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Our Special Juan
Simon Johnson, Evening Standard25.02.08
Robbie Keane today labelled manager Juande Ramos as the new 'Special One' after the Spaniard led Tottenham to the Carling Cup just four months after taking over at White Hart Lane.
Ramos, who replaced Martin Jol in October, steered Spurs to their first trophy for nine years with the 2-1 extra-time triumph over Chelsea.
He previously guided former club Sevilla to five cups in the previous two seasons and Keane believes Ramos's impact at the club has been immense.
He said: "This just goes to show what he has done in a short amount of time. It's no fluke because he did it at Sevilla as well so he must have something really special. Certain managers have that luck about them. He has certainly done a tremendous job. To have a trophy after a few months is an incredible achievement.
"He has helped us to believe we can win. You could see that not just against Chelsea, but in previous games. You can't hide what he has won at Sevilla. If he can do the same with us it would be incredible. Hopefully we can do that."
Chelsea went ahead in the first-half when Didier Drogba steered a free-kick from 25 yards past a static Paul Robinson. Spurs equalised with 20 minutes remaining when Dimitar Berbatov calmly slotted home a penalty following a handball by Wayne Bridge.
Tottenham could have won the game in normal time when Didier Zokora went clean through on goal but Petr Cech made a magnificent save and the midfielder missed the rebound.
Cech was at fault, though, when man-of-the-match Jonathan Woodgate headed the winner three minutes into extra-time.
Tottenham are now setting their sights on a cup double this season. They play PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup next month.
Keane says that winning one trophy has made the players even more determined to go all the way in Europe.
"In the dressing room afterwards, the players were all saying 'now let's win the UEFA Cup'. It just goes to show how hungry they are," he said.
"The players now know what a great feeling it is to be a winner. We feel we have a great chance in Europe."
