Howe says Carabao Cup a 'turning point' for Newcastle
Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United's Carabao Cup success over Liverpool could be a turning point in helping the Magpies regularly challenge for trophies.
The final moments at Wembley Stadium were made nervy for Newcastle when Federico Chiesa netted in second-half stoppage time, but Howe's side held on for a 2-1 victory.
Newcastle righted the wrongs of its Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United in 2023, and Howe thinks its first major domestic trophy in 70 years will act as a platform to build on.
"We wanted to do the football club proud today. We are trying to break new ground and hopefully this is a turning point for us," Howe said.
"With set plays, we have worked consistently on certain ones for two weeks for this game.
"Dan [Burn] will be the first to admit, he hasn't practised like that! All of the players were magnificent, but particularly him. He was a colossus."
Despite its late scare, Newcastle was worthy winner against a Liverpool side seemingly still hurting from its Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain midweek.
The Magpies restricted Arne Slot's star man, Mohamed Salah, to very little. Indeed, for the first time in his Liverpool career, the Egyptian neither attempted a shot nor created a chance in a match in which he played 90 minutes.
It was also Howe's first win over Liverpool across all competitions since taking over from Steve Bruce in November 2021 (D2 L7).
Despite his poor record against the Reds, Howe was confident ahead of facing the Premier League leader.
"Emotional, very emotional. It is very unlike me. We knew what was at stake and just wanted to do everyone proud," Howe said. "We were desperate to try and win the trophy after so many years of hurt.
"It had a different feel. We have won the game and everything will be reviewed positively, but we prepared well, and I was very confident the players would perform."
Howe also became the first English manager to win either the FA Cup or Carabao Cup since Harry Redknapp with Portsmouth in 2008, while he is the first to do so in the latter competition specifically since Steve McClaren with Middlesbrough in 2004.
It was also an emotional day for Bruno Guimaraes, with the Newcastle captain reduced to tears at the final whistle.
The Brazil international ended the contest with joint-team-high totals for duels won (nine, level with Joelinton) and chances created (two, level with Burn and Harvey Barnes).
He also won more tackles (four) and regained possession more times (nine) than any of his team-mates.
"It's all for these fans. They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history," Guimaraes said.
"We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.
"I don't have any words. It's the best day of my life. For them [the fans] it's like the World Cup. People have grown up and do not see us as champions.
"My first year as captain of this club, and it's one of the best days. This is unbelievable."
Guimaraes wants to put his name down in Newcastle folklore, like a club legend who was watching on from the stands at Wembley.
"This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club, I want the fans to sing my name the way they do [Alan] Shearer," he said.
"He texted me before the game. I'm so emotional."
