When Liverpool head coach Arne Slot spoke to the media before the match against Southampton last weekend, he highlighted the importance of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
It was a call for unity with both players and fans, creating the premise for a week that will shape Liverpool's season. In the end, a 3-1 comeback win over Southampton combined with Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Man United helped Liverpool create a 15-point gap.
However, the painful Champions League penalty loss to Paris St Germain added significant weight to the final part of Liverpool's three important matches. They will enter the Carabao Cup final with a heavy heart.
The Carabao Cup was Jurgen Klopp's last trophy before leaving Liverpool. Therefore, repeating this success is the best way for Slot to open a new era at Anfield. Throughout the 6-year history of the Carabao Cup, the "Red Brigade" holds the record with 10 titles.
Liverpool's target will be Newcastle, with financial support from a group under the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) since 2021. The Magpies have transformed from a weak Premier League side to a formidable team. After losing to Manchester United in the 2023 Carabao Cup final, Eddie Howe's side are aiming to end a 70-year title drought.
Therefore, both teams will be very determined in the Carabao Cup final.
Last season, Liverpool's injury- devastated squad played excellently against Chelsea. Notably, 10 first-team players including Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the final. Klopp was forced to move to a young squad to fill the void, with the last five players on the pitch all grown up from their academies.
Slot could field a stronger and more experienced squad, although he will not have the service of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international was forced off for the PSG game, while the fitness of a number of other players also needed to be considered after 120 tense minutes.
For Slot, this week could be the toughest test of his human management skills ever. The Dutch strategist needs to ensure that his players recover well both physically and mentally.
"We need to quickly forget about the defeat in the Champions League. Now, the whole team must focus all on the match against Newcastle. This is an opportunity for us to win the title and create excitement for the rest of the season" - Slot said.
The Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle takes place at 11:30 p.m. on March 16 (Vietnam time).
