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According to Ben Chilwell, the upcoming Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool holds great importance, possibly even more so than when Chelsea won the Champions League in Porto on one of their greatest nights. As one of the remaining players from that victorious team three years ago, along with Reece James and Thiago Silva, Chilwell is well aware of the transformation the club has undergone since then. With significant changes both on and off the field, it is almost as if he sees Chelsea of the past and present as two entirely different clubs.
In 2021, the Champions League represented the ultimate achievement for the previous Chelsea team. However, Chilwell suggests that in 2024, winning the Carabao Cup could serve as a starting point for a new era of success. He believes that securing our first trophy as a team would instill us with confidence, determination, and motivation to strive for more. While the Champions League holds greater prestige, Chilwell argues that this upcoming final may hold even more significance for the club and its current group of players. Winning this trophy would be a monumental achievement and could potentially have a greater impact on the direction the club wants to take.
Chilwell is a representation of the past, with his current role showcasing the turnover of many teammates since Chelsea’s last appearance at Wembley two years ago. When he joined from Leicester in 2020, he was one of the youngest players on a team filled with experience. However, due to major changes in the team’s players, his status has now drastically changed. At 27 years old, Chilwell is now the third oldest player on the team, with only Raheem Sterling (29 years old) and Thiago Silva (39 years old) being older. Despite growing up at Chelsea’s training ground, Chilwell doesn’t need to be reminded that he is no longer one of the young players: “I still wish I could be one of the young ones having fun,” Chilwell admits. “But I just don’t have the same energy anymore.”
Chilwell is set to captain Chelsea at Wembley as the Blues look to win their first domestic cup since 2018
Though there is also a serious point to be made. When Chilwell joined Chelsea, he was immediately absorbed in the club’s DNA, immersed in the importance of winning trophies year after year. Now, as the club shifts to a long-term view following record levels of investment in younger players, it is his responsibility to drive that message, a role that takes on even greater significance when Chelsea have struggled for consistency and an identity this season. Lifting the Carabao Cup would give Chelsea a reminder of who they are.
Despite Chelsea’s recent improvement in performance, their position in the league table reveals that they still have a long way to go to justify the massive £1bn spent on transfers by Todd Boehly and his associates. While Mauricio Pochettino’s team trails 25 points behind their upcoming opponents, they are actually closer to the bottom-ranked team Burnley than to Jurgen Klopp’s league-leading squad. Chelsea has faced Liverpool twice in previous Wembley finals as European champions under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership, but unfortunately lost both times on penalty kicks. As they prepare to face Liverpool once again, Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell has stated that they are seeking “revenge” for those past defeats, including their recent 4-1 loss at Anfield.
However, Chelsea’s worst moment of the season occurred just four days later when they were defeated 4-2 by Wolves at Stamford Bridge. Chilwell, who was wearing the captain’s armband, faced criticism and was even booed by fans. In the aftermath, he commented that the opposing team seemed to have a stronger desire to win. This was a harsh but accurate evaluation of Chelsea’s performance. They were easily outplayed and were accused of lacking determination. As Pochettino faced scrutiny, Chilwell acknowledged that the players needed to take responsibility for their actions.
The conversation took place in the locker room. Chilwell explains, “It was crucial for us to have a team discussion.” The focus was on keeping things in perspective and not allowing a few negative outcomes to dictate the rest of the season.
The defender on the left side of the field acknowledges that the players on Chelsea’s team had to reflect on their performance after losing at home to Wolves.
Looking back, it could be seen as a pivotal moment. Chelsea faced a crucial FA Cup replay at Villa Park, but managed to secure a victory. They displayed resilience and unity by coming from behind to win at Selhurst Park, and then impressively holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. Chilwell remarks, “When faced with adversity, you have to stand your ground,” which is exactly what Chelsea did in their fight for their manager and their season. As Liverpool faces injuries and Chelsea continues to improve, the atmosphere has shifted greatly since their defeat at Anfield.
In the past, Chelsea has experienced letdowns, but Chilwell praises Pochettino for maintaining a consistent approach. According to Chilwell, Pochettino is skilled at keeping his team grounded. He ensures that no one becomes overconfident after a few successful matches and also keeps morale high during tough times. Pochettino doesn’t sugarcoat any struggles the team may be facing.
Chilwell is among the remaining three Chelsea players who were part of the team that won the 2021 Champions League.
Chelsea, who is currently in the middle of the Premier League rankings and not participating in European competitions this season, sees the Carabao Cup as a way to quickly win a trophy. In order to make it to the final at Wembley, Chelsea has successfully defeated Wimbledon, Brighton, Blackburn, Newcastle (in a penalty shootout), and Middlesbrough – with all games being played and won at their home stadium, except for the first leg of the semi-final which they lost at the Riverside stadium. This is a far cry from their impressive journey in 2021, where they eliminated Atletico Madrid, Porto, and Real Madrid before beating Manchester City in the Champions League final under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
However, if that marked the peak of the previous era, the Carabao Cup could serve as an initial indication of a new team’s emergence. It should be noted that Chelsea’s first trophy under Roman Abramovich’s ownership and Jose Mourinho’s leadership was the League Cup, with a win over Liverpool in Cardiff in February 2005. Although winning the Champions League in Porto remains the biggest achievement of Chilwell’s career thus far, another cup final triumph against Liverpool could eventually hold similar significance as the beginning of a new era.
Source: independent.co.uk
