Alexis Mac Allister brings World Cup final experience to Liverpool vs Chelsea Carabao final.
Alexis Mac Allister mentions that he will draw upon his experience from the World Cup final when Liverpool faces Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. The midfielder also reveals that he didn't try to persuade his Brighton teammate Moises Caicedo to join him at Anfield when Caicedo was considering offers from both Chelsea and Liverpool in August. The 25-year-old believes he can utilize his experience from the biggest game in football as he participates in his first final for Liverpool this weekend.
"It will be my first final with Liverpool and my first opportunity to win something, so it's going to be very special for me and the team," Mac Allister stated. " But now we have time to think about it, to prepare well because we'll be facing a very strong team, and we'll aim to win it.
"Having experience certainly gives you confidence, but it's not the most crucial thing. You can see players performing well in their first final, as it was for me in the World Cup. Winning a trophy for this club would be special for everyone, but we need to give our best, play our game, and strive for victory.
"I look at my World Cup winner's medal every single day. It holds immense significance for me and the country. We've talked about it before; it's the pinnacle for a football player. I'm really proud of it, and hopefully, next week, I can add a Carabao Cup medal to the collection.
"My plan is to one day create a small museum at home—a dedicated room where everything is displayed. I have a replica of the World Cup, the medal, and some other trophies—all safely stored for now. My goal is to have a place where I can always admire them."
After acquiring Mac Allister at the start of last summer's transfer window, Liverpool's attempt to secure Caicedo with a club and British-record bid of £111m was foiled when Brighton accepted the offer before the Ecuador international opted to join Chelsea instead in August.
Liverpool standout Mac Allister mentioned that he refrained from interfering when his former teammate was deliberating on his options and humorously expressed feeling "hurt" by his friend's decision.
Mac Allister remarked, "It's a personal choice, and I wouldn't want to get involved in the middle of it; that's what he decided, and that's perfectly fine. He's a fantastic player, a really good person, so I wish him nothing but the best in life every day - but not on Sunday.
"Have I had a chat with him? Not really. We exchanged a few words, but no communication via WhatsApp or social media. Maybe he stung me a bit with what went down in the summer (laughs), but it's all good. It's his personal decision. He's a fantastic player and a great guy, and I wish him all the best.
"My dad always tunes in to watch the games, and he always has something to say. It's not always positive! But it really helps me and my brothers because I appreciate his honesty. It definitely motivates me. My mom will be at the game this time. It's for my mom, Silvina. She'll be there, and hopefully, it'll be a special day for her too.
"I spoke with my dad yesterday (Tuesday). He encouraged me to give it my all today. He knew it was a crucial game for me and the club for the remainder of the season. His advice was to give my all and leave it all on the field."
