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Eddie Howe has revealed how his side have approached the final on Sunday differently to their 2023 appearance when they lost to Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United.

While Liverpool aim to secure their record-extending 11th League Cup triumph, Newcastle arrives with the weight of a 70-year trophy drought on their shoulders, seeking to avenge their 2023 final heartbreak against the Reds Devils.

The significance of this match for the Magpies cannot be overstated, as they have endured a barren trophy spell stretching back to 1969 when they claimed the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a precursor to the UEFA Cup.

Since that triumph in Budapest, Newcastle have contested an astonishing 2,758 competitive matches without lifting major silverware.

This extended drought has created a unique psychological burden for Newcastle players and supporters alike.

Howe has acknowledged the psychological challenge this history presents, and revealed that his side has been going about their season in controlled away – a contrast to 2023 where the former Bournemouth manager admitted that his side got too preoccupied with the final:”

“Very good, thanks,” Howe responded when asked how his side are feeling ahead of the clash.

“I think it does feel different.

I think the whole thing and this season’s felt different in the sense that I think we’ve just gone about our business in a really calm, controlled way, professional way, we’ve had a really tough run of fixtures in the Carabao Cup.”

“I think to attack those games in the way that we did, and of course, you’re in the midst of a busy campaign – Premier League, FA Cup.”

He added that he hopes the lack of noise around Newcastle this time around will aid his team in trying to claim silverware:

“We’ve sort of just gone from round to round and now we’ve ended up in the final, there’s been a lot less emotion.

There’s been a lot less the noise I think outside.”

“So hopefully that helps us in our performance in the game.

You never quite know what effect that will have, but we’ve been very much focused on our build up and preparation and getting the game plan right?
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