EFL Cup final 2025: Howe on why Newcastle have ‘less emotion’… and what boss did to recover from 2023 defeat

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has revealed he was “not in a great place” after his side lost the EFL Cup final 2023 to Manchester United – but says that defeat is “irrelevant” as the Magpies prepare to face Liverpool in this season’s decider at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm GMT).

More than three years after his appointment, Howe has a second chance to win Newcastle’s first major trophy since the 1954/55 FA Cup and go some way towards vanquishing his memories of the first final of his career, when his players mustered two attempts on target and conceded both goals before the 40th minute in a 2-0 defeat.

“We’ve not gone back to that game at all, really,” said Howe. “It’s pretty much irrelevant – the occasion, yes, but the game itself and the feelings and emotions [aren’t].

“There’s been a lot less emotion and a lot less outside noise. Hopefully, that will help us in this game. I’d say that’s the biggest difference.”

Eddie Howe on our Carabao Cup run:

“We’ve had a really tough run in the Carabao Cup, we have gone from round to round. There has been a lot less noise and emotion and hopefully that helps us in our performance in our game. We have been very much focused on our game plan. We are… pic.twitter.com/4Hkg8ZElff

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 14, 2025

EFL Cup final: Howe ‘not too happy’ in 2023

Howe looked after his three sons following the 2023 final, explaining that family time has the power to “take you away” from dwelling on football.

“On the night of the final, I was not in a great place,” the 47-year-old recalled. “I was not too happy. You can just live in the game, rethinking everything you’ve done.

“[Children] take you to a much better, healthier place. Hopefully, I’m not in that mindset again this weekend. You can talk a good game but it’s how you try to push the team to new levels. I feel as motivated as I’ve ever been.”

📽️ Match Highlights

Watch all the key moments from today’s #CarabaoCupFinal! 🏆#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/kyPTGb4dcF

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) February 26, 2023

Newcastle vs Liverpool: Cup final ‘means everything’

Runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool are 23 points above Newcastle in the top flight and won 2-0 when the teams met at Anfield in the league on February 26.

The underdogs may take greater encouragement from the 3-3 draw between the teams at St James’ Park on December 4, when Newcastle went ahead twice and scored a 90th-minute equaliser through Fabian Schar.

Former Bournemouth and Burnley boss Howe suggested he will not revert from his usual tracksuit to a suit for the occasion.

“My attire will be very consistent with what you normally see,” he said. “I’m very respectful of traditions and what it means to be in that position as Newcastle manager, but I just think I’m better off focusing on the game.

“It means everything; I’m so proud to be here and to represent the city. I want to do it in the right way and try to make everybody proud and happy.”