The Newcastle Bruno Guimaraes captain admitted that it was his “dream” to raise Newcastle’s first big trophy in 75 years after helping them reach the Carabao Cup final.
The Magpies beat Arsenal 2-0 in St James’ Park on Wednesday night to win a 4-0 win in the semifinals and close their place on Wembley.
It will be Newcastle’s second final appearance in the competition within three years and after falling against Manchester United in 2023, Guimaraes is desperate to continue better this time.
The Brazilian, named Skipper at the beginning of the season, told Sky Sports: “Incredible performance by all and we must thank the fans. Here we go, another final for the club and optimistic we can win.
“I felt anxious before the game, the big game, Arsenal a top, top team, but when we play we will become an amazing team.
“Play so and we can dream big. It would be amazing to get a trophy, it’s my dream to do that.
“Isak is the best striker these days for me. For me, the manager is amazing. Worth the credit.”
“Ever since I entered the club, my goal has been to put my name in the history of the club” ✨
Bruno Guimarães says it would be a dream to lift a trophy with Newcastle 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vxbwpc9hxq
– Sky Sports Football (@skyfootball) February 5th 2025
Howe: We’re wiser than two years ago
Director Eddie Howe says Newcastle is worth their final position than two years ago and feels he is in a stronger position as a club to get better.
Toon boss said: “It’s huge (to get back to Wembley). The first appearance was a bit unexpected, but the club we want to be we have to be there regularly, so it’s no surprise.
“We’re there for the value. Our run was not easy this year. We faced four Premier League teams, so we’ve done the hard yards.
“Let’s hope we can learn from the last experience and improve our performance.”
Carabao Cup Finalists pic.twitter.com/rcach4wtxh
– Newcastle United (@nufc) February 5th 2025
Howe’s tactics surpass the gunners
While enjoying less than the ball, Newcastle had control over the whole game at St James’ Park, after the director Howe chose to go to five backs, instead of his usual back four.
He worked a pleasure, with Newcastle’s second goal coming from Fabian Schar’s intense pressing pushing Arsenal’s edge, allowing Anthony Gordon to hit the house.
Howe added: “It was a wonderful night for us. It was a difficult game but regularly we were good. The intention was to be aggressive and sometimes when you do this doesn’t always work.
“Today he did. I thought it helped to solidify our plan. We had to retreat from time to time, but we were always in the game.
“The project (in the game plan) started on Monday, which is fast. The Champions League last year helped us work on these two -day twists.
“The players followed the order in the letter, they deserve the credit.
“Sometimes he went right on the court. He’s a good athlete and he is very capable of doing so.”
