Liverpool manager Arne Slot emphasized that reaching the Carabao Cup final will only be meaningful if his team can secure victory, following their impressive 4-0 triumph over Tottenham in the semi-final second leg.
The Reds, who overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit, will face Newcastle at Wembley on March 16, marking Slot's first appearance at the iconic stadium since taking over from Jurgen Klopp last summer. The 46-year-old Dutch manager referenced the historic significance of Wembley for his countrymen, particularly recalling the 1992 European Cup final where Barcelona, led by Johan Cruyff, defeated Sampdoria.
"We all know as Dutch people how important Wembley was for Ronald Koeman and Barcelona and Johan Cruyff," Slot told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It is special to go there as I know how iconic that stadium is." However, he was quick to add, "It's only special if you can win things. We know how difficult that's going to be as Newcastle are an impressive team."
Slot's tenure at Liverpool has been remarkably successful, with 29 victories in 37 games and only three defeats. The team currently holds a six-point lead in the Premier League and has advanced to the Champions League last 16, suggesting the Carabao Cup could be just the beginning of a potentially historic season.
History suggests the competition could indeed be a springboard for greater success. Four of the eleven managers who have won the Premier League - Alex Ferguson, Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, and Pep Guardiola - first claimed the League Cup before their Premier League triumph. As Mourinho famously stated, "If there is any secret, it's to take it seriously."
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, highlighted the potential for an extraordinary season: "This could be a really, really special season for Liverpool. They've been in this situation at this stage of the season, with four trophies still available, I think twice in the past three or four years under Jurgen Klopp."
Jamie Redknapp, ex-Liverpool midfielder, praised Slot's impact, stating, "Liverpool right now are arguably the best team in the world. It's almost beyond his wildest dreams. When he came here, following someone like Jurgen Klopp, he would've just been hoping it goes well. For him to do what he's done is absolutely phenomenal. He's been magnificent."
What makes this season particularly remarkable is that Liverpool has maintained their competitive edge despite the departure of the legendary Klopp. The team's current form suggests they could surpass Klopp's best season of multiple major trophies in 2021-22, when they secured both the FA Cup and EFL Cup. With Liverpool currently favored to win the Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup, while remaining strong contenders for the FA Cup, Slot's debut season could potentially eclipse all expectations.
