Robbie Savage and Jermaine Jenas’ League Cup final memories

William Hill ambassadors Robbie Savage and Jermaine Jenas both won the League Cup as players. Ahead of Chelsea v Liverpool, they take a walk down memory lane to relive those days.

How did you feel on the morning of the final?

Robbie: I knew I was in the team because the manager picked the team the night before, so the butterflies started on the morning of the cup final. The bus ride was incredible. We stayed at a hotel near London and then we had the bus ride to Wembley and all the fans gathered on the sides.

Jermaine: I didn’t sleep a wink, and was essentially up ill all night. In the morning, I wasn’t feeling great, but I was just happy I could get on with the day. At that point I went from feeling anxious to feeling excited.

Pre-match meal – what did you have?

Robbie: Mine was chicken and beans. I used to have a fry-up quite a lot, believe it or not. Because I was so lightweight as a player, and because I had so much energy, I’d burn off the calories so quickly and I couldn’t put on weight, so I could eat what I wanted!

Jermaine: As it was a later kick-off, I could eat well which I was so thankful for. I managed to get loads of protein and carbs in – chicken, rice, pasta, beans. And this helped me massively. I needed all the energy I could get!

What was the feeling as you walked out onto the Wembley pitch pre-match?

Robbie: At the old Wembley you’d walk out behind one of the goals, and the Leicester fans were on that side, it was quite incredible.

Jermaine: I remember walking out and soaking up the atmosphere. I had all my mates sending me messages about what was going on outside the stadium, and saying we better win! Once I was out, I remember feeling quite relaxed and ready to go.

What do you remember about the game?

Robbie: I think I played right-wing back that day, I was playing in midfield, but I think we had an injury at wing-back, so I moved over and did a job for the team. We scored the opener and I think David Kelly scored the equaliser. But then Matty Elliott, from a corner [won it]. He was fantastic.

Jermaine: Juande Ramos is the reason we won. We had a great talk at half-time about belief. Straight away, there was an impact. We got the penalty, and then it was 1-1, and that word belief was ringing in everyone’s ears. Then, in extra time, I’ve whipped in a perfect ball, it caused chaos and went in the back of the net. Then we hung on for dear life.

Tell us about the moment the final whistle went

Robbie: After losing the previous year as we did to a last-minute goal, the moment of the final whistle was relief. It was amazing.

Jermaine: I remember sliding on my knees, and just crying tears of joy. To beat Chelsea at Wembley was just incredible. We were all in tears.

How did it feel to get your hands on that trophy?

Robbie: To get my hands on the cup was amazing. It was a proud moment. How many players in their career get to win a major trophy at Wembley? I’ve done that. It was an amazing day. The medal is in my son’s bedroom, next to my FA Youth Cup medal.

Jermaine: For it to be at Wembley, and walk those steps, it was really special. Got my hands on it and gave it a good lift, it was one of those moments I’ll never forget. It was our finest moment in a Tottenham kit.

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