Slot says Liverpool must defend their Carabao Cup crown after securing a place in the final

Arne Slot insists Liverpool will defend their Carabao Cup crown after securing a place in the last four with a 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.

Despite a very flexible side, Slot’s side prevailed thanks to first-half strikes from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott on a stormy evening on the south coast.

Cameron Archer reduced the deficit on the hour mark as Southampton, led by interim boss Simon Rusk following the sacking of Russell Martin on Sunday, showed some interest in the second half.

But it was the hosts, and current Premier League leaders, who went ahead, with Slot showing the importance of retaining the trophy after the game.

“We have to defend the trophy because the club won it last season,” Slot told Sky Sports.

“I wasn’t involved, but the players were with Jurgen (Klopp) and his staff, yes.

“We want to compete in every cup so we are happy to have reached the semi-finals. It’s always a tough race but this time it’s a sure thing. “

“We have to defend the trophy” 🏆

Arne Slot shares his thoughts as Liverpool head into the Carabao Cup semi-finals 💭 pic.twitter.com/1GMEHTeL0X

– Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024

Slot, who because of a ban for the touch he received after picking up his third yellow card of the season in the 2-2 draw with Fulham, watched the game from the stands.

And the Liverpool boss was very pleased with his side’s performance but admitted their levels dipped at times.

“The first half was really good,” Slot said. “Good performance, we played very well.

“But it wasn’t a surprise to concede the goal because I think in the past we started to be careless. We lost one or two easy balls.”

The Reds return to the league on Sunday, when they travel to Tottenham, who face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Thursday evening.