← The Rest Is Football
The Rest Is Football
A First For Newcastle, “VA F***ing R” & A Bonkers Night In The Champions League
00:54:11
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- [00:02]
Micah Richards
Somewhere out there is a Chevy truck
- [00:04]
Alan Shearer
and the person who drives it, well, that's a Chevy person. You probably know one, your buddy, your sister.
- [00:11]
Micah Richards
Ones who always show up.
- [00:12]
Alan Shearer
They're the first to rise, the last to leave. They always have that little extra something.
- [00:17]
Micah Richards
And maybe you've got it too. Chevrolet. Together, let's drive.
- [00:22]
Alan Shearer
Visit chevy.com trucks to explore the lineup.
- [00:29]
Micah Richards
This podcast is brought to you by Carvana. Car shopping shouldn't feel like preparing for a marathon of paperwork. That's why Carvana makes buying and financing your car easy from start to finish. Search thousands of vehicles with great prices, all online, all on your time. And when you're ready, your new car shows up right at your door. It doesn't get better than that. Buy your car the easy way on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.
- [00:59]
Gary Lineker
Coming up on today's show.
- [01:00]
Micah Richards
He's just got up for a header. Where's he supposed to land?
- [01:03]
Gary Lineker
What is the biggest time wasting issue in our game today? VA fucking R. What was the point?
- [01:12]
Micah Richards
I don't get it. He wasn't allowed to play, so what's the point in travelling? Nonsense.
- [01:17]
Gary Lineker
Won the club's first trophy for what, 70 years? And also this is the first time now, isn't it, that you've qualified for the proper knockout stages of the Champions League in the club's history. So it would be utter madness to. To tamper with that.
- [01:33]
Alan Shearer
He has delivered something what the brilliant Sir Bobby Robson couldn't, what the amazing Kevin Keegan couldn't. Eddie's done something that those two couldn't. He delivered that first domestic trophy since 1950.
- [01:58]
Gary Lineker
Hello and welcome to the Rest Is Football with Micah Richards and me, Gary Lineker. We're doing this on Thursday morning. I was obviously. What's. What's he doing, Micah?
- [02:08]
Micah Richards
God knows what he's doing, mate.
- [02:10]
Gary Lineker
Playing golf.
- [02:11]
Micah Richards
Of course he is.
- [02:13]
Gary Lineker
So it's been a fascinating week of Champions League football. I mean, there's some crazy scorelines. Let me read you the aggregate scores micro across the two days, you've got 7, 42 nil. 529343, 755431. I mean, how did you fit that in in your 17 hours coverage on CBS? Micah?
- [02:40]
Micah Richards
It's mighty because you always have a main game, but then you've just got games everywhere and you're trying to look for bits and pieces what could be interesting. And it's just maybe, you know, when you talk about away goals and stuff.
- [02:55]
Gary Lineker
Yeah.
- [02:55]
Micah Richards
I don't think you've got so many goals if the. If you know, people was protecting certain bits and pieces. Teams are just going for it now.
- [03:03]
Gary Lineker
You'd be amazed how many people. And I was. I've been championing to get rid of that away goals rule for a long time because I think, I always thought it made the first legs incredibly negative because the home side can't afford to concede. And sometimes in the away leg, and so many people, mostly journalists, I hasten to add, going, no, this is, it's what's made the game and all that. And I was thinking, no, you're wrong. They were going, it's going to be more negative now. And I'm thinking, no, it's not. And it's made a big difference because teams at home can afford to go for it.
- [03:36]
Micah Richards
Correct.
- [03:37]
Gary Lineker
In the first leg because it, and also it was fundamentally unfair because if for the away team in the second leg, if it goes to extra time, they'd have to play another half an hour and this, the away goals would still count. So it'd be massively in their favor in that sense. But I think it's been a blessing. I mean, you're still going to get duds and defensive encounters, but overall, I think it's, it's, it's, it's proved to be a really good decision. It's one of the aspects that perhaps they've got right in changing things recently, unlike var. I'm gonna have a little bit rant at some point in a little bit later when we, we talk about the Juventus Galatasarai game. Micah. Oh, let's do it now.
- [04:28]
Micah Richards
I'll go first because you're gonna do. Yeah, he's got up for a header and he's landed on somebody. What is he supposed to do? All these people say, well, I know, you know, dancing around it. He's just got up for a header. Lloyd Kelly, what more do? Where is he supposed to land? Okay, he might have hurt the opposition when he landed, but there was no intention. Purely accidental. What more do you want him to do? But go ahead guess.
- [04:57]
Gary Lineker
I just think it's another example of the referees taking over the game and not only are they officiating, but they're also making the laws of our game. And for me, that to compare it to something else, it's like the police determining the laws. They need to be set by people that understand football. And it's, it's really, really depressing. I said a few weeks ago, it's. I think VAR has turned into the. One of the most damaging things for football in my lifetime. I Think not since probably hooliganism has that have been a big bigger issue in. In football than what Var is doing. You know, they said it wasn't going to be. They weren't going to be too involved at the start. Now they're involved in everything. It's become rid. It's taken away the physicality from. From our sport. They look at silly slow motion replays all the time that make things look immeasurably worse. We've got to do something. Someone in football is. We've got to try and get hold of UEFA and FIFA and who. You know, the people that determine the rules and say, come on, let's get some people that really, really live and love football. Not that live for laws. And everything now is determined by. It's all written down in. And it's that. That decision, for example, yesterday, for. For those that didn't see it, it was the second yellow card given on the field, which in itself was absurd. Now Var can't overturn a yellow card. So then you're thinking, well, why is he going to the screen? Right? So there, I've obviously called him over. And then they exacerbated the situation by giving him a straight red, which was absolutely no need to do anyway. It was almost cruel to do that because have turned it around and kept him on the pitch. The referee made a big mistake by giving a yellow, let alone red, because there was. He just jumped up. As you quite rightly said. Micah headed the ball and as he landed, it was really unfortunate that he caught the Achilles of the player when he landed. There was. There was no. Nothing deliberate about it, no malice. A complete and utter accident. It wasn't even a foul.
- [07:23]
Micah Richards
Correct.
- [07:23]
Gary Lineker
And I like you heard number of people on, like various commentators and. And people saying, yeah, but by the laws now that. No, not by you find me the law where that is covered by anything. It's not reckless, it's not dangerous. It's. It was just one of those things that happens. It's an absurdity. We need to. I don't know, we need to stand up for a game a little bit at the moment, because it's just. I dread to think what's going to happen in the World Cup.
- [07:54]
Micah Richards
Oh, don't. Don't get me started, please. It'll be fine. Let's. Let's be positive about it. But you're totally right, absolutely bang on with everything that you said. And it's just frustrating, isn't it? Because it feels like every season there's something taken away from you. You know, like enjoyment's just stripped somewhere. Even like the North London Derby, we know where they have technical problems and people are waiting around, nobody knows what's going on. And he just like, surely you can just officiate the game without the technology until it's ready. And I'm just thinking, surely there must be something that you could do. And then people will say, oh, it wouldn't be a fair competition. But don't remember, you remember with the lines and the semi automated, there's been times where they've not worked. I've had to make the decision. So then that's not fair as well. So it's just. Just let the game flow.
- [08:55]
Gary Lineker
This episode is brought to you by Fuse Energy. No one likes a panic buy on deadline day. The smart teams do their business early, not relying on dodgy fax machines. Are they still a thing? Rushed medicals or watching a plan B target become a plan C?
- [09:10]
Alan Shearer
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- [09:15]
Gary Lineker
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- [09:39]
Micah Richards
And it doesn't stop there. Switch to Fuse Energy and you could have your question answered on the show.
- [09:44]
Gary Lineker
Sign up to fuse energyusenergy.com football. Use the referral code football. And you could also win a 1990 England shirt sign by the three of us. The rest is football. And you know what? I saw something. They had the gallery recently, they were talking about UEFA. I'm not sure who it was, UEFA or FIFA, you know, ifab. And they're trying to find out ways to stop time wasting. And I'm thinking, look at yourselves. What is the biggest time wasting issue in our game today? V A R it. It's like it delays everything. It del celebrations, it delays goals, it did every corner kick. We have to wait for them to look at it. Every free kick now you have to pace 10 yards and you go and. And then they look at and it's delaying the game and then they say, oh, no, we've done this thing that's really good because goalkeepers can only have it in their hands for six seconds or something. And, and which you're thinking, no, you can speed the game up by allowing quick free kicks, for example, which you're not allowed to do anymore. It's, it's. Honestly, the lack of self awareness from these people is beyond.
- [10:59]
Micah Richards
There was, there was a stat the other day I was speaking to one of the referees and their, their argument was not on this, but you know when you say out of 100 goals, 94 goals are given. So there's only six that are disallowed. So they're saying that you should still celebrate because only 6% is getting taken away.
- [11:23]
Gary Lineker
But I'm just like, well, they do celebrate. You can't be absolutely sure with your celebration. I mean, that is the joy of football as well, by the way. That's what lifts football for me. And I'm biased because it's, it's a sport that I love. It lifts it over other sports because a goal is so important in a game of football that that blast of joy that you get from a goal is what makes football really, really special for supporters and players alike. But now when you just decreasing that and putting in that little bit of we can celebrate or can we? There might be something and it's. It just takes away. And I mean, I, I partly blame myself. I was one of the people that thought this would be a good thing if used well. But I also think that I'm rambling on about this again now, but we've got to bring an appeal system in. At least that way it limits it massively. Massively too.
- [12:23]
Micah Richards
It'll get there though.
- [12:23]
Gary Lineker
They'll get there. They'll get there with it. And actually, I mean, what a game that was as well. And it killed juve you over flying at the time coming back, it was
- [12:33]
Micah Richards
mad, you know, because we had Del Piero sort of pitch side and he was reporting on the atmosphere and he said something in the, in the stadium where he believed, he believed. And then the goal and then it went down to 10 men. And it's like, oh, they scored two
- [12:52]
Gary Lineker
goals after that, didn't they, with 10 men. But in the end it caught up with them as it was most likely to do so.
- [12:59]
Micah Richards
Zagrova's chance though, that, that could have been the difference.
- [13:05]
Gary Lineker
I know. And then, I mean, what a comeback that would have been with 10 men.
- [13:08]
Micah Richards
But when they didn't take that chance, I feared for them. I feared for them. But it was strange because you had Icardi and Osimhen up top and they had extra men, the Galatasaray, but they wasn't running back. So it was like Juvent had the overload, which was strange because they were just trying to counter attack, but there wasn't working back until it was really obvious to go and make a tackle. So, yeah, it was very unlucky for Juve, but big heart, big desire.
- [13:43]
Gary Lineker
Cracking game though.
- [13:44]
Micah Richards
It was a really good game. Yeah.
- [13:46]
Gary Lineker
I mean, not a great week actually for Italy. I mean, Inter getting beat by Bodo Glyn obviously. Atalanta, they staged an amazing comeback against Brush your Dortmund. But for Inter to go out to Bodo Glenn, I mean, Bodo Glenn, I mean, God blimey, they actually play some. I mean, first half of. Of the set it was all Inter and they had a few chances. Keeper made one or two decent saves and I still thought if they could get one then. But Bodo Glenn, I mean, played some good stuff in that second half.
- [14:16]
Micah Richards
Yeah, they do. And it's. It's so good. Like this story talking about Bodo because a lot of people are saying, what are they? What sort of team are you expected to play against? And they went against Dortmund and they drew in Dortmund and everyone's like, okay, a little bit of. A. Bit of a fluke. But then the beat man city at home free one. And everyone's like, oh, it must be the plastic pitch. I'm not saying this in order. This is just. And then they go to Atletico Madrid and the win and you're thinking, ooh, it can't be looked no more because they're going away from home and getting big results. And then Inter obviously made changes in the first one, sort of disrespected him in the first leg. And then they go to Inter and soak up the pressure and win. But it's weird because one, their season's not started yet, which is remarkable. I know they've had friendlies and all that sort of thing. And two, to be able to be adjust from being the team who always have the ball to then playing on the counter attack, but then all going as a group to get to go and really press and have those rotations and have really good combination. It's just amazing to see.
- [15:41]
Gary Lineker
It's remarkable what not just Bodo glimp, but what Norway is doing in world sports at the moment. I don't know whether you've noticed this thing and this. That. I mean, obviously they're right at the top of the leaderboard in the winter Olympics. I mean, I know they always do reasonably well, but they're. They're top. They're. They're producing incredible sports players, obviously. Erling Harland, Erdogard in football amongst a few others. Then you've got People like Victor Hovland in golf. And I was looking into it and I saw think recently where they've got a whole different way of thinking about sport and youngsters there. And you remember this is a population of around 5 million in Norway, which is so small. And they've got this thing where the kids just play sport at school. There's no. It's not massively. It's not competitive at all. There's no winners or losers. They just. You know, parents don't get involved like they do here. Shouting and bollocking them all the time and instilling fear. They just let them play sport and. And they found that kids want to play more sport because of that and become more dedicated to the cause. So I'm sure there are other things involved. But it is quite extraordinary what they're doing in. In Norway. And I don't think it can probably be a coincidence, but what Bodo Glint are doing is. Is quite incredible.
- [17:08]
Alan Shearer
Really.
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Micah Richards
Yeah. But it's just the way they're doing it as well. You know, if you look at tactically and off the ball, they sort of go four, four, two. Really deep. All defend together. Even one of their strikers. It's named Hou, but it's obviously spelled H O G H. So. But he's called Hu. Cause we asked him on the show. And then there's Hager.
- [17:32]
Gary Lineker
Hager.
- [17:33]
Micah Richards
I can't get that little roll of the tongue that he does anyway. And them two, the talisman of the team. And then when they break, they go into a. A 4, 3, 3 with Bloomberg. But the goal with pace gas. Honestly, it's amazing to see and all go together and they play as a team and they've just got a ridiculous amount of team spirit, but with quality in there as well. Someone like Hager and people won't remember this. He was at AC Milan. Didn't. Didn't work out for him. He was at Frankfurt as well. Sort of didn't work out for him. He goes back home and then absolutely flying.
- [18:13]
Gary Lineker
Part of the story of the. The coach as well. I mean, he's Norwegian, obviously. He's got a great name, Knutson. And what he's doing is nuts, son.
- [18:25]
Micah Richards
Let's not. Let's not get.
- [18:30]
Gary Lineker
He's been at Bodo. I've got the details here. Since 2018, after being the assistant for a year, he's only ever managed in Norway. He's turned the club around. He won four National League titles with the club leading them to their first ever title in 2020. He's been awarded the Coach of the Year three years in a row. Led Bodo glint to their debut in the group stage of a major European tournament in 2021 UEFA Europe Europa Conference League. In the semi finals of 2425 Europa League they came first Norwegian team to reach the semi finals of major European competition. Now they're in the champions league knockout stages. Last 16. I mean, someone's gonna be knocking at his door 100%.
- [19:15]
Micah Richards
I'm actually going out there as well. We interviewed him and I said I can go to the training ground. So I want to go pick his braids and stuff.
- [19:23]
Gary Lineker
Give it a few months to warm up a bit.
- [19:26]
Micah Richards
I know. But next round Bodo can have man city after the draw. The draws tomorrow, isn't it? Or today as where as it's coming out to you. So Bodo could get man city or Sporting. And if they get man city, I'm going out for the first leg because it'll be at Bodo in the first. First leg.
- [19:51]
Gary Lineker
Norway's beautifully. Have you ever been?
- [19:53]
Micah Richards
Never.
- [19:54]
Gary Lineker
I can't remember. Honestly. If you go spend two or three days, there's a fabulous restaurants which I'll guide you. And you've got to see the fields, man. I mean it's stunning. It really is.
- [20:04]
Micah Richards
The fjords. What are those fjords?
- [20:06]
Gary Lineker
What fjords? They kind of. That is on the coast. They're like these inland things where the water comes in and it's just. I can't really describe them, but they're kind of like valleys of. And then at the bottom of the wall. Google it. After F I think it's F. J O R D S fields. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Real Madrid. They got through and it was. Well, they went a goal down and you thought, oh, surely not. But then this is not one of the great Real Madrid sides, is it?
- [20:39]
Micah Richards
No, it's not the finder way. But I actually thought Benfica were outstanding. I thought they were brave. I thought they played some really good football. It looked like they was going to score on every time they went forward. Real Madrid would shell shot. However, I don't know what Real Madrid. So you've got. They're playing 4, 4, 2. And obviously Mbappe wasn't available because he's nursing some. Some injury. But Guler's like a number 10 stroke. You can play him off the right hand side, but he's played in the middle with Tchouameni and Camavinga left and then Valverde right. But put Valverde like. I'm not telling Abaloa how to do his Job. But I was thinking, it's too. It's too empty in the middle of the field. Goolers, it works. But he's. He's a luxury. Number 10. Get things going. He's not going to go up and down and back and forth. And Benfica's were allowed to go through the middle of the pitch so easily. I was thinking, no, this, this can't happen and I'm going to get punished. And then chew. Many scored, didn't he? And he was like, okay, here we go.
- [21:48]
Gary Lineker
And obviously, and it was written that the winning goal will be scored by Vinicius. And he does the celebration.
- [21:53]
Micah Richards
Did you see him dancing as well?
- [21:55]
Gary Lineker
Yeah, quite right, quite right. And what did you make? I mean, Benfica sort of doubling down and taking Prestiani with him, even though he was obviously given a sort of suspension for that game. I thought was a bit slightly provocative.
- [22:10]
Micah Richards
Just, I mean, again, it's just cowardly in it. Everything about the events that went on was just cowardly. And it carried on and it was like, I, I understand if he's saying he's innocent, you know, and I know you understand why they just said, okay, let everything calm down and take, take, take the.
- [22:30]
Gary Lineker
We can't call it a hater. Let's call it a rest.
- [22:33]
Micah Richards
Should we call it a rest?
- [22:34]
Gary Lineker
Take the heat out of the situation.
- [22:35]
Micah Richards
Yeah, exactly that. But it's just. Why, why didn't you just leave him at home rapping Cotton? Will, whatever has happened, he still said he's innocent is what it is. But the whole thing, it was just. The whole theater, it was just what was the point? I don't get it. He wasn't allowed to play. So what's the point in traveling? Nonsense.
- [22:58]
Gary Lineker
I mean, there were a few turn ups in, in this round. Importantly, psg. I mean, they didn't have it all their own way either. The defending champions there through, obviously you've got Newcastle through. We've got all six English clubs into the last 16. That's six out of 16, which is. Which is quite something. And looking at next season, we're pretty comfortably clear in that table about which, which team for next season. You know, it's conceivable they could have seven. It's highly unlikely, but it is, it is possible.
- [23:32]
Micah Richards
Okay, go. Give us the motivations if, if one
- [23:35]
Gary Lineker
of our teams wins the Europa League. Now, Aston Villa are one of those. But then they're. They will almost certainly be in the top five. Well, you would think they would be. But if they're not in the top five and they win the Europa League, they go in it. Or it could be Nottingham Forest. If they win the Europa League like Spurs did last season, they go into. And then of course if make say Newcastle win the Champions League, they would stay in it as defending champions even though they're outside the places. So that would make it a possibility of seven teams.
- [24:10]
Micah Richards
So.
- [24:11]
Gary Lineker
Wow. Yeah, I think that's probably too much but to get all six through is, is quite an achievement and shows that the Premier League must be in pretty good shape. Before we go to, we'll talk about one Premier League game because it was, I think it's quite a little bit of a statement when I think for Manchester United on Monday, I think they're looking very good for a Champions League spot and he's really got a good start. That was a, that was a real test. I thought you got to go to Everton Monday night and I think it's probably helping them a little bit that they can prepare properly for games because they're not in any other competitions. But good start for Karin.
- [24:46]
Micah Richards
We said this though, didn't we with, with Amarin just put players in their preferred positions and then try build on that because he obviously wasn't getting with the players that he wanted. So revert back to what the players know. Carrick coming in and when he did his first game, win, lose or draw. Like what, what people don't need to understand. What people need to understand is sometimes you need someone who is just calm, who is respected and know. Knows the club and I've got a good relationship with the players and, and I know a lot of ex Man United players are saying not Carrick and my sort of opinion on that was he might not be long term for five, 10 years or whatever or next Fergie but he can be that person to stabilize things because he's so calm in the moment. Plus he has quality. Plus I always said if you give it to Carrick I believe you get Champions League because the players respect him, he knows what he's doing and the fans will take to him because he was a player of the club. And yes, he might not deserve at the time a free four year deal but he did deserve the chance and he's taking his chance and I'm happy he's taking it because they needed that.
- [26:09]
Gary Lineker
Yeah, he really seems to know what he's doing. I don't, I don't know what qualifications you're supposed to have to. I mean it was obviously an interim role until the end of the season but. And they'll wait and see how he does for the rest of it. But I think it's looking pretty good for him, coaching, management, we all know that. And you know, you don't last that long most of the time. And that's been the case at Manchester United for a few years now. But if they could get someone in there, I mean, I think their recruitment's been better of late, and that's giving them a chance. Even Chesko, when he came on the last few games, he's starting to look like a bit of a player here. He's quick, he gets behind teams. He can. He's big lad. Obviously, he's good in the air. So, you know, it's taken him time to settle. But that's probably the Amaram situation as well, which is all I over the shop. Everyone was struggling for form. He's. He's come into things. Bruno's obviously been brilliant right. Throughout the season. So I would say they've gotten. Bumo's done really well as well. Come in. I think the goalkeeper has excelled and was particularly good at Everton. So I think, all in all, things look a lot brighter for Manchester United and probably show them that actually deep down this season, they. They shouldn't have been anything like where they were under Amorim. I wonder what he thinks sitting down watching this now. I just. I mean, I mean, he all seems to me. I mean, I think he. He. He seemed a decent enough fell. I don't know. But he's. You know, he always had a smile on his face, but he was bloody stubborn, wasn't he?
- [27:46]
Micah Richards
We all knew that he was a good manager and he will continue to be a good manager somewhere else.
- [27:51]
Gary Lineker
He probably learned a lot from that job.
- [27:53]
Micah Richards
Yeah, but when you're that stubborn, Gaz, you can't be stubborn in the Premier League at one of the biggest clubs in the world. It just can't happen because you get scrutinized every single week. If he was getting results while in his formation, then it had been fine. There was times where United with that word in it, everyone says there or thereabouts. And then every time it looked like it was going to get into the top four, they'd lose or the draw. Now it's different. So, yeah, it'd be good when he reflects and thinks, if I would have just been less stubborn with the players that Man United have got now. And coming up to the summer, he just could have built something special.
- [28:40]
Gary Lineker
Okay, Micah, in the second half, I'll be talking to Alan. I did it after the Newcastle game because you had such a late night working for cbs. So after the break it's Allan and Newcastle. This question is brought to you by Fuse Energy, our presenting partners here at the Rest is football. Each month Fuse give their customers the chance to send in a question for us to tackle on the show. Today's question is from Hugo. Not a Katika I presume but anyway. Hugo asks what do Newcastle need to do consistently to qualify for Europe or or even become genuine title challengers. Is it a case of adding more players or does the club need something else to take that step? Well, I think we should probably start with you Alan on this one.
- [29:31]
Alan Shearer
They have to continue what they're doing. They have to be clever and smart in recruitment. Buying players is obviously hugely important when you're buying them for big money. You have to get that right. When you get close to the big boys then obviously you've done well. It's very different from what it was years ago because of the PSL rules.
- [29:49]
Gary Lineker
It's more difficult for Newcastle to do that now, isn't it? Even though they've probably got the wealthiest owners in world football.
- [29:56]
Alan Shearer
Yeah, very different to what it was what 10 years ago or 20 years ago where Man City could spend whatever they wanted. Chelsea could spend whatever they wanted and did. So Newcastle can't do that to get to close that gap. So that means they have to be really smart and really clever when they're working on their recruitment.
- [30:15]
Gary Lineker
They couldn't really do what you did at Manchester City, Micah, could they?
- [30:20]
Micah Richards
No, because financial fair play was just changing around that time. So. Yeah, I understand that. But I think for Newcastle it's more retaining the players. Building that environment where players feel as though they can go to Newcastle and be there for five, six, seven years or whatever it may be. If you look at the players like Aguero and Silva and Yaya Torres and Richards. No, I mean it's just because if you look at the drama with Esac and Newcastle is such a big club but there are always other clubs who have that pulling power. Just building something special there that you feel as though you don't need to go anywhere else.
- [31:05]
Gary Lineker
Yeah, it's. It's an interesting one though isn't it also with. With Newcastle and the PSR rules. Because I think they were brought in for the right reasons you to protect clubs against themselves. But I suppose if you have got owners. Whatever you think about state owned football clubs that's a different issue. But it's so restrictive now of clubs challenging the so called elite makes it harder and I don't know whether they'll look at it at some point and perhaps find another way.
- [31:37]
Alan Shearer
Well, psi it was, wasn't it? It's now scr, I think cost ratio is it for the, for the. For going forward.
- [31:46]
Micah Richards
Yeah.
- [31:47]
Alan Shearer
But yeah, I think what Newcastle have done, without doubt they've closed the gap as have Aston Villa. But it's one thing closing, it's another thing staying there. Done part of that by winning a trophy. They're also being part of it, part of the Champions League on a regular basis, which is another thing. So they have to keep that going and as I said, they have to be clever when they're buying players.
- [32:08]
Micah Richards
It's a good club though, isn't it? Newcastle, I love it when you go up there. The Champions League nights and the crowd are just amazing. So just gotta build that and keep building on that. I would say absolutely.
- [32:22]
Gary Lineker
Sign up to Fuse Energy@fuseenergy.com Football use the referral code Football All Uppercase and you could win an iconic 1990 England shirt signed by all three of us at the Rest is Football. This episode is brought to you by Microsoft 365 copilot guys, where would we be without our teammates? Who's your favorite teammate?
- [32:47]
Alan Shearer
Mine would have to be Teddy Sheringham. Gaz with England, it's just one of those partnerships that worked, that clicked for you.
- [32:53]
Gary Lineker
Micah. Pablo Zabaletta by any chance?
- [32:56]
Micah Richards
I don't know he was gonna say that. I would have to pick Joe Hart just on the pitch if I made a mistake. I just knew he had my back.
- [33:04]
Gary Lineker
I'm sure you kept him very busy. I would probably go. Probably Peter Beardsley, who I had amazing partnership with with England. I think I I was about a goal, a game when he played well. Microsoft 365 Copilot is that level of support off the Pitch. It's your AI assistant for work built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft 365 apps you use, helping you quickly write, analyze, create and summarize. Learn more@Microsoft.com M365Copilot this episode is brought to you by Whoop. If football teaches you anything, it's that careers are shaped between matches by how you recover and sleep and how you manage the days in between games week after week.
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Alan Shearer
It's not about doing more, it's about getting it right. So you're ready to go again tomorrow. On and off the pitch.
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Gary Lineker
That's where whoop comes in. Al it shows you how your body is responding day to day day. Your sleep, your recovery, your workouts and how your small daily habits add up over time.
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Micah Richards
And it's calm. No buzzing or unwanted alerts. You check your data when you want.
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Gary Lineker
Whoop gives you personalized insights to help build routines that last so you get into a better rhythm across the week without second guessing yourself. If you want to better understand how you can feel and live at your best for years to come, I'm definitely up for that. Head to join Whoops Whoop.com trif and get started with Whoop today. You can even sign up for a free 30 day trial so you can try Whoop risk free and start your year with momentum. Welcome back to the Rest is Football. We're recording this part of the episode on Wednesday. Mike is working tonight on all the games and well I just want to talk a little bit about Newcastle Europe. They're the only English team obviously that had to play in the qualifying stages. I don't know what you call this. Playoffs if you like of the Champions League. The game was done really after the first leg and then especially Newcastle got two early goals as well. I mean have Newcastle ever won a game 93 on Aggregate Island.
- [35:24]
Alan Shearer
Not that I can remember. It was. Yeah it was. It was good in a way to do it but it was also because of the. There was no jeopardy.
- [35:31]
Gary Lineker
Yeah. And that's. It's. I was talking with Alex actually on the Football League bigger episode because she was about to do the game. She said she think you had a nice night at the pub.
- [35:41]
Alan Shearer
We went. We went out all. All went out. We took all the. All the crew out and. And everyone out. I booked a restaurant on. On Monday evening. Kai Kai in Newcastle. Lovely lovely Indian restaurant. It's beautiful. And we all went there Monday evening, had a couple of beers, a couple of glasses of wine. We were really well looked after. And then yeah we met up or all met up Tuesday afternoon for the game. So. So. But it was. It was. It was. Yeah it was. It was.
- [36:07]
Gary Lineker
It's difficult without jeopardy. It's one of those. I mean I've worked on them over the years and sometimes it's been like the last group stage match of the Champions League which often were a lot of dead rubbers and Tim's were already qualified and you try for all your worth to kind of build them up a little bit. And I always think with these things it's, you know, why did you win the first 6 1? Wasn't it 61 so. And you know, and you start by saying well obviously Newcastle are going to go through and then you get close to kickoff and you start going well if, you know if, if Carabag get an early couple of goals and you're trying it but it's just, it's and it's must be quite hard as a co commentator because you can't give it full, can you? Because otherwise people go you've got to leave yourself I always think and, and some, you know, I watch presenters, I watch pundits, I watch commentators and some of them, some of them go too big on everything so therefore they leave themselves nowhere to go when it is truly exceptional. So you've be a little bit cautious, haven't you?
- [37:10]
Alan Shearer
Well, it was what what happened was is that normally I do all. I do all the core comms for. For Amazon with the brilliant John Champion who's superb and I I normally. We normally do the team together in camera in vision. I normally do maybe one hit at pitch side with the rest of the pundits. Then I sort of head up maybe 35, 40 minutes before kickoff just to try and get ready and for the, for the, the. The game. But yesterday with it being Newcastle they got me doing a little bit more. So we're on actually on air at 6:30, so 90 minutes before kickoff to
- [37:44]
Gary Lineker
build up for that game to build up.
- [37:47]
Alan Shearer
But actually we went to name the. The bar that's named after me. Shearer's Bar was Me Sir Les Ferdinand and Gabby Logan.
- [37:57]
Gary Lineker
I would have worked out that it was named after.
- [37:58]
Micah Richards
You are.
- [37:59]
Alan Shearer
Yeah. I just didn't want to sound like Wanky.
- [38:03]
Gary Lineker
Yeah.
- [38:03]
Alan Shearer
And just say Shearers Bar. We had a. Did a nice interview in there and then myself and John Champion then interviewed the chief executive, David Hopkinson who was brilliant in the hospitality area. Then I went down pitch side and did. Did sort of 15 or 20 minutes there with Wayne, Les and Theo and Gabby obviously interviewing us and then went up to the commentary position. So it was like you had to try and keeping energy because you've obviously got to try and tell the story but not go over the top as you say. But you are with. Are we. I should say Newcastle are leading six one.
- [38:42]
Gary Lineker
Yeah.
- [38:43]
Alan Shearer
Which I mean it was never going to be overturned and it was just a matter of what team Newcastle were going to put out. And we spoke to Eddie, we interviewed Eddie beforehand and I asked him in terms of what was the balance to terms of. Of was he going to put the young kids out, three or four of them or was it going to be pretty experienced. And he said it was really important that he had to play squad players, players who had. Had been out injured. And in the end, he only. He only started one youngster which was Alex Murphy at. Down at left back. So. And then of course they get. They get the two goals too, after what, six minutes. And then that's that. That really is it. Yeah.
- [39:24]
Gary Lineker
That really was.
- [39:24]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [39:25]
Gary Lineker
With a game like that. Let's take away the fact that it was already done that we talked about previously. I know you. I know you quite well. I've watched you watch Newcastle games for years.
- [39:37]
Alan Shearer
Right. Years.
- [39:38]
Gary Lineker
And you. Let's say you get a bit up and down.
- [39:42]
Alan Shearer
You're.
- [39:43]
Gary Lineker
You know, you're either incredibly ecstatic. Yeah. Or absolutely kind of manically depressed. That's how football can affect us. If you're doing the co. Comms. And I suppose last night was slightly different. You've done Newcastle before, I presume.
- [39:58]
Alan Shearer
Yeah. Yeah.
- [39:59]
Gary Lineker
How difficult is it to restrain yourself, your own emotions and sometimes. Because I know if the t. I've sat next to you. Right. And you. I know you won't mind me saying. And like Newcastle defender makes a mistake and there they go.
- [40:12]
Micah Richards
What the.
- [40:14]
Gary Lineker
Go absolutely mental.
- [40:16]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [40:17]
Gary Lineker
You've got to obviously be careful not to do that when you're live on air. Yeah.
- [40:22]
Alan Shearer
It's. I actually find that. All right. Because certainly in the. And the core comms, I find as if I can restrain myself a little bit. And. And I think if anything, as we've said before, we actually, when you're criticizing, you actually go more over the top than perhaps you would with anyone else. Because it's your own team. It's your own team and you probably know. Well, you do. You know the own team and we know the. The ins and outs perhaps, and who's playing well, who's not playing well, who should be playing, who's not playing. How many mistakes he's made? Has he made another one? So if anything, I think when you criticize, you actually go over the top. And then when you praise, you're perhaps keeping. Or I do you perhaps. Or I try and keep it back. To not go over the top when you have to praise. Because I just think it's important that people. People see you as. You try to be neutral anyway. Because when you. When I. When you're doing a core comms or when you're being a pundit. Yes. I know that we support them and what have you. But particularly Cor Comes. I think it's important to come over as neutral as possible.
- [41:32]
Gary Lineker
Yeah. I think you've Quite good at not being biased in terms of when referees, decisions. You know, I don't think it'd be possible for someone like you or even me to hide Howard. Hide our favoritism of a side.
- [41:45]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [41:45]
Gary Lineker
You know, there's a lot of people that don't terrified or of. And I think particularly commentators, they hate it if the public know who they support.
- [41:54]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [41:55]
Gary Lineker
I think you're better off just being really upfront.
- [41:57]
Alan Shearer
Me too.
- [41:58]
Gary Lineker
And then I. And then I think it's fine. I don't. I don't see. It's not like politics, is it? I mean, it's. It's really different.
- [42:04]
Alan Shearer
It's easier for core commenters, obviously, because the vast majority of us have sort of played the game and everyone knows who we support. But the commentators. Yeah, you're right, they tend to. Tend to. They tend to be a bit more shy and seeing who. Who they support because of. Because of that they want. They want to be seen as very neutral and not taken a side.
- [42:25]
Gary Lineker
But for us, the only trouble is with that, though, Alan, is that. That social media will then decide how biased they are to whatever team they feel.
- [42:34]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [42:34]
Gary Lineker
So I. I would encourage commentators just. Just to be open about it. If you, you know, if you support Chelsea. Support. Support Chelsea. Yeah, that's fine. And just say it. There's no, no need to hide it. And then people at least know. And then when they criticize you for being biased, you can at least say. Yeah, probably. Yeah.
- [42:55]
Alan Shearer
Particularly core commentators, they get hammered anyway. So it doesn't matter who you support.
- [42:59]
Gary Lineker
Well, you don't seem to come too much.
- [43:01]
Alan Shearer
Yeah. So far.
- [43:03]
Gary Lineker
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
- [43:05]
Alan Shearer
There's always something around the corner.
- [43:07]
Gary Lineker
Yeah, there is. You'll play Chelsea or Barcelona. Yeah, that's a. I mean, either way, for different reasons.
- [43:13]
Micah Richards
That.
- [43:14]
Gary Lineker
That's the big tie. Chelsea, obviously, because it's all Premier League.
- [43:17]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [43:17]
Gary Lineker
Barcelona because, well, it's Barcelona. That'd be huge.
- [43:20]
Alan Shearer
Yeah. I mean, I don't know. I think the romantic side, because when you go back, I mean, Newcastle played Barcelona, I think it was the first game, wasn't it, this season, when Marcus Rashford scored at St. James's didn't he. He had a. He had a great. He had a great night, didn't he? But then going further back, Tino Aspria with his hat trick at St. James's park and. And all of that. So I guess the romantic side says, yeah, Barcelona, we'd love to play, but
- [43:45]
Gary Lineker
I think probably have more chances.
- [43:48]
Alan Shearer
Chance against Chelsea, albeit Newcastle haven't got a Great record at Stamford Bridge. But they might not have to because they might do enough at home anyway. So who do you want?
- [43:57]
Gary Lineker
Who do you want? Mao.
- [43:58]
Alan Shearer
I think because of probably slightly better chance of going through against Chelsea than maybe Barcelona. Although Barcelona's high line might suit the pace of Newcastle up front. But I think realistically chance wise. Chelsea.
- [44:11]
Gary Lineker
Yeah. And I suppose as well the fact you've already played Barcelona this season. It's not quite the magic draw, is it?
- [44:19]
Alan Shearer
No. And you got the Newcastle are away in the second leg because of them having to play in the playoffs there. That's. That's already decided. So that they're going to have to do it the tough way. Whoever the. Whoever they draw. But yeah. I think because of Chelsea and how they control concede particularly set pieces and I mean we've seen them draw at home to Burnley and Leeds. So I guess chance wise then. Yeah. Maybe Chelsea would be better.
- [44:48]
Gary Lineker
Nice show of support, Freddie. How I thought from the Newcastle faithful.
- [44:51]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [44:52]
Gary Lineker
Last night. What they call him a T foe, don't they? Is that what they call them?
- [44:55]
Alan Shearer
That's what they call them. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No surprise. And.
- [44:58]
Gary Lineker
And quite rightly so.
- [44:59]
Alan Shearer
Absolutely. Absolutely right. Because we had this discussion, didn't we when he was. There were one or two. Particularly on social media. I think Shock. Yeah. Having Having their say and he should be gone and this, that and the other. But I think the sensible people. The people that understand and I would put most Newcastle fans in that bracket. That they realize what he's done. What he can do. What he will do. And they realize the tough situation that Newcastle were in. And how they've been hampered this season through no fault of their. And the vast majority were behind Eddie and I. I don't think it took a genius to work that out. But it was a nice show of support. Not only from the fans last night. But in. In recent away games there's been a lot of the players sort of pushing him forward and talking well about him and what have you. And rightly so. Yeah.
- [45:53]
Gary Lineker
I mean players when they do that and they've gone out of the way to do it I think is the difference. It's not just like they're being interviewed after the game.
- [46:01]
Alan Shearer
Correct.
- [46:01]
Gary Lineker
What do you think of Eddie Howe?
- [46:03]
Alan Shearer
Yeah.
- [46:03]
Gary Lineker
They've come out and done it voluntarily. Which is. I think that speaks volumes. I mean after all what he. As you just said. He won the club's first trophy for what. 70 years. And also. And also this is the first time now isn't it that you've qualified for the proper knockout stages of the Champions League in the club's history. So they definitely heading in the right direction and it would be utter madness to to tamper with that.
- [46:31]
Alan Shearer
Honestly. It's like you've got. You get into semi finals of cup competitions. You get into Wembley. You've won a trophy. You're getting into the Champions League on a regular basis. You're now in the knockout of the Champions League. You're now in the last 16 of the Champions League with a realistic chance of getting to the quarterfinals. I mean goodness me, if that doesn't send a message out to say Newcastle have got the right manager and have done for a number of years now then I don't know what would you know. So yeah he deserves. He deserves all the credit. And yes I get. When you're not winning games you're going to get criticized and he understands that. But he has delivered something what the brilliance of Bobby Robson couldn't. What the amazing Kevin Keegan couldn't. He's given us a trophy. Yeah. And he's now given us year after year great things to. To look forward to ie semi finals and Champions League football and all of these things.
- [47:27]
Gary Lineker
So playing good football as I suppose on the downside this season, a few defensive issues. Only three clean sheets in the last 28 games now in all competitions dating back to a two nil win against Athletic Club on November 5th.
- [47:45]
Alan Shearer
Yeah, that will have to improve if they want to get through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League and progress in the. In the FA cup that if. If that doesn't improve then they won't go much further because you're playing against top quality now whoever you get, you know you're going to be playing against top quality. So. And you give chances away then you're going to get punished. So if that doesn't improve then they'll be out. Yeah.
- [48:08]
Gary Lineker
I don't think we can read too much into to the game at St. James's park on Tuesday night because of the circumstances.
- [48:15]
Alan Shearer
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [48:16]
Gary Lineker
But where do you think this Eddie Howe team ranks compared perhaps to sides you played in or sides you've watched at Newcastle over the years.
- [48:25]
Alan Shearer
I would love to do a combined 11. I think there would. Would definitely be defenders getting to the team that I played in. Who?
- [48:33]
Gary Lineker
Go on. Who?
- [48:34]
Alan Shearer
Well when you look at Lewis Hall, I think he's. He's one of the bright. Absolutely. Tino Liveramento when he's. When he's fit. I think what Newcastle paid for Fabian Shaw three million Quid. He's been unbelievable. I mean Dan Byrne, who's the defense when you played. I'm trying to remember Warren Barton Wright, John Barris with left Steve Hart, Howie and Philippe Albert and maybe Darren Peacock in there as well.
- [49:00]
Gary Lineker
I'll get your point.
- [49:01]
Alan Shearer
I think you would. You would. You would look at the back four now of Newcastle or other players anyway and you'd probably take three or four that are there now and if you could add that mix up. Yeah. Well then you're getting into. You're getting into it into a debate
- [49:16]
Gary Lineker
then I think you're getting out up top because they're still a bit short there, I think. Think you'll be all right. I think your place is safe.
- [49:22]
Alan Shearer
Although Anthony Gordon as he's scored more goals in the Champions League season than I. Yeah. Than I did.
- [49:28]
Gary Lineker
But he's not really an out and out nine, is he?
- [49:31]
Alan Shearer
No, he's not.
- [49:31]
Gary Lineker
Make. Make do nine.
- [49:33]
Alan Shearer
No. And then you're getting into Beardsley and Ferdinand and all these. I mean Rob Lee in the midfield and David Butty and all of these guys. So yeah, it would be a good debate but if you could mix and match. But what I would say is Eddie, Eddie's delicate delivered Eddie. Every. Eddie's done what these. I mean when you come to Newcastle and you realize and they talk about the. The amazing Bobby Robson, he. As I said, he saved my career. And you know how much I think of Kevin Keegan, who's my hero. But when you come up here and listen to the fans talk about. And talk in glowing terms about those two. Eddie's done something that those two couldn't. He delivered that trophy. He delivered that first domestic trophy since 1955. Life.
- [50:16]
Gary Lineker
I know, it's extraordinary. Obviously I. You know, I played for Bobby Robson myself and, and Kevin, like you, Kevin Keegan was. I've only met him a couple of times in my life weirdly. But I love watching it. I mean there's a footballer and his attitude and. And he, you know, the way he succeeded in his career, particularly when he played abroad and then he's. His enthusiasm for the game and that I think he shared with Bobby Robson that you know, know in different ways. They showed it in different ways. But. But really enthusiasts and I think. I think it speaks volumes for Eddie that is in the same bracket and I think he'll always be. Whatever happens, you know, if it falls away, it falls away. You know, very, very few managers don't get the sack at some stage in the. In their careers. But I think he'll always be for what he's given them that brought in those memories that he'll always be. I'm not we're talking as the though he's about to retire or get the sack which is certainly not the case.
- [51:17]
Alan Shearer
Well he's coming up to. He's coming up to end of this season. I think he's coming up to five years which Bobby did and Kevin did and Bobby obviously was sacked and for whatever reason Kevin left after that. I mean I know Kevin was a brilliant player for Newcastle as well and came in very difficult circumstances. So that's why he's. He's loved as well. But Eddie's coming up to that five year itch if you like. But I think he's in. He's in a really, really strong position because. Because of what he's achieved and he's being able to deliver that trophy.
- [51:47]
Gary Lineker
I remember interviewing Eddie actually when he was at Bournemouth and when he started to make a bit of a name for himself and. And he. He was so kind and took time out and took me right around the training ground and you know took me into all how his training plans work and the back room teams and. And all sorts of things. And I was thinking this is. He's a very, very smart intelligent and he comes over very nice but he. I think he's probably also got. Yeah and I think you've got to have that side to. To be. To be a leader in football.
- [52:21]
Alan Shearer
Yeah. My. Yeah. Without doubt you're not. You. You're not getting anywhere in football management unless you've got that little steel side to you as well. You have to have that and there's. There's no doubt he's got that. But he comes across. He comes across really really well. My thing would be me looking forward is how. How he solves the forward conundrum at Newcastle. Yeah. Is that because of the money that's being shelled out? As we've said on numerous occasions. 125 million on two forwards in Volta Marder and Visa.
- [52:56]
Gary Lineker
I still think visceral come good if
- [52:58]
Alan Shearer
he gets fit how that is how that. That how he solves that conundrum because the Volta Marta one he's playing in middle midfield not a midfielder for me and not seen. I've not. He's not done enough in the center forward position yet either. And this is hardly played and. But you've spent 125 million on those. On those two and at the minute they haven't worked as forwards.
- [53:20]
Gary Lineker
You can always take Isaac back at the end of the season.
- [53:37]
Micah Richards
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- [54:05]
Alan Shearer
Close your eyes, exhale. Feel your body relax. And let go of whatever you're carrying today.
- [54:13]
Micah Richards
Well, I'm letting go of the worry
- [54:14]
Gary Lineker
that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class.
- [54:17]
Micah Richards
I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh. They're so fast. And breathe.
- [54:22]
Alan Shearer
Oh, sorry.
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Micah Richards
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- [54:29]
Gary Lineker
Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-contacts.