Groundhopper Slot to tick off Wembley: 'Special even for the Dutch'

Liverpool is set to face Newcastle United on Sunday, March 16, at 17:30, in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, a match that carries immense significance for both the club and its new manager, Arne Slot. For Liverpool, it represents a chance to secure their first trophy of the season and set the tone for the remainder of their campaign. For Slot, it marks a personal milestone, as he prepares to manage at Wembley for the first time in his career, stepping onto the legendary pitch that has hosted some of the most iconic moments in football history.

For the Dutchman, this final is more than just a match it is the realization of a lifelong footballing dream. Known for his deep passion for the game, Slot has always viewed Wembley as one of football’s great theaters, a place where legends are made. Speaking on Liverpool’s club website, he could not hide his excitement about leading his team onto such a prestigious stage. "Yes. A final, with Liverpool, at Wembley. That is an iconic stadium. Not just for the English, but also for the Dutch. I still remember Ronald Koeman scoring the winner there in the European Cup final," he said, recalling Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Sampdoria in 1992, a game that cemented Koeman’s legacy as a Dutch footballing hero.

Beyond Koeman’s famous strike, Slot reflected on Wembley’s rich history, particularly in matches between the Netherlands and England. "I believe there was also a game at the Euros, the one where Paul Gascoigne was so brilliant. Yes, I knew it would be special to coach in England, in stadiums like Aston Villa’s, Manchester United’s, Arsenal’s, and Newcastle’s. But to now add Wembley to my list after Sunday is truly incredible."

While stepping onto the Wembley turf will be a personal and professional highlight, Slot is keen to keep the focus on the task at hand. The occasion itself may be special, but the goal is silverware, and Liverpool will need to be at their best to overcome a dangerous Newcastle side. Slot has already faced Eddie Howe’s team twice this season, and while Liverpool emerged victorious in both encounters, the Dutchman is well aware that this will be a different kind of challenge.

Newcastle, despite an inconsistent season, remains a team full of attacking firepower, and Slot pointed out one key difference from their previous meetings Alexander Isak’s availability. "We’ve already played Newcastle twice, but last time Alexander Isak wasn’t available. He is so important for them, with his pace and attacking threat," Slot noted. The Swedish striker has been one of Newcastle’s standout players, and his ability to exploit defensive gaps makes him a major threat. "We will have to perform better than we did on Tuesday," Slot admitted, referencing Liverpool’s recent Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, a match in which his side struggled to contain PSG’s high-paced attacking transitions.

This final also carries weight beyond the immediate pursuit of a trophy. Winning the League Cup would be a statement of intent, showing that Liverpool remains one of England’s dominant forces under new leadership. Historically, the League Cup has been a springboard for further success at Anfield. Previous Liverpool managers have used it as a launching pad, including Jürgen Klopp, who won it in 2022, setting the stage for an FA Cup and Community Shield triumph that same year.

For Newcastle, this match is equally significant. The Magpies have endured a frustrating season, dealing with injuries and inconsistency, but winning their first major domestic trophy since 1955 would mark a turning point in their project under Eddie Howe. They reached the final of the League Cup last year but fell short against Manchester United, making this an opportunity for redemption.

Slot, however, is determined to make his own mark on the occasion. As much as he respects Newcastle’s strengths, he knows that Liverpool must impose themselves from the first whistle. A high-tempo, aggressive approach has been a defining feature of his playing philosophy, and he will expect his side to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game.

The first domestic trophy of the English football season is on the line, and for both Liverpool and Newcastle, victory at Wembley would be a significant achievement. For Slot, lifting the League Cup in his first season in English football would be a dream start to his tenure at Anfield. As the anticipation builds, the Dutchman will be hoping that Sunday’s final will be remembered not just for the occasion but for a Liverpool triumph on the grandest domestic stage of them all.