Liverpool

David Brindle
BBC Sport

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In the space of a week, the Arne Slot machine that was cruising in three competitions, has ground to a halt.

After exiting the Champions League to Paris Saint Germain and losing to Newcastle United in the League Cup final, Liverpool's sole focus is maintaining their lead at the summit of the Premier League to win silverware this season.

In a campaign that started with little expectation, after Jurgen Klopp's departure, the feeling amongst supporters shifted vastly, due to the nature of the performances at the start of the campaign.

Sunday's defeat is just the sixth since the new head coach arrived. Yet the feeling is Liverpool are now akin to a sports car that has started to run out of fuel.

It's a familiar story. Last season, after winning the League Cup, the club faltered in all other competitions and eventually ended the season with one trophy.

History is repeating itself. The lack of energy and fight at Wembley highlighted a problem: a lack of depth in midfield and defensively, which is now starting to cost them.

Liverpool ended the second leg against PSG with Endo - a defensive midfielder - at centre back, while Jarell Quansah was at right-back due to a lack of available players in that position.

Assuming Curtis Jones is your first available option to bring in for the starting midfield three of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai, the options past that aren't of the same standard.

There's been little room to rotate in that area due to the drop off in quality and that is starting to show.

That lack of quality depth must be addressed to avoid making similar mistakes.

Thiago, Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas were brought in on the back of winning the Premier League in 2020.

Jota's arrival has been a quality bit of business, and Tsimikas provides competition at left back, but Thiago didn't hit the heights you'd expect consistently.

After winning the Champions League in 2019, the signings in the summer included Sepp van den Berg, whose LFC career saw him make three starts before being sold on for a sizable profit, Harvey Elliott - who could be set to follow a similar path - Andy Lonergan and Adrian. Takumi Minamino arrived in January.

Without further investment, a title win this season could become an anomaly. The best time to improve is when you're still on top. Just ask Manchester City - who next season you expect to return to being title challengers, as well as the other teams around that top four race all looking to improve.

Under Klopp, the team fought on all four fronts a couple of times. The reality is the squad isn't that far off being able to do that.

The last thing Liverpool should want is to go backwards and end up scrapping for a Champions League place.

It's a good job they have a healthy lead in the league because they are currently stuttering towards the Premier League title.

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Andy Robertson says Liverpool "didn't use the ball well enough" in Sunday's Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle.

The Reds dominated possession with 66% but only managed seven shots to the Magpies' 17 and rarely threatened before Federico Chiesa's late goal.

"I don't think we got into our rhythm," Robertson told Total Sport Merseyside's Mike Hughes. "I don't think we played our game, which is hugely frustrating when you play a final.

"Credit to Newcastle. Their game plan worked and they were perfect and were far from perfect.

"We had to get the ball down and play and we didn't do that. We need to analyse it when we come back, it's still too fresh and too raw to really know what went wrong."

Although Arne Slot's side had suffered Champions League disappointment earlier in the week, Robertson rejected suggestions there was a hangover at Wembley.

"I don't think so," he added. "We had enough time to recover from that.

"You have to get yourself up for cup finals. I just think we maybe played into their hands a little bit. We maybe played too many long balls and it turned into a second-ball fight which Newcastle are so good at.

"But I don't think we played to the levels that we've been used to this season."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts after Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

James: Poor performance which had been coming for a while. When Salah doesn't perform it highlights how poor our other forwards are. Don't understand how Jota, Diaz and Nunez are getting game time ahead of Chiesa. Newcastle wanted it more - I think that's worrying as we have tough games left in the league. We need to find that spark again or this could get messy. Newcastle deserved the win spo well done to them.

Jimmy: On this occasion we were outdone by the tactics Newcastle employed. We were second best the entire game and Newcastle fully deserved the victory. They were like an unforgiving rash.

Michael: Liverpool didn't turn up.

Jason: This was a very disappointing performance from us. Newcastle United were up for it, we weren't and we were soundly beaten. The scoreline flatters us immensely. This has been a chastening week for us. We know we are not the best team in Europe. We need the international break to reset ourselves. We have nine games to prove that we are the best team in England. Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys!

Sarah: Newcastle thoroughly deserved to win - we didn't play our normal game. We were too rushed with passes going astray, Diaz didn't take Trippier on when he had the beating of him. Jota missing in action and no idea what happened to Mo as he was starved of decent service throughout the game. The players seemed tired so maybe the starting line-up should've included Elliott and Jones while Gakpo was not match fit. Virgil van Dijk held the team together but it was beyond him today.

Paul: Very disappointing display, Newcastle fully deserved the win. We badly missed Trent Alexander-Arnold's creativity. One slight complaint about Arne Slot is he doesn't change the team enough. It showed. Still, if we can win the league, it's an amazing season and the one prize every fan would have taken above anything else without question.

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Newcastle "smothered" Liverpool "and made the players think they were tired" says former Reds left-back Stephen Warnock.

"They played extra time on Wednesday against Paris St-Germain and immediately Newcastle put them on the back foot and made them feel heavy-legged," Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They smothered them and made it difficult for them.

"After the week Liverpool have had, I wonder if Arne Slot might look back and think one of the biggest lessons was not making more changes for the Southampton game.

"They were 13 points clear going into that game and they made just three changes. Would he have made more looking back now? The league will take care of itself over the course of time and they are still good enough to see it through, but this Liverpool team looked tired at Wembley.

"But credit to Newcastle because they preyed on that and made the most of it."

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Liverpool have fallen behind Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Inter Milan and France striker Marcus Thuram, 27, who is reported to have a £71m release clause. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports about his side's defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final: "The game went their way in the sense that we played the game in the way they would want.

"There was a lot of free-kicks, set-pieces and they are and were today very strong at that. That also led to the first goal.

"The second goal was a cross from the side and they are taller, maybe stronger in the headed duals. Both goals came from that.

"We have to be better with the ball which is not so easy, the moments when you have the ball you have to create more and you are always waiting for a moment where the game can go your way and more space can open up.

"Normally in a game like this in the end of the first half and in the second half it opens up a bit more but we gave them the positive mindset of being 1-0 up and not long after the break they made it 2-0.

"Then, they're just going to fight harder for every ball and we did have one or two chances but altogether Newcastle deserved the win."

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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:

"Mo Salah was poor, he struggled in the game. He did not turn up at all today.

"Newcastle were brilliant and they smothered Liverpool, they made it difficult for them. Don't forget how many players Liverpool threw forward towards the end It looked in doubt towards the end, but they deserve this.

"Whether they were tired from the game against Paris St-Germain in the week - I'm not giving them that excuse, they don't deserve that excuse. You have to give all that credit to Newcastle, the way they set themselves up nullified Liverpool and they were outstanding."

"Virgil Van Dijk stood at the Newcastle huddle at full-time. He went around and shook every player's hand. He respected what Newcastle have done today. Class. A sign of respect for Newcastle."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports:

"Newcastle didn't just win today, they battered Liverpool.

"I find it difficult to be too critical, given what Liverpool look like they will go on to achieve.

"Newcastle are a great Premier League team and they have wiped the floor with them today. I'm gutted Liverpool didn't win today but if there is any team you would accept losing to, it's Newcastle."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

What went wrong for Liverpool?

Tell us what made the difference for Newcastle

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

We all know how much it would mean for Newcastle to end their long wait for a major trophy, but they have not beaten Liverpool since December 2015, a run of 17 games.

When you consider the Magpies are without Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon - their entire first-choice on the left flank - I really don't see that run ending at Wembley.

I am expecting Tino Livramento to replace Hall and try to stop Mohamed Salah. Livramento is mobile and quick, but I don't think he will keep Salah quiet all game.

It won't be easy for Liverpool, though. They are without Trent Alexander-Arnold and, with Conor Bradley likely to be sidelined too, they will need to find someone to fill in at right-back.

The midfield battle will be key, because Newcastle are very good in that area, especially now Joelinton is back alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, but it is one of Liverpool's strengths too.

Arne Slot's biggest issue is how the Reds will react to the disappointment of going out of the Champions League against Paris St-Germain, but I don't see them having a hangover from that shootout defeat.

My gut feeling is that we will see a few goals, and Liverpool will win in 90 minutes.

Sutton's prediction: 3-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

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Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has a tattoo on his arm which says 'Born ready' and he will need to be on Sunday if, as expected, he is called upon when the Reds play Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

"My tattoo is [something] my dad used to say when I was younger before every game," the 22-year-old explained.

"He used to say, 'Are you ready?', and I'd say, 'born ready'. So that's where that came from. Hopefully, I will be ready on Sunday."

Quansah is set to be used at right-back by Reds boss Arne Slot against the Magpies because of injuries to regulars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley, while Joe Gomez - the usual deputy in that position - is out with a hamstring issue.

Liverpool will be aiming to win the EFL Cup for a second successive season, having beaten Chelsea in last year's final in which Quansah came on during extra-time.

"These sort of weeks, I think about myself when I was young and what I'd be thinking if I was in that position. I think just to enjoy myself and the occasion, it's going to be special," said the defender.

Quansah will go into the final on the back of being called up to England manager Thomas Tuchel's first squad and is using the knowledge and experience of Liverpool captain and Netherlands centre-back Virgil van Dijk to help in his development.

"He's lived my career," said Quansah. "He's been a young centre-half, made mistakes, and then reached the pinnacle, the very top of football, and been one of the best centre-halves that we've seen.

"He can resonate a lot with me and, anything he can do to help me, he's trying to do and I'm grateful for that.

"On a day-to-day basis, he is always talking to me. It's all valuable information that I take from him."

Slot took Quansah off at half-time when Liverpool won at Ipswich in their opening game of the season and, while the young centre-back feels he has "dealt with it pretty well", he admits it is "tough" not playing as much as he would like this season.

"It's all about learning for me," added Quansah. "There are going to be times when I play good and bad but, as long as I'm learning and becoming a better player, then in the future I know I'll be fine.

"It's just trying to keep perspective about what sort of stage of my career I'm in at the minute - trying to learn off the best and become consistent as a whole."

With Liverpool and Newcastle United set to face off at Wembley for the first domestic silverware of season in the Carabao Cup final, we asked our fan contributors for each club to tell us their thoughts before the big showdown.

Who is the final bigger for? What would winning this trophy mean? What gives hope for getting it over the line?

This is what Reds fan Josh Sexton from The Anfield Wrap, external had to say...

And here is the view of Magpies fan Matty Renton from The Magpie Channel, external...

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Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld hopes head coach Arne Slot plays Caoimhin Kelleher in goal for Sunday's Carabao Cup final despite opting for Alisson in the semi-final against Tottenham.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, Westerveld said: "I was surprised when Alisson played in the semi-finals because usually Kelleher plays all of these games, but I think it was to do with Alisson coming back [from injury] and getting him for the Champions League.

"Kelleher deserves to play the game as he has been so good for us, but I won't be surprised if he leaves at the end of the season because a goalkeeper wants to play.

"He has played so many games for Liverpool this season and he is so important for them.

"We really need a goalkeeper like him and he thoroughly deserves to play in the final so hopefully he can make a difference and win it for us as well."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he is prepared to let his contract expire at the end of the season but urged for there to be no "panic" because he is "fully committed" to the Anfield club.

"I don't want to create any anxiety or anything like that. I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games," said the 33-year-old centre-back.

"Maybe I will run this fully down and then there is still no news - I don't know.

"It's not a one-two-three discussion and there we go. There are multiple factors.

"There is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future.

"I am fully committed to Liverpool Football Club at the moment and there is no doubt about that.

"I am so proud to be the captain of this beautiful club that means so much to me."

Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

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Arne Slot had to jokingly remind those in attendance as his news conference on Friday that his team were playing Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

He had been asked about plenty of issues surrounding the Reds, from Virgil van Dijk's future, injury concerns, how his players were feeling after their Champions League exit and Jarell Quansah's England call-up, before getting on to the Magpies.

And, while Newcastle have not won a major trophy in 56 years, Slot does not believe the Wembley showpiece is a bigger game for them than a Liverpool side who won the competition last season.

"No, I don't go along with that," said Slot, who has plenty of incentive for victory as it would give him his first trophy in charge of the Anfield club.

"A final in this country is always special because of the fact that there are so many strong teams.

"If you reach a final, it is always a big moment for them - but also for us. It is special for them - but also for us."

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Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah says "it is a surreal feeling" to be named in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad.

The 22-year-old is yet to make a senior international appearance, despite being included in Gareth Southgate's training squad before Euro 2024.

Since then, he has made 21 appearances for Liverpool and has been impressive at the back when called upon by Arne Slot.

"I was in the last camp but it was to just step in, so this is the first one where I feel part of the squad," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Football is about ups and downs and I wasn't picked for the Euros, so it was about bouncing back and being in a better position this season."

Listen to more on BBC Sounds

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

When Thomas Tuchel announced his inaugural England squad on Friday, Harvey Elliott could be forgiven for feeling a bit wistful.

At the end of last season, the 21-year-old was on the fringe of Tuchel's predecessor Gareth Southgate's considerations for Euro 2024 - now, he is not even in the conversation.

Yet to start in the Premier League under Arne Slot, Elliott has been reduced to cameo roles off the bench or appearances in cup competitions alongside the second-string players, albeit few would expect him to start the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Elliott arrived at Anfield as a 17-year-old in July 2019 and has only had one loan spell away - a very successful campaign at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship in 2020-21.

With a solidified place in Liverpool's first XI looking further away than ever, what next for the talented midfielder?

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Elliott has actually played more minutes in both the Champions League and the FA Cup this season, notably scoring the winner against Paris St-Germain at the Parc des Princes 10 days ago.

That was off the bench but served notice of his enduring talent and eye for a goal.

Last season, he supplied 11 assists, demonstrating the value of a regular run in the side. One assist this season therefore is a paltry return, even if there remains time to improve it.

In terms of his England credentials, he ought to be well placed to step up to the senior side, boasting 20 appearances for the under-21s, including one as captain, and scoring eight goals.

Of course, there is considerable competition in his position for England. Few in world football can compete with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden - albeit the latter two are out of form right now.

Foden actually makes for an interesting comparison too. Closely guarded by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola during his formative years, there were some who argued it would be better for him to leave in order to progress his career.

Foden never listened, instead biding his time at the club he supports and ending up a fundamental part in bringing a shedload of trophies to Etihad Stadium.

Elliott is older now than Foden was then, but he is a Liverpool fan and that may well mean he has a longer tail of patience when it comes to fully breaking through at his favourite team.

Whether Slot is taking such a long view of the midfielder's future or fancies cashing in on his potential may be a key topic this summer.

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What Harvey Elliott does next depends whether or not he feels like he is still developing well enough at Liverpool.

He is good enough to be playing week in week out, but is he getting better if he goes to a different environment where the situation is not the same? At Liverpool he is behind some big players in terms of a starting berth, but he is also getting the opportunity to play and score in the biggest competitions and is surrounded by players who are trying to win huge trophies.

As a player he can learn a lot from that mentality and that setup. Even if he is not playing every week, he has to be ready.

I think the fact Arne Slot does still play him means he does trust him and if he will be manager for a long time then you would imagine someone like Elliott would be part of his plans for the long term.

It can be hard, however, for a player to think of the long term if in the short term you are not getting as many minutes as you feel you could be getting. I stress "could" rather than "should", because deserving is very subjective.

I would say as long as he feels he is developing as a player in ways other than just playing 90 minutes every week, then Liverpool is by far the best place for him to be because he has developed there and has played in some of the biggest games in club football.

Elliott is 21, he is young enough to be able to go and find a future somewhere else, but in many years' time he can look back and be glad he stayed at the club he loves having won the trophies he has and can still win.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Arne Slot has praised Jarell Quansah's determination following the defender's England call-up by Thomas Tuchel on Friday.

The 22-year-old was received some negative press after being replaced at half-time on the opening day of the season at Ipswich Town but has established himself as an important member of Slot's squad.

He will likely start in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday,

"It says a lot about his mentality," said Slot. "I think last season everybody saw what a talent he is. He showed in recent performances that he outgrew being a talent and that's what Tuchel saw by calling him up."

Slot also highlighted Quansah's versatility, saying the defender offers the team a different attacking dimension while playing as a right-back.

"In the last few times he had to play for us it was in a position he is not completely used to as right full-back," he said. "But in my opinion, he has the quality to play in that position because he is strong, fast, very comfortable with the ball and it gives us an extra quality if we play him."