Wednesday 27 January 2016 08:00, UK
Liverpool's dramatic progression to the Capital One Cup final marked a "massive" moment in Jurgen Klopp's tenure as manager, according to Jamie Carragher.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg, the Reds struggled to break down an impressive Stoke side, who forced extra-time thanks to Marko Arnautovic's first-half strike.
With nothing to separate the two sides in 120 minutes, the game was decided on penalties, with Joe Allen netting the decisive spot-kick in Liverpool's 6-5 shootout victory.
And, speaking after the game, Sky Sports pundit Carragher was quick to dismiss Liverpool's poor showing, claiming the most important outcome was the result.
"This is a massive result for Liverpool and the manager," the former Liverpool defender said. "It is all about getting through in big games and semi-finals.
"Forget how you play, the main thing in big games is getting through and Liverpool have done that tonight.
"I wouldn't say this saves Liverpool's season, as they are still in two other cup competitions, but they are already in the semi-final of the League Cup so they've got more chance of winning this.
"Klopp won't be fooled by the euphoria at the end of the Norwich game or tonight, they were poor tonight and got out of jail at Carrow Road.
"This season is more like a learning curve for the manager, so if he can get a trophy in that time it's massive. No one can ever say 'he hasn't won a trophy', if they win at Wembley."
The result sees Liverpool book their place at Wembley against either Manchester City or Merseyside rivals Everton, who battle it out for a place in the final on Wednesday.
The showpiece event presents Klopp with his first chance at winning a major piece silverware just five months after being appointed manager at Anfield.
And the German was glowing after the game, insisting his side would bring the League Cup back to Merseyside for a record ninth time.
"We have the opportunity to win a trophy, so we should not waste any time," he told Sky Sports. "We have to take it.
"We are in the final now and we will be there, we will be ready and we will be trying to get some silverware in the Liverpool museum.
"Manchester City or Everton [in the final], I don't care - we will win the cup."
