Chelsea vs Liverpool League Cup final: Malo Gusto on why winning is the only thing that matters

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is not daunted by facing Liverpool again this season and says being young is not an excuse ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool this weekend. The French defender has been one of the best players for Chelsea this season since they paid £31million to Lyon for his services in January 2023.

Gusto was allowed to end last season in France before linking up with other new signings at Stamford Bridge. His form has softened the blow of losing the talented Reece James who is not only one of the best full-backs in the world but also the club captain. 

The 20-year-old Gusto admits the final is an opportunity to lay down a marker before hinting that winning is the only thing that will matter over the weekend.

He said: "Yes, we have to take the opportunity. We don't have a choice. We have to win every game. We are young but it is not an excuse.

"We have a lot of quality and we want to win everything. We are Chelsea. It's a good opportunity for us to improve and keep pushing.

"Of course, I have a big chance, and the team as well, to win a trophy early in the season. I think it can be nice for our mentality to help us become better until the end of the season."

A domestic cup could be Chelsea's only route into European football next season with the team 10th in the Premier League table.

"Yeah, it's a new project. I think maybe we have to take more time than the other teams.

Chelsea have lost their last five finals at Wembley including the last two against Liverpool in 2022. In fact, they have won only one of their last seven finals at Wembley, which was the FA Cup win against Spurs in 2015 under Antonio Conte. 

Manager Pochettino is looking for his trophy on English soil and with Liverpool missing key players this could be the best time to get it.