Arne Slot insists Liverpool should defend their Carabao Cup crown after securing a spot within the final 4 following a 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Regardless of a much-changed crew, Slot’s aspect emerged victorious because of first-half strikes from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott on a drizzly night on the south coast.
Cameron Archer halved the deficit on the hour mark as Southampton, beneath interim boss Simon Rusk after the sacking of Russell Martin on Sunday, gave a spirited second-half exhibiting.
But it surely was the holders, and present Premier League leaders, who progressed, with Slot highlighting the significance of retaining the trophy after the match.
“We’ve got to defend the trophy as a result of the membership gained it final season,” Slot informed Sky Sports activities.
“I wasn’t concerned however the gamers have been and Jurgen [Klopp] and his employees, after all.
“We wish to compete in each cup so we’re blissful that we’ve reached the semi-final. It’s at all times a tricky competitors however this time it’s for certain.”
“We’ve got to defend the trophy” 🏆
Arne Slot shares his ideas as Liverpool progress to the Carabao Cup sermi-finals 💭 pic.twitter.com/1GMEHTeL0X
— Sky Sports activities Soccer (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
Slot, who attributable to a touchline ban incurred after selecting up a 3rd yellow card of the season within the 2-2 draw with Fulham, watched the sport from excessive up within the stands.
And the Liverpool boss was largely happy along with his crew’s efficiency however admitted their requirements slipped at occasions.
“The primary-half was actually good,” mentioned Slot. “A very good efficiency, we performed very well.
“But it surely didn’t come as an entire shock to concede the aim as a result of I feel earlier than that we began to get a bit sloppy. We misplaced one or two straightforward balls.”
The Reds are again in league motion on Sunday, once they make the journey to Tottenham, who tackle Manchester United within the final of the Carabao Cup quarter-final ties on Thursday night.