Newcastle’s Carabao Cup celebrations blasted and club told to shelve parade plans

Former Newcastle United star John Barnes has subtly criticized his old club for their enthusiastic celebrations following their Carabao Cup triumph, suggesting that top players and teams should remain focused on the season ahead rather than reveling in mid-season success.

The Magpies ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy last weekend, defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in a thrilling final. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak etched their names into Newcastle folklore with goals either side of halftime, sparking wild celebrations among players, staff, and fans alike.

The emotional scenes at full-time, including tears of joy, highlighted the significance of the achievement for a club that has endured decades of frustration.

However, Barnes, who enjoyed a storied career at Liverpool before a brief stint at Newcastle, has questioned the timing of the celebrations. Speaking to PokerScout, the former England international emphasized that elite players and teams prioritize maintaining focus on their remaining objectives rather than indulging in premature festivities.

“Top players don’t celebrate in March,” Barnes stated. “All the top players immediately focus on what’s coming up next. Top players don’t celebrate mid-season; if you do that, it’s when you’re on the open-top bus in May or June. You have to focus on what’s next.”

Barnes’ comments come as Newcastle fans and the club itself consider how best to commemorate their historic victory. Ideas such as an open-top bus parade have been floated, but Barnes believes the team should channel their energy into securing a strong finish to the Premier League campaign.

“All they have to focus on is the league,” he added. “They’re not in the FA Cup, they’re out of the Champions League. They wouldn’t have prioritized the domestic cups over the league. Now it’s doubly important for them to focus on the league. It’s doubly important because now this is all they have to play for.”

Newcastle’s Carabao Cup success has already secured them a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League, marking a significant step forward in their ambitious project under Eddie Howe.

However, the Magpies have their sights set on an even greater prize: a return to the Champions League. Currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, just two points outside the top four, Newcastle are well-positioned to challenge for a coveted spot in Europe’s elite competition.

Achieving this would not only bolster the club’s reputation but also help retain key players like Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimarães, all of whom have been linked with moves away this summer.

The momentum from their Wembley triumph could prove crucial in the final months of the season. Newcastle’s squad, buoyed by their recent success, will need to maintain their focus and determination to navigate a challenging run of fixtures.

With the Premier League now their sole priority, the Magpies have a golden opportunity to build on their Carabao Cup victory and secure a place among Europe’s elite.

While Barnes’ remarks may dampen the mood for some, they underscore the importance of balancing celebration with ambition. For Newcastle, the Carabao Cup win is a milestone, but it is not the final destination.

The club’s resurgence under Howe has reignited hopes of sustained success, and the next few months will be pivotal in determining whether they can translate their cup triumph into a lasting legacy. As the Toon Army dreams of more silverware and European nights at St. James’ Park, the message is clear: the work is far from over.