Alan Shearer says if he would rather Newcastle win the Carabao Cup or qualify for the Champions League

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Alan Shearer played in the Champions League for Newcastle United, but he never won a trophy.

Newcastle United’s trophy drought is ongoing, with the Magpies yet to lift silverware since they won the Fairs Cup in 1969. The last time they won a domestic trophy was the 1955 FA Cup.

It is a drought that haunts the Magpies, as Eddie Howe aims to bring an end to this nightmare.

The current Newcastle United manager has already lost one cup final, and he is hoping to reach a second in 2025. Newcastle face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, with the winner set to face Liverpool or Tottenham at Wembley in March.

The Magpies have a great opportunity, with Arsenal set to be without Bukayo Saka. He is their star player, while Newcastle have the advantage of the second leg being at home.

However, being in the Champions League is much better financially than winning the League Cup. And in the era of PSR, Newcastle United know that increasing their revenue is the only route towards sustained success.

Given their recent results, Newcastle are firmly back in the hunt to qualify for next season’s Champions League – especially if the Premier League get five places in the competition as opposed to four.

Alan Shearer delivers Newcastle trophy verdict

But what is more important – winning a trophy or qualifying for the Champions League?

In the eyes of Alan Shearer, it is very simple.

He has given his view on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, after Gary Lineker said he would happily see Tottenham finish 10th but win a trophy this season.

“If you’re asking me from a Newcastle point of view, I would rather finish fourth bottom and win the Carabao Cup,” he said.

“Any day. Give me any trophy!”

Silverware is essential for Newcastle United

PIF want to take Newcastle United to the top. That means winning trophies on a consistent basis.

While being in the Champions League will bring more money into the club and lead to more investment, that means nothing without a winning mentality. That is something that Newcastle United do not have, while it is also something Manchester City did not have either.

That changed when they won the 2012 FA Cup. Since then they have won the lot. It was a defining moment for Manchester City, while Newcastle are still waiting for their defining moment.

They will hope it comes in 2025, with the Carabao Cup presenting Newcastle with a genuine opportunity to end their trophy drought.

That is essential for Shearer, who would happily just avoid relegation from the Premier League if it meant winning a trophy. And I am sure that is a view shared by pretty much every single Newcastle United fan.