Arne Slot will be heading to Wembley for the first time in his life if Liverpool overturn a first-leg deficit against Spurs on Thursday to reach the Carabao Cup final.
Despite being an avid follower of English football, Slot, 46, has never been to the national stadium as a spectator or fan, something he hopes to put right by leading out Liverpool on March 16.
‘Maybe some of my players are already used to Wembley but it would be my first time,’ he said. ‘People talk about it as an iconic stadium, especially for a final. So you can be sure we want to get there. It cannot be underestimated.’
Slot’s compatriot Erik ten Hag had not visited Wembley either until he took Manchester United to the 2023 Carabao Cup final where they beat Newcastle.
Liverpool are still in four competitions and favourites to advance at Anfield, despite losing the first leg 1-0.
Slot considers it a sign of his team’s remarkable campaign that the League Cup is viewed by some as the least of their priorities, even though it could deliver the first piece of silverware of the post-Jurgen Klopp era.
Arne Slot is bidding to book his first trip to Wembley in a professional or personal capacity
Slot’s compatriot Erik ten Hag had never visited the national stadium before his victorious 2023 Carabao Cup final with Man United
Liverpool begin their home second-leg semi-final with a 1-0 deficit after being defeated by Tottenham in north London
‘When I started off, people were like: “If we end up 10th we’re happy!” Ok, that’s a bit exaggerated but I do think people were a bit worried about what will happen after Jurgen,’ said Slot. ‘It’s nice that we’re in the situation where it’s only seen as success if we win a trophy.
‘So now if we win the League Cup, it is not enough any more? Is that what is being said? The only important thing for me is the players work hard and try to win every game in a certain style.
‘I agree we are more mostly judged on trophies but I’d love us as managers to be based on more than just that. How do our teams play? Is it nice to watch?’
Slot has a full quota of players to choose from bar Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is ruled out with a thigh injury. Thursday night’s game will also see referee Craig Pawson explain VAR decisions to the crowd, a trial being used before a potential roll-out to the Premier League.
Though the idea has been met with broad approval, Slot is not a fan and did not enjoy the experience from the first leg when a clear offside was verbally communicated but not a controversial decision which saw Lucas Bergvall escape a red card. Bergvall later scored the winning goal.
‘I wonder if we are all going to like this,’ mused Slot about officials being miked up. ‘I wonder if it’s good for the referee because he is already under pressure. Him explaining something against the home team would add more pressure in the next decisions he has to make.’
