Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was not present at the PFA Awards as he prepares Liverpool for a huge climax to their season.
The German did have a part to play in the glamorous ceremony, however, as he sent a special video message to his star man Virgil van Dijk as he was presented with the Player of the Year award.
Klopp appeared on the big screen in a clip filmed at Liverpool's Melwood training ground featuring the German in a Liverpool hoodie.
And he caused amusement amongst those in attendance at the Grosvenor Hotel by jokingly declaring: “I hope you’re all better dressed than I am!"
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Klopp saw one of his players claim the prestigious accolade for the second straight year as van Dijk received the trophy won by team-mate Mohamed Salah last season.
“I’m really proud it’s the second time in a row I can speak about a wonderful player who won the award for Player of the Season: Virgil van Dijk,” said Klopp.
“Who would have thought that when he started back in Holland? I think not everybody saw immediately what kind of player hides in this giant body.
“But now the whole world is aware of that and I’m really happy I can be a little bit around that development. I would love to think it’s because of me! But obviously it’s not, he was already the player he is now when we bought him from Southampton .
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“It all worked out. From the first moment I was so excited about the opportunity to work together and now you are the man – at least for this season!”
The Dutch defender has transformed the Reds from nearly-men into genuine Premier League title contenders as their battle with Manchester City goes down to the wire.
But there was no time for Klopp to waste attending the ceremony itself as he prepares them for their final two league games as well as a Champions League semi-final showdown with Barcelona .
Van Dijk will be crucial to their chances as they target a historic double - and Klopp will be looking to ensure the imposing centre-back maintains full concentration despite his individual accolade being confirmed.
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He also praised Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold after they were named in the PFA Team of the Year.
“I have exactly the same pride for Sadio, Robbo and Trent because we all know in the moment we have a pretty special group of players here together,” added Klopp.
“That all gave you the opportunity to play the season you played. You deserve the award, no doubt about that, but I think you agree there could have been three, four, five, six more players in the Team of the Year with a Liverpool shirt on.
“But because City play a good season as well, it’s OK that a few of them are in the team!”
