Kieran Trippier says Newcastle is much better prepared for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final compared to two years ago when they played against Manchester United.
The team has even changed their hotel, hoping it will bring them better luck this time.
Trippier mentioned that the excitement of the 2023 final at Wembley was overwhelming for the team when they lost to Manchester United 2-0.
It was Newcastle’s first major final since 1999, and there was a lot of pressure to win their first major trophy since 1955. Local players especially felt the pressure.
However, Trippier believes the team is much more relaxed now as they get ready to play against Liverpool.
Newcastle won 1-0 against West Ham on Monday in their last game before the final on Sunday.
Trippier, the experienced defender, said, “There was a lot of excitement the first time in the final.”
“But now the players have experienced it, we know how to handle it. It will feel different this time. The most important thing is to stay calm and relaxed.”
“The emotion in the first cup final affected us as a group.”
“It was the first final for some players, playing at Wembley, a cup final for Newcastle, and the fans were very excited.”
“But the players have gained experience and are now fully prepared, calm, and relaxed for this final.”
“I’m not calling out anyone specifically, but if you look at the local players in our team, it means so much 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 very high leading up to the last final.”
“But this time, it’s calmer, more relaxed – and that goes for the fans as well.”
“We just need to give our best in the final.”
Newcastle has also made changes to their plans, choosing a different hotel than the Hilton, which is very close to Wembley.
Staying at the Hilton was too close to the stadium, making it difficult for players on game day.
Trippier added, “Staying at the Hilton was too close, let’s just say. It’s about learning. The club learned a lot from the last time.”
“Many things are better organized this time. It’s not that it was bad last time, but we are more prepared because we have been in this situation before.”
“We played United in the last cup final, and we are more relaxed now.”
“Now, we need to review the last game and look forward to another special game this weekend against Liverpool.”
After recent losses and injuries, Newcastle still managed to win against West Ham before the final.
Bruno Guimaraes scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute, helping Newcastle get back into the Premier League’s top six.
They are now close to the top four in the Champions League race, while also competing in the Carabao Cup final.
Coach Howe and the players know they must play better than they did against West Ham to win against Liverpool on Sunday.
Trippier added, “We know how tight it is at the top of the league, so it was a big win, especially before the final.”
“You want to win before a cup final, not lose.”
“But we know we can play better, and we need to show the same fighting spirit this weekend.”
