Alan Shearer (1:50)

Hello and welcome to the rest is Football with Alan Shearer and meet Gary Lineker. It's another one of those game of two halves podcasts because Alan's on his travels and Mike has been busy and he's going to join us later because we're doing this just before Chelsea and Leeds. Alan, tell us why. Where are you? What you up to?

Gary Lineker (2:10)

Well, I was in London yesterday. I did the Man City Southampton game, which was a brilliant game at Wembley FA cup semi final and then stayed over. And now, now I'm in Paris at my daughter's because I'm doing ASG Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening. So I thought I'd come a day early and have some dinner with her this evening.

Alan Shearer (2:32)

Oh lovely. Yes. Where you going anyway? Nice. Don't worry, it doesn't go out to tomorrow.

Gary Lineker (2:36)

So not everyone's gonna join called Gigi's. Gigi's very nice Champs Elysie. So yeah, she'll be nice. She'll be nice night. Yeah.

Alan Shearer (2:46)

And is she enjoying life in Paris? It's a beautiful city.

Gary Lineker (2:49)

She's. They're both loving life in Paris but they're making the most of it because they're moving back to, they're moving back to Manchester in the next few months because her fiance has signed for sale Shark. So yeah, as much as they love it, as the life of a sportsman, you, you have to move around. So they're moving back.

Alan Shearer (3:09)

You have to go where you go Paris to Manchester. Oh dear. Nothing against Manchester.

Gary Lineker (3:17)

People in Manchester will be hammering you.

Alan Shearer (3:19)

Now let's discuss the game that you did. Manchester City versus Southampton. But first, this, 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. The question is which Premier League team scored the most goals from set pieces in 24, 25 season?

Micah Richards (3:44)

I already know that one. Crystal palace final answer. Game over. Done. I know it, I know it. It's in there.

Gary Lineker (3:51)

Well, as I'm actually leading this quiz, I'm going to go Crystal palace too. So that makes me the win.

Alan Shearer (3:59)

Crystal palace is the correct answer, followed by Aston Villa and then Arsenal. 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@fuseenergy.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@fuseenergy.com you were at Wembley for the game. I mean, it certainly livened up in the, in the last 15 minutes. What was it like there?

Gary Lineker (4:37)

It was a brilliant atmosphere. The Southampton fans were superb. They were brilliant. Not a seat left for them and you can understand that. And I totally understand why there was thousands of seats not taken by Man City because the expense and how many times they, they've got to go there because of the success of the club. But it was a, it was a bit of a tough first half because I thought Man City were really poor. I thought they were a bit rusty because he changed the team around and put lots of players who have perhaps not had a lot of football in the last few months, Phil Foden being one of them and I'd be really concerned. I felt for him, actually. I felt really sorry for him because he Looked lost. He looked bereft of any belief or confidence or. He sort of started on the right, tried to come in midfield and get in the middle of the park, get on the ball and really didn't do anything before he was subbed off in the second half. It's not. It's not. It's not a good look for him. And as I said, I feel. I feel a bit sorry for him, particularly with the world coming up with his ability and what he's done already in the game. He just looked lost yesterday, really.

Micah Richards (5:40)

Did any.

Alan Shearer (5:41)

Any reason that you can say or have you heard? I don't know where there's something going on.

Gary Lineker (5:47)

Clearly going on. I don't know if there's anything, but I would guess something. I mean, his. He's got incredible ability. We've seen that. And you can't. That just doesn't leave you.

Alan Shearer (5:56)

He was footballer of the year.

Gary Lineker (5:57)

I know, exactly. There's something. There's something going on. Pep doesn't trust him to put him in the team. And when he puts him in, he's not. He's not playing well as he didn't yesterday, but it's. Yeah, I do. I do feel sorry for him because there's something without doubt has to be going on in his life for him not to be playing on a. On a regular basis and for him to be looking as lost as he did yesterday. But in more into the game, I thought. I thought Southampton were the better team without having too much threat in that in the first half, I thought their energy was great. They worked unbelievably hard. I think there was restricted City to one shot on target in the first half and man, City was slow and they weren't. They didn't have any runners going in behind and Southampton sort of held them really well. But then at half time, Peps obviously got stuck into his players. They moved the ball a lot quicker. They then had runners going in behind got. They then brought two out and out wingers on Docu and Savino either side, who without doubt improved him. But Southampton scored a brilliant goal.

Alan Shearer (7:01)

Oh, what a goal that was, wasn't it?

Gary Lineker (7:03)

What a goal. Finnaz. It was just a superb strike. And then all of a sudden City sort of woke up and got a little bit of luck with the deflection from Doku. And I think the key to that was straight. It happened within like a couple of minutes of Southampton score. And if it didn't, then I think that was them done. But because of their reaction, because of. They didn't panic. And then they get a wonder strike from Nico Gonzalez. I mean, oh, what a goal that was.

Alan Shearer (7:27)

I thought I'd watched the Arsenal Newcastle game because you were doing that and Michael was doing Wembley as well. So I thought we need at least one, you know, live eye on the game. But then I just turned over just to check what was going on and Finn as knocked it in the top corner. I went. And I did. I think I did on the group chat. I just went blimey. Yeah. And then like a minute later that, that a deflected goal. I went blimey. And then incredible goal from Gonzalez. I went blimey. So it was. I. Do you know what with me, I always miss the goals whenever I turn channels. For the only time I can ever remember, I actually what got my channel hopping right. So I timed it really well. It's hell of a finale today. It was funny though, isn't it? As soon as they went, even when they went behind and then obviously one or two of the heavyweights were on the pitch and you just thought, I still. I still think they'll. They. I mean, obviously the deflection, very lucky. Yeah, unlucky for Southampton, but they did have 26 shots City and 70 possession. So eventually you're going to get a bit of luck.

Gary Lineker (8:32)

The sign of a brilliant team is they keep on going. They somehow, somehow find a way to get back and they did. And as I said, they were much, much better in the second half than they were in the first half. But I thought Southampton and their fans give it a right good go. I mean their defensive block and where they were chucking their bodies in front of balls of shots and crosses, everything. I just. I thought Southampton was superb and they made it a great semi final. Felt really sorry for them at the end. But you also, you've got to give credit to City because just how great teams somehow find a way to. To get through and they did that. And as I said, it took an incredible strike from Gonzalez to. To. To get them through. But that's the most important thing. They did get through.

Alan Shearer (9:18)

Exactly. And now they're on the cusp obviously of a domestic treble.

Gary Lineker (9:22)

Treble? Yeah.

Alan Shearer (9:23)

FA Cup, League cup and. And possibly the Premier League. We'll come to that very shortly. I mean, it's incredible really, the consistency in the way pep drives them on and on and on.

Gary Lineker (9:35)

It's an off help when you've got Docu, Savino, Haaland. Who else? I'm not sure. I can't remember who else came On. But I mean, just looking, just looking at that bench yesterday, City and the players that he brought in. I mean, he brought in Marmush, he brought in Ford and he brought in Kovacic. I mean, all incredible players. It helps when you've got those options, put it that way.

Alan Shearer (9:59)

But you know, I thought, well done, Southampton. They're fifth in the championship, look, guaranteed a playoff.

Gary Lineker (10:05)

Well, I hope they're back there soon and I hope they can. I do hope they can find a way to get promoted because the way they've. The way they've. This manager has gone about things. I mean, Yesterday there were 20 unbeaten up until yesterday, 16 wins and four draws.

Alan Shearer (10:23)

They were really struggling when he took over, weren't they?

Gary Lineker (10:25)

Yeah, I mean their form's remarkable and that defeat yesterday is the first in a while. So I really hope they get back to Wembley and can get up via the plug playoffs to the Premier League.

Alan Shearer (10:38)

Yeah, as. As I said, I had my eyes at the Emirates and it was a little bit tense again, but you know, they got a goal in front. I mean, you, you've said you've subsequently watched the match. It was a bit. The corner thing was weird, right? So they have three car. I know it was well covered on TV and stuff. And I was thinking at the time after the first one, I thought, oh, that's a bit of a mess up. But I could see that Eze was on his own on the edge of the box. The second corner, they get to essay. Now, they clearly had spotted something here and I'm thinking, well, it was. I can see what they were doing. But as a shot went just wide and then the third corner, I thought I was going, they're not going to let him have another shot on the edge of the box. Newcastle are there. I mean, how can they not see that? That's obviously what they're trying to do.

Gary Lineker (11:22)

I mean, yeah, I watched the full game. Obviously I didn't see any of it because I was doing the core comms.

Alan Shearer (11:26)

Yeah.

Gary Lineker (11:27)

But I thought, I'm going to watch it from start to finish in the car on the way home. So I did that. And you would have put on the text message so I knew what was happening. But like you, I'm thinking, okay, the first one, you might get away with the first one. Second one, unlikely, but all right, it happened. But then, no, I mean, I'm thinking, what the. Seriously, can someone just take responsibility? And thinking, right, they've actually done this twice here. We can't let them do it a third time or we're in trouble here. And it happened a third time thinking hell sorted out for God's sake. And they were punished. And ultimately that's what's cost them the game.

Alan Shearer (12:02)

Yeah. Despite that though, you have to give Eze a lot of credit because that was a gorgeous finish.

Gary Lineker (12:07)

Brilliant.

Alan Shearer (12:08)

He looks like. And I saw him in his post match interview and he's so relaxed. And you just think to yourself maybe put him in charge of this. What's going on at the end of this season. Because he's. You know. You know he just. You said no, I'm not. Not, not nervous. I just love playing football. It's great. You want to be in this position. Absolutely the right attit. I mean it's easy to have that attitude when you've just bent one in the top corner and a hugely important goal. But I see it. I get that that's how they should be.

Gary Lineker (12:37)

If only the rest of his teammates felt like that. Because there's no way they're feeling as relaxed as he is. Because they were there for the taking yesterday. They were there for the taking. Newcastle should have got something out that game.

Alan Shearer (12:48)

That was another message I put in a post with the whistle chance out.

Gary Lineker (12:52)

I mean even the Azula chance where he fluffed it when he made it with his right foot and trying to hit it with his left. I mean they had two great chances Newcastle. But positives for Newcastle were much, much better than last week looked. Certainly more energy. Looked up for the fight. Looked up to fighting for their manager. And as I said, yeah, created two good chances. But the disappointing thing is another defeat. And Arsenal were there for the taking. Strangely. I looked at. I watched the. I watched the Arsenal game last week against City and I watched the Arsenal game yesterday afterwards. And I was more hopeful of them winning the league after being defeated last weekend than I was after them winning yesterday. Just because of how nervy and edgy they were yesterday against a team that were in rotten form. But they've won the game and that's the most important thing. And that's what they have to do somehow from now till the end of the season. But they've got obviously Champions League Wednesday and then they've got to go and win again next week. I think they've got the chance to go six points clear.

Alan Shearer (14:02)

Fulham. They play at home again before City play on the.

Gary Lineker (14:06)

On Monday evening. I think. Is it?

Alan Shearer (14:08)

Yes, that's right. Mikel Arteta was complaining a lot at the end. He thought that there should have been a red card against Pope. I didn't. I didn't at all, because one Gilcres kind of stopped and then Pope that missed it, and he. And then he did. And he did bring him down, but the ball was so wide. And by that stage, I think Chow was back, wasn't he? And I think he would have covered it.

Gary Lineker (14:31)

It's never a red card. I mean, you got to understand the laws. I mean, he's going away from goal and he's got a cover and defender there, so it's not clear.

Alan Shearer (14:37)

And he's not only going away from goal, he's nearly on the. On the sideline. So pitch agree with you once again,

Gary Lineker (14:43)

not for the first time in his career, Nick Pope comes running out without collecting the ball and missing the ball. But it's never a red card. The referee got it right. It was a yellow card, I think.

Alan Shearer (14:52)

So as you said, they. They had to win that game.

Gary Lineker (14:55)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (14:55)

Big game now in midweek against Atletico.

Gary Lineker (14:59)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (14:59)

If they can. Yeah. I think they're just not really creating. I'm watching them and there's no. And we said this the last few weeks and, you know, they've got the three points and now three points ahead. They might go six points ahead before City play, but they weren't like this in the first half of the season. They were so impressive. I don't know whether it's like, nervousness or a confidence or. But, you know, obviously, as you quite rightly said, it's the results that. The most important thing at present. And they managed to get three points. But I'm with you. I still think they look so edgy.

Gary Lineker (15:33)

They do. There's no doubt about it. And I get it to a certain degree. I've been there myself. I've been in the situation where somehow you just don't care about your performance. You've just got to get a result. It's a horrible feeling where you think, come on, where's our legs gone? Where's our creativity gone? Because it weighs heavy on you as a player. You know, the pressure on you, the noise around you. As much as Declan Rice after the game says, we've just got to cut out the noise. You can't. Not even more so nowadays with social media, it's impossible to. You have to. You can't get away from it. You have to listen to it, unfortunately. And it is weighing heavy on them.

Alan Shearer (16:11)

But they need more essays.

Gary Lineker (16:13)

They're in there fighting and they're in there winning, and that's the most important thing from an Arsenal point of view. But they do look very, very nervous and they were there for the taking yesterday for Newcastle. London. Newcastle weren't able to do it.

Alan Shearer (16:24)

So the Arsenal players and certainly and their fans consider this. At the start of the season someone would say we're just a handful of games to go. You're neck and neck with City and you're in the semi finals of the Champions League. Would you take that?

Gary Lineker (16:38)

Absolutely.

Alan Shearer (16:39)

It's like you've seen the Rory documentary about when he won the Masters. Not the one. He's just won the one the year before. And his caddy said to him, didn't he at the beginning of the week after he'd missed the putt on the 18th to win it on the beginning of the week we'd have taken this a playoff. But you've got. You've got to somehow take out the positives. And the positive for this is that they did somehow manage to. To win a game that was pretty even and Newcastle had the chances. So enjoy it.

Gary Lineker (17:06)

Well, the good news is also is Saka's back. I know E maybe went off injured and Havertz went off injured. But the good news for them is is that Saka's back and hopefully he can get some sort of form and get up to speed straight away from their point of view and start creating again. Because that's one of the biggest, big things that they're missing is creativity. Is that there's hardly creating anything.

Alan Shearer (17:29)

All four of their games are very winnable. Alan, the Fulham at home. West Ham away. Now that'll be tricky. West Ham fighting for their lives and playing well at the moment. They've got pretty much as good a record as almost anyone since the turn of the year. That is a tough one. Burnley at home. You strongly fancy them to win that one. Burnley already relegated. And then obviously Crystal palace away on the. At the end of the season Crystal palace may be in the conference final.

Gary Lineker (17:55)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (17:56)

Which might affect that. City's final games. Obviously they've got one more now because Arsenal played and City played in the cup this weekend. Everton away. Tough game. Tough, tough, tough game. Did you. Over on Everton. Did you see. Did you see the handball? Have you seen.

Gary Lineker (18:10)

I saw the handball. I mean it's.

Alan Shearer (18:12)

That's a penalty, isn't it?

Gary Lineker (18:13)

I just think it's a ridiculous decision not to give that as handball.

Alan Shearer (18:16)

And then for.

Gary Lineker (18:17)

Even for what I heard about them said about something about the grappling. There's only one person that was grappling.

Alan Shearer (18:22)

The defender was not only fouling him but he Was also. He also his hand moved towards the ball. I mean, I don't like the handball law, but that was a penalty all day long.

Gary Lineker (18:31)

For the life of me, I cannot see how that's not given as handball, honestly.

Alan Shearer (18:35)

Absolutely agree. Then Manchester City got Brentford at home, Brentford having a good season. Bournemouth away, which is also a tough fixture. And then Aston Villa at home. Then I've got to play Crystal palace at some point at home as well. That's still to be arranged. That's probably because of the FA Cup. So I would say overall Arsenal have got I would say slightly easier fixtures. But we know that City down the stretch are usually pretty good.

Gary Lineker (19:02)

And by the way guys, I don't care how many times you've won the competition or you've won trophies. Arsenal have got an unbelievable chance to go six points clear before City play again in the league. So that could be a big advantage. That could be a big time where you put. Try and put some. Some pressure on. On the opposition. And if they do that they might just feel that pressure. City and you never. You never know. But they've got an opportunity to do it anyway.

Alan Shearer (19:32)

Yeah, they certainly have. Fulham going well though. Won't be. You know, it's. They're a good side and very well coached, I think.

Gary Lineker (19:38)

I don't think both teams will go and win every game. I still think there'll be a twist or two between now and the end of the season.

Alan Shearer (19:43)

Someone will miss that. I think it's pretty much 50, 50, isn't it? I mean it really is pretty much 50 50. I would say.

Gary Lineker (19:50)

Yeah, it is. Yeah.

Alan Shearer (19:51)

Should we move to the other end of the. The table? All three of the sides. All three of them.

Gary Lineker (19:56)

That's where there is pressure.

Alan Shearer (19:57)

Oh, do you know what I watched yesterday? I don't think I've. This is mad, right? This is mad. Well Gillette Soccer Saturday like that it's happened to switch it on. I thought I'll stick with that for the three o'. Clock.

Micah Richards (20:10)

Okay.

Alan Shearer (20:11)

I think. And I was thinking to myself have I ever watched this program before? Which sounds mad because it's been going forever.

Gary Lineker (20:17)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (20:17)

And because I'm always. I was always a match of the day in the offices where obviously watch the football. So he never ever watched it. I've seen finals score a couple of times earlier this season and I thought I'll watch it. So it was so mad that I've never seen that particular program. But we should probably start with a Friday night. I mean Forest Blimey. What a result that was 4 nil at half time.

Gary Lineker (20:41)

No one saw that result anyway, did they?

Alan Shearer (20:43)

It was like.

Gary Lineker (20:44)

Oh my goodness me.

Alan Shearer (20:45)

The.

Gary Lineker (20:45)

The stadium alike was empty half time, wasn't it? It was. I was half empty anyway. Forest were outstanding. I mean how good was. Was Ellie Anderson and Morgan Gibbs White.

Alan Shearer (20:56)

They've really turned it on when it. It matters at this point, haven't they? Made a serious distance.

Gary Lineker (21:01)

Superb. I mean Old Forest. But those. Those two in particular I thought were absolutely outstanding.

Alan Shearer (21:07)

He's caught in a lot of interest, isn't he? Elliot Anderson. Obviously he's a former Newcastle player.

Gary Lineker (21:12)

Don't talk to me about that crap about. Honestly the shit of PSR or scr, whatever it's called.

Alan Shearer (21:18)

Been linked with City and

Gary Lineker (21:22)

Yeah, I mean he's been outstanding ever since.

Alan Shearer (21:24)

It's so wrong, you know. That is so wrong that you have to kind of.

Gary Lineker (21:29)

It's outrageous actually.

Alan Shearer (21:30)

You should be encouraged to sell players that you've. That don't come from your academy, your local players.

Gary Lineker (21:36)

It's just wrong. You've nurtured players from a young age yet that's the best way of you having to try and try. Try and compete as. Sell those players. And then you see what's happening both to him, I mean and Minter at Brighton. I get that it's worked out for. For Elliot in terms of. He probably wouldn't have played as much at Newcastle but he. That his price tag now is rocketed because of what he's done and his ability and everything else. He's going to have so many options because so many of the big boys are going to be after him. Because he'll probably star for England in the summer as well in the World Cup.

Alan Shearer (22:13)

Yeah.

Gary Lineker (22:14)

And it'll be equally as good for England as he has been for.

Alan Shearer (22:17)

For.

Gary Lineker (22:17)

For Forest.

Alan Shearer (22:18)

Has he surprised you, Alan? Has he surprised you? Because obviously you saw him when he was very young and he's. But his progress has been meteoric.

Gary Lineker (22:25)

Yeah. I mean when he. When he got the opportunities at Newcastle he. He always did well. But he had to get past Bruno. He had to get past Tenali, he had to get past. Past Joelinton. Now when those three were. Were playing really well, it was tough for him to get in.

Alan Shearer (22:41)

Yeah.

Gary Lineker (22:41)

So what he's done is, is that he's gone out and played regular football then shown his ability and he's grown. He's got bigger and bigger and he's more than proved his worth on the. On the big stage. So did I see him being as good as he has been Maybe not, but there was. Without doubt there was talent there.

Alan Shearer (22:59)

Yeah, I saw him play twice live this season. I saw them play Forest play at Fulham. In fact, both games, Forest were really poor. And this is before obviously Nuno came in. They were really poor also at Everton. And in both games, playing in a side that weren't playing well at all, he was. Was quite clearly the best in the game against Everton. He was probably the best player on the pitch.

Gary Lineker (23:21)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (23:21)

You know, but. And that Pierce, I know how irritating it is because we've had the same with Dewsbury hall, who's done really well and was good again yesterday for Everton. But it is, I mean, massive late goals for both West Ham and Spurs. I mean, wow.

Gary Lineker (23:36)

Well, I was. I was sat waiting for the game yesterday up on the gantry and I just kept on looking, looking at my phone because West Ham score, Everton equalize, spurs score. And then of course, Callum Wilson scores for West Ham in the last minute or so. And I think, oh, my God. It's like it's, it's. We've talked about the pressure at the top, but there's certainly more pressure at the bottom than there is at the. Than there is at the top. Because you know that if you're a team that's going to be relegated and it probably. It looks like it's either going to be West Ham or Tottenham.

Alan Shearer (24:08)

It does, doesn't it?

Gary Lineker (24:09)

Then without doubt people will. Will lose their jobs in, in the football club. And that's the reality of it is that is. Is. It's just a H situation, but one of them's gonna go. But for them all to be. Have having a bit of. Having a bit of form at this time of the year, this season's incredible, isn't. I mean, Tottenham's first win. West Ham, as you said, have really responded well in the last couple of months. Forest are now flying as well. So, yeah, it's. It's gonna be tough.

Alan Shearer (24:39)

Could be high points tally.

Gary Lineker (24:41)

Yeah, it is. It is. From looking like what, two or three months ago it was. We're thinking it's going to be really low. Tyler Valley now because of the form of the clubs down there. It might not be.

Alan Shearer (24:50)

No, absolutely no. It's gonna. I think it's gonna be quite high. I mean, spurs absolutely had to. To get that go. I mean, I saw an interesting stuff. I'm sorry, that to Rob Sultan to the wounds. Well, John's not on this because he's still first week of parenthood, so he's had a week off. But Wolves at the first team apparently in the history of English football, but let's say at least the Premier League to be bottom of the table for every single day of the season.

Gary Lineker (25:22)

Oh, really? I didn't see that. Wow.

Alan Shearer (25:24)

So they lost their first game. 4 nil. And then. So they lost the City on the opening day of the season, 4 nil. So they have been bottom on every. I mean, wow. First time ever, apparently. So. Extraordinary.

Gary Lineker (25:38)

Extraordinary statistic start you want.

Alan Shearer (25:41)

Who do you think will stay apart now? I'll ask Micah the same question a little bit.

Gary Lineker (25:47)

I think West Ham might stay up. I still, I still think. I mean, Tottenham had a couple of injuries as well yesterday, didn't they? Solanke went off injured. Simons went off injured.

Alan Shearer (25:57)

There's a lot of injuries going on. Most Mo as well. That's a word on Mo Salah, obviously, because that, that. That game at the other end and it doesn't really concern the bottom of the table, but it. He did his hamstring, didn't he? Probably be his last game for Liverpool. You know, fingers crossed he'll be okay for the World Cup. Went off as well. There's so many injuries at the moment and I felt for Mo. I mean, obviously Egypt are there. Aren't they in the World cup, so. And Lamina Males had his injury as needed. So I mean a lot of the players that you want to see and you're just thinking, oh, no, no.

Gary Lineker (26:27)

You could tell with his. With Moore's reaction, couldn't you? The way he sort of was applauding the crowd when he. When he went off. That you suspect. I hope not. But you suspect that that's his. That could be his like. Or it felt like his last game because you know what it's like when he had a hammy injury.

Alan Shearer (26:43)

Yeah, it looks a bad one. Very unlike. He'll play. What a credit to our game. He's been.

Gary Lineker (26:48)

No, brilliant. Awesome. Been absolutely unbelievable. I don't think many people thought when they signed him he could go on and achieve what he has done. He's been ridiculously good. One of the greats. One of the best we've ever seen

Alan Shearer (27:00)

in the Premier League, without question. Okay, I'll enjoy your dinner.

Gary Lineker (27:05)

Yeah, thank you.

Alan Shearer (27:06)

And. And very shortly I'll be back on with Micah after the Leeds Chelsea semi final. But I'll also get his view on. On City and Arsenal and one or two other things. And the relegation zone. Well, back shortly. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. All right, here's a quick off pitch Tip. For anyone thinking of getting their brand online, Squarespace is a game changer. The AI enhanced website builder helps you create a personalized website in just a few steps. And a custom domain has your site looking professional from day one. Go to squarespace.comfootball for a free trial and when you're ready to launch, use code football or all uppercase to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Gary Lineker (27:55)

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. You know those friends who support your preference for podcasts over music on road trips. That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance. With over 19,000 local agents, they help you find the coverage that fits your needs so you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time enjoying the ride. Download the State Farm app or go online@statefarm.com like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

Micah Richards (28:20)

Amazon presents Jeff vs. Taco Truck Salsa.

Gary Lineker (28:26)

Whether it's verde roja or the orange

Micah Richards (28:29)

one, for Jeff, trying any salsa is like playing Russian roulette with a flamethrower. Luckily, Jeff saved with Amazon and stocked up on antacids, ginger tea and milk.

Gary Lineker (28:42)

Milk. Habanero.

Micah Richards (28:44)

More like habanero.

Alan Shearer (28:46)

Yes.

Micah Richards (28:47)

Save the everyday with Amazon.

Alan Shearer (28:52)

Welcome back to the Rest is Football. Alan Shearer's changed significantly into. He's morphed into Micah Richards.

Micah Richards (29:01)

How you doing guys?

Alan Shearer (29:02)

I'm doing all right. I presume you're in London because you are not.

Micah Richards (29:06)

Where are you?

Alan Shearer (29:07)

Actually, I don't know where you are.

Micah Richards (29:08)

I've been up, down, round and round. So last last week I was in Harrogate, London for three days and then I had to go back down to to London to do some filming for an ad. Then I did the obviously the semi final man City Southampton. Then I come back to Harrogate last night and now I'm in Manchester footballer league training. I'm knackered baller league training. What is wrong with you?

Alan Shearer (29:39)

It's like just five aside nonsense. Bit of fun is it's not real.

Micah Richards (29:44)

I'm obsessed with it. I'm about team.

Alan Shearer (29:47)

I know you are. I know you are.

Micah Richards (29:48)

The lads are putting so much effort in. We're in the top four now. We've got a big game against SDS tomorrow which will probably mean nothing to you at all but I. I just. I just want to win it so much. So much.

Alan Shearer (30:02)

And where are you in the league? Are you doing well?

Micah Richards (30:03)

Top four. Top four. Yeah.

Alan Shearer (30:05)

Top top four's Playoffs. Playoffs.

Micah Richards (30:08)

That's what we.

Alan Shearer (30:08)

Okay. Is it as complicated as the top of the. Of Scottish football the premier.

Micah Richards (30:15)

Please. Can someone from Scottish football please come on and explain how it works. I look at the table, I know it's split and then you've got. There could be a playoff.

Alan Shearer (30:26)

It's the top six, isn't it? And then they played at the end so it's.

Micah Richards (30:30)

It's.

Alan Shearer (30:31)

It's a bit bonkers. It's different from anywhere else I think on the. On the planet. But I saw Hearts came from behind. I know that Hib's got a. In the derby. Then he got. Hib's got a couple of cent off Rangers for two down got to two two and then last think Celtic one. Yeah, it's really tight. I. I think most neutrals outside of Scotland would like and probably a lot of people in Scotland although pretty much everyone sports Celtic or Ranges I guess but would like to see Hearts do it because it's. What is it, 40 years or something since a non Rangers or Celtic team won. But it's all a bit mad up there. But you've been. You were at the game yesterday. But let's talk firstly about. Because I spoke with Alan about all yesterday's stuff and. But I want your opinion on that as well, particularly the title race and. And is another cup final for City. So I want to discuss all the same things and get your take. I've had mine. Alan's had his firstly. Chelsea, Leeds. It wasn't a great. It wasn't a great game. Leeds had their chances but Chelsea, Chelsea got it done. I probably. I felt a little bit for Rossinho who's perhaps watching thinking, you know, if it's still been there, his team might well have been in the. We don't know. It might have been a different result. You never know because things change. But I felt for him a bit, to be honest.

Micah Richards (31:48)

You never want to see a manager lose a job and especially as a pundit. You'll never hear me saying that. I'll give you opinion and reasons why I don't think it's working out but you know, people calling for people's jobs, it's never nice thing. However I did say early doors. I remember on the podcast and I just said Liam Racing was talking too much and I didn't mean it in a disrespectful way. I meant he was giving the media media too much and you know, all the respect thing, however you want to do it, it is what it is. But he was getting judged because he'd not won anything as a manager in football and rightly so. If you managing a team like Chelsea, especially with the, the manager that they've had in previous seasons, especially Maresca as well, who'd won trophies with Chelsea. So I understand why the Chelsea fans were upset. I said tactically as a coach I thought he had it and I think I said after was it the PSG game? I said he was cooking and I did really believe that, you know, styles of play as in a coach, I think he's got it and he can come back. No, no, no problem whatsoever. I didn't think at the time the job was too big, but I was. You got to be open minded in these things. You got to give everyone a chance. And he, and they, they thought he deserved it. However, when you're managing a big club like Chelsea, you can't give the media nuggets every single week. And I know a lot of people would say to that, well, he's got to do a press conference. You know, with so many competitions, he might be doing three a week at times, but you just got to calm everything down. And he was almost adding to the talking points and the chaos that was going around Chelsea and giving everyone an opinion on that. And the thing, thing that I felt strongly on and when he talked about Fernandez's comments and Cucurella and all that sort of stuff, did he need to leave him out of two games? He could have done one in the cup which they won and they could have won with a weakened team. But the game he missed was, was Man City. I believe you need your best players available for that. So what's that famous say? Cut off your nose to spite your face.

Alan Shearer (34:02)

Spite your face. That's right.

Micah Richards (34:03)

That's what I think thought he did. And who goes and scores the goal in the semi final?

Alan Shearer (34:10)

I think that was a mistake. Micah as well. I think I just didn't make any sense. And Pep showed you how to deal with that with Rodri, didn't he? Similar circumstances. Rodri talked about, you know, wanting to play for or live in Madrid at some point. And Pep just went, who doesn't? Yeah, biggest club in the world. World, you know, he's from there. Etc, and, and that's the way to deal with it. You don't, you know, you don't, you don't take someone out your team unless they've done something really, really bad. And that just saying you want to live in Madrid is not, it's not, it's not a big deal. I don't think it was a punishable offense at all. And why wouldn't A player, you know, if you. Barcelona, Real Madrid, they're. They're still the two clubs in the world that draw the biggest talents in world football. So. So that just shows you've got drive and commitment and ambition. And I don't think, I don't think it was necessarily any kind of offense whatsoever. I think he got. He got that wrong. If they'd have been winning at the time, it probably wouldn't have mattered that much. They're not. And the results subsequently didn't happen. But taking your best player out when you're playing against one of the best two teams in the league was a fundamental error. But having said that, who, who scores the goal? Of course. Who scores the goal? Such as football.

Micah Richards (35:26)

Yeah. I feel it's disrespectful not only to the manager for Fernandez. We all know he's a World cup winner, he's a very, very good player. But I felt that he dealt with that poorly and it's easy to always blame the manager. And I was. I'm very disappointed with how Chelsea have dealt with the whole thing. So before Racinia got appointed, you know, a few calls, a few people who were associated with the club, etc, etc, and they was giving me and us all the reasons why they thought Liam was the right man for the job. And I know you and Al did the emergency pod, so I won't dwell

Alan Shearer (36:10)

on it too much. It's good to get your view.

Micah Richards (36:13)

It's one of those things where they've gone out the way to get a manager against all odds and by his managerial record. It didn't stack up being the Chelsea manager. And that's why we all questioned.

Alan Shearer (36:27)

It seemed early. Seemed early.

Micah Richards (36:29)

The minute he goes through a bad spell, you get rid of him. So now all these fans are saying it's not good enough. And the fans are right to be angry about the situation because I thought the long term was young players, young manager. Yes, you're going to get bumps in a road, but this is the way we're going. But now they've sacked him, so I don't understand in which direction Chelsea Football Club want to go. And that's, that's the thing. I'm. I'm. I'm struggling to, to understand.

Alan Shearer (36:58)

I think it's hard to understand what, what Chelsea's whole plan is. I mean, I talked on the pod with Alan about that, you know, the debt, the issues that they've got. Huge, huge issues. It seems to be a big of a basket case of a football club at present. But they are in the FA cup final. It's in the game. And so a good goal. I thought, you know, good header. Leeds had a couple of chances and you know, we've been critical at times. Particularly Alan. I think of Sanchez. He always says, you know, Chelsea haven't got a goalkeeper thing. But they were largely thanks to him because he made two. Well, three really good saves. Two exceptional saves in the game to deny Leeds. And it wasn't their day either. Leeds.

Micah Richards (37:39)

Yeah. I mean I wanted to be coming on the pod today to say, well

Alan Shearer (37:42)

of course Leeds leads.

Gary Lineker (37:43)

Leads.

Alan Shearer (37:44)

It's not. We're not.

Micah Richards (37:45)

They did so well though. Daniel Far's done a really good job.

Alan Shearer (37:48)

He.

Micah Richards (37:49)

At the start of the season when he was. Job was in question. And then they sort of did a tactical tweak where they went from a four to a five at the back or three is how you on the ball that they would say to get to Wembley and to look like they're going to be safe. He's done a brilliant job. But I thought. I thought. Thought Leeds was going to be a little bit more. I think there was overrunning midfield a little bit. The sort of two against three in there didn't really work. He had to go in the second half. But Leeds record at Wembley recently is not great at all. So in terms of. Leeds can hold the heads high. But I wanted a little bit more. I thought the fans on the day were great. They were singing all the way to the end, as they always do do. But I wanted a little bit more from the team.

Alan Shearer (38:36)

And they're going to play. Obviously Manchester City are in another final. I mean it's. It's incredible. He said his recording cup competitions is quite remarkable. Pep Guardiola's and let's. Obviously he's already won Carabao. Now they're in the final against Chelsea. Could win another cup. And of course they're going hammer and tongs with Arsenal for. For the Premier League. It could be. I said to Alan in the start, it's. You know, they're on the brink of a domestic triple which would be very special indeed. You're at the game yesterday.

Micah Richards (39:07)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (39:08)

And yeah, they. I mean. I mean they were. It was a slightly odd game. I thought Southampton were terrific, as I said, with Alan the first half and. And what a goal they scored. But even when they scored the goal, I. There was never any point where I thought they wouldn't come back. I mean they got a bit of luck with the deflection.

Micah Richards (39:26)

Yeah. But I looked at the clock. And when Azad has beautiful technique, the way he turned and whipped into the corner.

Alan Shearer (39:34)

What a goal. Yeah.

Micah Richards (39:35)

I was thinking the score too early. Man City are definitely going to score. They might not score two, but they're definitely going to score one. Because at that stage of the game there was really deep. There was tired.

Alan Shearer (39:46)

The big guns coming on.

Micah Richards (39:48)

All the big guns. Doku comes on, Harland comes on. East thinking Bernardo Silva comes off. It was going to be difficult for them but again they were really good against Arsenal in the quarters and then they backed it up against City in the semis. But ultimately moments winning games and man City at the moment they're just getting over the line.

Alan Shearer (40:10)

Great winning goal.

Micah Richards (40:12)

Oh, it was brilliant, wasn't it? And he needed that. Nico Gonzalez is coming. I think he's more of a number eight than number six. Who wants to arrive in the ball. I agree but the way City plays, there's not really space for him. So with Shirky going in there in the pocket and Foden going in the pocket there and Reinders want to be arriving. Remember Reinders when he, when he scored so many goals at AC Milan I think the season before he coming up 16 in. In Serie A. He's really good at arriving and. But it's just not work for. For Gonzalez. So I was happy for him.

Alan Shearer (40:47)

Yeah. And so it's a City Chelsea final which, which will be a good watch in a few weeks time. Pr. We got the title race. I mean Arsenal was. It was obviously you weren't watching. I watched the. I watched that game because I knew you and Alan were at Wembley. So I thought one of us needs to. And it. It was, let's say slightly tense affair. I mean Newcastle had a couple of really good chances. One in particular whistled near the end that he knocked over the bar. He tried to hit it too hard. Should. All he needed to do was just get some kind of contact on it and it's. It is edgy. But as I said with Alan in the first half then now got the opportunity to six points clear before City play again. If they can beat Fulham at home, which won't be easy because Fulham have, you know, they've been bloody impressive generally. They're really well coached, well managed.

Micah Richards (41:36)

What do you think though? Do you. I know you said Arsenal. Do you think they. Because they play again, don't they, before City play so they could go six points. Do you think that gives them the. The advantage or.

Alan Shearer (41:50)

Well, it would if they win. But we also know, and I said this, I Don't repeat myself too much, but I prefer to get your view. But City have done this and they're good down the stretch. The good heart.

Micah Richards (42:02)

But they're good.

Alan Shearer (42:03)

They're good down the stretch. This is a different City team, but it's the same coach and the same manager. I don't know. I think he's 50. 50. I think at the moment it's 50. 50. I think if Arsenal do beat Fulham at home, Obviously I think it's 60, 40 in Arsenal's favor.

Micah Richards (42:20)

Okay.

Alan Shearer (42:21)

But it's. You can say you. You can pretend you. You know who's going to win. But. But you. The only thing I would say is that I watched that game. Arsenal weren't very creative again. I mean they really weren't. They do struggle. They've not really got a number nine. You know, Havertz got injured as well. I mean he's more of. I think he's more of a.10 drops deep. Yes. Has not really done it. He's struggling and. Yeah. And they're still struggling to like there's not real like pace to the game. You know, before Christmas I thought they were really good in loads of games.

Micah Richards (42:54)

Yeah. Especially the Champions League.

Alan Shearer (42:56)

Like remember when they played Bayern battered Bayern. Bayern have beaten everyone this year season and they were really good. I don't think this is a team where you just. Well, that's the way Arsenal play. I know everyone talked about the free kick and the corners and set pieces, but I also thought they played some really good stuff. But I've not seen that in the last few weeks. But if they get over the line, if they get it done and they do win the League and. And also said, you know, they're three points ahead and they're in the semi finals of the Champions League and those two Champions League games as well.

Micah Richards (43:26)

Is that.

Alan Shearer (43:27)

That's going to be tough for them. Correct. To mix that. Whereas City now haven't got that they've got an extra League game to play because they're playing catch up. But I think it's fascinating. I know I don't think you can call it really.

Micah Richards (43:40)

Yeah. I'd probably agree with you. A 50. 50. I think I said a couple of months, maybe a month back after. I still think Arsenal are better suited to win the Champions League. I know that sounds ridiculous with the teams that are in there, but when Arsenal defenders properly. There's no one who can do it like them. If you look at the teams left in the. In the Champions League, I think Arsenal. Are they in a One off game. Obviously the semi final is different, but if they get to the final.

Alan Shearer (44:09)

Yeah, yeah.

Micah Richards (44:09)

I think they've got enough to beat Atletico. I do. If they get to a final one off game, if they defend well and nick a set piece or a goal like Chelsea did to Man City a few years ago when Haver scored, it could be done. I just. I always thought in the Premier League there wasn't creating it enough to go that far. And that's why I would say the ascendancy was will be with Man City. I think Man City will just get over the line because they're used to the pressure.

Alan Shearer (44:36)

Do you think the fans have preferred to win the Premier League, which haven't won for a long time, but they have won it on numerous occasions under Arsene Wenger, or win a Champions League which they have never won, even in this previous form as the European Cup Premier League.

Micah Richards (44:51)

Do you think Arsenal fans.

Alan Shearer (44:53)

Yeah, I think so.

Micah Richards (44:54)

Would win the Premier League? Without doubt. I know. I mean if you win the Champions League, people will argue that it's a better competition. I always say league. There's other people who say the Champions League because it's the whole of Europe.

Alan Shearer (45:06)

That's why I asked you what you thought.

Micah Richards (45:08)

Yeah, I always said I prefer to win the League. But I think Arsenal fans, because they've been there and have been close in recent history and have not been able to get over the line, I think Arsenal fans would prefer to win, win the Premier League. But if they win the Champions League, they're still in both. So they're in. They're in an ideal position now, aren't they? People can talk as much as they want about bottling and this, that and the other, but they haven't. They've still got the chance to win it. They're on the top of the Premier League and they're in the semi final of the Champions League.

Alan Shearer (45:42)

I said to Alan earlier that, that the one person who looks really relaxed at the moment needs Eze. I think his interviews after the game. So relaxed, so calm and he exudes confidence and he's just saying this is beautiful. This is what we want. This football I love. I just thought it was such a great interview. Maybe he should take the team talks

Micah Richards (46:06)

over the next few weeks and his goal was nice, wasn't it?

Alan Shearer (46:11)

Oh, stunner. Stunner.

Micah Richards (46:13)

Wow. Wow. I don't know. It's difficult to predict because even just the rest of results in the Premier League this weekend, you know, Spurs, I know you guys have talked about it.

Alan Shearer (46:25)

But you go ahead, give your view.

Micah Richards (46:27)

Spurs, you know Palinia. I know Palinia. And then you look at Villa's results and you just. You just never know. You can predict as much as you want, but we don't know. It's who deals with the pressure the best. And Man City are best equipped to deal with that. And that's why I say Man City

Alan Shearer (46:45)

win the league, Man City win the lo. Who goes down. Hate to ask you this because it's horrible, but I mean, all three of them won and I mean, it was mad again, late goals. West Ham and Spurs as well, managed to find a. I mean, they had to win that game. I think if spurs hadn't got anything from that game, I think that they were absolutely doomed, given the form of West Ham, who've been terrific lately in Forest winning as well. 5 nil away from home at Sunderland.

Micah Richards (47:13)

I watched that game on Friday night and I looked at the XG and I don't know if he said the XG to Alan, but the XG for Forest was like one point.

Alan Shearer (47:23)

I sure.

Micah Richards (47:23)

Like I was thinking I'd have scored five. But the keeper, the keeper who's been brilliant for Sunderland roots all season, he makes two blunders and then they get a known goal and then they get a wonder. It's just. It was one of those days, wasn't it? It was one of those days. And they deserved it, though, because Gibbs White's playing really well.

Alan Shearer (47:44)

Yeah, he is.

Micah Richards (47:45)

There was aggressive on the press. He looks like he's confident, he's a captain, that leadership. It looks like he's sort of embracing that role as well. So you can't. But you can't predict results or not. It's just pressure, isn't it?

Alan Shearer (47:59)

No, it really is. It's. It's the fun time of the season and we're certainly in for a really, I think, brilliant title race and relegation fight, if that. If that's what, you know, floats your boat at the other end of the table and. But I just want to finish. Micah. Did you see that in the little game between Rochester. Finale of that, was it? National League, isn't it, or.

Micah Richards (48:23)

Yes, yes, National League to go up to League two, I believe.

Alan Shearer (48:26)

That's right. It was at Rochdale. York needed a point to win the league and thus get promotion. Rochdale needed to win. Rochdale scored in, what was it, the 95th minute to take the lead and then it's a pitch invasion. All kicked off and then. So therefore there was a. They played an extra few minutes and. And then York scrambled one over the line. I mean crazy scenes but that's football. It's mad mental sometimes.

Micah Richards (48:52)

No, but it's heartbreak, isn't it? Because now they've got to go into to the playoffs.

Alan Shearer (48:56)

Rochelle, have you.

Micah Richards (48:58)

And they both got 100 plus points. They should be having two going up. That is. It's ridiculous that in it you playing that well also season comes down to the last game and a minute, a minute was the difference between them. A few seconds, it was ridiculous. But it was a great game. That's why we love football though, wasn't it? That's why we love it.

Alan Shearer (49:20)

It certainly is. Thanks for jumping on Micah. We'll call it a day there. So that's it for this episode.

Micah Richards (49:26)

Goodbye from me and goodbye from foreign.

Alan Shearer (49:40)

You can't reason with the sun. Trust us, we've tried.

Gary Lineker (49:43)

This summer, it's time to put that angry ball of fire on mute.

Alan Shearer (49:47)

Columbia's Omnishade technology is engineered to protect you from the sun's harsh rays that can burn and damage your skin.

Gary Lineker (49:54)

The sun is relentless, but so is our gear. Level up your summer@columbia.com to spend more

Alan Shearer (50:00)

time outside and less time slathering on aloe lotion. You're welcome, Columbia. Engineered for whatever.