Arne Slot take a bow - Newcastle United supporters will love Liverpool manager’s comments
Arne Slot has called the Carabao Cup final the only game Liverpool deserved to lose this season.
Newcastle United put the Reds to the sword in convincing fashion to end a 70-year drought without domestic silverware. There were no questions about whether the Magpies were worthy winners, with 17 shots to six highlighting their dominance.
Dan Burn and Alexander Isak bagged the goals in a 2-1 win that, in truth, flattered Premier League leaders Liverpool. The victory sparked wild scenes and a trophy parade over the weekend which culminated in the Town Moor hosting a black-and-white afterparty.
Reds fans, for the most part, applauded Newcastle as deserved winners at Wembley. This sentiment was echoed by Slot following the game as Eddie Howe celebrated his tactical masterplan.
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The Liverpool boss was asked again about his side’s recent slip in form ahead of their clash against local rivals Everton. Speaking to reporters, Slot claimed the Carabao Cup final defeat was the first game they justifiably lost in 2024-25.
“I think there was a bit of noise about us losing against Paris Saint-Germain and losing against Newcastle as well,” he said. “I always try to be rational and try to judge the situation. I don’t think it’s happened many times that from the nine serious games a team plays in Europe because I didn’t take the PSV (group stage) game seriously.
“We were already qualified. When you win eight and only lose one, you’re out before the quarter-finals (it is tough). I was a bit more frustrated about the final (against Newcastle) because I think we deserved to lose that one and that is, for the first time, I think we deserved to lose a football game.
“We were not tough in terms of defending, we were not good with the ball. So there were not many things to like about the final.”
Recap what Liverpool boss said after Newcastle United defeat
“We were outplayed in their style, yeah, that’s true,” Slot said in the immediate aftermath at Wembley. “That is what you can call outplayed. Yeah, they won more duels than us. Is that what you mean? Is that outworking?
“Or is that one of their biggest qualities to play so much (with) aerial duels and to win these physique duels? Outplayed for me is if you don’t touch the ball and they play through you every single time we tried to press them, every time you’re too late.
“That is for me outplayed. But I agree with you if you say that they deserved to win because the game went the way they wanted it to go. Yes, they deserved to win, but it wasn’t like we were only running after them. We had to defend a lot of long balls (and) second balls and that’s their strength.”