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Chelsea vice-captain Ben Chilwell reflects on the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and its significance in comparison to the club’s previous triumphs, notably the Champions League victory in Porto. As one of the remaining squad members of that historic night three years ago, along with Reece James and Thiago Silva, Chilwell acknowledges the stark contrast between the Chelsea of then and now.
In 2021, winning the Champions League marked the pinnacle of success for the old Chelsea regime. However, Chilwell suggests that in 2024, the Carabao Cup final could serve as a catalyst for a new era of achievements. He emphasizes the potential importance of securing the first trophy as a team, believing it could instil confidence, drive, and hunger among the players to strive for more success in the future.
While acknowledging the higher prestige of the Champions League, Chilwell emphasizes the importance of the Carabao Cup final in the context of the club’s current trajectory. He believes that winning this final could be even more significant for Chelsea, symbolizing progress and indicating the direction in which the club aims to move forward.
Here is what Chilwell had to say via Independent:
“The prestige of the Champions League is obviously higher but I’d say this final is arguably more important in terms of where the club is, with the group we have now. It would be massive for the club and arguably would be bigger than the Champions League, not in prestige, but in the direction we want to go.”
Despite Chelsea’s recent resurgence in form, the league table reflects the gap they still need to bridge to fully justify the significant investment made in transfers under the ownership of Todd Boehly and his associates. Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sit in tenth place, 25 points behind Liverpool in the league standings, highlighting the considerable distance they have yet to cover.
Chilwell acknowledges the previous defeats suffered by Chelsea against Liverpool in Wembley finals, including both Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals, as well as a recent heavy loss at Anfield. He describes Chelsea’s mindset as seeking “revenge” for those past setbacks, indicating their determination to overcome Liverpool in the upcoming final.
In the face of adversity, if Chelsea manages to emerge victorious in the Carabao Cup final, it would serve as a significant motivational boost for the players for the rest of the season and the months to come. Securing a trophy under challenging circumstances would not only validate the team’s efforts but also instil belief in their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Furthermore, winning the Carabao Cup could provide momentum and positivity that could carry Chelsea through the remainder of the season, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts. The confidence gained from lifting a trophy could galvanize the squad, fostering a winning mentality and driving them to push for a higher finish in the league.
Beyond the immediate pursuit of silverware, victory in this final represents an opportunity for the club to reaffirm its ambitions, inspire its players, and set the stage for continued success in the future.
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