LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Dan Burn of Newcastle United scores their side's first goal during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has shared his reflections on the club’s historic victory in the League Cup final against Liverpool in March 2025. This win marked a significant moment for the team, as it not only ended a long trophy drought but also shifted the mindset surrounding the club’s ambitions.
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, Burn described the experience of scoring in the final, admitting he still revisits footage of his goal. “It’s still a bit of a blur,” he said. “It’s not until I see clips of the goal that it brings back memories – it was quite hard to keep your emotions intact.” He noted that the intensity of the moment was unlike anything he had experienced before. “I do watch the goal every so often, just to get that feeling again,” he added.
Newcastle’s journey to the League Cup final was particularly poignant, as it represented a chance to overcome the club’s historical struggles in major finals. Since the takeover in October 2021, the team aimed to change its fortunes, having not won a major trophy since the Fairs Cup in 1969. The victory over Liverpool, who had won ten League Cups and 62 major trophies in total, was a monumental achievement, both physically and psychologically.
Burn opened the scoring with a header from a Kieran Trippier corner just before half-time. Reflecting on the atmosphere, he noted the difference in fan engagement: “You looked over at the Liverpool end during the warm-up, and it was pretty much empty. The Newcastle end was full about an hour and a half before kick-off – I was like, ‘F**king hell, this is crazy.’” This emotional buildup helped set the stage for a memorable match.
The triumph at Wembley was not just about the trophy; it represented a breakthrough for Newcastle United and its supporters. Burn emphasized the unique significance of the victory, stating, “There’s no way that final meant as much to their players and their fans as it did to us. Winning the League Cup that day was like winning the World Cup.” This sentiment reflects the deep-rooted connection between the club and its fans, many of whom had witnessed years of disappointment.
Burn described a noticeable shift in the club’s culture since the victory. “You felt like there had always been a ceiling that no one could quite break through. Now we’ve broken through it, we don’t talk about how long it is since we’ve won a cup,” he said. The victory has fostered a new sense of expectation among players and fans alike. “Now in the League Cup, we just expect to get through to another final,” he added, highlighting the change in mindset.
As Newcastle United progresses through the current season, the team has reached the League Cup semi-finals and the FA Cup sixth round, although they faced defeats against Manchester City in both competitions. Furthermore, they have advanced to the knockout rounds of the Champions League, with a chance to progress to the Last 16 in an upcoming match against Barcelona.
Burn’s reflections provide insight into how a cup victory can transform a club’s identity and aspirations. The shift from being seen as underdogs to becoming contenders is a significant development for Newcastle United, and for Burn, this journey is just beginning. The club’s supporters are hopeful that this victory is the first of many in a new era of success.
