Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Tino Livramento of Newcastle United
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Tino Livramento of Newcastle United
Tino Livarmento admits he will not get intoxicated by his defensive masterclass against Mo Salah during the Carabao Cup final.
The Newcastle United star was supposed to be playing out of position at left back, but didn't give the 33-goal star a sniff at Wembley. Livramento then capped a memorable display with a big part in the crucial second goal after clipping in a cross for Jacob Murphy to knock down for Alexander Isak to guide home.
But Livramento let Chronicle Live into a little secret - he hasn't even watched back his defensive masterclass against Salah and has had no interest in poring over Wembley highlights. Instead, he is just focused on getting better game by game.
Livramento told Chronicle Live: "I haven't watched it back. I said as soon as the game was over I had to switch on to international mode and go away.
"Yes, it is a moment that I will live forever. And the cross, well great header from Jacob Murphy for Alex Isak, I just done my bit and it was a great performance by everyone.
"I just felt like through the week we were looking good building up to it. And that West Ham game, it was a hard-fought win, it didn't need to be pretty. It gave us that little boost to go at Liverpool at Wembley."
With regular left-back Lewis Hall ruled out a week before the game after breaking his foot, Eddie Howe needed to come up with a tactical reshuffle against Liverpool and their dangerman Salah at Wembley. Newcastle's players - and Livramento - were urged to pres high, forcing Arne Slot's men to go long into their front players, and as such, Salah & Co were starved of meaningful service.
Livramento has also spoken of the moment Howe gave the players a crucial little bit of extra confidence after the 1-0 victory at West Ham during the build-up to the Carabao Cup final. And it looks like it aided the full-back's confidence as he went up against Salah.
Livramento said: "The gaffer said to us after West Ham: 'If you are defensively solid, I always back you to score with the quality we have'."
Newcastle players are now fully focused on the clash against the Bees at St James' Park in front of another sell out. But they go into the encounter with Thomas Frank's side after the high of the victory parade.
The defender said: "I didn't know what to expect as it is my first trophy. The amount of people of all ages was really special.
"As soon as the celebrations calmed down at Wembley, I wanted to get back to Newcastle to see the love we got. I really feel like I am part of this team and this city. It is an amazing place.
"There's 10 games left and we will look to put in as many good performances as possible. Hopefully, the celebrations can spur us on to a great season."
Newcastle could have plenty of competition at left-back and right-back going into next season with Lewis Hall set to return and Kieran Trippier hinting he may stay. So will Livramento be happy as long as he is playing regardless of position? The England international said: "100%. Wherever I play I will give my all for the team."