← The Rest Is Football
The Rest Is Football
Man City Heap Pressure On Real Madrid, Madueke’s Screamer & Slot’s Big Win
00:40:41
Loading summary
Transcript223 lines
- [00:00]
A
This episode of the Rest Is Football is powered by our new presenting partners, Fuse Energy. We're thrilled to welcome them to the team, especially outside the regular transfer window.
- [00:11]
B
A new signing providing power and energy. That sounds like a bit of me back in the day guys.
- [00:17]
C
And reliable too. Not one of those fair weather players who go missing in December.
- [00:23]
A
Fuse will be powering the Rest Is Football right through the season. They're one of the UK's fastest growing energy suppliers, building solar farms and helping Holmes make smarter choices. Power that performs throughout the season, Fuse.
- [00:38]
B
Keep everything running, lights on, meters, smart cars charged, a full squad you can.
- [00:44]
C
Count on, and when you sign up for their fixed rates, your energy prices hold their shape even as the nights turn colder and the title race heats up.
- [00:54]
A
The season is long, but with Fuse, the energy never drops. For more information about energy that hits the top corner every time, head to fuse energy.com football and if you fancy getting involved, sign up with the code Football for the chance to get a shout out on the pod and throw your own question at us next time.
- [01:15]
C
There's a reason Chevy trucks are known.
- [01:17]
A
For their dependability because they show up no matter the weather, push forward no matter the terrain and deliver.
- [01:21]
C
That's why Chevrolet has earned more dependability.
- [01:23]
A
Awards for trucks than any other brand.
- [01:24]
C
In 2025, according to J.D.
- [01:26]
A
Power, because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all the trucks in the JD Powered 2020 Vehicle Dependability Study Awards based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit jdpower.com awards for more details. Chevrolet together, let's Drive this episode is.
- [01:47]
C
Brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast Smart move Being financially savvy Smart move. Another smart move having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plan vary by state, coverage options are selected by the customer, availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.
- [02:16]
This episode is brought to you by McAfee. Yes, playoff tickets. Just need to click here and wait. What fake site? Good thing McAfee threw the red flag. That would have been 400 bucks gone. McAfee blocks risky sites so you don't pay for seats and other things that don't exist. Plans start at just $39.99 for your first year. That's cheaper than parking on game Day. Learn more@mcafee.com online protection.
- [02:55]
A
Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richards in the back of a car and me, Gary Lineker. We're recording this just after the Champions League matches on Wednesday evening. And Micah, I presume you're working for cbs. I know Alan did co commentary last night with Liverpool's win with Amazon. So yeah. How was your night, Micah?
- [03:19]
B
Yeah, it was, it was a good night actually. We integrated the Women's Champions League and the Men's Champions League together. So for two days were being dipping in and out both competitions, which was really cool. But if you can imagine, nine pundits or nine. Well, to be fair, two presenters and then seven. Seven pundits. It's a lot. But the girls who came over were outstanding. You know, their, the knowledge of the game, their enthusiasm was, was brilliant. It was just all round good. Couple of days after what was an amazing trip in Abu Dhabi.
- [04:00]
A
Tell us how that night panned out after we left you or you left us, I should say.
- [04:05]
B
I got to sleep at 7:90 in the morning.
- [04:12]
On the dot. I stuck on the Rest is Politics podcast and I listened to that for about 20 minutes and fell asleep listen to the rest of the morning. But I was just on cloud nine, guys. I'm rejuvenated now. I'm. I've got my energy back. I felt like I lost it for a couple of weeks, but I'm back now.
- [04:30]
C
Guys, I was skeptical.
- [04:32]
B
I was.
- [04:32]
C
He. Was he all right?
- [04:35]
B
He was like, is that Gary and Alan? He was like a little kid. Even put on his social media the effect that you guys have on people. I just put you two donuts but you know.
- [04:47]
A
Well, we are two donuts but two.
- [04:49]
C
Old donuts as well.
- [04:51]
A
Yeah, two old donuts, yeah. Let's start with the big one. Real Madrid vs Manchester City. Xabi Alonso under pressure going into the game. Manchester City needed a win obviously and they got it. Good performance. The Bernabeu was full of whistles at the end, which is their equivalent of booing. And I'm not sure whether the old pamuelos blancos, the white handkerchiefs were being waved, but doesn't look good for Alonso at present. They're not a patient bunch in Madrid.
- [05:23]
C
Well, you would know better than anyone guys, in terms of what they do and how quick you have to get results there or you know what's going to happen. I mean it's probably worse there than anywhere, isn't it? Barcelona and Real Madrid.
- [05:33]
A
Yeah, the expectancy levels Are. Are huge there. I mean, if you look at overall, they're not doing too badly in the Champions League. They're in the top bunch. And also they're. They're second in the league. I mean, it's just. But it's all relative, obviously, and the expectancy level at Real Madrid are really high, but I think they're really missing. And I spoke to. I mentioned it on the Rest is football La Liga pod that I did a thing in Madrid last week and I was about the Hand of God game in 86, and I did part of it with Jorge Valdano, used to be that, you know, the great center forward for Madrid and of course Argentina. And he was also. I'm not sure what his role was at the club, like director of football or even higher, I think, for quite a number of years. And he said, we didn't really miss Ronaldo, we didn't really miss Benzema, we didn't really miss, you know, Gareth Bale. He said, but what we. Who we are missing is Tony Cruz and Luka Modric, he said, because they just gave us control of football matches all the time. And he says at the moment that central midfield, that kind of pivot or double pivot, he said it's. It's that they're not really controlling matches. And you can see that to a degree. And I think Xabi Alonso tried, wanted Zubamendi in the summer, but the president didn't back him. And. But I imagine that the president won't be the one that gets the blame for the fact that, you know, they've only won one game in the last five in La Liga, and now they've lost this big match as well. So there's. There's a lot of pressure on him. There's a lot of talk that he might go by the end of the week, but. Crazy world of football coaching, what was it like, Mike?
- [07:16]
C
You would have saw it all. You just saw most of the game. Because I was flicking obviously with Newcastle game as well. So when I flicked on towards the end, Madrid were putting City under huge pressure.
- [07:27]
B
Yeah, I thought in the first half it was pretty even. I feel as though, man, City are always liable for a counter attack, which Real Madrid tried to expose that especially in the second half. It was almost like one of those games where both teams wanted to win or there was an away goal or whatever. It was like a basketball game at times. But the question I wanted to ask you, Gaz, and we were sort of speaking about in the studio, you've been over there in Spain and the successful managers there, someone like Zidane, who obviously won the Champions League three years on, on the trot. Then someone like Ancelotti who. Those managers are supposed to be really good managers, so they manage players and then coaches who have gone in there. So like David Alonso now at Leverkusen, he's an outstanding coach. He was doing all sorts of different things, whether it was playing his wing backs really high, his midfield rotation, they would press at the right times. You could see a clear plan of what they wanted to do. But I feel like Real Madrid, it's just a different club where they're expected to win every single week. And it doesn't matter how you get it done, you just win. We bring the best players. Real Madrid and he do that where Xavi is trying to coach and the fans are not buying into what he's trying to do, which just, just left them. Well, in fairness, they've only won two in the last eight games. But just from someone who's been over there in Spain, knowing what Real Madrid and what that their club expects, is it going to be too difficult for Alonso to coach like he wants to do?
- [09:13]
A
Well, it depends how much time he gets, doesn't it? You know, and as I said before, they're not particularly patient. The expectancy levels are incredibly high. I noticed when I went there, you know, our press is pretty fierce, but it was more, it was more the off the field that you used to have to worry about than anything else, where they don't bother you with your off your field life, really. But actually the focus on the football itself is so intense and so immense and so pressurized. They have daily papers in both Madrid and Barcelona that only cover that football club. So in Madrid there's like Marca in. In Barcelona there's Sport and El Mundo Deportivo and they're basically 50 pages on. On the club every single day. So you can imagine what it's like. It's. It's like the pressure at a big club here, times about five. And it's been difficult for Alonso and I think he's been caught between a rock and a hard place because he's not playing the way he played with Leverkusen. And I think when he played at Leverkusen, he played three at the back and as you said, he played his wing back super high, really high. And they had this way of playing. It was dynamic. But I think he's gone to Real Madrid and he's not really played that formation at all, only on occasions. And I wonder whether he's thinking, I can't really get away with playing three at the back. That sometimes will obviously be five at the back with a team like Rep Madrid, who. Most of the clubs that they'll play will sit back and sit deep. So I, I wonder whether he's. I don't know. It's.
- [10:44]
C
He would show the expectations, though, wouldn't. He wouldn't been there. Of course.
- [10:48]
A
He knows exactly what it would know.
- [10:50]
C
How it works there.
- [10:51]
A
Yeah. Oh, very much so. He'll know. And, and, and I think he'll probably fear the worst at the moment, but, you know, for most teams where they are in the season they've had is not too bad at the moment, but it's. That's not the perception in Madrid. A lot of whistles, pitos at the end of the game, a lot of them and fair way of showing their dissatisfaction with the way that it's going. But it's hard to know unless you're on the inside. And obviously there's a lot of rumors that, you know, some players are not accepting, you know, the way it's going and stuff like that. You're dealing with bigger egos, you're dealing with big superstars. He's left big players out of certain games. They've also. It's, it's very fair, I think it should be said, that they've got a number of injuries, including killing. Mbappe missed tonight's game. You know, Bellingham was out for quite, quite a time as well. Trent Alexander. Arnold has been missing for most of the season, so it's not been easy. And they're, they're very short on fullbacks at the moment as well.
- [11:49]
B
Yeah. Mendy's injured as well, isn't he? Mendy? Yeah. Carvajal as well.
- [11:52]
A
Yeah, exactly. So it's not been easy, but I don't think, I don't think there's a lot of, you know, sympathy. And it's always the coach that gets to blame. I mean, that's the same in world football, but, I mean, it's so much more difficult there because you've. The success that they've had, obviously they are one of, you know, they're probably the biggest club in the world, and I hate to say that as a Barcelona person, but they are huge and they're so used to winning. But a coach comes in and, and he needs, he needs time. I mean, come on. I think it's. I think it's so early, but we'll see, we'll see if he survives.
- [12:27]
C
Good result for City, though.
- [12:29]
A
Brilliant.
- [12:30]
C
Very good.
- [12:31]
B
City are a strange team to watch at the moment because again, they're getting over the line. You know, the conceded. What was it? I think they scored. Conceded 10 goals in the last five games. I know that game I've fallen where they conceded four. But they're getting the job done offensively, but they still look very vulnerable defensively. You know, every time a team on a counterattack, I've got a heart attack.
- [12:57]
It's just there's so much space in the middle of the park, which, when you look at Pep's teams have always been about control. And City at the moment don't have any control, but still getting over the line. So once we sort that bit out, then if you can go to Real Madrid. We all remember what happened last time when Mbappe got that hat trick. I thought Doku was very good again. He was lively, trying to make things happen. I thought Foden was quite quiet. He got a yellow card early doors, didn't he? I was surprised to see Haaland come off, but again, probably just a little bit of rotation in there. And then Nico O'Reilly gets his first Champions League goal. And I just think he's been outstanding this season.
- [13:45]
A
His special talent, I think.
- [13:46]
B
Yeah, but it's not just that. It's the fact that he's a midfielder playing left back.
- [13:50]
A
I know this shows you how intelligent he must be.
- [13:53]
B
Exactly that. And he's making a difference. So, yeah, it's all positive for City in terms of results. I think performances still need to become better if they're gonna challenge for that Champions League and then push Arsenal all the way for the. For the Premier League as well.
- [14:07]
A
How far is Rodri off, do we know?
- [14:09]
B
I mean, I don't know. He keeps saying one week and then he's saying, you know, a couple of weeks. Nobody actually. Well, the information I'm getting, I don't actually know.
- [14:17]
A
I think he'll make a big difference if he can get a fit Rodri again. I mean, it's.
- [14:21]
C
It's.
- [14:22]
A
It's such a shame that long injury. And then he's come back and he's had obviously problems trying to get fit again. But O'Reilly is. He got a chance to be England's left back in the World Cup.
- [14:33]
B
I mean, if he keeps playing like the way he is now. Yeah. And he played well for England in the last international meetup, but they've got so many players in that position. I really like hall at Newcastle. I really like him, I think. And I think he started in midfield as well. When they got him from. It was Chelsea, wasn't it, Al?
- [14:56]
C
Yeah.
- [14:56]
B
If I remember correctly and I remember it was doing one of the games and after, after the game said he. He's normally a midfielder but to go out that left back. But he's so intelligent, you know, and when he goes forward, it goes forward with conviction and has quality at the end of it as well. So I really like him. I think it's going to be competition for places. But it's good that, you know, teams are playing well certainly in the Champions League.
- [15:19]
A
Yeah, certainly. Was Newcastle out. I mean they 2:1 up with just a couple of minutes to go. They would have been in that top group, wouldn't it? Yeah.
- [15:27]
C
Conceding another goal late again, Gary. God, how many times has it happened? I mean they were. I thought they were really poor in.
- [15:34]
A
The first half and played well in the second half. Two times to hit the inside of the post.
- [15:38]
C
Eddie must have got stuck into them at half time because they're a different team in the second half. I thought they played really well. Lewis Miley coming on, getting his first ever Champions League goal and his night was ruined. I mean it was looking so good. And three points I think would have put them in sixth. I think something like that. Sixth or seventh.
- [15:56]
A
So I would say at the worst though, Alan, they'll probably be in that middle block and if they're in that, I mean that. Which you'd probably take.
- [16:02]
B
Absolutely.
- [16:03]
A
I think you would never thought they'd.
- [16:05]
C
Been the bottom, but I think it's just what could have been. You know, when you. Yeah, you're two one up with three or four minutes to go and you concede again. I know they've got psv, I think in their next game, which is at home. So you would hope they could get a three points there. And then they got a really tough one the last year which is PSG away. So they're gonna have to stop conceding those. Those late goals. It's really, really as custom.
- [16:28]
A
Yeah, I had that on the. On the. On my phone actually watching that one and I was watching the Real Madrid, but looked like Anthony Gordon was really impressive.
- [16:37]
C
I mean, another goal, another assist.
- [16:38]
A
Great ball in and very unlucky not to score as well when he hit the inside the post.
- [16:42]
C
In the post. Yeah, he had a great cross in for. Miley's header for the. For the. His goal as well. So he looks to be back to his. To his best. Anthony Gordon. Yep.
- [16:51]
B
So where are Newcastle up now. I know I always ask you every. You know, a couple of weeks and all that. Are you. I think Visa Visser came on as well, didn't he? Late. Late doors.
- [17:01]
C
He came on at the weekend, obviously, and then came on again tonight. Only for the last four or five minutes. Just to see the. See the game out, I think. So. Hopefully it's not too far away from him starting the game. If he can get another half an hour or an hour in sometime in the next. In the next week or two, then I don't think you'll be too far away from starting the next two or three weeks. So that has to be a plus for Newcastle, Africa. No, he's not going away.
- [17:26]
B
He's not going away.
- [17:27]
C
He's not going away. Which is a big, big plus for Newcastle.
- [17:30]
A
Yeah.
- [17:31]
C
Which I think is the right decision because he's hard. Well, he's. He's. What did he have at the weekend? He had probably 20 minutes at the weekend, half an hour and he's had only five minutes tonight. So I don't. I don't think that would have been a good look. If he had just played those games and then gone off for another month or so next week. I don't think that would have been a good look. So I think that's the right. That's the. The right decision.
- [17:52]
A
It'll want to get playing and settled in as well, won't you? I mean, I mean, African Cooper Nation is obviously hugely important, but if you've not played any football for months. Yeah, it would have been a big ask to play in a major tournament as well.
- [18:03]
C
No, exactly.
- [18:04]
B
Yeah.
- [18:04]
C
And I think. I think he's made the right decision.
- [18:06]
A
They're looking pretty good, I would say, and I'll tell you, are looking very, very good. Arsenal.
- [18:11]
C
Yeah.
- [18:12]
A
I mean, six games, six wins, 17 goals, one conceded. And don't forget they're missing their two main central defenders, which is. But you know, Donny Madwicki came in and I mean, the two. Two goals. They. Two of the goals in that game. I mean, first one and Martinelli's two absolutely wonderful finishes.
- [18:35]
B
Before you guys go, can I ask. Could I ask you about that technique of that strike? Because he sort of took the shot, but I actually don't think he meant to do that. And I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's because of the height of where the ball went. So he didn't catch the ball cleanly, is that. It was an amazing goal. I don't want to take anything away from him and I Think he had a brilliant match and I really. I really like him as a player and all that sort of stuff. So I'm not. I'm not picking, but just the way he struck the ball, it looked like he didn't mean to do that.
- [19:10]
A
Do you think it was a cross?
- [19:14]
B
I just think that the technique was odd, like the way he was falling back and the ball.
- [19:19]
C
I don't want to be. I don't want to be disrespectful to him, but I don't think he meant it. Did you say. Did he say that?
- [19:26]
A
What do you mean he didn't mean it?
- [19:27]
C
Exactly.
- [19:29]
A
What happened was the ball got in a slightly awkward position and I think he manipulated it to make sure that he kept it down, and that's why it looked. But I. And I think that's what it was. But I mean, it was.
- [19:39]
C
I mean.
- [19:41]
A
I mean, what did he mean to do then?
- [19:43]
B
I just think he. He hit the ball earlier than the. Then when the ball was coming across, then that meant that the ball went up instead of like a bendy one, it went up and hit the bar. It was like a weird technique, but.
- [20:01]
A
Obviously, whatever it was, it was a bit special.
- [20:03]
B
I thought it was amazing. It was amazing. Yeah.
- [20:06]
C
As was Martinelli's as well in the second half. That was a brilliant strike as well, wasn't it?
- [20:11]
A
Yeah. Top corner as well, too. Absolutely wonderful goals for them. I mean, it was a good result for mean. Bruge can be tricky. They've caused few teams problems, but they probably really needed something like that, you know, after that defeat at Villa. If you get another defeat off the back of that, then people start, you know, like us start questioning them and stuff like that. But, I mean, I think they look, you know, you could. Anyone can lose at Villa and the way they lost in the last minute, that sort of thing will happen. You're going to lose the odd game. But, you know, people are saying, well, are Arsenal starting to deal? And I just. I. I don't. I don't buy it. You're going to lose the odd game in the season. I think they're looking pretty. Pretty damn good, personally.
- [20:51]
C
Absolutely. Yeah. But it's really important that when you get that bad result, which it was, wasn't necessarily a bad performance, just a bad result. You need to get back straight away and play and win a game like they have done. So I think that was an important result for them tonight.
- [21:04]
A
And the squad's looking good, Micah, isn't it? I mean, to miss some of the players that they missed particularly. It's always hard when you miss your central defenders.
- [21:11]
B
Yeah, definitely. But we've mentioned them a lot over the last couple of weeks with being out. But it was to see Gabriel Jesus back, wasn't it? You've got Yochez back, Gabriel Jesus back, so you've got even more competition. If there's ever a time to push all the way, it's this year because everyone's okay. They've had injuries but they've got enough quality to deal with their injuries. That is, that is the difference and that could be the difference at the end of the season.
- [21:42]
C
But who have they got this weekend?
- [21:43]
B
Oh, good, good question.
- [21:46]
C
They got wolves at home.
- [21:48]
B
Yes.
- [21:48]
C
Saturday night.
- [21:49]
A
Yeah. Wolves at home.
- [21:55]
Yeah. Oh, actually that's a good shout.
- [21:56]
C
If you ever wanted a game on the back of a defeat, a league game, then it's wolves at home, isn't it?
- [22:01]
A
Yeah. Look away now, John. Producer John look away now, Wolves fan.
- [22:07]
No, but they are looking, looking good in both competitions at the moment and they're going to take some stopping and micros. Is that your spirit tummy rumbling there after a big couple of days in Abu Dhabi? I can hear.
- [22:19]
B
No, no, no, I'm. They're now calling me Slim Meeks. Not Big Meeks.
- [22:23]
A
Slim Meeks. I can't wait to see you again. See what the Slim line makes look like.
- [22:28]
C
At least you haven't got those stupid glasses on. You had it on Sunday.
- [22:32]
A
They're not bad either. They were special, those ones. Yeah, well, good stuff, Micah. We'll let you go. Where are you going home or.
- [22:41]
B
Yes, I'm heading back up to Harrogate tonight, so I'm due to. At approximately 3 o' clock in the morning.
- [22:50]
C
Oh dear.
- [22:51]
A
Well, I know. Well, close your eyes in the back of the car. Make up for some of that lack of sleep you've got. Alan and myself will talk about Tuesday's games when we come back. We'll take a little breather.
- [23:03]
B
This episode is brought to you by Barclays.
- [23:06]
A
That's right. Because this year they're celebrating 25 years of supporting football. And let me tell you, they truly have made a difference.
- [23:15]
C
And don't forget, they ended up being the biggest ever commercial investors in UK women's sport when they started sponsoring the Barclays Women's Super League.
- [23:24]
A
But it's not all about the big leagues, is it lads? There's no football without grassroots footballer.
- [23:29]
C
That's right. I mean, we wouldn't have had the careers that we've had, guys. Not one of us Would they without grassroots football? That's where it all started, the love of the game.
- [23:37]
A
I went back to Alston Park Football Club, which is where I started to play. And all the lads were playing and the girls were playing all across, everywhere. And it was so beautiful to see these young people. One little lad came up to me, must have been about 9 or 10, and he came over to me, he went, my granddad used to play with you.
- [23:57]
Now that really is grassroots stuff. It's why Barclays has invested millions into grassroots programs and community initiatives to give opportunities in football to those who need it most. Search Barclays Football to find out more.
- [24:14]
At New Balance.
- [24:15]
C
We believe if you run, you're a.
- [24:17]
A
Runner.
- [24:22]
C
However you choose to do it.
- [24:26]
A
Because when you're not worried about doing.
- [24:28]
C
Things the right way.
- [24:31]
You'Re free to discover your way. And that's what running is all about.
- [24:37]
A
Run your way@newbalance.com running.
- [24:42]
C
Close your eyes, exhale. Feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry.
- [24:51]
A
That I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts.
- [24:56]
C
Oh my gosh, they're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry.
- [25:00]
B
I almost couldn't breathe when I saw.
- [25:02]
C
The discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry.
- [25:06]
A
Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-contacts Fire is the only pure thing in this world. On December 19th, the world of Avatar will change forever. There's something you're hiding.
- [25:23]
C
Tell her it is time.
- [25:25]
B
From director James Cameron.
- [25:27]
A
This world goes much deeper than you imagine. Get tickets now. Movies don't get any bigger than this. The day has come. Avatar Fire and ASH. Rated PG13 may be inappropriate for children under 13. Get tickets now.
- [25:44]
Welcome back to the rest Is football. Just Alan and me now. Let Micah go though, because he's. He's been a busy boy. As were you yesterday. Al. You went to the San Siro, obviously a huge game for obvious reasons.
- [26:00]
C
Yeah.
- [26:01]
A
Ever a manager brought a team, needed a result. It was probably Liverpool away into yesterday and they found a way. They. They did it all right.
- [26:09]
C
Yeah, I thought they did well. Yeah, they did the ugly side of the game really well. Defended well, look solid. Weren't too many errors at all. I mean defensively I think Liverpool have late have been all over the place. But that wasn't the case last night. I thought. I thought they did well, did what they had to do with the pressure that they were all under. No one more so than the manager because of the big call that he. That he made. He needed a huge result and they got a huge result. His players responded. They had a. I thought that. I mean, Var. Goodness.
- [26:41]
A
Oh, don't get me started. I mean, I mean, to be honest, I thought it leveled it up in a way because I think the handball was ridiculous. If it gone in from that, then you, you know, we know the law. But I mean, come on. Very soft penalty at the end. But I suppose it evened itself out.
- [26:58]
C
But then it's playing different laws and different competitions. We had Mark Clattenberg, come on. Saying that wouldn't have been given in the Premier League. Slightly different laws, I guess, in when you're playing European football. But the first one was. Was really, really harsh disallowing that because there was no intent at all. Yeah, it was. It was. I thought it was a poor decision. And then you're right. I mean they. They evened it up with. Because there's no way that for me that was a penalty. I know he's had a little tug on his shirt, but even Verts left it a second.
- [27:29]
A
Yeah.
- [27:30]
C
Before he even went down from it, you know. So. Yeah. So much for maximum benefit, minimum interference and all that rubbish.
- [27:38]
A
Yeah, well, I don't think that applies to European competition or indeed other places. But you need it.
- [27:43]
C
It.
- [27:43]
A
You know, consistent across the board.
- [27:45]
C
Yeah.
- [27:46]
A
Anyway, it's consistently.
- [27:48]
C
Yeah, it was. That's. That's what it is. Yeah. But Liverpool will not mind at all. They got the result they needed and then they now have to look to Saturday to play at Brighton. But I think you could feel the relief. You could sense the relief. And even in the interviews afterwards and before, to be honest, because I thought Alisson spoke really well before the game when he said. And Mo's a friend of everyone and particularly a friend of his played together for so long and then Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson and Arnold Slott came out at the. At the end of the game and. And spoke about it and you could tell there was huge relief from Liverpool because that's exactly what they needed.
- [28:25]
A
It is an irony of ironies, wasn't it? That they should win it right at the end from the penalty, which obviously Mo Salah normally takes. And so Bosley knocks it away.
- [28:34]
C
Brilliant.
- [28:35]
A
Seen a run of his penalties now. He hits the same penalty every time, but he seems to be pretty fearless.
- [28:42]
I find it a little bit sad.
- [28:43]
C
Yeah.
- [28:44]
A
You know, obviously a lot of the footballing world are Attacking Mo and I, I understand why. I just hope his legacy is not sport here and I think he's just got a bit emotional and, and he got caught out the wrong time having not been brought on. I wonder if he regrets it now. I saw him posted on Instagram of him just in the gym him totally on his own. Yeah I hope they can find a way out of this. Maybe Mo can go. Well you know, I'm sorry I got a bit emotional. I shouldn't have done it. Blah blah blah that might sort it out. Otherwise what they're going to do at the weekend now I, I suspect it'll be out again because you've got the African cup of nations but if they can have kind of sign of, kind of peace conference before he goes. Kiss and makeup, go away, play the African couple of nations, come back refreshed, reinvigorated, perhaps slightly apologetic because I'd hate. It'd be awful if it ended kind of miserably after such a wonderful like what is it, nine years?
- [29:46]
C
Yeah, I guess yeah it would be actually because of he's a superstar and he's been amazing for Liverpool and we. I'm not sure we know the full reason yet. Only he will. Will know why he's come out and said it and everyone's had their say including us and I guess the Liverpool fans and Arne slot I guess particularly just wants to concentrate on his team who he wants to pick and you know it's a big call from him and when you make big calls you need to back it up with results. And I said that the other day, didn't I that and that's a big result for him because he can imagine the reaction if Liverpool are beaten off into Milan after all that's gone on then you just know the reaction what's going to happen. So from the manager's point of view that is a big, big, big result.
- [30:33]
A
Yeah it was and I, you know obviously the team got behind everyone. You could tell that everyone felt a little bit down about it. I don't think the players probably feel disrespected by and I know a lot of people said that but I think it was in the moment a little bit emotionally been left out a couple of times on the bench, desperate to come on probably when it went to two till. And then I think he's, he's just snapped and we're human beings and I think sometimes we forget that, that, that footballers are also human and also sometimes we say why don't you know, why don't they speak out a bit more. Well, that's why, that's why. Because look what happens after it.
- [31:08]
C
But well, I hope it's resolved.
- [31:09]
A
I really too, because me too.
- [31:11]
C
Probably the best thing, he goes away at the weekend and tries to do what he has to do for Egypt and then see what happens in the meantime. But I think probably more importantly as a. For a footballer, for the football club, which is the most important thing, then they had to win the game and they did and it was a good performance. So they got to try and move on and take that forward. Because there have been times this season where we thought, okay, West Ham was one of them, Real Madrid at home was one of them where you thought, okay, good result, here we go. And then all of a sudden it's gone flat again. They can't afford to have a poor result at Anfield on, on Saturday. They need to, they need to keep that performance up again.
- [31:48]
A
What was it like in the San Siro? I mean, it's beautiful, that new San Siro, isn't it, since they did it on up.
- [31:53]
C
Well, they're knocking it down, aren't they? They're knocking it down in 12 or 18 months time. I think they got another year, I think. And then that one's. That one's going again again, a slightly smaller one from what I heard. But it's. I. Yeah, it's got, it's got. Just got something brilliant about it, that stadium.
- [32:11]
A
Who impressed you in the game?
- [32:12]
C
I thought everyone put a shift in. I thought Slobber Sly was very good. Couple of substitutions. Bradley coming on. Thought he did well. Bert's. Come on. He did really well. Thought the midfield was pretty solid. I guess you'd be looking for a bit more from Alexander Isak. He got pushed off the ball a couple of times and he's nowhere near the player that we saw in Newcastle. So I, I think they all put a shift in. I think they all deserve a bit of credit.
- [32:41]
A
What do you think about the playing two up top? Really weren't there with Ekatika and he said we don't see that too often. We've seen it with Real Madrid that funnily enough this season. But Ekatika, I think, look, probably the more important impressive of the two. He's a handful, isn't he?
- [32:53]
C
Yeah, he's a really good player. There's no doubt he's got a. He's got a big career ahead of him at, at Anfield. Thought he did well at times. Held the ball up because of that new system, if that is going to be what they want to play, then it might take a little bit of time for them to get used to each other. Once or twice yesterday when the ball was coming into the box and both of them were going short for the ball where one of them should have been in the box. But I guess if they keep on working on that, it'll. It'll get better because it hasn't. They haven't. They haven't played that. So yeah, improvements to be made.
- [33:26]
A
Yeah, of course, improvements to be made. Probably for Chelsea at the moment. I was actually watching goals show on and we also had the Liverpool game on the top. But Chelsea were obviously got in front early on. I mean that's now four games. I think they've gone without a win. They haven't won since they beat Barcelona where they were particularly good. Yeah, I think those. It's funny, I've spent all day in London moving around and I think two cabinet drivers, both Chelsea fans and both Sam said pretty much the same thing. Why is he making. Why does he keep changing everything so much every game? Is that a valid criticism, do you think?
- [34:00]
C
Well, I was actually on the plane back this morning from Milan to London. I was sat behind a Chelsea fan and he had been to the game and he said to me, were you doing the Liverpool game? I said yeah, he said I was at the other one. Chelsea said, same thing again. Managers making far too many changes cost us again. And so yeah, that was the thing that. Or the anger that he was. Was thrown at Chelsea with going 1 nil up. I think they were. Won't they. And then conceding with the changes that they. That they've made again. But he seems to be. He wants to do that, doesn't he, the manager?
- [34:33]
A
Well, he did it. No, it's different because they were in, you know, one of the minor competition European competitions last season and if you remember, they had a completely different squad for one and the other. Now you can't do that in the Champions League. But I still think he wants to try and keep players fresh, you know, leaving them out. He left Rhys James out, didn't he, at the weekend. Brought him back for this one.
- [34:53]
C
Yeah.
- [34:54]
A
But I think when you mess around perhaps with the back four a lot in particular. Yeah, you lose a little bit of that stability perhaps.
- [35:03]
C
I think so, yeah.
- [35:04]
A
Regularity.
- [35:05]
C
We said that maybe a week or two weeks ago.
- [35:07]
A
Yeah.
- [35:08]
C
With. When he made all those changes defensively. I think if there's one part of the team that you need to keep stable. Then it's defensively, I think that's one of the issues. But football is mad, isn't it? You put that performance in against Barcelona.
- [35:22]
A
Yeah.
- [35:22]
C
And everyone's waxing lyrical about. And rightly so, about Chelsea and the performance and are they going to do this? Are they going to. And then they haven't won since. It's just bar me.
- [35:33]
A
That's what we said with, like, you know, you're eulogizing someone, you say, oh, what an amazing tactical performance. He saw it. He's spot on. He got everything out.
- [35:42]
B
Out.
- [35:42]
A
Three, four weeks later, everyone's going, ah, he's used to see. Makes too many changes.
- [35:48]
C
We're all seeing about the changes that night, how he got it right and playing Neto down the. Down the middle because of his pace and they got the tactics right with a high line and. Yeah. And there's a Chelsea fan on this morning next to me saying he makes far too many changes and he got it all wrong again. And we concede too many goals. It's mad. Yeah.
- [36:07]
A
You make too many changes unless you win.
- [36:09]
C
Yeah, that's it.
- [36:10]
A
If you win, that's all that matters, isn't it? It really is. And the win was important for spurs as well. They've had a good week. You know, they got the draw at your place.
- [36:18]
C
Yeah.
- [36:19]
A
St. James's Park. Then they, you know, beat Brentford, obviously, his former club.
- [36:22]
C
Yeah.
- [36:23]
A
And now a comfortable victory, which you would expect against Slavia Prague. But nevertheless, you've still got to do it.
- [36:28]
B
Yeah.
- [36:28]
A
And they did it pretty comfortably. I watched quite a bit of that game as well. And they look, you know, it was pretty comfortable. They were pretty dominant in the game, were they? Obviously not the biggest test in the world, but it.
- [36:40]
C
You got to go out and do it because, you know, those are the games. Sometimes you can slip up and you know what the home form's been like. I know they won against Brentford, but they got to go out and do it. And they did it and it was a really good result for them.
- [36:52]
A
Yeah, it was two of the big dogs in the tournament. Bayern Munich and Barcelona both came from behind. Boston always come from behind, it seems. Seems to be what they do. They concede early, but it's actually Rashford coming on at halftime that turned it. He again is rotating mainly with the front players. And they've got some talent up, got some options there. They've got great options. Marcus came on and almost immediately hit a beautiful cross and they got themselves back in the game. And likewise, Bayern were one down and they actually managed to win 31 without a goal from Harry Kane as well.
- [37:23]
C
Say no goal from Hurricane.
- [37:24]
B
Yeah.
- [37:25]
C
Wow.
- [37:25]
A
Lennart. Carl scored again. Again three on the bound. So the youngest player to do that.
- [37:30]
C
Yeah.
- [37:30]
A
He's not the first famous Carl that's played for Bayern Munich.
- [37:35]
C
You remember the other one, Carl Hines?
- [37:36]
A
Yes, Carl Hines rooming out. Yeah, he was pretty good. I think he went on the board. He was one of the main people there, wasn't he? For. For donkey's years as well. So let's talk about Mason Greenwood didn't brilliantly since obviously we know there's a lot of controversy around him and he had that awfulness of his situation. He's gone abroad, but he's performing as he did last season. But this season at Marseille, he's performing really well. Got another two goals yesterday. Excellent finishes. And I think he's decided, hasn't he, that he's not going to try, even try and be played for England. He's. I think he's going to play for Jamaica, which is another option for him. Think that possibly makes sense? It would be difficult for him here, wouldn't it?
- [38:23]
C
I think it was the right decision to. For him to, To. To go to another country and he, he had to.
- [38:31]
He had to settle down and he had to go out and just try and play football. I don't think anyone ever questioned his ability, did they? I think he.
- [38:39]
A
Oh, no, he's an unbelievably talented.
- [38:40]
C
He was a very good footballer with a lot of talent. I think we all knew that.
- [38:44]
A
We certainly did. Before we go, Alan, what you wearing there?
- [38:48]
C
I've got a little. My asf. Alan Shearer Foundation. Top of the. I think we're gonna. We're gonna launch this today. And hoodies, different colors are all coming out from my foundation, so. And however many we sell, or if we sell any, then there's. There's a certain amount goes to. To the foundation to help keep it. To help keep it running.
- [39:09]
A
And how do people order them? You might. This is a great place to plug it.
- [39:13]
C
You can do it online just before. Hopefully we'll get. We'll get a big batch delivered before Christmas so we can send them out to people if they want them. So. Yeah, all out. They'll all out. Be out when this comes out today. So.
- [39:24]
A
Perfect Christmas present. Get your orders in.
- [39:27]
C
Yep.
- [39:27]
A
Get your orders in, everybody. Great cause. Okay, let's call it a day. We'll be back with our normal episode on Monday. Another big weekend of Premier League football. Lies.
- [39:38]
C
The reaction to Earl and Harland interview was very good, wasn't it?
- [39:42]
A
Oh, yeah. Actually forgot to mention that. Yeah, very positive. I mean, really positive. I think he came over really well and, I mean, he just seems like a really good level guide and he's got his feet on the ground and really respectful.
- [39:56]
C
Really impressive. Absolutely. He's, he's, he's very, very sensible and he's. I love his attitude. I think his attitude is amazing. And I really, really enjoyed sitting down with him, actually.
- [40:09]
A
Absolutely the same. And he stuck his penalty away. Well, tonight he did. It turned out to be the winning goal. Okay, goodbye from me.
- [40:15]
C
Goodbye from me.
- [40:28]
B
Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster Zero Ultra, that's the og it kicked off this whole Zero Sugar Energy drink thing, but Ultra is a whole lineup now.
- [40:38]
C
Now, you've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian.
- [40:41]
B
Sunrise, and Vice Guava. And they all bring the Monster Energy punch. So if you've been living in the White can branch out. Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe, and every single one is Zero Sugar. Tap the banner to learn more.