Liverpool have enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the League Cup over the years.
The Reds have a record ten League Cups to their name and could soon make it eleven, when Liverpool face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Reds legend Steven Gerrard was part of three of those cup wins, scoring in the 2003 final against arch rivals Man United.
The midfielder also played a key role in Liverpool’s 2012 success against Cardiff City, Gerrard, though, was left with ‘mixed emotions’ on that day due to one key reason.
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Steven Gerrard’s cousin missed penalty in League Cup final for Cardiff City
Having gone six years without a trophy prior to their Wembley triumph, Liverpool’s victory over the Bluebirds came at a crucial time for the club.
Despite Cardiff being in the Championship at the time, they made Liverpool work for their winners medal, taking the Reds to penalties after drawing 2-2 after extra-time.
With Liverpool 3-2 up on penalties, Cardiff’s Anthony Gerrard – cousin of Steven – had to score, he however would drag his spot kick wide of the post, handing the Reds the trophy in the process.
Speaking on his cousin’s heartbreaking miss, Gerrard said he had ‘mixed emotions’ despite lifting the cup.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“It was always going to be the case that one of us was going to be sad and one would be celebrating. I have mixed emotions at the moment.
“Obviously I’m delighted to have won a trophy for our supporters but I feel for Anthony and Cardiff. It doesn’t matter what I say to him at this time.
“I have been there when I scored an own-goal against Chelsea. I will be here for him after the game and all the family will be behind him,” via The Guardian.
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Kenny Daglish was ’emotional’ after League Cup win
Liverpool know the importance of the League Cup and Kenny Daglish seemed to recognise that back in 2012.
Having been appointed as interim Reds boss following Roy Hodgson’s departure, Daglish was trying to guide Liverpool through a turbulent period in the club’s history.
With that being said, the Cardiff win would come at the perfect time for the Liverpool legend, which was reflected by Daglish’s reaction at full-time.
“I was emotional. This means a lot to an awful lot of people and that is what this club stands for. All we try to do is make them as happy as we possibly can and hopefully this makes up for the days when it hasn’t been like that.”
With another cup final now on the horizon for the Reds, Arne Slot will be hoping to replicate Daglish’s Wembley feat against Newcastle.