Languid Liverpool, Olise On Fire & A Pivotal Week for Arsenal

Summary

The Rest Is Football

Episode: Languid Liverpool, Olise On Fire & A Pivotal Week for Arsenal

Date: April 9, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Overview

This episode centers on the fallout from a dramatic week in the Champions League, focusing on Liverpool’s struggles against PSG, the dazzling form of Michael Olise, Arsenal’s resilient European progress, and essential narratives building toward a pivotal weekend for the Premier League title race. With the trio’s trademark wit, sharp opinions, and deep knowledge, listeners get detailed tactical analysis, locker-room stories, and expert predictions for what’s next.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Michael Olise’s Emergence

• Opening Hook (01:00): “All I can say is Michael Olise.” – Micah Richards
• Olise lauded as a "fantasy football gem" for his dynamic performances at Crystal Palace and discussions on why bigger clubs missed out.
• Gary recalls early recognition of Olise’s talents, citing inside info from Palace chairman Steve Parrish:

  “We all think he’s going to be a superstar. So he was spot on on that. Incredible talent.” (03:31)

Liverpool’s Season of Woe: Champions League Defeat at PSG

• Analysis of Klopp’s Tactics (05:16–09:16):
  • Klopp played five at the back (“the first time I've seen him play with a proper team” – Lineker), attempting damage limitation.
  • “He’s been very critical of teams playing a low block against Liverpool...then went out and did exactly that.” – Gary Lineker (05:53)
  • Richards and Shearer discuss the perils of being overrun in wide areas and instability caused by PSG’s “electric” movement up front.
  • “You could have offensive five or defensive five...Liverpool’s midfield just couldn’t get out.” – Micah Richards (07:24)
  • “It could have been 4, 5, 6. Should have been with the chances PSG had.” – Alan Shearer (06:16)
• Outlook for Second Leg:
  • “Anfield’s a dangerous place when it gets going...but I don’t give them much chance the way they’re defending.” – Gary Lineker (09:16)
  • Shearer is adamant: “He’ll go back to four at the back next week and Salah will be back.” (09:03)

English Football’s Continental Reality Check

• Humility About Premier League Superiority:
  • “Do we need to humble ourselves? If you look at their players, PSG have got better players than Liverpool.” – Micah Richards (10:06)
  • Shearer adds perspective by recalling Newcastle’s competitive showing in Paris (10:16).

PSG’s Young Stars: Standouts Beyond Mbappé

• Warren Zaïre-Emery Highlighted (13:28):
  • “He ran the midfield at 20, not just tackles, but technically, passing, everything. Superb.” – Micah Richards (13:43)
• Kvaratskhelia's Value Recognized as a transfer coup:
  • The hosts marvel at PSG’s summer spending and squad depth (12:35–12:52).

Arsenal’s European Resolve in Lisbon

• Shearer’s Onsite Perspective (14:13):
  • “Great atmosphere...they weren’t brilliant, but they did enough.”
  • Raya’s first-half save described as “absolutely outstanding” and a pivotal moment (15:19–15:48).
• Tactical praise for Mikel Arteta’s squad management and game-changing substitutions—especially Martinelli and Havertz’s roles in the winner (14:57).
• The “Smash and Grab” Narrative:
  • “If they win at the weekend, that’ll set them up perfectly for the rest of the season.” – Alan Shearer (15:19, 17:01)
• Minor lament: Raya isn’t considered Spain’s first-choice, despite his Premier League exploits.

Clean Sheets & Goalkeeping – Trivia and Insight

• Pre-match Trivia: Arsenal led Premier League in clean sheets last season (05:10).
  • “It’s Arsenal with 13 clean sheets. The best sides don’t give things away” – Gary Lineker (05:10)

Bayern Munich and Vincent Kompany’s Managerial Rise

• Kompany’s Surprise Success at Bayern (20:05–22:47):
  • “He looks so cool and comfortable...he’s got a class about him.” – Alan Shearer (21:12)
  • “From Burnley to Bayern...he stood by his principles. Absolutely delighted for him.” – Micah Richards (21:31)
• Diversity in Management:
  • Lineker stresses the importance of young, Black managers excelling at elite clubs, referencing Kompany, Ashley Cole, and Liam Rosenior (22:46).

Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or Candidacy

• Kane’s Goal Haul: 49 goals in a season for Bayern—odds-on Ballon d’Or favorite if Champions League and a deep England run materialize (23:29).
• “He was a laughing stock at Spurs—look at him now!” – Micah Richards (24:44)
• Light-hearted “it’s coming home” jibe as Lineker and Richards note the tendency to overhype England’s prospects.

Real Madrid – The Perpetual Champions League Enigma

• Analysis and Predictions (25:16–27:58):
  • Praise for Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s influence off the bench.
  • The hosts reluctant to back against Real: “They’ve got this strange thing with this tournament...you always have to put, ‘but it’s Real Madrid’ at the end.” – Micah Richards (27:12)
  • “All the stats say Bayern should batter them, but...they have special players who perform in the biggest moments.” – Micah Richards (27:22)

Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid: Red Cards, High Lines & VAR Debates

• Game Review (28:00–33:54):
  • Focus on the red card to Kessié and discussion about changes in officiating (“Back in the day, that wouldn't have even been a foul” – Lineker, 29:05).
  • Alvarez’s free kick goal highlighted; Richards admits earlier skepticism about his quality.
  • Rashford’s strong performance and speculation on his Barcelona future amid financial constraints and “margin” offside call (31:05–32:27).
  • Handball/VAR controversy:
    • “That should have been a penalty...the keeper passed it, put his hand on it. At that stage it was 1-0...would have gotten back into the game.” – Micah Richards (34:14–34:52)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Micah Richards (03:00):

  “Every time I watch him [Olise], I’m thinking, how have Man City not got him? How have Liverpool not got him?”

• Gary Lineker (05:53):

  “It’s slightly ironic because Klopp’s been very critical of teams playing a low block against Liverpool...and then obviously went out to do exactly that against PSG.”

• Alan Shearer (06:16):

  “It was damage limitation...only getting done 2-0, could have been 4, 5, 6.”

• Micah Richards (10:06):

  “Do we need to humble ourselves a little bit...if you look at their players, player for player, PSG have got better players.”

• Alan Shearer (15:19):

  “They were tough, they were resilient...if they win at the weekend, that’ll set them up perfectly for the rest of the season.”

• Gary Lineker (22:46):

  “It’s really important that a young Black manager gets a chance at a monster club...I think someone like Vincent doing well will open the door for many others.”

• Micah Richards (24:44):

  “He [Kane] was a laughing stock at Spurs. Look at him now. Absolutely fantastic.”

• Micah Richards (27:22):

  “All the stats, the eye test, everything suggests Bayern should absolutely batter them, but it’s Real Madrid at the end.”

• Gary Lineker (29:05):

  “Back in the day, that wouldn’t never have even been a foul.”

• Micah Richards (34:52):

  “That should have been a penalty at that stage. It was 1-0 as well, so that would have gotten back into the game.”

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• Michael Olise Discussion: 01:00–03:31
• Liverpool vs PSG Analysis: 05:16–10:45
• PSG Squad Depth & Zaïre-Emery: 13:28–14:04
• Arsenal’s Champions League Night in Lisbon: 14:13–17:53
• Bayern Munich, Kompany, and Diversity: 20:05–22:47
• Harry Kane’s Goal Scoring & Ballon d’Or Chances: 23:29–25:16
• Real Madrid UCL Analysis: 25:16–27:58
• Barcelona vs Atlético, VAR/Handball Incident: 28:00–34:52

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Conclusion

A lively, insightful episode with strong tactical breakdowns of this week’s Champions League action, an ode to Michael Olise’s genius, sober reflection on Liverpool’s plight, a celebration of Kompany’s rising status, and bold predictions for a defining week in the Premier League and Europe. Essential for listeners who want opinionated, expert context on Europe’s biggest football stories—without skipping the dressing room banter and the presenters’ legendary chemistry.

Transcript

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[Micah Richards]

All I can say is Michael Alise.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh my goodness.

[Alan Shearer]

It's a bit of a smash and grab really, but if they're to win at the weekend, I think that'll set them up perfectly for the rest of the season.

[Micah Richards]

Do we need to humble ourselves though, a little bit. If you look at their players, player for player, PSG have got better players than Liverpool.

[Alan Shearer]

Who would have thought Newcastle went to Paris and battered them as well. Should have won.

[Gary Lineker]

He's got Newcastle in. He's coming in. Foreign. Welcome to the Rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker recording this on Thursday morning after two nights of Champions League football. But before we get to the games, Alan, you were working on Tuesday. You were in Sporting. So you're in Lisbon, I should say.

[Alan Shearer]

I got back from lisbon yesterday afternoon. 4 hour delay. Stuck at Heathrow, so. Yeah, but Lisbon's lovely now. Just a little bit, guys.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I saw a thing this morning. Some sort of special anniversary today, Alan.

[Alan Shearer]

38 years ago today, lads. 38 years ago today was when I scored my hatrick. Made my debut at 17. 38 years, man.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh my God. What's going on?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, that was for Southampton, wouldn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

87. It's just this madness.

[Gary Lineker]

Bloody hell.

[Alan Shearer]

Goes quick, doesn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I remember seeing it on and I was at the end of my career. Nearly. Time flies very quickly. What did we make of the overall of the quality of the Champions League games? I thought Bayern Munich at Real Madrid Was probably the best game. So many, so many chances both ends. Not great defending but it was great to watch.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, still a lot to play for that game. I mean the number of chances that I saw was unbelievable from both teams.

[Micah Richards]

All I can say is Michael Al every time I watch him I'm thinking how man City not got him. How have Liverpool not got early though? And I don't mean just now, I mean early doors. I remember Alisi playing against City thinking this guy's something special. I know there was a few concerns around his injuries and stuff but he, he's taking his game to the next level. He's almost, almost Lamine the dreamlike similar, similar level.

[Gary Lineker]

Obviously he was at ready wasn't he before palace got him can remember he cut in off the right hand side as he. As he often does and scored that unbelievable goal. I think I called it as goal of the month winner and then within an hour someone scored one that was even better. I remember you rubbishing me in the studio but. And I remember having. Because obviously friend of the pod, Steve Parrish who'd had him at palace and I remember discussing with him in the early days when they had both Elise and Eze and I was talking about both of them he went, he said Elise unbelievably special. We all think he's going to be a superstar. So he was spot on on that. And you could see that incredible talent really is very special. This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we kick off a quick pre match warm up from Fuse. Today's question is which club recorded the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season? Was it A, Manchester City, B Liverpool C Aston Villa or D Arsenal?

[Micah Richards]

I'm gonna play reverse psychology here. Why would you put Villa in there?

[Gary Lineker]

Is that your answer?

[Micah Richards]

No, it's not. I'm going Liverpool.

[Gary Lineker]

Liverpool. That was a quick change there, wasn't it Alan? Who are you going for?

[Alan Shearer]

Villa.

[Gary Lineker]

Mike has sucked you in there, hasn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

That is not the answer. The answer the team most clean sheets of which neither of you even gave them a mention there.

[Micah Richards]

You know what? I know it. I don't know.

[Alan Shearer]

You don't know it.

[Micah Richards]

It's Arsenal because Ray got the most. He got the golden glove, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Correct. It's arsenal with 13 clean sheets. The best sides don't give things away. It should be the same with your energy. Get more than just lower [e-mail] football. Use the code football or uppercase when you sign Up Save around £200 on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football questions on the card. Full terms and [e-mail] this feels a bit negative unless you're a PSG fan but starting with Liverpool and their season of woe continues in. In many ways because I mean he played obviously tried to change things. Played five at the back. I think it's the first time I've seen him play with a proper team. I think he did it with these youngsters in. In a cup tie. I mean he's also as well as slightly ironic because he's been very critical of teams playing a low block against Liverpool and said I'll make it difficult for us and then obviously went out to do exactly that against psg. I suppose when it suits you it's fine. But I mean they didn't. I don't think they had a shot on target.

[Micah Richards]

No.

[Alan Shearer]

He said that himself afterwards. It was damaged limitation wasn't it? But I mean they had a right result only only getting done 2 nil. It could have been 4, 5, 6. Should have been with the chances that PSG had. I didn't mind him something different because clearly what's been going on before Anders hasn't been working because they've been terrible defensively. They were last night they were awful again. But at least he's trying to do something different. He knows that going in against those players, that forward line of PSG that because of the way they've been playing Liverpool that they were going to be under the caution. He said it himself it was damage limitation. It's going to be a big ask going back to Anfield with. With those forwards because. But Anfield's a dangerous place when it gets going. But I don't know. Massively up against it and going to be difficult for them to turn it around. It's just they're all over the place.

[Gary Lineker]

Liverpool, it was very similar to the game when they met last year in Paris, wasn't it? But well Liverpool nicked it on that occasion but there wasn't much difference because PSG bossed it last year as well. But somehow they managed to get a result. When. It's funny when things are going well those. You can do that when they're not. Not so often.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, exactly that. Totally agree. I also agree with Alan in terms of the manager trying something. The only thing is when you play with a five at the back and I've played in a five in the back people think we just play a five at the back. You could have offensive Formation you could have a defensive formation. Inter Milan did it really well where they dropped in but then when they went they all went. Rotations were brilliant. The only thing yesterday with Liverpool was when they was at the five at the back because of the movement of psg Van Dijk had to step out and Konati had to step out into places where they didn't want to be. So the reason why you play with five at the back is so you're stable at the back but then when the ball goes into midfield you've got to jump early. But because PSG are so electric it was so hard for them to get anywhere near it. And once you send a raft, steps out and then Konati misses one and they've got the pace of Nudomend and Hakimi it was just a recipe for disaster. I would have gone with five at the back but my wing back stay because what they was doing is sort of getting caught in between and then four in midfield in front of them because if you actually look they went a 5, 3, 2.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

When all the width was left to PSG and that's where they was the strongest. You know. So it was too hard for Liverpool's midfield to get out. I understand why they had sabos like a little bit higher because they wanted to press.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

But once they got through that line of defense it was impossible for them to get anywhere near PSG.

[Alan Shearer]

He'll go back to 4 next week at Anfield and Salah will be back in the in the team.

[Micah Richards]

I agree. I agree.

[Alan Shearer]

But big game at the weekend for Liverpool and of course next Tuesday. We're doing that game as well Tuesday so it should be great.

[Gary Lineker]

You look at it at the moment you think I don't give them much chance. But it is Anfield, it is under the lights and it is a Champions League night and we know what they can do. I've witnessed it myself Anfield on a couple of occasions. But at the moment it's a team that looks fragile, slightly bereft of confidence defensively in particular I would say. And they're not the customary threat going forward but in a one off you can turn that round. Don't forget PSG will have a rest at this this weekend. The French league looks after their teams in the Champions League rather than whining. Perhaps the Premier League could do something similar at some point or if they could. I think it's difficult. We have so many games and they can win the league anyway easily enough without with any kind of rest.

[Micah Richards]

Do we need to humble ourselves though a little bit because do you remember earlier on the season, PSG are not quite at it. Yes, they were holders but they played a lot of games. The Club World cup and all that. So every time it comes to this state, even if Liverpool were to go through, of course you have to say they deserve to go through. But in terms of the game yesterday, they got absolutely battered. Yeah, it could have been four or five. And when we just think Liverpool, great Liverpool side, okay, a couple of players are coming towards the end because we're not watching PSG every single week. We sort of dismiss the quality that if you look at their players, player for player, PSG have got better players in Liverpool.

[Gary Lineker]

They have. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

It's as simple as that.

[Alan Shearer]

Who would have thought Newcastle went to Paris and battered them as well. Should have won.

[Gary Lineker]

He's got Newcastle in. He's got him in. Headphones have been thrown off. Micah storming out the room. Oh, I love it. Micah.

[Micah Richards]

I love it.

[Gary Lineker]

Micah. I love it.

[Micah Richards]

Love it.

[Gary Lineker]

He's back. He's back. He's back. He's a temporary. Oh God.

[Alan Shearer]

Hey, we've.

[Gary Lineker]

I was at that.

[Alan Shearer]

I was at Anfield for that. For that Barcelona game. The comeback. And it was. It was unbelievable. I mean very, very different now of course, but if Liverpool get the first goal, you can imagine what. What it'll be like. But I just can't see them the way they are defensively at the minute. I cannot see them keeping that forward line out and. And PSG not scoring last time they

[Gary Lineker]

played a year ago actually Liverpool were much the better side at Anfield, weren't they? And they didn't turn it around. But. And. And somehow if you. If I remember rightly, Donna, Roma had an absolute incredible game, didn't he? In goal. Kept them out and then they sneaked it. I tell you, I like. I think I don't know whether he's slightly underrated. He doesn't seem to get mentioned in the. I mean he does, but not as much as he should do. What a beautiful.

[Alan Shearer]

Some ability.

[Micah Richards]

I mean talking about the. What we call him the. The oracle. I did mention it. I did. I did mention it. I did early doors. I did mention it. Yeah. Alan was like, yeah, he's good but he's not that good. I told you when he was at Napoli, it. I saw it, you know, because I'm the Italian correspondent now. Do you know what I mean?

[Gary Lineker]

So I watched a lot of Italy in Italy as well. They used to come, didn't they? The Caradonna. Caradonna, yeah, because of Napoli. And obviously Maradona played there. Yeah, that's.

[Micah Richards]

That's not what I picked out. That was just. You could see it. Everyone could see it when they won a league. It was, it was. Was him, wasn't it? And awesome. And so, yeah, to see him go to psg and he went for a lot of money. I think it was 100. 100 million. I think it was. Might have been dollars, though. But he's just, he's just lived up to it. They're just so.

[Alan Shearer]

Mike is up to his old tricks again, the old chief scout. Someone goes for 80 million. Oh, I spotted him early.

[Gary Lineker]

He had him on football manager when he was 12. Eight goals and four assists this season in the Champions League. He's been absolutely brilliant. I mean, that is a hell of a talented forward line. I know Dembele didn't have. He's missed a couple of chance. One in particular. Mr. Really a glaring opportunity. But Dewey's a talented young man, a bit fortunate with a goal.

[Micah Richards]

Can I give you one more suggestion? Warren, Zaire, Emery. I don't know. We've sort of hinted it before, I think.

[Gary Lineker]

Didn't Thierry mention it? Because when he came on, well, it's quite a while ago now, and he's as a young up and coming player,

[Micah Richards]

but you know them young players who do well and sort of throughout the team because Fabian Ruiz is playing. But him, he. I thought he was the best player on the pitch. He absolutely ran it. He ran. How are you running the midfield at 20? But not just like tackles, technically, running forward, passes, everything. He was superb.

[Gary Lineker]

He really was. So all to do for Liverpool. Arsenal. Tell us what it was like there for a start. Alan, you were there in the stadium.

[Alan Shearer]

Great, brilliant atmosphere, lovely stadium. Lisbon's a lovely place, but they weren't brilliant. Arsenal, but I think from what we've seen for a while now, they did enough. But I've got to say, the save was early on in the game. I mean, that just, that makes a huge difference, I guess if Kep is in, that goes in and they're one nil down. And it's a totally different attitude, different game. The importance of that save, I can't say enough about it. It was, it was a fantastic save at a crucial time as well, because that give them a little bit of a platform. They were tough, they were resilient. He made couple of saves again in the second half. But we go on about Arsenal's squad and Arsenal's squad worked this Time. I mean, he brought bringing Martinelli on, bringing Havertz on, bringing young Max down and on. And that did the trick, you know, with Martinelli cutting inside the little ball into Havertz and, and the finish. And it's a bit of a smash and grab really. But they go again at the weekend and I think if they were. If they're to win at the weekend, I think that'll set them up perfectly for the rest of the season.

[Gary Lineker]

While you're on about Raya, I think we all rate him in, in this country. I think worldwide though, it's slightly different. He's not even generally first choice for Spain. Simon, who plays at Bilbao, is first choice goalkeeper at the moment. So. God, they must have some good keepers if he's not their number one.

[Micah Richards]

But Simone is amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

He's a good goal.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, yeah, he's. He's top, but right, right, he pulled

[Alan Shearer]

a couple of good saves off second half as well, particularly one down to his left. He. He sort of parried one was up sharp to. To get the rebound. So yeah, I mean that's the discussion about playing Kepa in the two cup games of Carabao and the FA cup. And of course they go out and makes a mistake and go out in both of them, but he brings them back in for the. For the biggest one, I guess, but. And he was absolutely outstanding.

[Gary Lineker]

He really was. I mean, it was one nil to the Arsenal. It's a. That used to be a thing, didn't it? 1 nil to the Arsenal and this bit like the old George Graham days. I think that's when they really started to get that reputation. But it doesn't matter, does it? No, I think there'll come a point where Arsenal find a little bit of a form. They've ground out a result there. They've not done that in the previous two games. So I think result was way more important than anything else in this. It always is, obviously. But even more so perhaps in this game to get it over the line, confidence from a victory. If they get one at the weekend again, then all of a sudd the world's a better place and I can see them playing some. Some better football. I think they've just been through a sticky spell and that. That might be a little turning point, winning that game away.

[Alan Shearer]

I think this weekend is key again. I mean, they're back under huge pressure again against Bournemouth. A huge pressure again to. To win the game. And if they can win the game with City going to Chelsea the following day, then I I really do. I think this weekend is key. If they win this weekend, I think it'll set them up for the rest of the season and you'll see a better Arsenal.

[Micah Richards]

Totally agree, Al. I think this whole week is key. Not, not just what you've mentioned. Also Atletico Madrid, which we'll talk about a little bit later. Barcelona. If you're thinking Arsenal, Barcelona, you'd say Barcelona. But Arsenal can be Atletico Madrid if they go through against Sporting, without doubt. So what looked a horrible couple of weeks for them could turn into something really positive if they was to get the win against Bournemouth, get through Sporting and then Atletico was to beat Barca over the two legs. It's going to be interesting.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Very, very interesting. We'll discuss those other two quarterfinals when we come back.

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[Gary Lineker]

Welcome back to the Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richardson, meet Gary Lineker discussing the Champions League quarterfinal and who might go into those semi finals. I suppose Bayern Munich now very much favorites. I mean, I. I really enjoyed watching that game. Now, you could say that some of the defending wasn't particularly good and I think that would be an absolutely fair comment from both teams, really. And you could say that some of the finishing wasn't that good, but the overall match was. It was like a basketball game, end to end. Some brilliant performances. We talked about Michael Elise early on. Our very own Harry K scored again. Terrific finish from him and that game really is set up. But I wanted to ask you both, really, we talked about Vincent a lot, didn't we, that season at Burnley. First one, when they got up from the championship, then they went down and lots of people saying, blimey, Bayern Munich. They've gone for Vincent when he just had his team relegated. So that would surprise a lot of people. But what a job he's done and is doing.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, brilliant. He's got some great players in there. He looks a bit like he's Cool Hand Luke inny on the touchline. He looks so cool, doesn't he? And comfortable in what he's doing. And he's doing a brilliant job. Helps when you go to centre forward. He's got 49 goals.

[Gary Lineker]

Incredible, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

49 goals.

[Gary Lineker]

I know.

[Alan Shearer]

Unbelievable.

[Micah Richards]

Sometimes you just know, you know when someone's got it. I didn't think he'd be at Bayern this early in his career, but in terms of. Of his application and his knowledge of the game, plus the hard work and the experience he's had, the leadership, you always knew he was going to do something special, but to be doing it at Bayern Munich, like you said, guys, for them to take the chance on him because they stood by or he stood by his principles in terms of how he wanted to play and I think that's massive. Same with Liam Rosenhe at Chelsea as well, where they have a style of play and. And now clubs are sort of going down that way instead of sometimes just the big name because, you know, they experience.

[Gary Lineker]

A big name, though, Mike.

[Micah Richards]

No, in terms of the name and how long he's been in the job. He's gone from Burnley to Bayern, you know, that's inexperienced, but in terms of what he can offer. I'm just. I'm absolutely delighted for him.

[Gary Lineker]

So am I. Because he's a top bloke as well. He really is a lovely guy. He's, you know, and he's. I think he's a credit to. Credit to football.

[Alan Shearer]

He's got a class about him, hasn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I'm really chuffed. I like him a lot and it's great to see him doing that way. And, and also I think it's. I think it's really important that a. A young black manager a gets a chance at a monster club and I, you know, turn this into a race thing. But, but I think it is important because it needs at some point our sport to reflect the number of footballers we have with different colored skin. But the difference in managers is stark. There are hardly any opportunities. So I think someone like Vincent doing well, I think will open the door for many others. I think recently Ashley Cole got a job, didn't he, in his second tier in Italy and wish Ashley all the very best with that as well. And Rossinha obviously here at Chelsea. So I think that is also important that the, that football is so diverse in the dressing rooms, but it's not in management and certainly not in ownership, that's for sure. So it's a step in the right direction. We mentioned Harry Kane and the fact he scored 49 goals. He's currently, currently with the bookmakers. Slight favorite to win the Ballon d'. Or. This is an opportunity is here for us to what we. We can do some clickbait, you know, like everyone does. So we can do that thing where it goes on all socials and we say Harry Kane's going to win the Ballon d' or otherwise. Because it is ridiculously early in a season that ultimately that is decided by probably the World Cup, I would say.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So. But. But if England go a long way and Bayern Munich win the Champions League and Harry Kane finishes. Finishes the year with about 80 goals, it will be quite good then he'll get it. Yeah. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Come on. We're doing that thing now, aren't we? It's coming home. It started already. You've started.

[Gary Lineker]

We never said it's coming home. Well, the Ballon d' or's coming.

[Micah Richards]

Oh my. In terms of his goal scoring record, I totally agree with you and he deserves it because he was a laughing stock at Spurs. He's not going to win a trophy. Look at him now. Absolutely fantastic. It, however, I mean, to win the Ballador he's probably got to win the World cup. And after the last couple of games we've seen England play.

[Gary Lineker]

All right, those games absolutely have no, no effect whatsoever on what happens in the World Cup. Totally different months apart, different thing. You win one game and you're off and running and it's coming home.

[Micah Richards]

You know why it's coming home.

[Alan Shearer]

Tukan was at the game though, wasn't he? He was at the game.

[Gary Lineker]

He was at the Real Madrid game and I thought it was really important that he was there. Yeah, A. Because obviously left Trent out and Bellingham didn't play any games. Bellingham's coming back from injury and it was a bit of a surprise. He didn't start because Real Madrid's midfield was. Was awful and Jude made. Actually made quite a difference when he came on. And I thought Trent was very much one of Real Madrid's better players. He hit four or five unbelievable passes, including the cross for Mbappe's goal.

[Alan Shearer]

Great ball in, wasn't it? Nightmare for a defender, those type of balls. It was a fabulous ball.

[Gary Lineker]

He hits some unbelievable through ball strength by pinging about 50 yards over people's heads. He's so talented offensively, he's one of the best. If you're too nervous to play him because you're worried about his defensive issues, doesn't matter. Have him on the bench to come on. If you 1 nil down, I mean, it's absolute no brainer. No one can do what he does. No one. Certainly not in England.

[Micah Richards]

Totally agree, but A Kibi's not far off, by the way.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, but he's not English. I mean, Hakeem is fabulous player, brilliant going forward and very good defensively as well. He's all around. You could argue it's better, but he hasn't got Trent's passing range.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I'll give you that.

[Gary Lineker]

No, that's all I'm saying. Mike, I'm not going to argue with you. He's the better player. I'm just saying when it comes to the passing range of Trent's the joke. It really is. So who wins that one door.

[Alan Shearer]

Great game.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, buying have got it. I mean, it's a tough place to go. Yeah, they've got to win, obviously. Real Madrid, see, I worked that out with mathematics. They've got to win, but. And it's. I. I just can't remember. They can't keep getting away with it in this competition because they're not very good at the moment.

[Micah Richards]

Every time you back against them, though, you look Stupid, don't you? You always have to put. But it's Real Madrid at the end. Just, just in case that'.

[Gary Lineker]

Because they've got this strange thing with this tournament.

[Micah Richards]

All the stats, the eye test, everything suggests that Bayern should absolutely batter them. They should, they should do. And they should have scored three or four the other day.

[Alan Shearer]

But.

[Micah Richards]

But it's Real Madrid and they've got special players who perform in the biggest of moments. But if I was a betting man, I would go with Bayern.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Lords of goals. I think there'll be.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, it's mad that there were only three in that one because it could have been six five or six two or it have been anything in that game.

[Alan Shearer]

I think there'll be loads of goals again because I think both teams just the way they play and the forwards that are going to be on the pitch.

[Gary Lineker]

Let's finish with Barcelona Atletica, which is the game that I. Well, I watched, I flipped from two. I watched the first 15 minutes of Liverpool, then the second 15 minutes of Barcelona Atletico and then kind of stuck with that game. I mean, it was a bonkers game of football even with 10 men and they. That was. There was one moment that completely changed the game and that was the selling off of Kasi. When football's coming non contact sport. I know technically he probably had to go, but I just thought he's tried to get out of his ways. His back leg, the guy running through has got in the way and he's. He's accidentally hit him and he's gone off in a red card. Caused, though I have to say, by, you know, that high line, that high line that we, we know is very dangerous, but apart from that, I mean, Barcelona battered them even with 10 men, but just couldn't finish it off yesterday. Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

You know, that decision though, guys, is you as a forward, forward.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

You're going through, you've got a free hit call.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

And it might not be the defender's fault, but yeah, you're going through on goal and you've been fouled. Doesn't matter whether it's accidentally or not. It's still.

[Gary Lineker]

I get it. But at the same time, you know, I hate saying this but, you know, go back to back in the day, that wouldn't never have even been a foul. It wouldn't have been a foul.

[Alan Shearer]

Whether you like. I think it's.

[Gary Lineker]

I think he was clever. He ran across the front.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. What you have to do is afford. That's his part of his.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm not saying it Was, wasn't a red card. I just saying that. I mean it was highly unfortunate but it was caused by that, you know, that crazy high line that they, they do play. They didn't play it particularly in the second half so much because they're down to 10 men. But they did play some good stuff. Barca. But they couldn't finish off. Rashford played really well in the first half.

[Alan Shearer]

Had a big chance early on though, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, he had a good chance. Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

What the free kick, Free kick of Alvarez.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh my word. What. Unbelievable. And it was all from the same decision. Red card, free kick, goal. Change a match, 10 men.

[Micah Richards]

I think I've got to admit this is, this is one I got quite wrong actually. Alvarez, you know, because he was at City and he wasn't playing and I, I didn't think he was this good.

[Gary Lineker]

I thought you did. I thought you spoke really highly of him. I thought we all did.

[Micah Richards]

No, the oracle got this one wrong. I have to, I have to admit.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay.

[Micah Richards]

I just, just. I don't know if he's. Because he was frustrated. I know the period after he won the World cup he got a little bit frustrated sort of being second fiddle. But I was like, you're not going to play in front of Harland. You're only playing one up front at the time. What do you expect? But he can play. He's better. He's better. He could lead the line. He could link it.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I will say Micah, he's had a tough spell this season, a really tough spell at Athletico and there's a lot of talk. He's very heavily linked with Barcelona owner. There's a lot of rumors about that, whether they can afford him or not and all that sort of stuff. Who knows. But yeah, the rumors in the Spanish press about. He was asked about it in the pre match conference actually that he was part of and I think he just said well, let's see what happens at the end of the season. Which generally means I'm interested.

[Micah Richards]

Is there any talk on Rashford? I know you do the leaderboard as well. I mean what's the situation there with Barcelona?

[Gary Lineker]

I think, think. I think again it. They're probably in negotiat. It's main. The problems with Barcelona not necessarily who they want to get because they want these players, but these. The financial situation and what they're allowed to do and what they're not allowed to do. They generally have found a way of getting in the players that they want. I think they're really really pleased. Well, I know they are really pleased with Rashford season, with his attitude in particular, when he's been left out, when Rafinhas come in and things like that. So I thought he had a really good game. Game yesterday. Could have had a goal or two. He had. Well, he did have a goal, but it was margin. Yamal was marginally offside, unfortunately, so I don't know. My gut says I think he'll stay. I think he. I. I don't think there's any doubt that he wants to. I think it'd be hard for him to go back to Manchester United, although it's under different leadership now. But we don't know what that leadership will be next season just yet. Yeah, I think Barcelona kind of keen to make it happen. I think Marcus really want to make it happen and hopefully that'll be the case, I think, for someone like Alvarez. I think they would bring in, if they possibly can, as a replacement for Levandowski, who's obviously his late 30s now.

[Micah Richards]

But the reason why I ask you that just, just quickly is because Rashford could play number nine as well.

[Gary Lineker]

And that's what he's done this season. He's filled in at times and he's played a little bit on the right. He's played. He's gone up front. Although generally, even in midweek, they played put Danielmo, funnily enough, up. Up top. He can play there as well, but they clearly prefer him on the left. But in that position, at present, he's. He's up against Rafinha, who's obviously one of the best players in the world. He's out for a few weeks, though, which is quite good, possibly for England and for his chances of playing regularly for England, because he needs a few games and you know what Marcus is like when he's on it. He's on it and he's playing really well. And if he goes into the World cup in form with confidence, that would be a massive plus for England.

[Alan Shearer]

England. Yep.

[Gary Lineker]

Can Barca turn this around? I would say of all the teams that are losing going into the second leg, even though they're two down, I think Barca could do it. They've got the talent to do it and. And they are a better team than Atletico. But Simeone is a. He's a wily old fox.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, he is. Yeah. Clever, clever guy.

[Micah Richards]

For Barcelona, to win it, they've got to move the. The high line back just five yards and because Barcelona will dominate the game. But do you remember in the couple Del Rey where it was 401 game 30 the other Atletico battered him at home, didn't they? So they need to be careful of that. If they drop that line five they can definitely overcome. But we need to talk about the penalty which should have been the handball.

[Gary Lineker]

I know the goalkeeper.

[Micah Richards]

Have you seen it Al?

[Alan Shearer]

I haven't seen it, no.

[Micah Richards]

So you might have seen it happened with Tyrone Mings I think think was last season.

[Gary Lineker]

So I thought this was even more clear cuz the ball was clearly stationary. The goalkeepers passed it along the six yard box and he's just gone. He's put his hand on it to stop it and then the referee blew

[Micah Richards]

his whistle as well. So that's a law, that's the law of, of the game.

[Gary Lineker]

How they not turn that over.

[Alan Shearer]

Is that why he was going mad after the game, the manager?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, correct.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

It wasn't one of those out where you just get it and you know they're always messing around. Everyone wants a ball in a six yard box, don't touch in it and all that. Going to play the early win 1. But the referee blew the whistle and

[Alan Shearer]

then the keeper passed it and then he put his hands on it.

[Micah Richards]

All right, well that it was ridiculous. It wasn't with Arsenal like it was last season or season that they got away with. But that, that, that should have been a penalty at that, at that stage it was 1 nil as well. So that would have gotten back into the game.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Okay. Let's call it a day there. It's got some lively games next week. Look forward to those.

[Alan Shearer]

Yep.

[Gary Lineker]

And we'll be back of course on Monday. Premier League's back. It's been. This seems like a different season three weeks. I know it's mad that it's been that long. So look forward to watching those games over the weekend and we're back with you on Monday. But for now, goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye for me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a good weekend,

[Gary Lineker]

Sam.