Andy Robertson reveals the one message from Arne Slot during his first Liverpool team meeting that has inspired Reds to all-conquering campaign – as Dutchman targets Carabao Cup final glory

Addressing his Liverpool squad in Pittsburgh for the first time after replacing Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot made it immediately clear he expected trophies, not transition, this season.

It was bold not to offer excuses taking over from a legend. Eight months later, tangible reward in terms of hard silverware could arrive today in the form of the Carabao Cup at Wembley.

Andy Robertson, part of the great Klopp side that won the Premier League and Champions League, remembers heading to America to start work with his new manager on Liverpool’s pre-season tour.

‘In his first meeting with the players, he basically said ‘We finished third last season and now we want to finish above the other two’, explains the Scotland captain.

‘It was clear in his mind he was coming to win trophies, not to be happy with the top four. He understood at Liverpool you can’t afford a settling-in period, even following Jurgen.

‘It’s a massive club that expects to win. That was the manager’s remit. He tried to get as many ideas across as possible and we jumped on board. He’s put us in a hell of a good place.’

Liverpool have been almost invincible this season with only one league defeat but there is longer-term uncertainty with van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of contract. 31-year-old Robertson’s place is also under scrutiny with reported interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

The left-back won’t use the phrase ‘Last Dance’ but gives the sense that every final for this generation has to be appreciated.

‘We don’t know when or where but it will come to an end shortly,’ he acknowledges ‘There are a few of us in our Thirties.

‘Football changes all the time. People want new players, players out. It’s just the world we live in. That’s fans for you. That’s everyone else for you. There’s always somebody elsewhere they like the look of.

‘What we’ve done so well this season is focus on every game. You’ve seen our attitude and concentration. It’s been spot on.

‘I’m in a different phase of my career. I’ve had some not-best performances this season, but also some really good ones. Maybe they’re not highlighted like they were as the new kid on the block.’

Liverpool’s biggest target is the Premier League which they lead by 15 points. But the first available prize is to be settled this afternoon against Newcastle.

A year ago, Klopp’s kids famously won the final against Chelsea. Robertson, who started, hopes that memory outweighs the negative of Champions League exit against PSG last week.

‘That final was unbelievable with the injuries we had and young lads coming off the bench,’ he recalls.

‘To win it in the last minute (with van Dijk’s goal) was amazing. A lot gets said about the League Cup but you realise how enjoyable it is to win. You just want that medal around your neck.’

Robertson talks about Slot as a tactical thinker whereas Klopp built a culture of mentality monsters.

‘He (Slot) changes a lot of things on a game-to-game basis depending on the opposition and what our team is,’ says the defender.

‘Against City, we played with two No 10s and two wingers. Our blueprint under the previous regime was constant. If we did it 100 per cent, most teams couldn’t live with us.

‘We’re calmer on the ball now, not as frantic, but the manager still wants us to be full of energy.’

Slot was animated at half-time last weekend when Liverpool trailed to Southampton last weekend before mounting a comeback. Robertson escaped any wrath because he was one of three half-time substitutes warming up whilst the manager delivered his stern message.

‘There was certainly a big difference in the way the other eight players performed,’ smiles Robertson.

Newcastle will be a serious test having drawn 3-3 draw with The Reds at St James’ Park in December.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley injured, there is a vacancy at right-back though Robertson seems to think the chances of him being asked to switch from the left are slim.

‘I played on the right for Scotland once and changed to the left at half-time so that probably tells you how that went!’ he laughs. The likeliest replacement is England call-up Jarell Quansah moving from centre-back.