Going to his Liverpool team in Pittsburgh for the first time after replacing Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot immediately made clear trophies, not the transition, this season.
It was bold not to offer excuses to take care of a legend. Eight months later, the tangible reward in terms of hard cutlery could arrive today in the form of the Carabao Cup in Wembley.
Andy Robertson, part of the great Klopp team that won the Premier League and the Champions League, remember that he went to the United States to start working with his new manager on the Liverpool preseason tour.
'In his first encounter with the players, he basically said' We finished third last season and now we want to end over the other two, 'explains the captain of Scotland.
'It was clear in his mind that he would win trophies, not to be happy with the first four. He understood in Liverpool that a period of settlement cannot be allowed, even following Jurgen.
'It is a massive club that hopes to win. That was the manager's mandate. He tried to convey as many ideas as possible and climbed on board. He has put us in a good place.
Going to his Liverpool team in Pittsburgh for the first time after replacing Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot immediately made clear trophies, not transition, this season
Andy Robertson, part of the great Klopp team that won the Premier League and the Champions League, remember that he goes to the United States to start working with his new manager.
He remembered how the slot made clear the squad that wanted trophies to win
Liverpool has been almost invincible this season with a single defeat in the League, but there is long-term uncertainty with Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of contract. The 31 -year -old Robertson's place is also under scrutiny with interest reported in Milos Kerkez by Bournemouth.
The left side will not use the phrase 'last dance', but gives the feeling that each final for this generation must be appreciated.
“We do not know when or where, but it will come to an end soon,” he acknowledges “we are some of us in our thirty years.
'Soccer changes all the time. People want new players, players outside. It is only the world we live in. That is a fan for you. That is everyone else for you. There is always someone elsewhere who like the appearance.
'What we have done so well this season is to focus on each game. You have seen our attitude and concentration. It has been perfect.
'I am in a different phase of my career. I have had some actions not better this season, but also some really good. They may not stand out as if they were the new child in the block.
The largest objective of Liverpool is the Premier League, which lead for 15 points. But the first available prize will be resolved this afternoon against Newcastle.
A year ago, Klopp children won the final against Chelsea. Robertson, who began, hopes that memory exceeds the negative of the champions League against the PSG last week.
Liverpool has been almost invincible this season with a single defeat of the League, but there is longer-term uncertainty with Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of contract.
Robertson's place is also under scrutiny with interest in Milos Kerkez de Bournemouth
With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley wounded, there is a vacancy on the right side, although Robertson seems to think that the possibilities that they are asked to change are thin
Robertson talks about the slot as tactical thinker, while Klopp built a culture of mentality monsters
“That final was incredible with the wounds we had and the boys who came out of the bank,” he recalls.
'Winning it at the last minute (with Van Dijk's goal) was incredible. A lot is said about the League Cup, but you realize how pleasant it is to win. You just want that medal around your neck.
Robertson talks about tragamoneas as a tactical thinker, while Klopp built a culture of mentality monsters.
“He (slots) changes many things in a game depending on the opposition and what is our team,” says the defender.
'Against City, we played with two no 10 and two ends. Our plan under the previous regime was constant. If we did 100 percent, most teams could not live with us.
“We are calmer in the ball now, not so frantic, but the manager still wants us to be full of energy.”
Slot was encouraged in part last weekend when Liverpool followed Southampton last weekend before setting up a return. Robertson escaped from any anger because he was one of the three half -time substitutes that were heated while the manager delivered his severe message.
“There was certainly a big difference in the way the other eight players made,” Robertson smiles.
Newcastle will be a serious test that has drawn 3-3 raffle with the reds in St James' Park in December.
Newcastle fans took care of Covent Garden before their final crash of the EFL Cup against Liverpool
The game will start on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (GMT) with 32,000 Newcastle fans doing the trip
It is Eddie Howe's second opportunity in three years to bring glory from the EFL Cup back to Tyneside after Newcastle suffered a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United in the 2023 final
With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley injured, there is a vacancy on the right side, although Robertson seems to think that the chances of being asked to change from the left are scarce.
“I played right for Scotland once and changed to the left in the part-time, so that probably tells you how that was. He laughs. The most likely replacement is that the call of England Jarell Quanseah moves from the center-back.