Slot thanks Klopp moments after Liverpool win title

Liverpool manager Arne Slot paid tribute to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp moments after his side won the Premier League title.

The Reds defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield on Sunday to clinch a record-equalling 20th top-flight title, with Slot becoming the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League.

"It feels great. I don't think I want to say a lot. The only thing now is to send my appreciation to Jurgen Klopp," Slot, who replaced Klopp as Liverpool manager last summer, told LFCTV.

The 46-year-old immediately launched into a rendition of the song Klopp asked Liverpool fans to sing after his final game last May, but replaced the lyrics 'Arne Slot' with 'Jurgen Klopp'.

"The work Jurgen and Pep [Lijnders] did - the culture, work-rate, quality - was outstanding," Slot told Sky Sports.

"We started really well and maybe it helped that [Manchester] City had a difficult spell that they have not had in five years.

"When the season started, we would have been happy with top four. But I don't think that is fair on the players as they are much better than that and they have shown it this season."

Dominic Solanke gave Spurs a surprise lead at Anfield, but Slot had no doubts his side would turn things around.

"It was clear we couldn't lose this game. Everyone on the bus said there's no way we're going to lose this game," he told LFCTV.

"They always find a way to win. I'm incredibly proud, not only of the players but the people standing here, sport directors, my staff members, we should give them a big round of applause."

"Let's forget it's the second title in 35 years... it's the second in five years."

Liverpool last won the Premier League five years ago, but the Coronavirus pandemic meant there were no fans inside Anfield to witness it.

For fans and players alike, a first title win in front of supporters since 1990 is something special.

"It is incredible to win this with our fans," Mohamed Salah told Sky Sports.

"This is 100% better than last time [in 2020], especially with the fans. We have a different group now so to show we can do it again is something special.

"Watching the Arsenal v Crystal Palace game [on Wednesday] I didn't want to win it then. I wanted an experience we haven't had before."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk dedicated the triumph to the club's supporters.

"I was desperate to win it for them [the fans] and all the fans around the world, and for us as well," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

"This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it in."

Left-back Andy Robertson was also a member of the 2019-20 title-winning team, and he has now become just the third Scotsman to win multiple Premier League titles after Darren Fletcher and Brian McClair.

"Last time [we won the league in 2020] was a strange time," he told Sky Sports.

"It was unique the way we did it. We enjoyed it of course but you cannot beat what we experienced today. Nothing compares to that.

"It is special. For me, when I came to this club I quickly realised how good Scottish players have been here. There is a bit of pressure with that. I am glad I managed to continue that and hopefully can carry that forward."

It has been a remarkable few years for midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina before joining Liverpool in 2023.

"To win a World Cup and now a Premier League is really special," he said.

"But it would not be possible without my team-mates. I am just one part of the puzzle. This team has been really good the last two years.

"It wasn't enough last year but this year we made a big difference. Hopefully we can enjoy this week."