Arne Slot has his sights set on a first trophy as Liverpool head coach, and he might well be taking a leaf out of Jose Mourinho’s book as he looks to make his mark at Anfield.
The Dutchman will be hoping to get his hands on a first piece of silverware since taking over from Jurgen Klopp last summer when he takes the Reds to Wembley to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Although his dreams of a treble were ended by Paris Saint-Germain during the week, there is no doubt that Slot’s first season in charge at Liverpool has been a success. The Premier League title already looks to be well on the way back to Merseyside, and the first part of a double can be completed in London tomorrow.
Considering how Slot was predicted to struggle in some quarters as he followed in Klopp’s footsteps, ending the season with a league title under his arm would represent a sensational start to life at Liverpool. Adding the Carabao Cup though could signify even bigger things to come – just ask Mourinho.
The former Chelsea boss’ first trophy at Stamford Bridge came in the very same competition back in 2005, and set the standard for what would be a transformational period for the Blues. Having dubbed himself the “Special One” upon his arrival in England, Mourinho needed to back his claim up with silverware, and he took the very first opportunity he could.
Liverpool fans will of course remember that only too well, having been on the end of an extra-time defeat in Cardiff, as well as some unsporting gestures from the then-Chelsea boss. That would set the tone not only for Mourinho on the touchline, but for his time in charge of the Blues.
Heading into the final, Chelsea had won just one of its previous four games, including an FA Cup exit at Newcastle. Winning the League Cup though would be the catalyst for an unbeaten 11-game run in the league as they romped to the title, which they defended the following year before adding another League Cup and the FA Cup in 2007.
“The way we were champions was not easy,” Mourinho said of his side in 2005. “It is the mentality, ambition and desire. We met for the first time in July and from that moment we have built something special.”
Mourinho’s words certainly chime in with what Slot has been saying about his own players this season, and it looks as though he could be following in the Portuguese’s footsteps this season. Of course, Liverpool fans will hope he stays around longer than Mourinho did in his first spell at Chelsea – or his second spell for that matter – but the former Real Madrid and Manchester United boss has shown what winning the League Cup can do to galvanize a team.
Should Slot follow suit on Sunday, it could be the start of a special period for Liverpool.
