Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has rejected the suggestion that his side were not as “hungry” as opponents Newcastle United during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat. Newcastle won 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to secure their first domestic major trophy since the FA Cup in 1955.

Exit from the Champions League and defeat in the Carabao Cup over the space of five days has left the Dutchman chasing just one trophy in his maiden Anfield campaign. But Fowler said winning a record-equalling 20th title could not be underestimated.

Liverpool delivered one of their worst performances of the season in the Carabao Cup final, with Federico Chiesa’s stoppage-time goal not enough to prevent Newcastle from getting their hands on the trophy thanks to efforts either side of half-time by Dan Burn and Alexander Isak.