Words: Peter Kenny Jonesthat surrounded that result, but you could see it on the players’
faces.
I remember Didi Hamann, cheese butty in hand, forcing a smile
as he made his way through the players’ lounge. Danny Murphy
and Owen were silent, Hyypia similarly forced a generous smile as
he fulfilled his duty of being the captain on the day.
Unfortunately for all Liverpool supporters, he had assisted the
only goal Liverpool fans would celebrate that night.
It was the happiest moment of my life. But for them, it was
a day they wanted to forget. Only now, looking back at this
experience, can I fully appreciate the responsibility that the players
have on their shoulders.
It’s not just, as some may presume, 90 minutes and then a fancy
car-ride home. They must represent the club together and fulfil
duties, such as entering the players lounge and posing for pictures
with an enchanted eight-year-old mascot. This despite being
embarrassed less than an hour earlier in front of 35,000 people