Alexandr Isak is hopeful Newcastle United’s triumph in the EFL Cup will set the tone for further success in future, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old Swede of Eritrean heritage was on target as the Magpies defeated the Reds 2-1 at Wembley in Sunday’s final to win their first major trophy in 56 years and their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
That has been a very long wait which Isak says the club will feel when they return to St. James’ Park.
“This is really just the start. We will see more from the fans and what it means for the people when we get back to Newcastle. We are all aware of how long it’s been for the fans without a trophy,” the former Real Sociedad forward said.
“This game is about moments and it’s not about being really good as a striker but it’s about being there to score when needed.
“The first half was a bit frustrating for me but I kept telling myself my moment would come.
“When you’ve been without a trophy for so long it can be in the back of your head but no hopefully, we have won this it is bright days in front of us.”
GIMME GIMME GIMME 🇸🇪🇪🇷 pic.twitter.com/I0GN9uKQTw
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe stated the stakes were higher this time around having lost the 2023 EFL Cup final to Manchester United.
“We knew what was at stake for all of our fans, we wanted to do them proud and win the trophy,” he said.
“…We were well aware of the history and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win.
“We are breaking new ground, I thought we were magnificent.
“We worked consistently for two weeks on set plays just for this game and if you had seen us in practice you would have said we had no chance.
“…I want to enjoy it first. I am always about tomorrow but I’ll put the coaching books away for a few days.”
Newcastle will now focus on finishing in the Premier League top four as they currently occupy sixth place and are just two points away from the coveted spot.
