Liverpool vs. Manchester City: Jurgen Klopp, Manuel Pellegrini, Top Reaction

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini defended his decision to start backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero against Liverpool in the Capital One Cup final, when his hat-trick of saves from the penalty spot had given City a 3-1 win in the shootout after the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time at Wembley on Sunday.

By contrast, Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp, never one to sugarcoat things, didn't hold back when expressing how low he feels in defeat. He also chided Liverpool's lack of quality in front of goal, particularly from the spot.

Speaking about the controversial call to start Caballero, whom Pellegrini worked with at Malaga, ahead of regular No. 1 Joe Hart, the City gaffer stated it was about keeping his promise, win or lose, per Squawka News:

Pellegrini had seen his team go in front courtesy of Fernandinho's first-half goal, only to be pegged back by Philippe Coutinho's late equaliser, which sent the match into extra time and set the stage for Caballero.

The deputy stopper rose to the occasion to deny Lucas Leiva, Coutinho and finally Adam Lallana in the shootout. The 34-year-old described his emotions after a trying week, per the club's official site:

Caballero also rightly allowed himself a self-congratulatory moment to reflect on a first taste of silverware and dedicate the win to his homeland, according to Squawka News:

But while Caballero was elated, skipper Vincent Kompany spared a thought for the losers, commenting on the tough nature of penalty shootouts, per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News:

Klopp may appreciate that classy gesture, but ultimately, the German felt that poor finishing, not misfortune, condemned the Reds to defeat, per Liverpool's official site:

Klopp also explained why Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool's best finisher, hadn't stepped up during the shootout:

Meanwhile, skipper Jordan Henderson, apologised for the defeat:

Finally, Klopp indicated how he'll need time to get over what is now a familiar and disappointing feeling:

OptaJoe detailed how the former Borussia Dortmund boss is on an unwanted run in showpiece games:

That record had Klopp using some colourful language to describe his post-match emotions, per AFP correspondent Tom Williams (warning: strong language):

But the Liverpool gaffer stressed he won't stay down in the dumps for long, insisting wallowing is a fool's errand, according to Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp won't need to stew in his disappointment for too long, considering Wednesday's Premier League fixtures offer him the perfect opportunity for revenge when City visit Anfield.

As for Pellegrini, he may be on his way out, but he's making his exit with grace and another trophy.