Arne Slot's Carabao Cup final decision shows he is making one exact same mistake as Jurgen Klopp - opinion

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Liverpool’s hopes of winning a double suffered a fatal blow against Newcastle, as they were 2-1 at Wembley.

Arne Slot’s side were favourites to lift the trophy, they, however, were outthought and out-fought by the Magpies on the night.

Several Liverpool players disappointed at Wembley, but there is one Reds star in particular who can keep his head held high – namely Harvey Elliott.

Coming on as a 74th minute substitute, the 21-year-old provided Liverpool with some much needed spark, even setting up Federico Chiesa’s late consolation goal.

Elliott’s bright cameo off the bench suggests Slot may regret not handing him more minutes at Wembley – a decision that other Liverpool managers have also regretted in the past.

• READ MORE:Liverpool boss Arne Slot explains why Alexis Mac Allister was marking Dan Burn from corners during Carabao Cup final

Arne Slot must listen to Jurgen Klopp’s Harvey Elliot ‘regret’

After a stop-start beginning to the campaign, Elliot’s winner away at PSG has helped kickstart the youngster’s season.

After his Paris heroics, Elliott impressed against Southampton, leaving many to question why Slot wasn’t using him as regularly.

A lack of opportunities is something the youngster has had to deal with during his time at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp also seeming to never fully trust him.

Klopp, however, seemed to recognise his mistake when it comes to Elliot, admitting that he regretted not handing the midfielder more opportunities during his spell as Reds boss.

“If I regret something a little bit,” said Klopp in May 2024 (BBC Sport). “It is that Harvey did not play more, maybe.”

Elliott deserves an opportunity under Slot

With Slot seemingly now making the same mistake as Klopp did, the Dutchman must recognise the error of his ways and hand Elliott the opportunity he deserves.

Liverpool’s 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League suggests Slot does have room to make changes, something which could hand the 21-year-old the perfect chance against the likes of Fulham and West Ham.

Having yet again impressed off the bench in the final, Elliott’s substitute cameos suggest he is more than ready to be handed his chance – whether Slot gives him that opportunity is another question entirely though.