Kieran Trippier has issued a warning to Liverpool, stating that Newcastle is significantly better prepared for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final compared to their situation two years ago.
This improved preparation includes even changing their hotel, hoping that this will bring them better luck.
Toon’s right-back, Trippier, explained that the emotional weight of the 2023 final at Wembley was overwhelming for Eddie Howe’s team when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
It was Newcastle’s first major final since 1999, and the pressure to secure their first major domestic trophy since 1955 was intense, especially felt by the local players.
However, Trippier assures that the squad is now much more relaxed as they get ready to face Arne Slot’s team.
The Magpies secured a 1-0 victory against West Ham on Monday in their last match before Sunday’s final.
Trippier, the former England defender, aged 34, commented: “There was a lot of hype around the first final.”
“But now that the guys have experienced it, we understand how to handle it. This time, it will feel different. The key is to remain calm and relaxed.”
“In the first cup final, emotions got the better of us as a group. It wasn’t about any single player.”
“It was the first final for many of the players, playing at Wembley, the cup final for Newcastle, the fans were incredibly excited, and so on.”
“But the team has gained experience from that, and we are now fully prepared, calm, and relaxed for this final.”
“I’m not singling anyone out, but if you consider the local lads in our team, for instance, it means so much more to them because they are from Newcastle.”
“Family and friends, everyone is excited because it’s the first final in many years.”
“So, the emotion was extremely high in the lead-up to the previous final.”
“But this time, it’s calmer, more relaxed — and that goes for the supporters too.”
“All we can do is give our all in the final.”
Newcastle has also made logistical adjustments, switching from the Hilton hotel, which is located right next to Wembley.
The Hilton’s close proximity to the stadium meant players felt confined on the morning of the game.
Trippier added: “Staying at the Hilton was too close, let’s put it that way. It’s all about learning. The club learned a lot from the previous experience.”
“Many more things are better organized this time. I’m not saying it was poorly organized last time, but we are better prepared now because we have been in this situation before.”
“We played against United in the last cup final, and we are more relaxed this time.”
“Now we need to review our recent game and look forward to another special occasion at the weekend against Liverpool.”
After consecutive defeats — in the Premier League against Liverpool and against Brighton in the FA Cup — and the loss of Anthony Gordon due to suspension, as well as injuries to defenders Sven Botman and Lewis Hall, Newcastle still managed to defeat West Ham, entering the final with positive momentum.
Bruno Guimaraes scored from Harvey Barnes’ 63rd-minute cross, securing three points and moving Toon back into the Premier League’s top six.
They are now just two points away from the top four in the Champions League qualification race, which has been a challenging balancing act alongside their Carabao Cup final run.
Boss Howe and his players are aware that they will need to perform at a higher level than they did at the London Stadium if they are to make history against Liverpool on Sunday.
Trippier added: “We know how tight it is at the top of the table, so it was a significant win, especially before the final.”
“You want to win any match before a cup final; you don’t want to go into it after a defeat.”
“But we know we can play better, and we must show that same spirit at the weekend.”
Marcus Bellamy