Arne Slot Pays Newcastle United a ‘Big Compliment’ Ahead of Carabao Cup Final
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Newcastle United’s resilience and depth ahead of their Carabao Cup final clash on Sunday. Despite both teams missing key players due to injury and suspension, Slot believes it’s a testament to the quality of both squads that more players are not unavailable.
Newcastle United will be without Anthony Gordon, who is suspended, and Lewis Hall, who is injured. The Magpies will also be missing Sven Botman, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is injured.
When asked about the impact of these absences on the game, Slot said: “I said it two days ago, in this part of the season in England, it is almost impossible to have all your players fit. Both teams have two, three, or four players that cannot play. That is almost a privilege. So many teams have had more than two or three injuries.”
Slot continued: “Two or three injuries is the minimum you can expect in a league like this after four months of non-stop football. It is a big compliment to the Newcastle staff and our staff that so many players are available.”
The Liverpool manager also rejected the notion that the Carabao Cup final is bigger for Newcastle United than it is for Liverpool. “I don’t go along with that,” he said. “A final in this country is always special because of the fact that there are so many strong teams. If you reach a final, it is always a big moment for them and also for us.”
Slot added: “We have two cups, but you cannot take a final for granted in this country. We don’t play a final every year. It is special for them, but also for us.” The Dutch manager is right; reaching a final is a significant achievement, and both teams will be eager to lift the trophy.
The Carabao Cup final promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams boasting talented squads. Newcastle United will be looking to end their trophy drought, while Liverpool will be seeking to retain the title they won last season.
In recent weeks, there had been a feeling on Tyneside that Liverpool were overwhelming favorites. However, the mood has shifted over the past few days, and there is suddenly more belief that Newcastle United can get over the line. Eddie Howe’s side are certainly the underdogs, but they are more than capable of pulling off an upset.
As the two teams prepare to face off at Wembley, the excitement is building. The Carabao Cup final is always a special occasion, and this year’s match promises to be an unforgettable encounter.
Carabao Cup Final: Newcastle United vs. Liverpool
- Date: Sunday
- Venue: Wembley Stadium
- Kick-off time: 4:30 pm
- Prize money: The winners will receive £100,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will receive £50,000.
The stage is set for an thrilling encounter between two teams with a rich history of rivalry. Will Newcastle United be able to end their trophy drought, or will Liverpool retain the title? Only time will tell.
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