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Arne Slot has dismissed suggestions that the Carabao Cup means more to Newcastle United than Liverpool.
An infamous 70-year wait without domestic silverware has been a key talking point ahead of this weekend’s clash. The Magpies last tasted Wembley success in 1955 when Jimmy Scoular proudly lifted the FA Cup into the London sky following a 3-1 win over Manchester City.
However, life on Tyneside has been bleak since, with Newcastle losing five cup finals in 49 years. Other heartbreaks - notably the 12-point Premier League surrender in 1995-96 - also place a heavy burden on Eddie Howe’s men.
In that time, Liverpool have progressed to become a global powerhouse, closing in on their 20th league title to sit alongside six European Cups. For context, when Liverpool won their first FA Cup in 1965, the Magpies had six to their name - a figure that remains the same to this day.
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Speaking to reporters before the Wembley showdown, Reds boss Slot rejected suggestions that Newcastle will want to win more. He said: “No, I don't go along with that (whether the game is bigger for Newcastle). A final in this country is always special because of the fact there are so many strong teams in this country, in this league.
“So if you reach a final, it's always a big moment for them, but definitely also for us. In the end, although we've got two cups in this country, you can never take a final for granted. For Liverpool it happened last season (winning the Carabao Cup), but we don't play every single final, every season. So it is special for them, but definitely also for us.”
“You play in games like this, like against Paris Saint-Germain, like against Newcastle now, to win it. That's also what we're trying to do and we're really looking forward to it. To play a final again (is special), because you cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this country with so many good teams involved in every cup competition.
“We're looking forward to being part of it, and if you are part of it. Of course, you'll want and try to win it, but that's probably what Newcastle wants as well. It's a final, everybody likes to play in a final.
“That's one of the reasons why we go out of bed every morning and come here to train because you want to win trophies. This is a chance to win a trophy.”
Arne Slot echoes Dominik Szoboszlai battle cry
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai also rallied the troops before the big game. He said yesterday: “We are ready to fight. You never know who is going to play, but it doesn’t matter on our side who is playing in midfield – everybody is ready to fight and everybody is ready to give everything for the team.
“It’s a final, so you go in a different way into the game. But as I said, it doesn’t matter who is playing. The most important is that everybody’s goal is the same."
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Related topics:Eddie HowePremier League
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