According to Slot, Liverpool must defend the Carabao Cup title after securing their semi-final place
Arne Slot insists Liverpool must defend their Carabao Cup title after securing a place in the last four following a 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Despite a much-changed side, Slot’s side emerged victorious on a drizzly evening on the south coast thanks to first-half goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott.
Cameron Archer halved the deficit after an hour as Southampton produced a spirited second half under interim coach Simon Rusk following the sacking of Russell Martin on Sunday.
But it was the defending champions and current Premier League leaders who progressed, with Slot stressing the importance of retaining the trophy after the game.
“We have to defend the cup because the club won it last season,” Slot told Sky Sports.
“I wasn’t involved, but the players were involved, and of course Jürgen (Klopp) and his team.
“We want to take part in every cup and are therefore happy that we reached the semi-finals. It’s always tough competition, but this time it’s safe.”
“We have to defend the cup” 🏆
Arne Slot shares his thoughts as Liverpool reach Carabao Cup semi-finals 💭 pic.twitter.com/1GMEHTeL0X
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Slot, who watched the game from high up in the stands due to a touchline ban following his third yellow card of the season in the 2-2 draw against Fulham.
And the Liverpool manager was largely happy with his side’s performance but admitted their standards slipped at times.
“The first half was really good,” Slot said. “A good performance, we played really well.
“But it wasn’t a complete surprise that we conceded the goal because I think we got a bit careless beforehand. We lost one or two easy balls.”
The Reds are back in league action on Sunday when they travel to Tottenham, who face Manchester United in the last quarter-final of the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening.
