Jurgen Klopp hopes Liverpool 's victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final will put a smile on the faces of all fans who are going through "dark times".
The Reds emerged victorious from a penalty shootout at Wembley on Sunday evening after neither side could find a breakthrough in regular or extra-time.
It marked Liverpool's first trophy since they won the Premier League two seasons ago, and they have endured many challenges since then.
Their title defence was a huge disappointment last campaign after they were ravaged by long-term injuries, going on to lose six consecutive home games in the top flight.
Beyond football, society has had to cope with the coronavirus pandemic over the last two years, while Europe was rocked earlier this week by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Did Liverpool deserve to beat Chelsea in the final? Have your say in the comments...
Klopp hopes the thrilling fixture at Wembley, which was far more entertaining than the scoreline lets on, will have lightened up the days of all those who are struggling.
"I'm fine now but I would have been fine with 90 minutes and 1-0 to Liverpool and we go home," he told Sky Sports. "I am happy for the people in dark times to celebrate something like this.
Reaffirming his message, the German added: "I am happy for the people to celebrate something like this. Chelsea are incredibly strong, we matched each other.
"That is the start, we are not silly. We need to have luck - we had luck, that could have been 5-5."
Klopp also reserved special praise for Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool's 23-year-old goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet and scored the winning penalty in the shootout after he was chosen to start the final ahead of No.1 Alisson.
"Even in professional football there should be space for some sentiment," Klopp added. "Caoimhin Kelleher is a young boy, plays in all the competition, what do I do?
"I am two things, a professional manager and a human being and the human being won. He deserves it.
"At the training centre we have a wall that all goalkeepers are on who won something and Caoimhin can go on it - that's how it should be - absolutely great."
Liverpool have just two full days off before they return to action to host Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday.
Klopp confessed he "cannot believe" his side are facing another quick turnaround but he anticipates a raucous atmosphere as the Anfield faithful welcome back their Carabao Cup heroes.
"We have to work hard," he said. "We play on Wednesday again, which I cannot believe now. We will give it a try. It is a home game and it will be rocking because of tonight."
