a big, big party when it’s allowed again.
‘Maybe we can win something before then but if not the one thing we won last year for sure. Getting this prize in Manchester as well makes it even sweeter.’
Liverpool were also named Team of the Year after finally winning the Premier League title
Henderson added: ‘It means a lot to the team. Looking from the inside, the lads deserve it because of how hard they work every single day, wanting to improve, push each other to succeed.
‘But I’d also like to mention the team that you won’t see on the pitch, which I think needs a special mention because they do everything behind the scenes for us to go and perform. The likes of the medical team, fitness team, grounds staff, kitchen staff, security.
‘Everybody at the training ground do everything every single day for us to go and play football to the best of our ability on the pitch. Without them, we wouldn’t have been successful in the last few years.’
On his Coach of the Year prize, Klopp added: ‘I think when you are Coach of the Year of the Team of the Year it says it all.
‘My coaching team is the main reason that things work the way they work. The other contenders were from all other sports and it’s really nice.
‘On behalf of my coaches I accept it, obviously. and take it home to Liverpool.’
Henderson finished second in the Sports Personality of the Year award behind Lews Hamilton
Henderson was also one of the six nominees for the Sports Personality of the Year prize.
He came second behind winner Lewis Hamilton with jockey Hollie Doyle finishing third.
As well as his superb performances on the pitch, Henderson won praise for his contribution to society, which included donations to foodbank in the local area.
The 30-year-old was also critical to the formation of the #PlayersTogether initiative, allowing Premier League stars to raise funds for NHS Charities Together.
Klopp paid a glowing tribute to his skipper during the awards ceremony, saying: ‘When we won the Premier League title last season you wrote a personal letter to every player in the squad and myself. Well, now it’s my turn. I write this letter to you.
‘This Liverpool team they say we don’t have one superstar. For us the team is the star. This is true. But you are a superstar at making us that team.
‘You led our club to ending a 30-year wait. You did it with humility and grace.
‘You’re a world class athlete and football player but you are an even better human being.’
It came just over 24 hours after the Reds brushed aside Crystal Palace 7-0 to ensure they will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.
Henderson scored a sublime goal in the victory with Klopp having to navigate an injury crisis over the past few months.