The football world is buzzing after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola weighed in on Liverpool’s surprising 1-2 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. While Newcastle celebrated their hard-fought victory, Guardiola didn’t hold back in criticizing Arne Slot’s tactical decisions, particularly questioning some of the key choices made by the Dutch manager.
Speaking to the press after the match, Guardiola offered a brutally candid assessment, blaming Slot’s team selection for Liverpool’s failure to secure the trophy.
“He got it all wrong! You can’t bench your most dangerous player and expect to win. He should have started—he’s a game-changer from the first minute, not a player to bring on as an impact sub. And leaving my most reliable player out against Newcastle? That was Slot’s biggest mistake. If it were me, Newcastle wouldn’t have left with that victory. No hard feelings—this loss is a lesson he needed to learn.”
WHO WAS LIVERPOOL’S ‘DANGEROUS PLAYER’ GUARDIOLA REFERRED TO?
While Guardiola didn’t name the player directly, many believe he was referring to Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s biggest goal-scoring threat. The Egyptian forward was surprisingly left on the bench, with Slot opting for a different attacking lineup. When Salah eventually came on, it was too late to change the outcome of the match.
Fans and analysts have since been questioning why Slot didn’t start his strongest team in such an important game, particularly with a player like Salah, who can make an immediate impact. Guardiola’s remarks have only added fuel to this debate.
NEWCASTLE CAPITALIZED ON SLOT’S MISTAKES
Newcastle, credit where it’s due, made the most of Liverpool’s missteps, executing their game plan flawlessly. Alexander Isak’s goal, along with a solid defensive performance, ensured Eddie Howe’s side secured the victory, while Liverpool was left to regret their tactical decisions.
Guardiola’s comments have resonated with Liverpool fans, many of whom feel the game could have gone differently had Slot included his best players from the start.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS: “THIS IS A COACH!”
As soon as Guardiola’s comments were released, social media exploded, with many Liverpool supporters praising his insight and lamenting Slot’s poor choices.
“This is what a real coach looks like l. Just look at his analysis! We would have won if he was in charge .”
Although Guardiola has no direct involvement with Liverpool, his words carry significant weight, serving as a warning to Arne Slot: don’t leave your best players on the bench in a final and expect to get away with it.
WILL SLOT LEARN FROM THIS?
With Liverpool still in contention in multiple competitions, all eyes will be on how Arne Slot responds to this setback. Will he heed Guardiola’s advice and ensure his best players feature in future big matches? Or will this loss serve as a wake-up call, showing Liverpool cannot afford questionable lineup decisions at crucial moments?
One thing is certain—this Carabao Cup final will be remembered not only for Newcastle’s victory but also for the controversial decisions that cost Liverpool the trophy.
