Newcastle United set to make major change ahead of Carabao Cup final after Eddie Howe demand

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Eddie Howe is keen to learn from his and Newcastle United’s mistakes in the build-up to the 2023 Carabao Cup final.

Two years ago, Newcastle United were riding the high of reaching the Carabao Cup final, with the chance to end their trophy drought within touching distance.

However, a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley left Newcastle fans heartbroken, but Eddie Howe was eager to use the loss as a lesson.

Howe kept his promise to Newcastle fans that he would work hard to get the club back to Wembley. Following a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, another final is now on the horizon.

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Newcastle will return to Wembley on March 16th to face Liverpool. With over a month to go until the final, Howe is eager to keep a lid on things.

Eddie Howe plans changes to Carabao Cup final build-up

Looking back on the 2023 showpiece, Howe said he was “exhausted” before the final and he expects his players felt the same.

It was a huge event for Newcastle, but with all the excitement came the media fanfare with players and staff staging several interviews and videos in the build-up to the match.

This time around, things will be very different.

As reported by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Howe and Jason Tindall are planning a different approach for 2025.

“Howe and Jason Tindall have both said they have “learned” from the experience of two years ago and there are plans to treat the whole occasion very differently,” Waugh wrote.

“Newcastle’s preparations leading into the week, both in terms of how the first-team squad approach it and how the club manage the hype, are set to be tinkered with.

“Expect there to be far less in terms of pre-final output. I do not envisage many one-on-one interviews, if any, with written journalists, and even the “media day” Newcastle put on two years ago, when three players and Howe did a carousel of interviews, is set to be pared back.

“Howe does not want any distractions and he believes positive lessons can be taken from two years ago to ensure Newcastle do actually win the Carabao Cup this time.”

Newcastle United face tricky 30 days

The upcoming cup final will be in the back of everyone’s minds at Newcastle, but it is up to Howe to get players refocused for the month ahead.

Newcastle are still fighting on three fronts this season after booking their spot in the next round of the FA Cup. Newcastle will face Brighton in the fifth round.

In the Premier League, Newcastle are also firmly in the race for Champions League qualification and the next month of fixtures are absolutely pivotal.

Up next for Newcastle is a trip to Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday afternoon. Following that are clashes against top-of-the-league rivals Nottingham Forest and then Liverpool.

READ MORE: The Newcastle United starting XI from Eddie Howe’s last Carabao Cup final including £0 flop

If Newcastle can get through that run of games without denting morale, then it should put players in a good headspace for the final.

A trip to Anfield at the end of February is also a great opportunity for players to test themselves against our opponents in the final.