Kenny Dalglish believes winning the League Cup may be a staging post to bigger things as Liverpool return to Wembley for the first time in 16 years to face Cardiff today (kick-off: 5 p.m.).
After little more than a year since his emotional Anfield homecoming, Dalglish has overseen a steady improvement in the club’s fortunes with a first piece of silverware beckoning this weekend.
It is six years since Liverpool last won a major trophy – the 2006 FA Cup against West Ham at Cardiff – and the Merseysiders have not pla-yed a final at Wembley since 1996.
Dalglish believes today’s clash with Championship side Cardiff is reward for the unwavering support of the club’s fans during a period which has seen Manchester United overhaul them as the most successful team in English football.
“It means a lot to myself but more importantly it means a lot to a lot of people who have had to endure a few years when we’ve not been there (to Wembley),” Dalglish said.
“For everyone who is connected with the club it is just reward for the loyalty they have shown.”
Dalglish is satisfied with the steady progress Liverpool have made since he assumed control last year following the arrival of new owners the Fenway Sports Group after a protracted takeover battle.
“We have moved on from where we were last year, progressing in the FA Cup and the final of this cup and are seven points behind fourth place – this time last year we were nowhere near that,” he said.
“There is progress being made. For the players it is an indication of how well they have done so everyone is looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile today’s final gives Cardiff, desperate to win promotion to the Premier League this season, the opportunity of seeing how they measure up against top-flight teams.
Manager Malky Mackay believes the Wembley appearance reflects the transformation he has set about since taking over from Dave Jones.
“It’s been hard work for a lot of people, getting key people into good positions,” Mackay said.
“Everyone’s parked their ego at the door and when you get that from a group of players, with a character and a determination, things go in the right direction.
“We’re going to the final and make sure we do the best for Cardiff City.”