Jason Tindall admits Liverpool are a "top team" but is confident that Newcastle United can go one better than their last Carabao Cup final appearance and lift the trophy today.
Tindall is well known among football fans for his colourful behaviour on the touchline, but as Eddie Howe's assistant boss, he's a respected member of the Magpies' backroom staff and has been tasked with helping come up with a gameplan that will help Newcastle overcome Liverpool and lift their first piece of domestic silverware for 70 years.
And having clashed with Liverpool's backroom team in previous matches, Tindall is no stranger to those within the Reds camp but he was nothing but respectful about the opposition in an interview with Chronicle Live.
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Indeed, Tindall admits Newcastle must be at their best, reach the standards they did in the semi-final victory over Arsenal and learn from their previous cup final experience - a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in 2023.
He said: "They are a top, top team with exceptional players and we have to go to Wembley and we have to learn from our experiences last time.
"It is another game for us, we have to go out there and deliver the level of performance we did in the two semi-finals. And hopefully, we can go there this time and go one better.
"Arsenal are a top, top team as well, and they are there or there about, fighting for all competitions, it was important that we stuck to a plan.
"We had that plan in terms of how we wanted to player and it was about the players going out there and executing what was asked of them. The players have to take full credit for the way they went out and performed, we went after them from minute one and made it uncomfortable for them.
"We defended our box really well, and we knew were a threat with Alex Isak and Jacob Murphy with their transitional pace, when those moments come it is about taking your chances."
He added: "Two years ago when we got to the final there was a lot of talk, it was the first time we'd got there in a number of years. It was a new experience for many of the players, staff and fans.
"Maybe the occasion got to us. The lack of experience and that's what I say we have to learn from those experiences and approach it like we do any other Premier League and try to get the job done."
Arne Slot's Liverpool have lost just five times in all competitions this season, yet Newcastle gave the Reds a scare when the two sides met in the North East earlier this season in a 3-3 draw. Liverpool won the reverse match 2-0 at Anfield.
And Tindall admits Newcastle's gameplan will be key to their success at Wembley.
"You have to do your analysis and how the opposition line up, then come up with a plan that executes what we try to deliver," he said.
"We have done well so far this season with our set-plays. A lot of people have to take credit for that and so have the players. You give them the detail but they are the ones that go out and execute it. We know that Arsenal are one of the best for set-plays, one of the best around but over two legs we have dealt with their threats, full credit to the players."
He added: "We have to enjoy it. It is a special occasion, a cup final that doesn't happen very often. We have to enjoy it and then our focus starts on the next day. In both cup competitions we want to go far."
