Liverpool FC : Why Kenny Dalglish Takes the League Cup Seriously

Liverpool Football Club hold the record for winning the League Cup more than any other club in English football.

They also hold the record for the most appearances in its final (10) with seven titles (1980-84, 1994-95, 2000-01 and 2005-06).

The first four cups were won with Kenny Dalglish in Liverpool's victorious teams.

As a club, Liverpool, take this competition, in its various guises over the years, very seriously. This is evident from their illustrious record.

Currently Liverpool, managed by Dalglish, will face Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge, on Tuesday evening in the quarter finals of this season competition. For Dalglish, this cup-tie is as important as any other.

In seasons past, many teams have not taken the League Cup as seriously as they should have. It is still, after all, a piece of silverware that is up for grabs in English football.

Teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United have used these ties to experiment with different formations, try players and have not always put out their strongest teams. For Dalglish this is far from the truth.

Success and silverware this season would be a little unexpected, but extremely welcome, nevertheless and the Reds find themselves two matches away from an English football cup final.

Currently Liverpool are a distant 12 points off the pace in the Premier League, with the very team setting that pace, Manchester City visiting Anfield on Sunday and coming away with a lucky point.

Nevertheless, silverware from a title challenge looks unlikely.

This season's FA Cup has yet to begin for the Premiership teams so success and silverware there is still impossible to assess.

On current form, should Liverpool overcome Chelsea, then they could be joined in the semi-finals by Blackburn, Manchester United and either Manchester City or Arsenal. A kind draw against Blackburn and a trip to the final is not an improbability.

Finally, with Liverpool's record against the top teams, Liverpool winning the cup is not an impossibility.

Dalglish takes this competition very seriously as it represents Liverpool's best opportunity to end its trophy drought.