Liverpool
Liverpool confirmed team news v Newcastle United as Alisson dropped but Mo Salah starts
Liverpool confirmed team news v Newcastle United as Alisson dropped but Mo Salah starts
Arne Slot has named his Liverpool team for today’s Carabao Cup final.
Standing in Newcastle United’s way of a first major domestic trophy since 1955 are Liverpool as they look to kick off the Arne Slot era with a trophy in the Dutchman’s first season in charge of the club. Having been knocked out of the Champions League in midweek, the Reds know this is their only chance of a cup honour this season before their expectant crowning as Premier League champions.
These two sides have played each other twice this season, with an entertaining 3-3 draw at St James’ Park back in December setting the stage for what could be an enthralling encounter at Wembley. The last meeting between the sides came just last month, as Liverpool ran-out comfortable 2-0 victors at Anfield against a Newcastle United side minus the talents of Alexander Isak who watched on from the stands.
At Wembley, though, Isak will play up-front as Howe names an unchanged team from their win against West Ham on Monday night with Nick Pope playing in goal. The Reds, meanwhile, will also have their talisman, Mohamed Salah, on the pitch from the off this afternoon.
Salah scored twice during that draw at St James’ Park and grabbed an assist at Anfield last month. As expected, Slot has picked Jarell Quansah with the Three Lions man set to play at right-back with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley sidelined through injury.
The major decision Slot has taken, though, has seen him pick Caoimhin Kelleher in goal with Alisson dropping to the bench.
Liverpool team to play Newcastle United
Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Andrew Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Jarell Quansah.
Slot’s Newcastle United preview
On Friday, Slot was asked if this match was bigger for Newcastle United as they aim to end a seven decade wait for a trophy: “I don’t go along with it [being bigger for Newcastle].” Slot replied.
“If you reach a final, it is always a big moment for them and also for us. We have two cups but you cannot take it for granted in this country. We don’t play a final every year.
“I said it two days ago, in this part of the season – in England – it is almost impossible to have everyone fit. We have two or three injuries and that is minimum you can expect after four months of non-stop football. So it is big compliment for us and Newcastle to have so many fit. Trent and Gordon are big players for both clubs but there are a lot of quality players for both.”
Liverpool
Arne Slot shows his true colours as fans spot what he did immediately after Carabao Cup final defeat
Arne Slot shows his true colours as fans spot what he did immediately after Carabao Cup final defeat.
He may have been left disappointed by his side’s lacklustre performance in the Carabao Cup final, but Arne Slot showed his class after Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
Slot missed out on winning his first trophy as Liverpool manager on Sunday afternoon as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle defied the odds to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
It was ultimately another frustrating result for the Premier League leaders, but after the full-time whistle at Wembley, Slot was full of praise for the Carabao Cup winners in his post-match comments.
“It is 70 years since they last won a trophy but that is for the fans,” he said. “The players have 15 years to play football and they want to win every single trophy they play for and that is what we also want.”
Slot added: “They got some extra energy with the goal which they probably deserved so I don’t think there was more hunger for them. The game went the way they wanted it to.”
The former Feyenoord boss was also magnanimous in defeat during Newcastle’s post-match celebrations. On the touchline, he could be seen giving every Newcastle player a hand-slap as they walked past him to receive their medals.
It was a gesture that was praised by many on social media.
One fan said: “Absolutely sensational. Just shows you the character of him, very unique. He also gave full credit to Newcastle in his interview that they simply outplayed his team.”
A second wrote: “He’s a classy operator, Reds are lucky to have him,” while a third commented: “He’s a classy guy to be fair.”
A fourth said: “True sportsmanship and a gent,” and a fifth added: “Great sportsmanship, a little respect goes a long way.”
Speaking in his post-match interview, Slot gave a further insight into Liverpool’s defeat. “A disappointing result and a disappointing performance,” he began.
“It’s completely different to how I felt after the Paris Saint-Germain game. Losing two games in a row is something we’ve done probably for the first time, but it probably comes with being in the latter stages of competitions.
“Even Liverpool can lose football games. We were outplayed, in their style. Today it wasn’t about running; it was more about duels.”
He added: “This game went exactly the way they wanted it to, with a lot of fight and a lot of duels. This game had no intensity, so you cannot even judge if we were tired physically. There was nothing to press because they played over our press. The game was slow.”
Liverpool
“The discussion was friendly” – PSG official responds to Virgil van Dijk rumours after Liverpool star was spotted talking to club president
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)’s Director of Press and Media Relations, Pascal Ferre, has claimed that the rumors of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk joining Les Parisiens are not true.
The rumors emerged when the Dutchman was seen talking to PSG Chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and the sporting director Luis Campos after Liverpool were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, March 11.
A video of the incident circulated across various social media platforms, fueling inevitable speculation about the Dutch defender’s future. Some reports also claimed that Virgil van Dijk was potentially discussing a move to the Ligue 1 giants with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
However, Pascal Ferre has ended all speculations, stating that the conversation between the player and PSG’s club officials was spontaneous and they didn’t discuss any move. He told 365Scores (via DaveOCKop):
“I don’t understand why this video has caused such a huge controversy on social media. The conversation between Van Dijk, the club president, and also the sporting director was completely natural and spontaneous.”
Ferre added:
“Our president did not discuss any negotiations to sign the player, and everything rumoured about this is false. The discussion was friendly, and the club president has the utmost respect for Van Dijk.”
Virgil Van Dijk’s contract with the Reds will expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign as he’s yet to sign a extension. The contracts of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will also end this summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool endured a disappointing elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, March 11, losing 4-1 on penalties to PSG in the Round of 16. Later on Sunday, March 16, the Reds lost to Newcastle United 2-1 in the EFL Cup final.
Liverpool
What made Liverpool fume at final whistle as Federico Chiesa prompts Newcastle confusion
Moments you may not have spotted during Liverpool’s League Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool suffered the embarrassment of becoming the first team to lose to Newcastle United in a domestic final for 70 years when the slumped to a 2-1 League Cup final reverse on Sunday afternoon. Substitute Federico Chiesa pulled a goal back during injury time but the Reds had already posted arguably their worst-ever performance in a final to lose in shockingly dismal fashion.
Arne Slot’s side have now seen their hopes of a trophy treble dashed inside a week with concentration now focusing on winning the Premier League title after the international break.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Wembley…
Elliott treatment annoys Jones
It’s fair to say Liverpool were bullied by a Newcastle midfield that was out on its feet come injury time. But that didn’t stop one of the Magpies engine room from a characteristic end to the game.
In the final seconds, Harvey Elliott sought to bring the ball forward when he was cleaned out by the booking-averse Joelinton near the touchline with a poor challenge. Incredibly, none of the officials saw the incident to be too much bother, with Curtis Jones waving his arms and running towards the referee in anger at the Newcastle man escaping censure.
Poor Elliott, meanwhile, was left needed treatment on the pitch after the final whistle as Newcastle celebrated. Talk about adding injury to insult.
Newcastle fans misunderstand.
Liverpool finally sparked into some sort of life during the closing stages when fresh legs from the bench started to bother a tiring Newcastle side. But there was confusion when Chiesa knocked the ball past Nick Pope to halve the arrears.
Indeed, when referee John Brooks eventually informed the stadium the goal was being allowed, mere mention of the word “offside” prompted celebrations in the Newcastle end before they realised their team were kicking off now only 2-1 ahead.
Rush and Dalglish confusion
It seemed the whole of Newcastle had descended upon Wembley for one of the biggest games in the club’s history. Ain’t no doubt, though, that it was disappointing Jimmy Nail appeared not to be there.
Ant and Dec were, and their appearance on screen inside the stadium which was cheered by the Toon Army was probably the most exciting moment of a pretty tedious opening 40 minutes.
The Newcastle fans, though, didn’t quite know how to react when Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush appeared on screen. Liverpool legends, yes, but both with links to the North East having managed and played for the Magpies respectively.
PSG glee
There was plenty of abuse and gloating aimed in the direction of Liverpool afterwards. And even some opposing clubs got involved.
The Paris Saint-Germain official social media channels retweeted an image of a Reds fan at Wembley wearing a PSG cap with the words “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em”.
Given Liverpool supporters have long had a tradition of picking up headwear of teams they have faced on their travels in Europe, expect Girona, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and AC Milan to follow suit in the coming days.
Liverpool
Liverpool player ‘said yes’ to extraordinary summer transfer hours before Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle
Liverpool player ‘said yes’ to extraordinary summer transfer hours before Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle
Liverpool were beaten by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
One Liverpool star reportedly ‘said yes’ to a summer transfer hours before the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
On Sunday afternoon, the first major trophy of the season was handed out at Wembley as Liverpool and Newcastle battled for Carabao Cup glory.
Newcastle came away 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak. Federico Chiesa scored in the closing stages but the Magpies held on to end their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
On Sunday morning, hours before the final, it was claimed that one Liverpool star had agreed to a summer transfer away from Anfield.
Liverpool star ‘said yes’ to summer move before Carabao Cup final defeat
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: “BREAKING: Luis Diaz has already said YES to potential move to Barcelona, reports Sport.”
As reported by Spanish news outlet SPORT, Barcelona are interested in signing Diaz in the summer in a deal that could cost around €70 – €75 million.
It has also been suggested that Diaz sees Barcelona as a dream club and has previously admitted that he would like to play for the Catalan outfit in the future.
Diaz started for Liverpool against Newcastle but was not able to make a positive impact and he was replaced with 74 minutes on the clock.
Since arriving on Merseyside from Portuguese club Porto back in 2022, Diaz has scored 37 goals in 140 appearances across all competitions.
Liverpool will now have to make sure their 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League table doesn’t slip away with just nine games left to play in the season.
The Reds will return to action on April 2 when they take on bitter rivals Everton at Anfield.
Liverpool
‘I have to say’ – Eddie Howe stunned by what Liverpool players did after Newcastle United final loss
Newcastle United finally ended their 70-year wait for silverware as they earned a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Eddie Howe praised the dignity that Liverpool showed after their Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United.
The Magpies finally ended their 70-year wait for a trophy as they delivered a 2-1 win at Wembley. Newcastle were fully deserving of their triumph, with Dan Burn opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Alexander Isak doubled the advantage minutes in the second period.
While Federico Chiesa bagged in second-half stoppage-time for Liverpool, Howe’s men saw the triumph out comfortable to send the Toon Army wild. The Reds missed out on a chance to win a maiden trophy of the Arne Slot era although they are Premier League champions-elect.
What’s been said
Howe suffered Carabao Cup final heartbreak at the hands of Manchester United two years ago. He knows the pain and praised Slot and his players for how they handled defeat. Newcastle chief Howe said: “I’m a firm believer that you’re in control of everything. For me, we had to focus on performance. I have to compliment Liverpool. Liverpool have been the best team in the Premier League by a mile this year and we knew we had to raise our game to have any chance.
“We needed everyone to give their maximum game and I thought they did. I have to give compliments to have Liverpool handled themselves after. We have been there two years ago – it is a horrible feeling. I thought they were absolute class – the manager, the players was really good. The curse stuff for me never existed, it was in our heads.
You are pleased for other people. So pleased for the players. We have all had different journeys. I love working with them every day and an honoured to be their leader. I am so pleased the supporters have this trophy to end the long wait. Hopefully we can get some more in the future. It is amazing what football can do. It is one of the rare sports that has that ability to give people days they will always remember. With the long wait, we will never forget. I certainly won’t. We played against a brilliant opponents, the best team in the Premier League this season.
“Hopefully with one, it can become more. There’s no guarantee, though, but I just think it proves we can do it. I’ve never had any doubts about our ability to lift our game. But you don’t get many shots at this, you don’t get many shots at a cup final. Today we had to try and take our opportunity and that’s where the players delivered under pressure so well and so impressively. It also proved that we can mix our game against the very, very best. Now the challenge for us is to try and get there more often.”
On the changes to preparations from their 2023 loss, Howe commented: “I don’t think we did anything drastically different. We just tried to take away the distractions but the first time we got to Wembley was very emotional, you could sense that in the players the crowd. I don’t think that was necessarily the reason we lost. We tried to take away the distractions, similar to a Premier League build up, we stayed at a quieter hotel. We respect Liverpool but I don’t think you can go on the pitch and fear anyone. I don’t think anyone can begrudge us it.”
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk FINALLY settles Liverpool future after Carabao Cup final
Virgil van Dijk should have settled his Liverpool future after the Reds’ defeat in the Carabao Cup final.
Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards will have been watching proceedings closely at Wembley. There will be plenty they will not have liked.
The mere two shots on target in close to 100 minutes played is simply not good enough and confirms why Liverpool are looking to overhaul their attack as revealed exclusively by Anfield Watch.
Mo Salah’s poor performance yet again also highlights why Liverpool have been reluctant to renew his current deal. He looked rugged on the pitch and struggled to beat his man – not for the first time recently he was outplayed.
That will raise question marks about the Egyptian’s future but he’s not the only one with an uncertain outlook.
Virgil van Dijk is in a similar boat. However, conversely he will have settled his future in a positive way despite the Reds’ defeat.
Why Virgil van Dijk has just settled Liverpool future
There has been a lot of debates surrounding Liverpool’s trio with expiring contracts at the end of the season about whether they all deserve their contract extensions.
Even Van Dijk has faced scrutiny. After all, he’s not getting any younger. Is there not a worry his performances will start to drop as he inevitably enters the twilight of his career?
Despite the season he has had this continues to be a question mark around Van Dijk, but it’s a question mark he should have completed abolished after his performance in the Carabao Cup final.
Things could have been a lot worse for Liverpool if their club captain wasn’t on the pitch.
Van Dijk essentially kept the Reds in the game single-handedly, defending at times as Slot rotated his formation heavily and subbed off Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool to attack Newcastle.
The defender handled Newcastle’s counter attacks with brilliant poise and often put his body on the line to make sure the Reds chance never really waned.
It was only in the dying embers of the game when Liverpool’s fate had been decided.
And as the Reds’ fate was decided as will have Van Dijk’s. It’s clear out of the Liverpool trio he is the one who needs to be tied down to the club the most.
Not only is he the club captain and essential in the dressing room he is also irreplaceable on the pitch. You could probably replace Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and Salah’s goal-scoring prowess but you cannot replace Van Dijk’s defensive aura.
Hughes and Edwards will have been watching that game and it should have been enough for them to realise Van Dijk’s future is settled.
If logic prevails, he will be staying at Liverpool. No question about it.
Liverpool
Sky Sports forced to issue immediate apology after Virgil van Dijk’s X-rated remark is picked up by microphones
Sky Sports issued an apology for what Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did prior to the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
Sky Sports were forced into an immediate apology seconds into the Carabao Cup final following an X-rated remark from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Holders Liverpool are taking on Newcastle in the showpiece at Wembley and following the pre-match handshakes and national anthems, Van Dijk gathered his teammates into a huddle prior to the kick-off.
Cameras closed in on the Dutchman and his teammates and the microphones picked up his rallying cry, as he appeared to tell them, “We worked so hard to be here. Let’s f***ing do this together. Come on!”
Viewers picked up on the swearing and just seconds into the final, Peter Drury had to begin his Sky Sports commentary with an apology for colourful language.
Van Dijk was the matchwinner in last season’s final, scoring the only goal of the game late in extra time against Chelsea.
Needless to say, the passionate speech from Van Dijk garnered plenty of reaction on social media.
One fan on X said: “Sky/ITV decided to do a close up of the Liverpool team huddle and the following was clearly audible: Virgil van Dijk: ‘We worked so hard to be here. Let’s f***ing do this’. They immediately put up a ‘We apologise for the bad language sign’.”
A second added: “They’ve moved the camera too close to Liverpool’s team huddle, now kids all around the world get to hear Van Dijk shouting “Let’s f***ing do it together!”
The commentator is apologising. How about you stay away next time. Not everything is for TV.”
A third weighed in: “Sky apologising for Van Dijk swearing when the cameraman is in the middle of the team huddle seconds before a cup final is up there with the most ridiculous things I’ve seen for a while.”
Another commented: “Sky apologising for Van Dijk swearing in the huddle. The game has gone.”
A final user posted: “Sky Sports regretting filming the team huddle there after Van Dijk just swore.“
Liverpool have won the League Cup on a record 10 occasions, with Newcastle lifting the trophy four times in their history. Their last major bit of silverware came in 1955 when they won the FA Cup.
Liverpool
What Isaac Did on His Way to Wembley Speaks Volumes
What Isaac Did on His Way to Wembley Speaks Volumes – A Sure Sign Liverpool Will Bring the Trophy Home!
The atmosphere is electric, the stakes are high, and Liverpool fans around the world are filled with hope. But one special moment before the big game has already sent a powerful message – Liverpool is destined for glory!
What Isaac Did
Young Isaac, a passionate Reds supporter, was on his way to Wembley when he started singing the iconic anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” His voice, full of passion and belief, echoed through the streets, turning heads and drawing smiles from fellow supporters. It wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration of faith, a battle cry, and a reminder that Liverpool never walks alone.
For many, Isaac’s act may seem simple, but for true Liverpool fans, it means everything. The anthem has been a symbol of resilience and triumph for decades, carrying the team and its supporters through the toughest times. Every great Liverpool victory has been preceded by the chorus of this legendary song, sung with unshakable faith.
Isaac’s spontaneous chant is more than just a show of support; it’s a sign. A sign that the spirit of Liverpool is alive and strong, that belief is unwavering, and that the trophy is heading to Anfield. If history has taught us anything, it’s that when the fans believe, the players deliver.
So as Liverpool steps onto the Wembley pitch, they do so with the voices of millions behind them – and with Isaac’s heartfelt song leading the way. The Reds are ready, destiny is calling, and the trophy is coming home!
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