Arne Slot fires a title warning as Liverpool march into Wembley final

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has savoured his first major final in English football but insists the job isn’t done yet. After his side obliterated Tottenham 4-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, overturning a 1-0 first-leg loss, Slot made it clear—Wembley means nothing without silverware.

“It’s only special if you can win things,” the Dutchman declared after securing a showdown with Newcastle on 16 March.

Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp last summer, has made an immediate impact, leading Liverpool to 29 wins in 37 matches. But despite his success, he remains focused on the bigger picture.

Citing Dutch footballing greats Ronald Koeman and Johan Cruyff, Slot reflected on Wembley’s significance, referencing the 1992 European Cup final where Barcelona triumphed under Cruyff. “We all know as Dutch people how important Wembley was for Koeman and Barcelona,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Yet, sentimentality won’t distract him. Slot knows Newcastle pose a serious threat. “We know how difficult that’s going to be as Newcastle are an impressive team,” he warned.

Slot already has cup-winning experience, having lifted the Dutch Cup with Feyenoord last season. Now, he wants to repeat that success in England.

“We come in every day, we try to improve the team. The players try so hard to improve themselves, but in the end, it’s about reaching finals and winning things,” he said.

While acknowledging that this was his best night as Liverpool boss so far, Slot remains unsatisfied. “To reach a final should be special—and that is what it is. But winning is what matters most.”

With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, Slot emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “We have to keep this level in every competition,” he stated. “The league, Europe, and now the Carabao Cup final—our focus has to stay the same if we want to achieve something truly special this season.”