B (2:29)

Not really, no.

A (2:30)

Do you not?

B (2:31)

No.

A (2:31)

I saw something today saying it's pointless golfers unless you're professionals going on the range because it's totally different and, and it struck true to me because I used to be really, really good on the range stripe it pure. I'd drive it like bang, bang, straight down first tee, duck hook into the trees every single time. Micah, do not start playing golf.

B (2:59)

Not for me. It's frustrating as hell, isn't it?

C (3:02)

Why though? Why do you go to driving? It's like short. It's just like kicking a ball now.

A (3:05)

Well, it's warming up. It's like it's basically a warm up it so you just get a little bit of a feel. I mean, you know, as you get older as well, you get a bit stiff in the joints but you try and loosen up. But every time just did, did my in.

B (3:18)

Yeah. See him.

A (3:19)

Right, we're, we're going to answer your questions in just a moment. This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we kick off a quick pre match warm up from Fuse, a question on the teams and players who make things count. Who has scored the most Premier League goals as a substitute?

C (3:39)

I, I know this one.

B (3:41)

Oh dear.

A (3:42)

Oh, Mike, you know. Well let, shall we let Alan go first then?

B (3:45)

Well, well I'm going to go for Jermaine Defore.

C (3:47)

He's cheating again. Someone's giving him the answers.

A (3:50)

Do you think that's the answer then, Mike?

C (3:51)

That's the correct answer. I knew that because I seen it stat the other week.

A (3:54)

Call it an honorable draw but whoever gets the right answer for who's second wins.

C (4:00)

It's got to be Chikorita, surely.

A (4:02)

Oh, you going?

B (4:03)

I'm going Giroud then. Yeah.

A (4:05)

Alan, you are the winner.

B (4:08)

Hey.

A (4:10)

The best teams find an edge wherever they can. It should be the same with your energy. Take control of your energy like it's part of your game plan. Sign up@fuse energy.com Football using code football, all uppercase to save on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football question on the pod full terms and conditions@fuse energy.com right, we're going to start with Tony's question. Who asked about which is the more, more poorly run club, Manchester United or Chelsea? Well, United looked like they might have picked up a little bit in, in

C (4:50)

terms of what, what's the context though?

A (4:52)

Because, well, that's it. I mean one's run differently to the other.

C (4:55)

You know, it's very difficult to say a club's run poorly but behind the scenes I know there's loads of people working really hard. Maybe it's the people who are making the final decisions. You know, maybe you could question that because if you actually look at Chelsea's model, in hindsight, it's actually a good model if the players do well. I remember with Owls we had a bit of a debate on this. He said if they don't do well, which has turned out to be for some of the players, you've got all these players and a lot of money who you can't shift. So it's very difficult. But I actually thought there was onto something Chelsea. So I don't think that the room that bad in terms of what they trying to do players wise. But it's, it's the. It's decisions around everything else, you know, which is hindering them a little bit. As for Man United, I think they've tried to do the right things, but then sacking people here, there and everywhere, bringing in managers, you know, and not giving them time, not giving the transfer window. So I would say similar in all honesty.

B (5:59)

I just think it's been such a bad look for Man United when they've had to shell out so much on terms of directors of football paying for them, sacking them, managers paying for them, sacking them, giving them huge amounts to spend and then second staff who have been there for years. I think that's such a poor look

A (6:18)

actually on the field. They're not. They look like they're improving a little bit and the recent recruitment's been pretty good.

B (6:25)

I would say under Michael have definitely improved and it looks as if they're going to qualify for Champions League and I guess if they do, I'd be forgiving him the job. Not on a long term basis and make mistakes as they've done last time, but maybe even give him a one year deal with different incentives in it if he hits different targets.

C (6:42)

I think the question will be with Man United is how do they do once they're balancing league football and Champions League football.

A (6:50)

It's a good point.

C (6:51)

That's when you'll see because one game a week now, it's easier for them time to recover and they can focus on that one game a week. So that's the advantage that they've had. I would say that's a good point.

A (7:04)

I'd throw spurs into this question as well because bottom three now, I mean West Ham drew didn't they the other night. So I mean if they'd have won that game, it was. I mean we talk, don't we? We talk a lot and it's used probably too much a must win game. But Wolves away for Tottenham is a must win game. But you know they. It's weird with Tottenham because it's actually really well run football club in terms of a business and what they've done. Stadium's incredible. We were there, weren't we Micah for the boxing.

C (7:36)

Wow.

A (7:37)

And then you've got the. One of the best training grounds in world football. But we all know with football it's not a business. It's. It's a. It's a sport and it's a. It's what matters most is what happens on the pitch.

B (7:49)

So Newcastle as well when they had different owners and it's. It's always. You're absolutely right. It's what happens out on the. On the pitch is the most and thing. But I do, I do genuinely believe whatever happens at the top of the club always filters down. It's very. It's the same as any office or factory or anything like that. If it's not right at the top, it always comes down to the shop floor.

A (8:09)

Yeah. Which takes me to my team, Leicester. We've got quite a few questions. I'll read out two of them. A lot of people have been talking about Leicester. I mean. Hi, Gary. Would love to hear your take on the diabolical downfall of the Foxes and what the three of you think is needed in order for a reset and more stable future for the club. That was from Jason C. Jane, Jeffs or Jeffers. Why doesn't John Rudkin do the honorable thing and resign? It's the sentence virtually everyone in Leicester wants to ask. And how did it all become so toxic? I'll start with John Rudkin, James, because I share the view that every fan at Leicester shares. The demise has really been gradual over the last few years. But it's, it's, it's really, you know, since he's become so influential at the football club where he's, you know, pretty much director of football, he basically man to man, Mark's top. The owner. I mean wherever you see them, he's there on his side. He somehow managed to worm his way up the club. I mean he's never really. I mean I think he coached a little bit of the academy at one point, but he's got no background really in football. Made a lot of bad decisions, obviously. I think there's also an important thing to say with Leicester is that it all started to go down to a degree with the helicopter crash and the loss of the father, obviously the chairman at the time the owner of the football club. And I think the club has suffered because of that is a Massive blow both on and off the pitch, obviously, in all sorts of ways. So I think it's important to mention that. But the sudden decline over the last few seasons, and don't forget, this is a team that didn't just win the Premier league at almost 10 years to the day. Almost. They won the league. They finished fifth twice in the Premier League. After that, they won the FA cup for the first time in its history. And I think most Leicester fans, however depressed we are at the moment, I think we'd all agree that if you'd have said 13 years ago, this is what's going to happen over the. The next 13 years. You're going to go from League One to, to the championship, to the Premier League, to win the Premier League, to win the FA cup, to go to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and then you're going to get relegated, then you're going to win the league and go straight back up, then you can get relegated again and then you're going to get relegated again to League One. I think we'd have all gone. Yes, please. So let's try and look on the positive. But I don't know from the outside guys. Well, I mean, it's the same thing, isn't it? If it's. If things are not run properly, it's just.

B (10:46)

Yeah, eventually it happens, doesn't it? I mean, if it's not the same thing. But I mean, oh, my God, the fall is incredible, isn't it? I mean, to go to the Championship and then to go to the. Oh, to League One, I mean, wow, that's just a war. There's a warning out there for everyone.

A (11:01)

It is. And I think I'm very worried about the future of the club and I think because of, you know, financially, I think it's very dangerous and precarious at the moment because what Leicester did and they made huge error in this. I know that they didn't. When they got relegated, they didn't. In the contracts, there wasn't a relegation clause. So Leicester, because they got challenging and they're a victim of their own success and this is wise because they, they were right at the top of the Premier League, obviously, and to keep and try and maintain that while playing in the Champions League and then just missed out on two seasons, but they started to play high wages to keep the players. Remember, Arsenal were after Jamie Varden. In the end we managed to keep him, which was great. And Jamie's wonderful for our football club. But what it's meant, of course, is they're Overpaying, Overpaying. Then you go down, then you're in trouble. The first season was, you know, we had the parachute payment, came straight back up. We just wriggled. But then again, and then they started then obviously it's been badly run in terms of getting doc points this season. I honestly think by the looks of the points tallies now, even without that six points, Leicester would be in the bottom three. So it's a difficult, difficult period. But you know, hopefully you can turn it around again. But I don't know what they do. I mean, I think most fans just want them to hopefully find a new owner that's got loads of money and has got the best interest of the club at heart. They're not easy to find, are they?

C (12:25)

Are you more surprised, Gaz, at the, you know, I talked about experience there with Chelsea, but you got some experienced players in that squad.

A (12:33)

I never dreamt for a minute that this squad that Leicester had would, would, would, should go down. It should be a team that's going up that is not really a bottom half championship squad.

C (12:43)

Well, I'll read the names. Begovic, Pereira, Lals, Vestergaard, Thomas. Is he back four See that played in the Premier League, couldn't you. And doing okay. Skipping midfield, Fatal who you love and then the COVID de Reid, Harry Winks

A (12:59)

who played for England not that long ago.

C (13:01)

Dakar up front. You thinking that's a team that can, can be at least in the playoffs, in the championship.

A (13:07)

But it just shows you how important I think confidence is and I. They've brought in obviously a couple of different managers this season. Neither of them have fared particularly well. And the thing is, if they're going to league one now and some of these players have still got these contracts, then no one's going to be buying them. I mean, that's the worry. I mean if they're still on Premier League contracts.

B (13:26)

Yeah.

A (13:27)

With Premier League salaries. I mean, what the Incredible.

B (13:30)

Yeah, I'm sorry.

C (13:32)

But it is sad though, isn't it?

A (13:34)

For me, I think football wise they can get back if they can, if they can handle things financially. But I remember 25 years ago when the club went, you know, into administration. I, I mean, I don't know what the situation is with, with the owner, but I, I fear that might go again. Let's take a break here because I need a break. And then when we come back we'll, we'll talk hopefully a bit, bit more positive matters. This episode is brought to you by Disney plus as the home of the Lion King, the Incredibles, Princess Leia and many more. Disney plus has always been a place to watch powerful, fearless, unstoppable and iconic champions. So it's the perfect home for the UEFA Women's Champions League where you can catch all the action in every match live. I'm really looking forward to the semi finals this weekend. Buying a plan. Barcelona and Arsenal against Leon. I'll be cheering on Barcelona. They've got a great side and they've won it a few times as well. It's a fantastic tournament and watching it all play out is going to be edge of your seat stuff. So you know Disney plus is the one. The UEFA Women's Champions League every match live only on Disney Plus. Find out more@disneyplus.com 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. And today's question is from Sam Egas who asks, do you think Sir Alex Ferguson's management style will. Would work with today's generation of players? Good question.

B (15:28)

Yeah, good question. I think very much like great players in the 70s, 80s, 90s, he would adapt to being a great manager now because he would find a way. He went through different eras anyway and managed to still be great and adapt. But I think without doubt he would have to change because I'm you. I'm not sure you could rule by freer as much as he did then now, but there's no doubt he'd still be in the. One of the. Well, would be the best manager because he'd adapt.

C (16:00)

Yes, I'd have to agree. Come on, Fergie. I mean, people don't understand how many top players he had to deal with. Imagine dealing with all those players. A bit of tough love's good as well. Some of the players now are a little bit soft. So yeah, with what, what he's. What he's done in the game, without doubt he would adapt.

A (16:20)

1500 games, 895 wins, 38 trophies, 13 Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues. I think he might be able to adapt a little bit to the modern game.

B (16:33)

38 guys, 38.

A (16:35)

38 trophies. Incredible. And also as you quite rightly said, Alan, he's done it in different eras. He, he probably had three different teams during that period of time and he was, he was never afraid to let a player go. You know, he sold Beckham and Keane and Stam and Rude Van Nisselrooy and lots of others as Well, I mean as a bloke he was tough, he was hard, he was uncompromising and demanding of his players and I still think you probably need that to a degree. I think some of, some of the antics that I've heard would probably not, not be received well in the modern game. But you know, as you quite rightly said, he, you know, you, you adapt a little bit and a leader is a leader. Yeah, I fell out with him a couple of times in my BBC days but I never ever lacked respect for the success that he's had. And it would, obviously it would be interesting. It's, you know, it's a hypothetical question, but if you're that good, you're that good, aren't you?

C (17:43)

But don't you think a lot of the ex pros though, they all say if he liked you, he was amazing. A lot of people talk about the modern day game now and they say could he adapt tactically. But look what Zidane's done. He's not known as a master tactician. Wins three Champions Leagues in a row. Ancelotti as well, exact same thing. He's not known as a tactician but he's won the Champions League and what he's done for Real Madrid. So yes, he would be a success.

A (18:11)

Well, Mourinho as well, isn't he? I mean, I know perhaps not so much in his latter years he's not been quite as successful but you know, he was a similar sort of personality probably to Sir Alex and he's, he's done it in an era that's was post Sir Alex really. And the other thing as well I think is worth mentioning that he was never afraid of, of giving young players the opportunity and, and brought a lot of players through the Manchester United academy. So I think really the an answer is an emphatic yes, he could. And if you want your question answered on the show and you fancy saving on your energy bills, sign up to Fuse Energy@fuseenergy.com Football. Just make sure you use the referral code. Football. All uppercase. Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and me, Gary Lineker, answering your questions. Right, where shall we go next?

C (19:08)

Have a bit of positivity, please.

A (19:11)

Yeah, well let's. Okay, it's a question here about a young player. It's from Logue or Loggie. L O G E. I don't know how you say that. Would you take Rio Ngamoa to the World cup as a wild card? I mean that's quite a big Shout he's only just broken the Liverpool team but he's very excited but it. He is a talent but yeah he's. It's come a bit too soon for him I think.

B (19:33)

Yeah and the same with the max downwards too is unbelievable young talent they are. No I wouldn't take either on their time will come. I've no doubt about that. Hopefully they'll have great features but not. Not for England this summer. No.

C (19:47)

How many in the squad is it? 26. Is that confirmed guys?

A (19:50)

26. So there'll be 23 plus three goalkeepers I would imagine.

C (19:55)

It's a good question. Yeah I'd probably just agree.

A (19:59)

I mean it's just you could ask the same question about Diamond. You could possibly. The only thing is if. If I mean Spain did it didn't they with Lamina Mal but he played quite a lot exactly of football before that. Yeah in the first team I'm saying so. Correct. It is slightly different. These boys have only really featured very occasionally so. And also it's not about the pressure. I don't say. I think you could if we're the big squad take them because you want to just let them feel the experience of what it's like going down but being part of a squad in a World Cup. But I'm. I'm not sure that's at this point. If they played loads and they were absolutely killing it in the Premier League then. Yes.

B (20:48)

Remember when Theo Walcott was. Was taken. I spoke to Theo about this at the weekend actually because I was in. He was in part of the Premier League when we went to Tampa last weekend and he got asked the question similar sort of thing. Would he take Max Darwin and how can it sort of what experience did he. I was a good thing and he said it was like he thought it was amazing like back then but he said looking back clearly wasn't. He wasn't ready to go to a. To a World cup and I feel the same with. With those two now to protect them for their. For their future for everything without as I said great talent, great futures. I'm pretty sure they'll have.

A (21:27)

Do you know what I do go on. I bring both of them for the pre camp before they go to experience life around the first team not. But not to play not to be in the squad but you know in the. Because they'll do warm up games because

B (21:40)

they've got two haven't they in June.

A (21:42)

No but it's not even part of. Not even part of those games but you know in the Training, be around the camp, get a little bit of a feel for it because, you know, I think that'd be a good idea. But not, not taking.

C (21:52)

I think it just depends. Just lastly for me, it depends who's available because touchwood. There always seems to be some sort of niggle or injury before the World Cup.

A (22:02)

Well, there will be.

B (22:03)

So left side for Ngamoa.

A (22:06)

They got Rashford and Gordon.

B (22:07)

He's going to be competing. Rashford and Gordon.

C (22:10)

Yeah. But right side. Not as, not as. I know he likes Madwaque and I know he liked Saka.

B (22:16)

Palmer can play there if I'm right

C (22:19)

back when you're talking about Phil Walcott, they took Walcott instead of Defoe, I believe, if that's correct. Hates. You'll, you'll, you'll correct me if I'm wrong.

A (22:29)

It's a thumbs up over there.

C (22:30)

So that's, that's different because that's the foes. A glorified goal scorer. So that is different. If there's someone who you're not too sure about that don't know if they're going to get enough minutes and they're just going to be there and they're not really going to be used and you could use experience. I was always of your opinion and I think I said that even just a couple of weeks ago I wouldn't take him. But I'm looking at it and I'm thinking, thinking when Arsenal need something, they're turning to Dauman. Now it's not as though they're just bringing him in because he's a young player who need like to have make Arteta look good because of the player. Youngster is actually to affect the game and he can affect the game off the bench.

A (23:14)

So if he comes in for the last few games of the season, wins the title.

B (23:17)

Correct.

A (23:18)

And performs magically, then, then this conversation changes.

C (23:21)

Correct. Obviously.

A (23:22)

Obviously. But it's hard to see Arteta trusting him to, to do that. I'd love to see him start and see how he, see how he gets on because I, I think he's fearless and thrilling. This leads me on actually to a question from Philip Brack. While we're on England, what do you make of Capello's comments saying England won't win the World cup because they are always tired and play with fear. Okay, I saw that, I saw that interview. He did say that.

B (23:48)

Yeah. I guess because of the, the weight of not winning it since, since 66 then. I know we've been to semi and been to final, but it's actually the one, the important one is getting over the line and there is going to be fear. There is going to be that, that, that worry and everything else that goes with it. But somehow we've got to, we've just gotta, we've got to win one of them and then, yeah, I think you'll see us go again. But I think that's nonsense.

C (24:14)

Capello's not, not York. Not your comments.

B (24:17)

Oh, well, I think he's, I think he's got it in, in terms of the fear.

C (24:21)

But hold on, you've just said that these guys don't fear it. Precious for tires and they only went out to do what? I mean, what Did I say that?

A (24:31)

Yeah, you're right.

C (24:32)

Okay. Yeah. Precious for tires and went out in the Euros final to penalties. You know what I mean? That's not fear. That's just unlucky.

A (24:42)

Or they did also state that in that final that England got one ahead and then went, oh, backed off and played defensively. But, you know, different coach, different styles. I'm not sure about the fear factor. I personally, I mean I can only. You can only speak about when I played, but you know, you have your thoughts before, but once you walk down that tunnel, let's bring it on. Isn't it For a footballer? I don't know.

C (25:05)

I think we have fear maybe as, as maybe broadcasters or fans. Maybe we're.

A (25:11)

Oh, we all have fear watching. It's much worse watching than playing.

B (25:15)

I think that's where Gareth done a great job.

C (25:17)

Job.

A (25:17)

Yeah.

B (25:18)

In terms of that trying to, trying to eradicate that fear. Obviously didn't get over the line, but he did a great job in and, and getting to England to certain positions. But for whatever reason, and there has to be a reason that you, you can't get over the. Over the line. We've been ever so close. But yeah, and I guess the tired thing. Yeah, you can't, you can't argue with a tired one, can you? In terms of.

A (25:41)

I think that is relevant. I think that is, is quite hard for, you know, players. And at the end you sit in the Champions League and the, the Spanish football is obviously not as physical. They pass it around. You know, a lot of players in other teams will have played in the English Premier League as well. But. But I don't know. You've just gotta, just gotta find a way at some point. I hope. I want to ask this question because I, I saw it and there's a question from Didier and he. I think it's, it's Pretty valid. He went. I never hear you talk about Ronaldinho. Among the best time. Is it because of his life outside of football? I personally think that he could be rated as high as R9. He was a magician of ball at his feet. It is funny. I don't talk much about Randy. Wow. But yes, one of the. One of the all time greats. He'd be my top 10.

B (26:33)

Michael Rabbi is a baller.

C (26:34)

A ball. A proper baller. I mean if it was just out of lifestyle, it'd be number one. Watching his documentary now at the moment on Netflix actually. And.

A (26:47)

Oh, is it out, is it?

C (26:49)

It's out. Oh, I'm gonna.

A (26:50)

Really good on Netflix as well.

C (26:52)

Yeah, it's on Netflix.

A (26:54)

Well, we're always happy to plug them.

C (26:55)

Obviously I'm only halfway through at the

A (26:59)

moment but is it a one off or is it.

C (27:01)

It's free episodes. Yeah.

A (27:04)

Oh, brilliant. Look forward to seeing that. I mean what an entertaining.

B (27:08)

Unbelievable.

C (27:09)

His lifestyle is good. Yeah. I don't want to spoil it for you guys, but as a footballer, yeah, he was, he was amazing. But we didn't see him that much. Well, I didn't see him that much. Yeah, we saw him in the Champions League a little bit, but I was just Premier League back then.

B (27:26)

His feet were ridiculous, weren't they? In terms of how quick they were.

A (27:30)

Have you ever seen his first goal for Barcelona? I'm sure we would check it out on YouTube. Yes, he goes boom, boom, boom, boom and rattles it in the top. It's unbelievable.

C (27:41)

That's in the documentary.

A (27:42)

Yeah, I bet it is.

C (27:44)

Wow. Wow, what a goal.

A (27:46)

Tasty. Does he say he meant the one against England? Well, seen that bit.

C (27:50)

Yeah. I don't want to spoil it for you guys. Kapu has a little whisper to him before he takes it.

A (27:56)

So I think he meant it. He's too good a footballer to have misdirected it that much. The other thing, the other one was of course that he had quite this thing with Messi when he was young, didn't he? And he, he made sure he told Messi he was going to go get him a goal in his debut. And he does that brilliant little flick to. To Messi. Messi lobs it over the keeper's head for his first ever goal. So that was pretty impressive. Well, one question to finish, here's an interesting one from tc. Are Everton closing the gap with Liverpool? Well, they certainly have this season.

B (28:33)

Yeah, I guess. I mean Liverpool have been very poor by their own high standards after winning the league last season. They' Come closer down and haven't improved. I mean, what a job David Moyes is doing. I mean, unbelievable in what he's got to where he took over to where he's got them now in terms of challenging for a European spot. He's doing a fabulous job. But I think they're closer to them as well as them improving. But because of Liverpool coming backwards or going backwards.

C (29:03)

Yeah, I think, yeah. Closing the gap. It's difficult to say. You need a bit more time, more evidence. Maybe next season, especially because of how Liverpool perform this season. But in terms of the structure, new stadium, the fans are always great. Play good football. Yeah, I would say they're closing the gap a little bit.

A (29:24)

Closing the guy just. It will ultimately depend on budget though, won't it?

B (29:27)

Yeah.

A (29:28)

What they're allowed to spend and how they spend it, Everton, if they can do that. I mean, it was. I mean, obviously when I played in the 80s, there was. They were the two dominant teams at the time. Be great to see a bit of cut and thrust like that again. Okay, well, thank you very much for sending your questions in. Always hugely appreciated. But for now, that's it. So goodbye from me.

C (29:50)

Goodbye from me.

B (29:51)

Goodbye from me.