‘I’m So Disappointed’- Pochettino Laments As Liverpool Beat Chelsea To Win Carabao Cup

Virgil Van Dijk scored a late extra-time winner to lead Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the 2023-24 Carabao Cup final at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The Reds were without their key players with the likes of Mohammed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota for the encounter, but they were able to get the better of a wasteful Chelsea side.

Raheem Sterling thought he had given Chelsea the lead in the first half, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Cody Gakpo’s header hit the cross bar as Liverpool began to settle into the game.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made several impressive saves in the first half to deny Chelsea as it ended 0-0.

In an eventful second half, Virgil Van Dijk’s header was ruled after Endo was penalised for offside.

Conor Gallagher’s effort also hit the post in the second half before the England midfielder was guilty of missing two clear-cut chances late in the second half as the game went on and eventually entered extra time.

Liverpool dominated the extra time while Chelsea failed to take their chances when presented with clear opportunities.

Van Dijk punished the Blues with a well-placed header 118th minute to lead Liverpool to their 10th Carabao Cup trophy and condemned Chelsea to a sixth straight loss in a final at the Wembley Stadium.

Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp was full of praise for his players following a battling performance.

Klopp said, “What happened here was absolutely insane. These things are not possible.

“The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be part of that tonight.

“The craziest thing is, we deserved it. We had lucky moments. They had lucky moments. The boys showed up. It was really cool.”

Goalscorer, Virgil Van Dijk, was delighted to lead the team to their first trophy as the captain of the club.

Van Dijk said: “It’s all for the fans, so let’s enjoy it.

“Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain,

“We did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game.

“I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club, and especially proud of the boys.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino was disappointed as his wait for a first trophy in England continues.

Pochettino said, “My emotions, it is the same as the players. I am so disappointed, it is so painful. I am an older guy who has less time to win titles. They are younger than me, and for sure, they have time.

“But in football always it is about when you have the opportunity. Always, it is about reaching the final.”

Pochettino will be hoping his players can bounce back when they take on Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday.

Liverpool will be in action against Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday at Anfield.