Carabao Cup

SHOCKED fans want Maurico Pochettino gone for his “sackable” claim that Chelsea played for penalties in their Carabao Cup final defeat.Pochettino also insisted he was forced to replace “tired” stars with young subs, only to see Virgil van Dijk head Liverpool’s 118th-minute winner.
Mauricio Pochettino was ‘proud’ of his team but wondered if they were playing for penalties when they ran out of steam in extra timeCredit: Rex
“Your mentality stinks, get out of my football club,” responded one Blues’ supporter to the manager’s spot-kick confession.
And another hit out: “This is a sackable statement. No???”
Some supporters pointed out that Pochettino was talking about the attitude of his players – rather than his own wishes or tactics.
But that failed to save the ex-Tottenham chief from a savaging on social media.
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One fan even suggested it will be “insanely toxic if he’s not gone”.
Another posted: “What sort of mentality is this bro, you’re Chelsea in a Carabao Cup final, not Notts County.”
But this line of attack was balanced by fans worrying that Pochettino had been misinterpreted.
One observer stressed: “He said ‘THE TEAM’ – read and understand. Clearly he never wanted that.”
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Pochettino claimed he was “proud”of his side despite Liverpool being without 10 senior players.
He added: “Look, of course, it was difficult. Of course, we are frustrated.
Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1- Virgil van Dijk sends Wembley wild with dramatic extra time winner in Carabao Cup final
 “The players feel the disappointment. We were so close to winning the game after 90 minutes. They started to lose their energy.
“[Ben] Chilwell felt really, really tired. [Conor] Gallagher, after five minutes, we needed to change.
“The team felt maybe the penalties would be good for us.” More

FANS have trolled Jamie Carragher for his “deluded” comments after Virgil van Dijk netted Liverpool’s Carabao Cup winner against Chelsea.The big Dutchman pounced in the final minute of extra time to seal another trophy for Jurgen Klopp.
Fans trolled Jamie Carragher after his ‘deluded’ Carabao Cup final commentsCredit: Getty
£75m Virgil van Dijk netted Liverpool’s winner against Chelsea at WembleyCredit: Alamy
Van Dijk’s late impact sparked Carragher into life after Chelsea missed several chances to take the lead at Wembley.
And the Reds legend claimed that the centre-back’s winner “shows that football isn’t all about money.”
However, supporters were quick to pounce on Carragher’s words.
That’s because Van Dijk himself cost £75million when he joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018.
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The deal made him the most expensive defender in world football at the time.
Van Dijk is now the third-most expensive after Harry Maguire’s £80m Man United move from Leicester, and Josko Gvardiol’s £77m Man City move from RB Leipzig.
But fans still hit out at Carragher’s “deluded” comments on social media.
One said: “Carragher ‘it’s not all about money’ as a £75m centre-back scores the f*****g winner!”
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Another declared: “Winning goal scored by the world’s most expensive defender…”
One noted: “He says it as £75m Van Dijk heads in the winner.”
Jurgen Klopp’s injury crisis gets worse as Liverpool star carried off on stretcher in Carabao Cup final
Another added: “What kind of punditry is this? He’s talking like Liverpool haven’t spent £800million since Klopp arrived.”
Carragher’s comments came after fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville branded Chelsea the “billion pound bottlejobs.”
He said live on air: “In extra time, it’s been Jurgen Klopp’s kids against the blue, billion-pound bottlejobs.
“Liverpool have been absolutely sensational. Those young players have been incredible. Klopp must be so proud.
“However, for Chelsea, I have no sympathy for them whatsoever. Mauricio Pochettino’s players have shrunk. They have shrunk right in front of our eyes and in front of their fans.” More

LIVERPOOL stars danced the night away to Dua Lipa as they celebrated their Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.A late Virgil van Dijk header in extra time secured a famous win for Jurgen Klopp and his Kop kids at Wembley.
Liverpool stars danced the night away after beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Sky Sports
The winners sang along to Dua Lipa’s ‘One Kiss’ in the Wembley changing roomCredit: Sky Sports
The result saw Chelsea, branded “billion pound bottlejobs” by Gary Neville, lose their SIXTH consecutive domestic cup final.
But while the Blues suffered more heartbreak, Liverpool got the party underway in their dressing room.
Having lifted the Carabao Cup and paraded it around the pitch, Van Dijk and Co headed inside for a knees-up.
Video footage shows the Liverpool squad dancing around the dressing room to the sound of Dua Lipa’s smash hit ‘One Kiss’.
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The songstress’ tune is popular with the Reds after becoming the soundtrack to their 2019 Champions League victory over Tottenham.
A year earlier, Lipa performed the song ahead of Liverpool’s defeat to Real Madrid in the final.
And despite losing, the fans embraced it as their own.
Liverpool’s players also clearly love it too.
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Jurgen Klopp is once again the toast of the North WestCredit: Getty
Virgil van Dijk was the hero for the RedsCredit: Alamy
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They danced and sang along as the champagne began to flow.
And supporters couldn’t get enough of their antics in the capital.
Jurgen Klopp’s injury crisis gets worse as Liverpool star carried off on stretcher in Carabao Cup final
One said: “Wild atmosphere.”
Another declared: “Proper that.”
One noted: “Fit and ready to face Southampton on Wednesday.”
Another added: “What a moment.”
Speaking after the win, Liverpool boss Klopp said: “I was told there was an English phrase that you don’t win trophies with kids!
“In my more than 20 years, it is easily the most special trophy I have ever won. It is absolutely exceptional.
“I was proud of everybody involved, I was proud of our people for the way they pushed us, I was proud of the staff for creating this kind of atmosphere surrounding where these boys can do what they are best at, I was proud of our academy, my coaches, so many things.
“It has nothing to do with it maybe being my last game at Wembley. It is about how everybody contributed, seeing the faces of the kids after the game.
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“Can you create in football stories that definitely nobody will ever forget? It’s so difficult. 
“If you find the same story with academy kids coming on against a top, top side and still winning? I don’t know (if you can).”
It was party time for the Liverpool kidsCredit: Getty More

VIRGIL VAN DIJK put in a performance for the ages to hand Liverpool their 10th Carabao Cup win.Van Dijk nodded home an extra-time winner to seal a 1-0 win, earning him the Man of the Match in SunSport’s Liverpool player ratings.
Virgil van Dijk put in a Man of the Match display in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PA
His display was described as a ‘legacy performance’Credit: Getty

It was Liverpool’s 10th League Cup win overall and the first of Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour after he announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Van Dijk was handed the armband by the German for the final, and the Dutchman said he was incredibly proud to win his first trophy as captain.
The Dutchman has always been a vocal defender.
But his performance at Wembley also depicted a player who wanted to lead by example.
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And that is what he did, putting in an imperious display of the highest order.
With that display a host of impressive records and numbers came with it.
Van Dijk is now just the third player behind John Terry and Vincent Kompany to win the Man of the Match award in multiple League Cup finals, doing so in 2022 and now 2024.
Looking at his numbers, Van Dijk couldn’t have done much more.
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Van Dijk’s numbers show you how well he performed
Van Dijk put three tackles, won seven duels and made two interceptions.
His on ball exploits were not bad either.

The 32-year-old touched the ball 120 times.
He passed the ball a total of 101 times, with 92 of his passes being accurate, including three accurate long balls.
Van Dijk even got involved in the creative aspects of the game by registering two key passes.
The former Southampton and Celtic star was also lethal in front of goal, scoring from his only shot on target.
Van Dijk found team-mates also over the pitch
He dominated the left side of the pitch
Though he did have the ball in the net in normal time, only for that goal to be ruled out for offside on Wataru Endo after the midfielder was deemed to have blocked off Levi Colwill.
Reacting to Van Dijk’s performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Virgil Van Djik. Legacy moment. Respect where it’s due.
“You just witnessed a club built on spirit, principles and worth versus a club that’s been rebuilt on just money and hope.”
A second said: “Virgil van Dijk was beyond incredible today, by the way.
“Cannot downplay just how imperious he was, and so fitting for him to score the winner. One of the best centre-backs to ever play the game.”
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Another said: “Liverpool were the dominant team in extra-time even with kids all over the park. Why? Virgil Van Dijk.”
His Motm display also handed him the illustrious record of having been the star man in three finals for Liverpool, with his two League Cup performances adding to his 2019 Champions League final game.
“This emotion is everthing. I’m so proud of the boys.” ❤️Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reacts to winning the Carabao Cup 😍 pic.twitter.com/Nt3mJo4AYE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 25, 2024 More

FANS are convinced that Mauricio Pochettino has completely ignored Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.The American billionaire was at Wembley to watch on as his side suffered heartbreak at the hands of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Fans are convinced that Mauricio Pochettino ignored Chelsea owner Todd BoehlyCredit: Getty
Boehly was watching on from the stand at WembleyCredit: AP
Fans thought Pochettino had avoided shaking Boehly’s hand when collecting his runners-up medal
Chelsea held on at 0-0 until the dying embers of extra-time when Virgil Van Dijk nodded home a 118th minute winner for the Reds.
And the painfully late goal left Blues fans, players and staff crestfallen at the sound of the full time whistle signalling a 1-0 defeat.
Mauricio Pochettino and his players then had to do the unwanted task of heading up on the terraces to collect their runners-up medals.
The Chelsea boss had to walk past execs from both clubs as well as the competition’s sponsor when collecting his medal and fans think that he completely blanked Todd Boehly when doing so.
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Fans online were convinced that the 51-year-old Argentine walked directly past Boehly before shaking the hands of the bigwigs next to him – but slow motion replays show that isn’t the case.
Pochettino, in actual fact, reached out his left hand and greeted Boehly with a handshake, but was was rightfully sporting a devastated look on his face following the result.
Fans took to social media after spotting the ‘snub’ and were convinced that Poch had done it on purpose.
One misunderstanding fan wrote: “Pochettino just totally blanked Todd Boehly…”
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While another added: “Nice ignore from Boehly to Poch on the walkway. Sacked in the morning I think the song goes.”
While other supporters managed to notice that Poch had indeed shook the hand of his boss.
Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1- Virgil van Dijk sends Wembley wild with dramatic extra time winner in Carabao Cup final
One wrote: “He shook his hand with his left hand!”
And a second added: “Literally shook with his left hand.”
Pochettino could be forgiven for looking dejected as he watched Liverpool lift the first piece of silverware of the season.
But his side perhaps should have done more with their billion pound squad facing a number of inexperienced academy prospects in the Liverpool team.
Gary Neville labelled Pochettino’s side as the “Blue billion pound bottle jobs” going up against “Klopp’s kids”.
There’s plenty for Poch to think about now, but not much time to wrap his head around it with the London club returning to action on Wednesday to take on Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round.
And the pressure will only continue to mount on the former Spurs boss if he is unable to progress to the next round with fans already calling his him to lose his job after Sunday’s cup final defeat.
Liverpool were crowned the Carabao Cup winners after their 1-0 victoryCredit: Getty
Chelsea left Wembley empty handedCredit: Getty More

CHELSEA broke an unwanted record with their Carabao Cup final defeat – proving that Gary Neville’s “billion pound bottlejobs” rant was correct.The Blues wasted a flurry of chances as they lost Sunday’s showpiece event 1-0 to Liverpool.
Chelsea have now lost a record six consecutive domestic cup finalsCredit: AP
Gary Neville labelled them ‘billion pound bottlejobs’ after the Carabao Cup defeat to LiverpoolCredit: PA

Virgil van Dijk scored a 118th minute winner following big misses from Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
And it saw Sky Sports pundit Neville lay into Chelsea at the final whistle.
He declared live on air: “In extra time it’s been Klopp’s kids against the blue, billion-pound bottlejobs.
“Liverpool have been absolutely sensational. These young players have been incredible, Klopp must be so proud.
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“However, for Chelsea, I have no sympathy for them whatsoever. Mauricio Pochettino’s players have shrunk, they’ve shrunk right in front of our eyes and in front of their fans.”
Indeed, in losing to Liverpool, Chelsea set a new record for most domestic cup finals lost in a row.
The Blues have now been defeated in SIX consecutive FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals in a run stretching back to 2019.
That year, they were beaten on penalties by Manchester City following a 0-0 draw under the arches.
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Maurizio Sarri was in charge at the time, and the game featured the infamous moment goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be subbed off before the shootout.
The following year, under Frank Lampard, Chelsea lost the FA Cup final 2-1 to Arsenal – despite going ahead in the fifth minute.
Van Dijk AND Sterling have goals RULED OUT by VAR in frantic final
Chelsea’s first loss came in the 2019 Carabao final when Kepa refused to come off against Man CityCredit: Getty
A year later they lost 2-1 in the FA Cup final to ArsenalCredit: Reuters
A year later, Chelsea were defeated in another FA Cup final.
Thomas Tuchel lost 1-0 to Leicester just two weeks before winning the Champions league.
But it was not to be the German’s last taste of defeat in England.
In 2022, he lost not one but TWO finals to Liverpool on penalties.
The first came in the Carabao Cup final after a goalless draw.
In 2021, the Blues were defeated 1-0 by Leicester in the FA CupCredit: Getty
2022 started with Chelsea losing to Liverpool in the Carabao on penaltiesCredit: The Times
And following a stalemate in the FA Cup, Tuchel’s Blues lost that one in a shootout as well.
But Sunday’s defeat marked a record sixth consecutive domestic cup final loss for Chelsea.
It was also their third domestic cup final defeat in a row against Liverpool, who they were also hammered by 4-1 in the Premier League this month.
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In total, Chelsea scored just ONCE across their six final defeats.
And Pochettino has been left sweating over his future after also blowing automatic qualification for next season’s Europa Conference League.
The Reds also beat Chelsea on penalties in that year’s FA Cup finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Chelsea conceded a 118th minute goal in Sunday’s Carabao defeatCredit: Getty More

CHELSEA fans demanded Mauricio Pochettino be sacked before leaving Wembley after a “shameful” Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool.Blues’ supporters’ labelled the 1-0 win for Jurgen Klopp’s much-weakened Reds as boss Pochettino’s “most embarrassing result” ever.
Pochettino looks stunned after defeat as he shakes Klopp’s handCredit: AP
Virgil van Dijk headed the only goal near the end of extra time after the Dutch defender and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling had efforts ruled out.
And although both sides wasted gaping scoring opportunities, Blues’ fans were incredulous that a youthful Liverpool team missing big names like Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold came out on top.
One posted: “We lost to Liverpool’s reserves and bunch of teenagers. Poch deserves to be sacked. The passive, scared approach was pathetic. It was so Spursy.”
Many even called for the ex-Tottenham chief to be axed without delay following Chelsea’s sixth successive loss in a major final.
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Typical responses included: “Poch should be sacked on the spot for losing that btw” and “Poch shouldn’t get to Cobham before he gets sacked”.
A third observer hit out: “Poch surely sacked before he leaves the stadium & relegates his stock in the future too. Most embarrassing result of his career.”
And with Stamford Bridge co-owner Todd Boehly getting such a terrible return for his huge investment so far, some supporters called for stern action typical of the American’s predecessor Roman Abramovich.
One claimed: “Roman would have sacked Poch at half time of extra time.”
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Pochettino was blasted by many fans but at least one blamed the poor finishing of midfielder Conor Gallagher for Chelsea’s defeat vs LiverpoolCredit: Getty
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Many measured assessments of the whole match were just as withering for the Argentinian.
Such as: “We either didn’t have the stamina to play with intensity for the full 120, despite an 8 day break, or Pochettino set us up so timidly in extra time or failed to inspire the team.
Van Dijk AND Sterling have goals RULED OUT by VAR in frantic final
“Either way, a damning indictment of him.”
But other fans sympathised with Poch – arguing in particular that he shouldn’t be blamed for terrible finishing.
One wrote: “Five big chances missed and it’s Pochettino’s fault, why is he always the scapegoat, you can’t teach players earning £200k a week how to shoot a ball. ”
Another hit out: “It was Poch that was missing those chances or (Conor) Gallagher? Coach can’t do it all. The players are awful too.” More