Ahead of Sunday’s final against Liverpool, let’s delve into the Chelsea camp to hear what the players are saying.
As kickoff time approaches, listen to insights from some Chelsea players about their feelings before the Carabao cup finals at Wembley.
RAHEEM STERLING
‘We’re all looking forward to playing at Wembley on Sunday. Playing Liverpool will be a big test but we’re looking at it as a big opportunity for ourselves, the chance to lift a trophy.
‘It’s a cup final, a big game, and we’re all going into the match with the mentality of trying to win the trophy in front of our fans at Wembley.’
COLE PALMER
‘I think it will be a good test for us. We know what happened at Anfield, we just need to try and learn from that and hopefully win a trophy. If we win that, hopefully it will bring more positives. Everyone wants to play in finals, especially at Wembley.’
ENZO FERNANDEZ
‘To win this competition at Wembley would be really important. I want to win it, but it’s not just for me. I want to win it with this group. The group deserves this title because it’s not always been easy over the last 18 months.
‘I’ve never played at Wembley. It has always been a dream to play there and I will feel very proud to play a final at the stadium. I will enjoy the experience and give my all so that we can win on that pitch.’
LEVI COWILL
‘As an English boy, Wembley is a big thing. All the lads will be up for it, no doubt, but if I can help add a little more hunger then I will do that.
‘We’ve got a lot of things to prove still this season, but winning the trophy would be a great way to back up what we’re doing.’
MYKHAILO MUDRYK
‘I’m very excited especially against a big team like Liverpool. It will be an interesting game. I have played at Wembley before. It’s a massive stadium, 80,000 or so and you feel this atmosphere and it’s a proper stadium for a final.’
CONOR GALLAGHER
‘We’re going into the final with some real momentum now and the lads are confident ahead of the game.
‘We had some good performances against top sides recently and we need to build on that. It’s a cup final, the chance to play for a trophy at Wembley, and we’re all really excited for Sunday.’
BEN CHIWELL
‘Given the group we have – a young one, and there have been ups and downs – getting this one as a team and staff, and with the fans, would be massive.
‘When I joined I came in as one of the younger players. But in the last few years, it’s completely flipped. I’ve taken on the role of one of the more experienced players. It’s important for me to emphasise to the new players why silverware is so important.’
AXEL DISASI
‘It’s something special because it is my first final here. Straight after signing, to have the opportunity to win a trophy, it’s something special. I’m very excited to have this opportunity.
‘I have never played at Wembley, but when I was younger I visited it on a tour. It was top. I have great memories. I think it was maybe the first great stadium that I visited. The first memory that I have is all the seats in red with the Wembley writing in black.
‘I was young at the time in college. We went to the seats and went to the dressing room. Now I will play there and the story is crazy, so let’s make it much better with a win.’
NONI MADUEKE
‘I’m really looking forward to this Sunday. Wembley in London – we’re a London team – Liverpool are a good side but we’re starting to play well, and hopefully come the final whistle we will be the ones celebrating.
‘This is my first time playing at Wembley and we’re looking forward to trying to get the win for the club and the fans. It will be a great occasion regardless, but we’re not in the final to try and lose it – we want to win.
‘My first ever football game was Chelsea v Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final in 2012 when Drogba scored that volley. So it will be great to play at Wembley for the first time – it will be a surreal experience.’
Djordje Petrovic
‘I think the City game was very good for us in taking heart and confidence from, especially ahead of the final against Liverpool.
‘The two games before this one, against Palace and Aston Villa, we played very well and got two good results. It gives us something to build on and I think it’s very important for the confidence of the team.
‘That’s very important ahead of the final but also for the rest of the season too.’
