Klopp struggles to put Liverpool pride into words after Club World Cup triumph

Liverpool lifted the Club World Cup trophy for the first time on Saturday, leaving Jurgen Klopp amazed by his team's drive.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he struggles to find the words to express his respect for his players.

Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to his Liverpool team following its Club World Cup triumph over Flamengo, claiming he has difficulty putting his respect for his players into words.

Liverpool was pitted against Copa Libertadores champion Flamengo in Saturday's final in Doha.

The score remained goalless at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, but Roberto Firmino finally ended his compatriot's resistance in the 99th minute.

Despite Flamengo enjoying some late pressure, Liverpool held on to secure a first triumph in the competition, and Klopp found it difficult to describe his feelings.

"I struggle to find the words to express my respect for the boys, it was incredible. We did so many good things," Klopp told reporters in Doha.

Read: Firmino seals Reds' maiden Club World Cup

"I saw so many sensationally good performances and I am really happy. I think we deserved the win. We were the better side.

"In the deciding moments we had a really good goalkeeper and in the other moments we were the dominant team, so I am really happy.

"It was a very intense game for different reasons; it was not our best game we have ever played, but it was enough to win.

"This was a wonderful night for the club. I said before I didn't know how it would feel. Now I know it feels outstanding, absolutely sensational. I am so proud of the boys."

It was the latest example of Liverpool clinching a victory thanks to a late goal, with it becoming something of a habit for the Reds.

Klopp puts it down to belief.

"It looks like a strength," he said. "We don't want to have [the late goals], but they are necessary as it was level in the game.

"They were all very important like tonight. When you start believing, you believe for the 90 or 120 minutes. We believe in a chance."

Liverpool returns to action in the Premier League on Boxing Day when it travels to second-placed Leicester City, which was unable to close the gap at the top on Saturday as it was beaten 3-1 at Manchester City.

The Reds, which has a game in hand over the Foxes and reigning champion City, is 10 points clear.