Eddie Howe hails Newcastle United 'legends' after historic Carabao Cup triumph

Eddie Howe hails Newcastle United 'legends' after historic Carabao Cup triumph

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe hailed his players as 'legends' after they secured their place in the club's history by ending a 56-year trophy drought with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

Dan Burn and Alexander Isak put Newcastle in a strong position in the Wembley showdown, before Federico Chiesa's stoppage-time goal gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope. However, the Magpies held on to clinch the win and claim the coveted silverware.

"I feel incredible," Howe shared with the media. "It's been an extraordinary day, and I couldn't be happier with our performance. This wasn't a fluke win; it was thoroughly deserved.

"There are plenty of tough days in football, and this club has seen more than its fair share, so we want to fully embrace this moment and savour it.

"I'm absolutely delighted to finally bring this trophy to the club after such a long wait, and I hope this is just the beginning of more to come.

"We have some legendary players who will be remembered for this achievement, but we hope this is only the first of many.

"Football offers no guarantees, but this victory shows we're capable of succeeding. Opportunities to play in a cup final don't come around often, but we took full advantage today.

"We've shown we can compete with the best, and now we aim to do that more frequently."

Having not won a major trophy since the 1969 Fairs Cup, Newcastle had reached five major finals since, losing every single one and scoring just once. After such a prolonged wait for silverware, Howe stressed the importance of properly celebrating this historic win.

"There has to be a celebration," Howe remarked. "I'll certainly be encouraging it, which is rare for me, but it's essential to celebrate with our fans who have waited so long.

"You think about the players, their families, and for me, my mum, who passed away suddenly in 2012. Parents who take you everywhere as a child. I always wanted to make my family proud. Now, I have three kids, and I want to make them proud too.

"But this victory is for everyone - the club, the city, and all those who have supported us through the years of hardship and disappointment. Today is a moment for everyone to cherish.

"Football has a unique power to create unforgettable memories. This victory has been so long in coming that it will stay with us forever. I'll never forget this."

READ MORE: Newcastle clinch Carabao Cup glory, ending 70-year trophy drought