The League Cup final was moments away. In the locker room, Martin O'Neill and assistant John Robertson stood before their players, ready to deliver one last message.
This wasn't the time for tactics—those had been drilled in throughout the week. Everyone knew their roles. Now, it was about belief.
The room was silent, filled with the sounds of boots being laced and shirts being pulled over shoulders. The air was thick with focus, tension, and pride. Every player's eyes were fixed on O'Neill, awaiting his words.
He stepped forward, eyes locked on his squad.
O'Neill turned to goalkeeper Kasey Keller first. His voice was low but firm.
"Do you want the championship?"
"Yes!" all answered without hesitation.
Then he moved to Rio Ferdinand. "Do you want the championship?"
"Boss," Rio said with fire in his voice, "it's all I dream about!"
Richard, standing beside O'Neill, approached Zanetti next. "You—do you want the championship?"
Zanetti's response was sharp. "Of course I do!"
