The stage is set for an electrifying clash as Liverpool and Chelsea meet in the Carabao Cup Final.
Liverpool enters Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with aspirations of claiming the first of potentially four trophies this season, while Chelsea seeks their first domestic silverware in six years.
This match serves as a rematch of both the Carabao and FA Cup finals of 2022, both of which Liverpool won on penalties. The Reds currently lead the Premier League by four points and have progressed to the Europa League last 16 and FA Cup fifth round.
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders affirmed Liverpool’s commitment, emphasizing the importance of delivering a standout performance in such a significant fixture. With Lijnders and manager Jurgen Klopp set to depart Anfield this summer, Liverpool fans hope for a victorious farewell, having celebrated six major honors since Klopp’s tenure began in 2015.
“We’ll go for it,” said Liverpool‘s assistant manager Pep Lijnders. “It’s a special game. Special games need special performances so we have to focus on the performance. Our philosophy is to give joy and emotions to the fans,” added Lijnders. “I’m really happy that we can give at least a final to start with.”
Defender Virgil van Dijk, set to captain the Reds in a Wembley final for the first time, expressed the team’s determination to secure their first trophy of the season. While acknowledging potential emotional moments ahead, including Klopp’s departure, van Dijk stressed the importance of staying focused on the present.
“We want to make it a special day and get our first trophy of the season. The end of the season will probably be very emotional for a lot of people, including the manager, but we are not there yet. We shouldn’t look too far ahead, we should look at what is in front of us.”
Chelsea’s last domestic triumph was the 2018 FA Cup, though they clinched four international honors thereafter, including the Club World Cup in February 2022, just before their loss to Liverpool in the 2022 Carabao Cup final. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, in his inaugural season at Stamford Bridge, eyes his maiden prize in English football, highlighting the significance of challenging Liverpool and the team’s readiness for the occasion.
“It means a lot for us, the coaching staff, to get to the final and challenge a team like Liverpool,” said the Argentine.”It’s a dream for us, we have the opportunity and we are going to fight. I think the team is ready and we’re going to be very competitive.”
Lijnders, addressing Liverpool’s injury concerns, stated the club’s intention to afford Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai maximum time for recovery ahead of Sunday’s fixture. However, the absence of Curtis Jones alongside Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota means that several young and peripheral players will participate in the Wembley showdown.
Emphasizing a positive outlook, Lijnders drew from Johan Cruyff’s philosophy, noting that every setback presents an opportunity. He praised the squad’s depth and the academy’s role in nurturing talent, considering the inclusion of less-experienced players as a testament to Liverpool’s strength.
Highlighting Liverpool’s pursuit of success, Lijnders stressed the club’s commitment to player development, viewing achievements as a natural consequence of growth. He reiterated Liverpool’s tradition of contending for major trophies annually, affirming the team’s determination to uphold this legacy.
In terms of historical context, Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea in 2022 marked their ninth EFL Cup triumph, reclaiming the record for the most wins in the competition. Chelsea, with five titles, last lifted the trophy in 2015 under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, who was then with Tottenham.
Despite reaching the 2019 Champions League final, Pochettino has won only one of his 13 encounters with Jurgen Klopp. The rivalry between Chelsea and Liverpool has extended to various cup finals, including two EFL Cup and two FA Cup showdowns, with Liverpool emerging victorious in both 2022 encounters on penalties after goalless draws.
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