Jurgen Slot interview: Liverpool’s League Cup final preview

This weekend, Liverpool will compete with Newcastle United for the League Cup title at Wembley Stadium. Before the match, Liverpool manager Jurgen Slot gave an exclusive interview to the club’s official website. He talked about his reflections on the Champions League exit, his memories of last year’s League Cup final, and his outlook on the upcoming final.

1. You are taking your team to the final for the first time. Are you looking forward to it?

Jurgen Slot: I’m really looking forward to it!

It’s not just any final, but a game at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Both the British and the Dutch have a lot of respect for Wembley. So, to be able to play Newcastle, who are managed by Eddie Howe, here is a rare opportunity for us, especially after being knocked out of the Champions League, and we are eager to make up for the disappointment with a victory.

2. Is playing the final after being knocked out of the Champions League the best arrangement?

Jurgen Slot: It is.

This game could be the perfect response, but let’s not forget that the next nine Premier League games are just as important as a “final”. If it had been a league game at the weekend, we would have given it our all just the same. But it’s always exciting to have the chance to fight for a trophy. It will be a moment to look forward to, and we will fight for the win.

3. Is the fight for the title in March a testament to the team’s success?

Jurgen Slot: Without a doubt.

We always try to win every game. We’ve already missed out on the FA Cup and Champions League, but there are still two trophies up for grabs. The Premier League title is the hardest to win because there are 38 rounds to play and you can’t take any game lightly. By contrast, the cups (including the Champions League) are perhaps slightly easier. But now we’re in the final and have the chance to win the first trophy of the season for the team, and that feels great.

4. Were you at the League Cup final last year?

Jurgen Slot: Not exactly.

Feyenoord also had a game that day, but it was later than the Liverpool final. I probably only watched the last part or some highlights. I remember texting Lindelof after the game to congratulate him and the team. It was a particularly important moment for him, as many youth players were on the final pitch.

5. The importance of set pieces

Jurgen Slot: Set pieces can make the difference.

Van Dijk proved the value of set pieces once again when he headed in the decisive goal against Chelsea in last year’s League Cup final. We had 13 set piece opportunities in the second leg of the Champions League this week, and even hit the post. That’s the beauty of football – it’s the details that make the difference. Arsenal’s performances over the past few years have also shown that set pieces are becoming increasingly important in modern football.

6. How do you feel about taking your team to Wembley for the first time?

Jurgen Slot: Wembley is a legendary stadium.

I had never been there before, but I was not unfamiliar with it. My first memory is of the 1992 Champions League final, when Ronald Koeman scored the winning goal for Barcelona. Later, the Netherlands played England there. After Sunday, Wembley will become an important stadium in my coaching career.

7. Will you feel proud when you walk down the tunnel before the final?

Jurgen Slot: Being the manager is already a source of pride for me.

I don’t need to share the limelight to feel that. I’m proud of the players for their commitment, whether in the Champions League or in this final. I’m especially happy to be back in the dugout after my two-match ban. Ask me how I feel after the game!

8. Will the players save energy for the national team?

Jurgen Slot: No, they’ll give it their all.

These players have given everything in every game over the past seven or eight months. We have just reflected on the Champions League defeat, and Paris Saint-Germain maintained a high intensity level due to the winter break, but we can also cope with this intensity. Newcastle, like Paris, is a team that is good at playing at a high intensity. This is modern football – if you want to win, you have to play at a high intensity.

9. Will the experience of playing against Newcastle help?

Jurgen Slot: Of course it will help.

We have played Newcastle twice this season, including the game at Anfield a few weeks ago. Isaac is a key player for Newcastle, and he is impressive with his speed and threat. We need to do better in defending against counter-attacks. Although I was satisfied with the players’ performance in the second leg, there is still room for improvement.

10. Will Newcastle’s injuries affect your preparations?

Jurgen Slot: No, this is a normal challenge.

At this stage of the season, every team faces injuries. Newcastle, like us, have a number of good players. Eddie Howe may try to bring Anthony Gordon back into the team, while our Arnold and Bradley may not be able to play. But that’s the beauty of the Premier League – every team has depth.

11. What would you like to say to the Liverpool fans?

Jurgen Slot: Thank you for your support!

The atmosphere at Wembley will be incredible. Our fans were fantastic and loud during the midweek Champions League game. I hope they can support the team as well as they always do at the weekend, because the support of the fans can bring out the best in the players. Hopefully we will be a bit luckier this time than we were midweek!

Summary

Slot made it clear that Liverpool are ready for the challenge of this final. He emphasised the importance of set pieces, the hard work of the players and the support of the fans. Whatever the result, this game will be a major milestone for Liverpool this season.