Pep Needs To Sort It Out

Summary

The Rest Is Football — “Pep Needs To Sort It Out”

Date: January 22, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and, joining mid-way, Micah Richards, dissect the latest drama from across Europe’s top football fixtures—focusing on Premier League clubs’ fortunes in the Champions League, Newcastle’s resurgence, Arsenal’s dominance, Manchester City’s stumbles, and a series of other high-stakes matches. The episode is rich in incisive analysis, dressing-room banter, and the pundits’ trademark chemistry, with special attention paid to tactical nuances, player form, and the high-wire tension of the English sides jostling for Champions League qualification.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Newcastle: Back on Track in Europe

[00:35 – 03:53]

• Alan Shearer recaps Newcastle’s comfortable win over PSV

  • “It was much better from Newcastle. It was a bit more energy. They made PSV look very average. … They couldn’t handle Newcastle’s press.” (Alan Shearer, 00:39)
  • Newcastle’s high press and clinical finishing condemned PSV, who had eight first-team players out, to a swift defeat.
  • Victory guarantees Newcastle at least a playoff, with a crucial clash against PSG looming.
  • Harvey Barnes and Lewis Hall (again) were lauded for their energetic performances.

• Shearer on player fitness

  • Bruno Gamaris limped off, but Shearer suspects it was “more of a protect you” change ahead of Aston Villa at the weekend.

• Lewis Hall in the England left-back debate

  • “I think he’s England’s left back.” (Shearer, 04:09)
  • Both Lineker and Shearer put Hall at the top of the English left-back pecking order, noting his two-way ability and rising confidence.

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Arsenal’s Impressive European Momentum

[06:55 – 11:43]

• Alan’s pitchside impressions after Inter v Arsenal

  • “It was such a strong team. … Jesus scores a good goal. … Jesus got another goal.” (Malinkus/Shearer, 07:11)
  • Arsenal made six or seven changes but still fielded a formidable side; Jesus netted two, and Jocherez scored an emphatic third.

• Squad depth & tactical flexibility

  • “He brought Rice on, Gabriel, Martinelli, Jocherez on. … Unbelievable. … Havertz on the bench didn’t even get on.” (Lineker & Shearer, 08:40)
  • Arsenal are flying on all fronts: leading the Premier League, nearly in the Carabao final, and still cruising in the FA Cup.

• Recruitment praise

  • “What a time to be an Arsenal fan. … Recruitment so impressive.” (Shearer, 09:30)

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Manchester City’s Woes: Defensive Frailties and Inconsistent Form

[11:43 – 14:27, 27:44 – 33:38]

• Gary Lineker introduces City’s latest slip—a loss to Bodo/Glimt

  • City’s inconsistency, especially defensively, is under the microscope.
  • “Having struggled terribly in the derby at the weekend. Lose to Bodo Glimt. I don’t think any of us saw that coming.” (Lineker, 11:47)

• Shearer and Lineker on Rodri’s red card and fan refund

  • “My phone kept flashing up … 1-nil … a minute later, 2-nil. … The Rodri red card as well, which was bonkers, wasn’t it?” (Shearer, 12:48)
  • City refunding tickets for traveling fans was appreciated, but “they could have had more goals” against them.

• On Haaland’s dry spell

  • “I like his honesty though … said we were embarrassed. … I meant to score the goals.” (Shearer, 13:50)
  • “Eight games without a goal in open play.” (Lineker, 13:59)

• Micah’s deep dive on City’s structural problems

  • “How can you score against Man City? It’s a counterattack.” (Richards, 27:55)
  • Richards focuses on lack of midfield legs, slow transition, and tactical predictability—noting Rodri is not himself, and team shape is vulnerable.
  • “It’s so disheartening to see … it’s the same pattern every single week.” (Micah Richards, 27:55)
  • Underlines that City are “too easy to play against at the moment,” calling for Pep to “sort it out” and potentially freshen up the midfield/double-pivot.

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Premier League Sides: Champions League Qualification Race

[14:29 – 16:46 & 33:38 – 40:41]

• Tottenham’s resurgence

  • A critical win against Dortmund, with Frankfurt up next.
  • “Much needed … that’s a big win for Tottenham and good one for Thomas Frank.” (Lineker, 15:40)

• English teams’ strong showing

  • “Five of the top eight, six in the top 11 … Premier League clubs are doing it fabulously well.” (Lineker, 15:05 & 30:42)
  • “It’s not impossible that all six can get in [the top eight].” (Lineker, 39:54)

• Other key matches mentioned

  • Real Madrid’s form, with Bellingham and Vinicius starring, Mbappé topping the scoring chart.
  • Anthony Gordon tying Alan Shearer’s Newcastle Champions League record.

• Chelsea’s grind and McTominay praise

  • “It wasn’t really about the performance. It was about the result tonight, wasn’t it?” (Richards, 38:57)
  • Richards singles out McTominay (Napoli) for his goalscoring and versatility: “He’s turned into a machine.” (39:15)

• Liverpool’s convincing win

  • “I thought Liverpool were excellent tonight. … Salah played really well. … The balance of the team … tactically, it worked really well.” (Richards, 33:55)
  • Special praise for Szoboszlai’s energy and clever free kick: “They said they worked on that in training.” (Micah, 35:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Name me a better left back in the country.” — Alan Shearer on Lewis Hall’s England prospects, [04:23]
• “It was like Bobby Robson 1990 all over again.” — Gary Lineker on Micah’s halftime team talk, [23:15]
• “Pep obviously is a genius, but he needs to sort it out because it’s too easy … to play against at the moment.” — Micah Richards, [30:54]
• “He’s turned into a machine.” — Micah Richards on McTominay, [39:15]
• “[Haaland’s] had eight games without a goal in open play. … He’ll go on a run and get eight in there…” — Gary Lineker, [14:03]
• “Are you going to be romantic? Are you going to take the wife there?” — Micah Richards teasing Alan about his upcoming Paris trip, [41:05]

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• [00:35] — Newcastle v PSV Champions League review
• [04:09] — Lewis Hall as England left-back
• [07:11] — Inter v Arsenal detailed breakdown
• [11:47] — Manchester City’s shock loss to Bodo/Glimt
• [13:50] — Haaland’s post-match honesty
• [15:05] — English teams’ standings in Champions League
• [27:44] — Micah Richards joins with analysis on City’s issues
• [33:55] — Liverpool’s strong performance in Marseille
• [38:57] — Chelsea’s result over performance
• [39:15] — Praise for McTominay
• [39:54] — Projecting English clubs’ qualification prospects
• [41:05] — Alan’s Paris plans teased by Micah

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Tone & Chemistry

The episode is a classic Rest Is Football blend of forthright opinion, gentle ribbing, tactical deep dives, and affectionate mockery. Shearer’s deadpan is balanced by Lineker’s wry asides and Micah’s effusive, passionate delivery—especially in his “Pep needs to sort it out” segment and his tongue-in-cheek recounting of coaching a grassroots side.

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Conclusion

With the Premier League’s Champions League hopefuls every bit as entertaining off the pitch as on it, this episode delivers pithy tactical analysis and affectionate lampooning in equal measure. Whether you missed the week’s games or want sharper insights than the highlights provide, this episode has you covered—from Newcastle’s tactical rebirth to City’s troubles, Arsenal’s ascent, and the ever-heated debate over who deserves England caps next summer.

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For fans eager for midweek drama, tactical insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a laugh at managers’ expense, “Pep Needs To Sort It Out” is essential listening.

Transcript

[Alan Shearer]

Foreign.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football. Just Alan Shearer and me. Gary Lineker. At the moment. Micah is working for cbs. We're recording this on Wednesday night after all the Champions League games. And Micah's working so we're going to get him in the back of the car for. For the second half. But in the first half we'll talk about a lot of the games that were played last night. But we have to start because you.

[Alan Shearer]

Were at the game.

[Gary Lineker]

And a comfortable victory for Newcastle. Alan. You must be chuffed.

[Malinkus]

Yeah. It was much better from Newcastle. It was a bit more energy. They made PSV look very average. And that's being polite. The. They couldn't handle Newcastle's press.

[Gary Lineker]

I think they had eight players out from. Because they've been going quite well in their league. They're miles clear.

[Malinkus]

Yeah. They're miles clear. And era divisy Isn't it? Yeah. They just couldn't handle Newcastle's press. They kept on trying to play out from the back and got caught. And the first two goals were like thinking what on earth are you doing? Played right into Newcastle Sands and two nil after I don't know. 20. 25 minutes. And there was never any danger of Newcastle losing that game once he got the first goal. So it was a comfortable evening. They made it comfortable. To be fair. They needed a big win because they've got PSG next week. That. That guarantees them at least a playoff place.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Malinkus]

So. Yeah. Big big win after. After a disappointing weekend and a disappointing performance at Wolves. And it was the perfect way to bounce back. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

They're currently in seventh. But as you say that's. That's a tough game that they've got away. Away to PSG. It's quite mad actually. If you go from six to 13th. Every team's got 13 points. So it's really. It's going to be. All the games aren't on Wednesday next week. Aren't they? It's good.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

It's going to be bonkers. Yeah. Mad twists and turns.

[Malinkus]

I'm going to Paris next week as well. So I'm going to. Going to go to the game. So. Looking forward to it. And. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Who impressed you tonight? Al was excellent energy.

[Malinkus]

Lewis hall again. Yeah. I thought. I thought they all put a shift in. Were really solid defensively. Never. Never ever looked like conceding. Yeah. I think it was an all round decent performance. Yeah. I wouldn't. I wouldn't go over the top. Other than that. I think they made the opposition look very very Average. Very poor. As I said. They played right into Newcastle's hands. And they just. They couldn't handle Newcastle's energy on the press. And they got it right. Newcastle. And they punched them with the first couple of goals. Harvey Barnes again. Another goal. He's having a great time. So it was really good again. Looked full of energy and yeah Big win. So they've put themselves in a really really good position in the Champions League. They have so looked look forward to next week at Paris Saint Germain. And after their defeat they got beaten in sport in Lisbon last evening. So they need a win. Newcastle need a win to finish in that top eight. Which yeah should be. Yeah should be interesting.

[Gary Lineker]

I suppose the downside. Bruno Gamaris went off. Didn't look like an ankle injury.

[Malinkus]

Yeah. I mean I don'. I didn't think it looked too bad. I think he was limping a little bit. But I'm. I would. I would hope it's more of a. Will protect you because we want a 2 nil up and we've got Aston Villa on Sunday. So there's no point in risking you and doing further damage. So in the hope that he'll be all right for. For Sunday. I don't know. My guess would be. But that would only be a be a guess that it didn't seem too bad. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I was watching the Gold show actually on. On TNT and they were waxing lyrical about the performance of Lewis Hall. I already mentioned but I just thought open it up a bit. Where do you think he is in the pecking order of England left backs? I think he's.

[Malinkus]

I think he's England's left back.

[Gary Lineker]

I. I would agree. I think he's got it all. I love the way he's confident to move into to midfield. He'll go in forward positions. He's also very good defensively.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

His all round game is terrific. Isn't it?

[Malinkus]

Yeah. Name me a better left back in the country.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't think I can at the moment. Not at present. O'Reilly's been doing really well at Man City. But he's ultimately. He's not really a left back. He's more of a midfield player.

[Malinkus]

But I would have Lewis hall ahead of him and ahead of anyone. I think he's been one of if not Newcastle's best player for a while now. He really has grown in confidence and belief. And some of his performances I think have been very good. Again it was probably one of if not Newcastle's best player at Wolves. Not there wasn't many good performances but his was decent. And again this evening I just think the way he. Everything about his game, I can't, I can't. Yeah, it is all impressive the way he's defending, the, the energy that he's got, the way he's handling the ball, little give and go as a threat in forward positions as well. So yeah, he's looking really, really good and I, I think he's England's left back.

[Gary Lineker]

He's certainly in prime spot at the moment. Obviously Lewis Skelly's not played that much this season after having that incredible season last year. So promising start for Newcastle. We're going to talk about Tuesday's games now and then cover tonight's games when Micah joins us. As I told you in the second half from his car. So hopefully that'll work.

[Malinkus]

Let's see.

[Alan Shearer]

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[Malinkus]

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[Alan Shearer]

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[Malinkus]

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[Alan Shearer]

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[Gary Lineker]

I suppose the big games really were probably played last night. Inter Arsenal was one that we all had our eyes on and you had very close eyes on it. Malinkus, you were in. You were in the San Siro and another very impressive performance.

[Malinkus]

Yeah, I've had a busy couple of days. Went to Milan on, got there late Monday afternoon and then did the game into Arsenal last evening and then of course flew back today, then went to Newcastle. But yeah, I mean I don't know. We made six or seven changes from the team at Forest at the weekend but the team that he put out was still how many brought Saka in? Goodness, I mean I can't remember the who else came in but there were six or seven changes but it was such a strong team. Even with the changes I still had them favorites before Ball Was kicked. And then of course they get off to a really good start. They get the goal, Jesus scores a good goal. And then Inter came back into it, scored a really good goal themselves, get back to one all. Then Jesus got another goal to make it 2:1. It was a really open, entertaining game in the first half. I really enjoyed the game.

[Gary Lineker]

It was good on tv, as were you. May I say, Alan, thank you. Always when you do co comms.

[Malinkus]

No, thanks. I enjoyed it. I thought it was. There was loads to get stuck into. There was loads happening both for both teams and it was one of those games where it was a good atmosphere and it was easy to enjoy. And then the second half, I thought Inter put a bit more pressure on Arsenal but they defended really well. And then, I mean this, the, the soaps came on for Arsenal. He brought Rice on, he brought Gabrielle on, he brought Martinelli on, he brought Jocherez on.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean unbelievable. And Gyokere's got, I mean it was a cracking finish and that would do his confidence the world of good. All of a sudden you go at Arsenal you're thinking, well, the number nine issue, Jesu scores two goals. Gilchrist scores a belter.

[Malinkus]

Havertz on the bench didn't even get on.

[Gary Lineker]

And Havertz. Yeah, as well.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So he's coming back from a long time injury. So you know, they're looking, I mean they're going on all fronts. I mean there's seven games, seven wins, they've only conceded a couple of goals in the competition. Obviously they've got a, you know, a relatively comfortable fixture to finish, but they're already well clear. So he'll be able to rest. I mean they've got a very good second team but they'll, I would imagine he'll give a lot of people a rest again next week, next Wednesday because they'll finish top, I think, whatever.

[Malinkus]

Well, I'm. Miraculously they got two yellow cards which meant there were two players suspended for next week, which means they then clear all that for the, for the, for the round 16. So yeah, I mean I think that there's only probably Califiori Max Dauman in Kapier. God has got a little niggle. But other than that they seem to have a, A, a full strength team now. So I mean, yeah, Arsenal, I mean what a time to be an Arsenal fan. An Arsenal player. Seven wins on the spin. Seven points clear in the Premier League semi final of the Carabao in the FA Cup. I mean it's that they're absolutely Flying and they really are recruitment. So impressive.

[Gary Lineker]

Really good of late, isn't it? Even someone like Mosquera. I think he's 21 years old. He only cost 13 million quid. I mean, he looks a really good player, doesn't he?

[Malinkus]

Yeah, he's. He's not a bad deputy, is he, to come in if Saliba or Gabrielle, whoever, is not going to be playing. So, yeah, they're. They're looking really, really strong and in a great position.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, they're well clear in the Premier League. They're well clear in the Champions League. They're almost there in the final of the Carabao with that lead that they've got after the first leg. Still in the FA cup.

[Malinkus]

Guaranteed to finish in the top two, which they'll also have the next round. Every. If they get through, every game will. Second game will be at home.

[Gary Lineker]

Yep.

[Malinkus]

So that's a. That's an added bonus because of finishing top or second. That's what happens. So, yeah, it couldn't. It couldn't be any better for Arsenal at this moment in time. So. And everyone seems to be fit. When Mikel Arteta was interviewed before the game, I felt there was a. There's a real positivity about him. He seemed really calm and relaxed.

[Gary Lineker]

I should think so.

[Malinkus]

Yeah. He's not. I wouldn't say he's normally like that in interviews, but he was really. Yeah, he was good and he gave a. He gave some great interviews and great belief and confidence and everything else and. Yeah, why not?

[Gary Lineker]

By contrast, Manchester City.

[Malinkus]

Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

Having struggled terribly in the derby at the weekend. Loose to Bodo. Clint. I don't think any of us saw that coming. I mean, they're still in reasonable shape in the competition. They're still. They're one of those many teams on 13 points, but I mean, that was.

[Micah Richards]

That's.

[Gary Lineker]

They're very inconsistent at the moment and they've got issues.

[Malinkus]

Yeah, there's no doubt they've got issues. I mean, conceding the way they did against Man United should have been more. They got absolutely battered the weekend and then going there and conceding three. I mean, to go to a team like that who's never, ever won a game in the Champions League and then to have the. Have Man City at home after what they've achieved over the years with Pep and then beat them and humiliate them and what a night for. For them.

[Gary Lineker]

They could have had more goals.

[Malinkus]

Could have had. Yeah, because I was. Obviously I was up in the comms box.

[Gary Lineker]

It was the early game. There, wasn't it?

[Malinkus]

It was the early game. Yeah. So I couldn't. And my, my phone kept flashing up and I was thinking 1 nil. And then like, I don't know, a minute or so later, two nil. And everyone's saying, oh my God, this is like. And we were all expecting City to, to come back, but then obviously the Rodri red card as well, which was bonkers, wasn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

That was so strange, wasn't it?

[Malinkus]

So strange.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I mean, it was to do that. I mean just. I mean it was just daft pulled back, but he was always going to get a second yellow for that. The club actually refunded all the fans, didn't they? Which was a nice touch, I think.

[Malinkus]

Yeah, it was good. Did the refund. Was it just the tickets or was it travel or what, what, what, what, what did the refund do? We know.

[Gary Lineker]

I think they all went on private jets and they refunded. I don't know that. Just the tickets, actually. Just the tickets. So, I mean, not the main thing when they, they all travel, but.

[Malinkus]

Okay.

[Gary Lineker]

I saw Harland interviewed after the game and the thing is when, when he's not scoring, I mean, they're so reliant on his goals, aren't they as well?

[Malinkus]

I like his, I like his honesty though. I like, you know, his interview said we were embarrassed. I accept responsibility. I meant to score the goals and.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm not scoring eight games without a goal in open play.

[Malinkus]

Right. Yeah, well, he's, he's human. He's normal. It's. It happens, doesn't. It doesn't. I mean, of course it does. I wouldn't read too much into it.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, he had two good chances but you know, we've been there, we've been there.

[Malinkus]

Part of your center forwards life, just you get on with it. He'll. It's only a matter of time before he hits the net again and then he'll go in, he'll go on a run and get eight in there or something like that.

[Gary Lineker]

Wolves at home at the weekend. So.

[Malinkus]

Yeah, I mean you might triple captain him then. Are you. Can you do that?

[Gary Lineker]

You can, yeah, but I'm not going to do it at the moment, I don't think. I mean, Wolves might beaten the way things are going at for them at the moment. You never know. So Spurs, I mean, very different, very different in the Champions League. Really good victory against Dortmund puts them in great shape. They've got Frankfurt away in their last game. Generally this season they've been better away from home than they have at home. If they win that, obviously they'll be guaranteed a top eight. In fact, the English club's amazing five of the top eight, six.

[Alan Shearer]

All six are in the top 11.

[Gary Lineker]

Wow. So Premier League clubs are doing it fabulously well in the competition. But, yeah, good performance. Good win for Tottenham. Much needed. Obviously Dortmund got us the red card, which was perhaps the bit of luck that they need at the moment, something like that to lift them. Obviously Solanke came back, which is, you know, he looks back fit, scored a goal. So I. I was flicking over and watched a couple of little bits of that game. Having watched City and. And stuck on Arsenal mainly. But that's a big win for Tottenham and good one for Thomas Frank.

[Malinkus]

Yeah, please. For Thomas Frank. Because under massive pressure after what happened at the weekend with West Ham score in the last minute, you could hear the booze and the pressure and everyone, including ourselves, were speculating about his job and all that. And he came out in his press conference, said, no, I had lunch with the owners and they were fine, but it wouldn't have been fine if they hadn't won. So they had to win that game. They did. So well done him. I guess all eyes will be on him and his players now when they go to Burnley at. At the weekend.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, they got the Burnley game, Frankfurt and the run of fixtures after that is they've got Manchester City at home, Manchester United away, Newcastle at home.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And then the London Derby against Arsenal at Tottenham. So that's a tough run. So if. But if they could, you know, if they win the next two Burnley and then. Then win their last one and get in the top eight comp. You know how important confidence is in football. It really makes a massive difference.

[Malinkus]

The good thing is, is that after the weekend's game Saturday, after being beaten by West Ham, you then got a game three or four days later, because to sit on that for a week would be painful. But then you've got the right of reply three or four days later. And it was pretty simple. They had to win that game. And they've got to do the same again against Burnley this weekend or the noise will all start up again. If Burnley were to. To beat them. So it's a. It's another huge game. I guess he goes from. When you're in that position. I guess you go from game to game.

[Gary Lineker]

Yep. Oh, most definitely, that's for sure. Elsewhere last night, I think perhaps the. The main headline was that Real Madrid finally put in a really good performance. Jude Bellingham got one late on Vinicius Junior was man of the match. Mbappe scored 11 goals already in this seasons Champions League. Then it's Harry Kane who got seven who also missed a penalty. He scored one and then hit the bar for a hat trick, didn't he? And then it swan Anthony Gordon in third who has now equaled somebody's record for the most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a Champions League season. And that of course was you.

[Malinkus]

You.

[Gary Lineker]

It looks like another record might go well.

[Malinkus]

I hope so.

[Gary Lineker]

I hope so.

[Malinkus]

I hope bags another two or three at PSG next next week. I mean he can't buy a goal in the Premier League. He hasn't scored an open play for over a year in the Premier League, which is incredible.

[Gary Lineker]

Over a year.

[Malinkus]

Over a year just play in the Premier League. Yeah, incredible. Yet he's got six in the Champions League this season. I don't know what it is. He. He looked a much better player in the Champions League than he. When. He certainly did it the weekend against. Against Wolves. I don't know what he. What the, the situation or his feelings are but I guess it just happens like that. And if he gets one and open play in the Premier League, you know what it's like. It'll. It'll go on to get others if.

[Gary Lineker]

They got the weekend. Now who have you got?

[Malinkus]

The. They've got Aston Villa at home. Triple captains on Sunday.

[Gary Lineker]

Triple captain him.

[Malinkus]

I'd rather have Harland at home to Wolves.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

Exactly.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

When Bellingham scored he had the celebration with the drink thing because he's been getting a bit of stick in Madrid and saying he's like. I mean he said it's complete nonsense. I suspect it is complete nonsense. There's no real evidence to back that up whatsoever. And he made light of it at the end of the game. He says you either have a bit of a fun at these things or you let it bother you.

[Malinkus]

Best way to be about it, isn't it? Don't let it affect you as a. As a player. When you get criticized for whatever reason you, you get the right to reply on the pitch and that's where you have to do your talking. So he's done it and that's got to carry on now. That was a big win for them as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, certainly was. Let's take a break now, Alan, and then we'll. We'll hang around for a bit and wait for a certain Micah Richards. We will also get his take on Manchester City's game as well. I think that might Be quite important back shortly.

[Alan Shearer]

This segment is brought to you by Specsaver's Best Worst Team. The series that takes the worst football team in the country and tries to turn their fortunes around on and off the pitch. This season, Wally FC thought it might help to bring in a new assistant manager.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know what ever made them think that Micah Richards will be that.

[Alan Shearer]

Person, but they did. And he's discovered it's one thing to talk about decisions and another thing entirely to own them. What's it like being pitch side rather than just telling people what to do in the studio?

[Micah Richards]

Micah, you know, it's way better because you could touch it, you could feel it. You can make a difference. I went in there, I strolled up in there in the dressing room, give it the big. I am. There was a loud roar from, from, from the lads. I went out there, I said to the guys, you need to simplify the game. So the manager, who's absolutely top, but he was playing sort of a free 4, 3 formation. I said, you need to go back to basics. Play 4, 3, 3, and we'll win the game today.

What happens?

I turned up and we get the victory.

[Gary Lineker]

But you're not taking any of the credit then.

[Malinkus]

It's all about the credit. You're a genius, Micah Richards.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, fuck. Thank you, Alan. Thank you. But a couple of players who impressed me, JB, the captain, I like his attitude. Always gives 100% communication. We've talked about communication, though. He's a leader on the pitch. I need a little bit more communication wise, but his effort, I can't. I can't doubt. And then Zayd in, in number, number 10. Really good on the ball. Technical. It makes really something happen within the game. But the only thing is they don't run back. They all want to run forward, but no one wants to. I'm screaming on the sideline, I'm like, okay, you play some good football there. They're all watching what they're doing, you know, because at that league, everyone wants to show what they can do, but it was just that work rate going back.

[Gary Lineker]

Did you.

[Alan Shearer]

Did you give him a halftime, like?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I give him a rollock in the half.

[Alan Shearer]

Did you?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

What did you say?

[Alan Shearer]

Go tell us. Give us.

[Gary Lineker]

Give us a dance.

[Micah Richards]

I said, listen.

What did I say?

So I got into the zone.

[Malinkus]

I said, no swearing.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, yeah. Oh, that's spoils it. I can't do it.

[Alan Shearer]

Then we'll BLEEP it. We'll bleep it, Mikey, carry on.

[Micah Richards]

We'll bleep it. I said, lads, I know there's cameras here today, but forget the cameras. What I've seen out there in that first half is an absolute shambles. If you want to play at a higher level, I've all seen you running forward, but can you get back about that passion, that desire about getting back for your teammates? What we need you to do, look to your left, look to your right.

[Malinkus]

What did they think they were gonna cross them or something like that on a row?

[Alan Shearer]

I think, Mike, you got those two the wrong way around.

[Micah Richards]

I'm sure you just look, want to be in the trenches with that guy next to you and if you don't, this is not for you. Come and sit here right with me on this bench. And then second half, they went out, dominated run back, got the goal and was absolutely fantastic.

[Alan Shearer]

Micah, Micah, you've given me goosebumps.

[Gary Lineker]

Honestly. That's like. It was like Bobby Robson 1990 all over again.

[Malinkus]

We just need the rocky theme with the music now.

[Alan Shearer]

Absolutely. Are you enjoying it though, Micah? It's been fun.

[Micah Richards]

No, On a more serious note, because I do so many different things now, we obviously do the Premier League and then we've done other leagues in terms of what me and Al do, but to see the players who are not getting paid anything turning up on a Sunday, giving that much effort just for the love of the game, that is great to see. That's a bit that I really like.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Fantastic stuff, Micah, I wish you continued success. That's Specsavers Best Worst Team an up close look at how improvement can actually happen in grassroots football. If you want to follow Micah and the club's journey this season, search Specsavers Best Worst Team on YouTube this episode is brought to you by Squarespace. New year new website for your business and Squarespace makes it easy. Choose from a line of professional templates customized with simple drag and drop tools and let their AI builder help you create a polished site in just a few steps. Head to squarespace.comfootball for a free trial and when you're ready to launch, use Offer code football to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This episode is brought to you by specsaver's Best Worst Team. If losing were a sport, Essex based Warley FC will be world champions. Last season they managed only four points and finish rock bottom in Brentwood Sunday League Division 3. Spec Savers Best Worst Team follows the country's worst performing grassroots football club as they're giving elite level support to try and turn things around on and off the pitch this season, our very own Micah Richards has stepped into assist. Club manager Luke roping in some famous faces and footballing legends to give Warley FC the boost they need. With a goal of 15 points this season, Micah has his hands full, but he's off to a great start with a nil, winning his first game on the touchline. Follow Micah and Wally's journey throughout the season by searching Specsaver's Best worst team on YouTube now this episode is brought to you by Octa. You hear a lot about AI agents now. They're everywhere. Quietly running things, making decisions, speeding work up across organizations.

[Malinkus]

And that's all well and good until you stop and think who's actually in charge.

[Alan Shearer]

Because if you don't know who an agent is, what it's connected to, or what it's allowed to do, you can't really trust it to act in your interests.

[Malinkus]

It's like letting someone loose with the keys but not knowing what doors they can open or which ones they shouldn't.

[Alan Shearer]

That's the bit Octa focuses on. They secure the identity of AI agents themselves. So there's one clear layer of control and one consistent standard of trust across the whole system.

[Malinkus]

Which means every agent has a clear identity, clear permissions and a clear line of accountability.

[Alan Shearer]

Developers can move faster, IT and security teams stay in control and risk becomes something you actually manage not guess at. Secure every agent. Secure any agent. Okta secures AI. Welcome back to the Rest is Football.

[Gary Lineker]

With Alan Shearer, me, Gary Lineker now. Now in the lack of a car is Micah Richards. Big Meeks, you've been grafting tonight.

[Micah Richards]

We've been grafted for the last two nights. I've been grafting but we've got a new off air time which is quarter past 11, so I had to keep you boys waiting.

Can only apologize.

We could have done in the morning, but it's probably best to get it out now, isn't it?

[Malinkus]

You know, that's a long time after the final whistle, isn't it?

[Micah Richards]

It's a long time, yeah.

[Malinkus]

It's listening to your dulcet tones for another hour and 15 minutes or so.

[Gary Lineker]

I bet. Next week with the way, the way things have lined up with so many teams that could possibly get into the top eight because it's so tight in those spots. Micah, next week you'll be until midnight on Wednesday because everyone's playing on the same night.

[Micah Richards]

I enjoy it. I love it. I absolutely love it. So I can't complain.

[Gary Lineker]

I'll tell you what, you probably didn't love. And we're going to talk about tonight's games, but I just wanted to get your opinion for obvious reasons seasons on Manchester City. Michael, what's going on?

[Micah Richards]

Guys? Guys, honestly, it's so disheartening to see it, to see what's going on at Manchester City. And I asked you guys the other day, how can you score against Manchester City? It's a counterattack and you can pin the blame on the young lad. Elaine, we know that he's been at Watford in the championship. When you go to the Champions League, it's a different level. But can he have some protection at some stage? There was one moment in the game where the ball went over to the right hand side of the pitch and four or five players were running to the ball. Rodri was trying to get back and the other four players didn't look around them and check their shoulders once in the game and it's not good enough. It's the same pattern every single week. And if you look at our Man City play, where they've had their success.

Over recent years is they get the.

Ball back really quick. Not usually like 2 or 3 seconds.

[Gary Lineker]

High up in the pitch, high up.

[Micah Richards]

In the pitch and that's not happening. Then they've not got the the legs in midfield to get back. So it's so frustrating to watch. It's photo glimpse. We're not talking about a Real Madrid that run them right. We talk about Border Glimp and yes, they're difficult at home and yes, it's on a plastic pitch but they've got enough quality the other night to go and win that game. And it feels like I'm repeating myself. The same old things happening and it just doesn't seem to be getting any better in terms of that counter attacking, conceding goals.

[Gary Lineker]

Out of the six teams that are English teams that are in the Champions League League City are bottom of the six. Having said that, they're still only in 11th spot and if they win their last game they'll have a terrific chance of getting in that top eight, which I think all clubs really want to do because the last thing they want in this congested season is two more games to qualify to get into the.

[Malinkus]

Last 16. Who have man City got next week? Obviously they're at home next week.

[Micah Richards]

Galatasaray.

[Malinkus]

I was going to say they should have enough to beat them, but they should have had enough to beat be Border, Glimpedon, shouldn't they? So Newcastle have got a tough one. They've got psg. So I would expect City to win, but I don't know. I'm not in the form that they're in. I don't know the pressure's on them, but I think it's, it's, it is. It's been, it's been a really interesting first seven games and every club that's in it from a Premier League point of view is sitting pretty well, aren't they? Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Is it five English teams are in the top eight? Is it?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, five in the top eight, which is amazing.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, it's, it's really good. But just, just going back to your point about City, they don't need the extra games. I think if you look back.

[Gary Lineker]

Exactly.

[Micah Richards]

Did Harland need to start against Exeter? Probably not. Maybe the reason why he started because he's not scored or he's only scored a penalty. It's not free flowing at the moment, but, you know, Pep obviously is a genius, but he needs to sort it out because it's too, it's too easy. It's too easy to play against at the moment. And why I speak so passionately about Man City is because of the players that they have the bring in. Semenya starts really well.

8.

Nori's back now as well. He's had an injury. As what? Not if you look at the players. Rodri's back, but he's, he's not, he's not fully right yet. He's not moving the same.

[Gary Lineker]

No.

[Micah Richards]

And I just. It's frustrating to watch him not be able to do the things that they've been doing so well for so many years, you know?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, it is, it is strange to see. Do you think there's a point? It's not, it's not what I think. But I'm just whether when a manager is a club for so long that players can perhaps get a bit tired of the same old voice and.

[Malinkus]

Yeah, but he's, he's actually signed a whole new team, so it's not as if the tired of the same old voice has got so many new players in there. I mean, if since I think the last 12 months or last eight months, there's like, I don't know how many he's gone in there. 11, 12 players. So it's not as if he hasn't got a turnover of players in there. So I wouldn't, I wouldn't necessarily go along with, with that one.

[Gary Lineker]

Will Mark Gay make a difference?

[Malinkus]

He can play the next round of the Champions League. He can't play. Play next Week.

[Gary Lineker]

That's right.

[Malinkus]

So you can play when? After the playoffs. Connie. In the next round.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. It will certainly make a difference. Mark Gay, he's a top player. He's consistent performer. Really good on the jewels, read the games really well. He's aggressive when he needs to be and he can go forward when he needs to be as well. But I. I don't think it's about one defender because if you look at the way Man City play, they've always had that protection in the midfield and like I talked about winning the ball back, I think it's just more than one defender. I really do. I think offensively they'll always score goals but they need to sort out that. I think they need some more energy in midfield. Or if you're going to play, maybe go with two. Two midfielders. Maybe go with Nico Gonzalez and Rodri instead of going with Bernardo Sul. If you want to play him, maybe play him out wide. They just need that protection. I think they just need to go back for keeping the ball and being a lot more defensively sound because they can't keep conceding the goals like they're conceding because they won't win anything playing that way.

[Gary Lineker]

Alan was at the Newcastle game so he hasn't seen any of the other fixtures that were played tonight. Micah. So I'll lean on you a little bit here. I thought Liverpool did really well tonight. I mean that's. That's probably a real confidence boosting result for them.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I thought Liverpool were excellent tonight. When he spoke to Slot after the game as well and he said he disagrees that they've been a bit slow in terms of the possession building up. He said it's more the team setting up against them. He said tonight Marseille had a go so there was more room. I thought Salah played really well. Vert is playing some of the best football since he's come to the club. Club Ekitike is always a handful and then Gatpole took his goal. When he came on really well, it seemed like the balance of the team. You're in Fring Pong as well. The way they played tactically, he sort of played a four, then a box in midfield, then two. But the strikers were sort of wide. Then left room for Wirtz to get the ball in the center of the pitch. It worked really well. And if they can play like that, that I'm not going to say they're back but I think that's 13 games now. The run beaten A lot of them games have Been draws which we talked about on the pod before. But that, that was convincing from Liverpool to go to Marseille in that atmosphere. It could have been a banana skin for them. But they played really well.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, no, I thought, I thought they were excellent. And Sir Bozlai as well was very good, wasn't he?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. Well, supposedly has probably been their best player this season anyway. One thing you can count on him with his. His energy, the tenacity in midfield as well. And he took his free kick. Really. They said they worked on that in training.

[Malinkus]

I saw it under the wall.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, under the wall.

[Gary Lineker]

They didn't have a draft excluder as they call it.

[Micah Richards]

Did they know? Yeah. Where's that come from? Where's that come from? Guys who made that up.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know who invented that saying, but it's kind of stuck. Obviously it's because you, you know, you put those like long things in front of a door to it to exclude a draft, I imagine.

[Malinkus]

So if you were playing nowadays, Mikey, you'd be a draft excluder. Be the biggest draft excluder ever.

[Micah Richards]

Coming from someone who's bald.

[Gary Lineker]

You can't say that now.

[Malinkus]

You feel.

[Micah Richards]

You feel the draft every day, can't you?

[Malinkus]

That bald head, you'll be getting a letter off my lawyer.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, Liverpool look obviously considerably better than they did early in the season. The fans are still moaning a little bit about the pace of their play. But it was interesting to see that you thought that. Well, Slot said that he didn't necessarily think that was the case. Is he talking about teams, a lot of teams playing low blocks?

[Micah Richards]

Yes, I think that's what he was alluding to. He didn't go into details. We asked him a couple of the results against Burnley obviously was. And then Leeds, he was talking about at home where he just said that teams are setting up that way. He doesn't mean to be playing that way, but he's got to adapt to what it needs on a day. And you know what? I'm really happy for Slot because he won the league last year and I know fans get really frustrated that, you know, they've been spoiled with Klopp because Klopp was so good. High energy, pace football slots a little bit different. But if you listen to him in his interviews, he's amazing. He never gets too high, never gets too low. Always honest about the situation and yeah, I'm glad he's turned it around because it's a difficult, it's difficult situation to be in, you know.

[Gary Lineker]

So Liverpool doing really well. Chelsea, it wasn't you know, it wasn't a sparkling performance. I was actually watching the goal show and I think it was another one. Obviously they played relatively defensively, as you'd expect, Paphos and. But they found a way, which is another important result it would have been if they hadn't have won that particular game at home. You know, all of a sudden there'll be inevitable question marks, but the results are the most important thing, obviously.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. But before we go on to that, you see Jamie, Jamie Culligan having a pop pop.

Our podcast say no one listens to it all that.

[Malinkus]

Well.

[Gary Lineker]

I think we have significantly more listeners than the one that he does. Whatever. I can't remember.

[Micah Richards]

We've got podcast walls now, guys. Get into gear. Get into gear because, you know, it'd be nothing but nice. I like the team over there. I worked with a lot of their staff. Really nice people, really good at what to do. But you can't be calling out our podcast. We've got to defend it with everything we have.

[Gary Lineker]

We don't need to. We just defend it with, you know, with numbers and remind me who got the Netflix gig for the World Cup.

[Micah Richards]

We will.

[Gary Lineker]

We do. I did see it. I see it was the introduction, wasn't it? Went on socials. I did say it earlier tonight, but thank you for the mention. It's nice to get a mention. Did mention it was an award winning podcast as well.

[Micah Richards]

Boom. Yeah, but in terms of Chelsea, it wasn't really about the performance. It was about the result tonight, wasn't it? Just get over the line. Yeah, but Chelsea have got a big game next next week, haven't they? I think they have got. Is it. Is it Napoli? Chelsea have got Napoli.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, We've been really struggling in the competition.

[Micah Richards]

Weirdly, they've been a bit up and down. But I tell you what, McTominay is some player, you know, whether he plays deeper, whether he plays a little bit further forward, his timing of his runs into his box. The influence he's got on that team. He's got nine goals again this season. He got Serie A player of the year last year. And sometimes people say, oh, well, it's only a fluke, but he's turned into a machine. What he does for Scotland as well, whether he's scoring overhead kicks, bicycle kicks, whatever it may be, watching him, he's really stepped it up, really has become a very good player.

[Malinkus]

Some big games next week for our, for our offer or for the Premier League teams to try and get in that top eight.

[Gary Lineker]

It's not impossible that all six can get in. I think it's unlike. I think it's going to be tough for Newcastle, Alan, because they're going to psg. That's. That's a tough one, obviously against the defending champions, but Tottenham have got a real chance. What? They've got Frankfurt away. You fancy the chances there? I think we'll get at least probably four. Four in the top eight, maybe five. And. And it's not, as I said, it's not impossible that you get all six.

[Malinkus]

16 points last year was enough to get in the top here, was it?

[Gary Lineker]

I think it looks like it'll be similar this time because there's a lot of teams on 13 points, so a few of those are going to win.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And so I think you'll need at least that.

[Malinkus]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

To have a really good chance. There could be quite a few teams on 16 points, so could go down to goal difference and it's going to be a cracking watch next Wednesday, that's for sure.

[Micah Richards]

Can't wait. Are you doing any cold coms, though? Well, by all accounts, you're very, very good.

[Malinkus]

Oh, you sound surprised.

[Micah Richards]

Well, I mean, you know.

[Malinkus]

No. It's Wednesday night, isn't it, Micah? So Amazon only got Tuesdays, so I'm gonna be in PSG watching Newcastle.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Malinkus]

Yeah. I'm going over there because my daughter lives in Paris, so I'm gonna go over there and watch the game.

[Gary Lineker]

Nice. Spending a few days. A few days.

[Malinkus]

Gonna go. Have. Go for a few days. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Are you gonna be romantic? Are you gonna take the. The wife there?

[Malinkus]

I'm taking Will and. And. And going over there. So me, Will and. And Holly's fiance are going to be going to the game on Wednesday. Yeah. So looking forward to that one.

[Gary Lineker]

That'll be a good. That'd be a cracker, that.

[Micah Richards]

Bring us back some flowers, will you.

[Malinkus]

Bring your flowers, Micah. I'll bring you flowers.

[Gary Lineker]

Fantastic stuff. Well, we look forward to that. We'll let you go, Micah. Where you going? You going home or are you staying down here in London or.

[Micah Richards]

No, I'm going back up to Harrogate. We've got a couple of meetings. Got meeting about a dog tomorrow.

[Gary Lineker]

A meeting about a dog, did you just say?

[Micah Richards]

Isn't that like a phrase that people use now?

[Gary Lineker]

It's not what I use, but no.

[Micah Richards]

Must be a chapel time thing.

[Malinkus]

What is it? You looking to get a puppy?

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, dear. I think we best call this a day. Hope your meetings are not too early, Micah, and you get home safely.

[Micah Richards]

Thank you very much.

[Gary Lineker]

Thanks for joining us after such a long night. Right, so that's it for this episode of the Rest Is football award winning podcast. Most listened to football podcast in the world, I think. On that note, goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Malinkus]

Goodbye from me.