Liverpool Win BBC Sports Team of the Year

Klopp also (rightly) wins coach of the year.

Liverpool are on top of the table for Christmas, and received a
few extra presents from the BBC this weekend, too. The Reds were
named 2020 Team of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the
Year awards show, a pretty justified honour given their historic
last season, as well as their overall performances throughout this
season.

“I think my team deserves it honestly because they did an
incredible job,” Jurgen Klopp said after the team award was
announced. “It’s a mix of talent, character, desire and plus the
power of the club, which is really a big one. That all comes
together so we could become champion and it was a great moment, to
be honest.”

Jordan Henderson (who was runner-up for sports personality of
the year) 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.”

It’s an important reminder and acknowledgment of all the people
involved in making football—especially during a
pandemic—happen.

When he won the coach of the year award, Klopp was equally eager
to make sure everyone on the sidelines was acknowledged.

“Hendo nearly mentioned all of them, but my coaching staff is
obviously the main reason why all the things worked the way they
work, so I’m really happy,” he added.

“On behalf of my coaches, I accept it obviously and take it home
to Liverpool. Thank you very much.”

It’s a nice end to an objectively terrible year. Hopefully
there’s more silverware in Liverpool’s immediate future. Maybe a
trophy or two in May?