Jurgen Klopp admits he is looking forward to seeing the back of 2020 - even though it was the year that ended Liverpool's long wait for a league title.
Liverpool signed off 2020 with a goalless draw at Newcastle that leaves them top of the table heading into the new year.
But Klopp insists their league position 'doesn't mean anything' and is the 'last thing' he is thinking about.
'I’m quite happy 2020 is nearly over to be honest. Apart from becoming champions, it’s not a year I’ll think a lot about in the future,' the manager said.
'I am 53 now, and for about the last 30 years I have only ever wished at New Year for my family to stay healthy.
'That has never happened with more conviction than this year because that’s all I'm concerned about.
'All other problems we can sort but what happened in 2020 is a new experience for all of us... 2020 had one highlight – becoming champions - and all the rest was all big challenges.'
In the final game of this unusual year, Liverpool squandered a number of chances but were denied by a combination of wasteful finishing and a resolute Newcastle rearguard.
Karl Darlow made a number of brilliant saves to earn a share of the spoils which leaves Liverpool three points clear of Manchester United, who have a game in hand on their rivals.
'Not scoring is a concern if you don’t create,' Klopp added.
'Against West Brom, we lost the plot a little bit... tonight was a very good reaction, without getting the result. If we won 1-0 everyone is over the moon, we should have... but we didn’t.'
Liverpool welcomed Thiago back from injury at St James' Park but their defensive crisis goes on after Klopp revealed Joel Matip will be out for around three weeks with a groin problem.
Newcastle, meanwhile, ended another turbulent 12 months with a point that takes them eight clear of the relegation zone.
'It is a great effort from us,' Darlow said. 'I have been desperate for a clean sheet, so hopefully we can keep the effort going. I am aware of it (England rumours), I know what is going on, I just need to carry on and hopefully that might happen.'
Steve Bruce, who turns 60 today, added: 'We rode our luck a bit… (but) I couldn’t fault them to a man, they stuck at it and got the reward.'
ManUnited-Red
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same, let's all hope 2021 is better then this year and this pandemic can let us enjoy football more better and safer