In short
ESPN FC discussion of Champions League ties, especially Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid, focusing on controversial match officiating (Barcelona’s formal UEFA complaint), plus predictions for the second legs. Later segments cover Liverpool’s chances after a PSG defeat, and Enzo Fernandez’s agent comments about Chelsea.
Guests (hosts)
Alexis Yunus (host), Shaka Hislop (former goalkeeper; provides power rankings and match analysis), Ale Moreno (former player/analyst; tactical commentary). Guest expert: Sid Lowe (journalist specializing in Spanish football; reports on the Barcelona-UEFA complaint and refereeing context).
Key claims
- Barcelona’s complaint to UEFA centers on a handball/penalty incident involving Atletico’s goalkeeper Juan Musso and teammate taking the goal kick; Barcelona argue rules weren’t applied objectively.
- On Pau Cubarsí’s red card: panel agrees it was the correct red because he fouled a player clean through on goal; debate acknowledges “ball behind” interpretation but stresses Cubarsí must avoid contact.
- Sid expects little practical outcome from the UEFA complaint beyond possible referee consequences.
- Barcelona’s comeback odds are low (panel ranges around 5–20%); Atletico home strength and game-state conservatism are cited.
- Liverpool vs PSG: panel says Liverpool’s 10% chance is overstated; they need major help (e.g., red card) to progress.
Notable examples
- Barcelona’s prior Champions League incident vs Benfica (similar Cubarsí-type foul leading to red).
- Atletico’s home results vs Barcelona/Real Madrid and their Copa del Rey two-leg posture.
- Bayern vs Real Madrid analysis: Bayern favored due to balance and home advantage; Real Madrid’s chance depends on late-game quality and finishing variance.
- Enzo Fernandez: agent Javier Pastore’s comments shift from “explore other options” to “we made peace with Chelsea.”
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOChampions League Highlights
0:48 to 1:30
Discussion on the Champions League and the Barcelona vs. Atletico game.
“Shaka's been all afternoon working on them for you, so trust me, you do not want to miss it.”
Barcelona's UEFA Complaint
1:30 to 2:24
Analysis of Barcelona's formal complaint to UEFA regarding officiating.
“Sid, thank you so much for joining us for this one.”
Debate on Red Card Incident
2:24 to 4:26
Discussion on the red card given to Cuberzi and its implications.
“Well, there's an argument to be made that the ball is going behind Giuliano Simeone.”
Discussion of Hansi Flick's Critique
4:26 to 6:26
Exploring Hansi Flick's comments and the controversy over officiating.
“Listen, I get the argument the ball is coming in behind Simeone and whatever you make of that.”
Referee's Decision Analysis
6:26 to 13:00
Dissecting the referee's decision-making process during the game.
“and that was the handball that never was from Marc Pubil after the goalkeeper appeared to take a goalkeeper.”
Barcelona's Chances to Advance
13:00 to 13:58
Evaluating Barcelona's chances of overcoming Atletico Madrid.
“And it restarts with Mark Poulbill taking the goal kick, which of course is what ends up happening.”
Barcelona's Champions League Challenge
14:00 to 16:00
Discussing Barcelona's slim chances of advancing in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
“because Barcelona have it all to do and they're going to have to do it away from home if they want to advance in the Champions League.”
Debating Percentages: Who Advances?
16:00 to 18:00
Panelists debate the chances of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid advancing, sharing their insights and opinions.
“Not impossible, but as Sid said, Ale, I mean, we do believe Barcelona can score goals, but it's them going away from home and not conceding.”
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Analysis
18:00 to 20:00
Analyzing Real Madrid's performance against Bayern Munich and the prospects for the second leg.
“I don't think it's enough to change Diego Simeone.”
The Flaws of Real Madrid
20:00 to 22:00
Exploring the inconsistencies and flaws in Real Madrid's gameplay and chances in the Champions League.
“Well, the game of the week undoubtedly was this one.”
Show all 26 chapters
Bayern's Strengths and Opportunities
22:00 to 24:00
Discussing Bayern Munich's strengths and the potential for improvement in their performance.
“Real Madrid is just a completely different beast, Xhaka.”
Real Madrid's Champions League Identity
24:00 to 26:00
Reflecting on Real Madrid's unique identity in the Champions League and their unpredictability.
“they can be better than what they were against Real Madrid.”
La Liga Title Race Considerations
26:00 to 28:00
Considering the implications of Real Madrid's performance on the La Liga standings and title race.
“I just don't see that as being something that Real Madrid can reliably bank on.”
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Title Race Analysis
28:00 to 29:50
Analyzing the competition between Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title.
“Look, I still think there is an opportunity here for Real Madrid.”
Sid Lowe's Insights on Real Madrid
29:50 to 31:20
Sid Lowe discusses the critical matches ahead for Real Madrid and their strategy.
“The ESPN marketing department wants me to say that it's not over yet.”
Liverpool's Champions League Chances
33:42 to 36:30
Discussing Liverpool's performance and chances in the Champions League after their loss to PSG.
“All right, well, PSG absolutely had a dismantling of Liverpool.”
Premier League Concerns for Liverpool
36:30 to 41:40
Examining Liverpool's position in the Premier League and their Champions League ambitions.
“Added to that, why you concede that the only reason we're still in this tie is because PSG gave us a bunch of opportunities.”
Enzo Fernandez's Agent Speaks Out
41:40 to 42:01
Enzo Fernandez's agent addresses his suspension and future at Chelsea.
“All right, we'll see if Brentford are able to cater to the football romantic in our Shaka history.”
Enzo Fernandez's Agent Defends Player and Changes Stance
42:01 to 43:10
Learn about the evolving narrative from Enzo Fernandez's agent regarding his recent suspension and future plans.
“I'm sure Jules will be very happy with how PSG looked.”
Discussion on Agent Behavior and Chelsea's Position
43:11 to 44:54
Explore the implications of agent behavior and Chelsea's firm stance on player contracts.
“First of all, if we just go back to the initial statements from Enzo Fernandez, is yet another player who goes away with the national team and thinks that the world stops turning.”
Analyzing Javier Pastore's Role in the Situation
44:55 to 47:50
Delve into the role of Javier Pastore and the pressures faced by agents and players in football.
“Flirtatious, romantic behavior from Enzo Fernandez in essentially saying, Simeone, papi, estoy aquí.”
Shaka's Power Rankings and Team Performances
50:15 to 52:50
Discover Shaka's insights on the current standings of top football teams and their performances.
“It is time for Shaka's Power Rankings, which, by the way, I may have aided in.”
Analyzing Madrid's Trophy Drought
56:23 to 59:12
Discussion on Real Madrid's potential actions if they fail to win trophies this season.
“I don't know, I felt like singing that one.”
Ranking World Cup Goalkeepers
59:12 to 1:03:04
Shaka ranks the top five World Cup goalkeepers based on current form.
“But next question, because somebody is clearly a fan of Xhaka's power rankings because they want Xhaka to give us another ranking.”
Assessing Luis Suarez's Viability
1:03:04 to 1:09:00
Ale discusses whether Luis Suarez should be considered for Uruguay's World Cup roster.
“Ale, could you see Uruguay adding Luis Suarez to their World Cup roster?”
Hypothetical Night Out in a Maserati
1:09:00 to 1:10:00
The hosts engage in a light-hearted discussion about who they would take out in a Maserati.
“That body continues to eat a lot of stuff.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00This 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 at statefarm.com. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
0:31Hello, everyone. Welcome into our studios for the latest edition of ESPN FC. I'm Alexis Yunus alongside Shaka Hislop and Ale Moreno. What a show we have for you today because today's the day we get Shaka's power rankings. Oh, what could possibly go wrong? Shaka's been all afternoon working on them for you, so trust me, you do not want to miss it. All afternoon? All afternoon. Yes, let's go with that. About two minutes of the afternoon.
0:56Frank Leboeuf:Let's go with that. All right, well, one thing you did not want to miss is the Champions League action this week, specifically the game between Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid. Just have a look at all of the headlines and the back pages over in Spain as Atletico de Madrid are the ones who have the lead after the first leg. And whenever Barca say Atleti, we're left talking about it for days to come. So the back pages in Spain are all about them. And now we're going to try and make sense of so many controversial calls in that game. So we have to bring in our Sid Lowe. Sid, thank you so much for joining us for this one.
1:35Right, tell us, what is the latest in Spain to come from this game?
1:41Shaka Hislop:Well, we've got Barcelona complaining formally to UEFA because of the, their belief, a penalty and a yellow card, which would have then been a red card, when that slightly bizarre moment happened, when Juan Moussa, the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, took a goal kick and then his teammate put his hand on the ball to take the goal kick for him. And so it should, of course, have been a penalty and an extra yellow card, therefore a red card. And Barcelona have decided to complain formally about this because the way they see that this isn't about the referee getting interpretation wrong, this is about failing to apply the rules in an objective sense.
2:16Shaka Hislop:And so this one will continue to run. This one will continue to run, Indy. We're going to talk about that one in just a bit, too. But I want to talk about the Cubarsi red card. Ale Moreno, your thoughts on it. Well, there's an argument to be made that the ball is going behind Giuliano Simeone. Now, that's up for interpretation. And whether you think that the ball going in behind Giuliano Simeone, that actually takes him away from the path to his goal. And then does that constitute then a denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity? Again, that's up for interpretation. What is not up for interpretation is that Pao Cugarsi, as young as he may be, he's played enough games for Barcelona to stop making this sort of mistakes.
3:01And now, I don't have to go too far to pick out a mistake from Pao Cugarsi. You only have to go back to the match that took place on Saturday between these two teams. And the goal by Giuliano Simeone in that very game is from a very similar run from a very similar run and Cuberzi has no idea that Juliano Simeone is behind him now. It doesn't help. It doesn't help. I'll be the first to admit Yeah, that Joao Cancelo couldn't care less about defending. That's a different conversation But Cuberzi doesn't even know that Juliano Simeone is there and you're a center back. You get sucked out of position Same thing in this goal or in this red card play that we saw in the midweek in that it's almost as if Cuberzi is surprised that Giuliano Simeone has appeared there so much so that he's trying to get out of the way ends up taking him down, ends up in a red car and I'll take it even a step further not just about these last two games, you go all the way back to last year's Champions League at Benfica Pavlidis gets in behind Cuberzi in a similar situation, he takes him down and is a red car in that case, Barcelona were able to advance over the two legs against Benfica.
4:14In this case, against Atletico Madrid, it may be a different story. He's a really good young player, but in order for him to take the step to becoming a great player, this sort of thing has to stop. Xhaka, how did you see it?
4:27Frank Leboeuf:I thought it was the right card. Listen, I get the argument the ball is coming in behind Simeone and whatever you make of that. To me, it looked intentional like Simeone knew what he was doing. Wasn't the preferred ball in front of him but going behind didn't seem to be an issue. I thought he was adjusting accordingly and then Kubasi catches him. It's on Kubasi in that position to avoid the contact with Giuliano Simeone and once he doesn't, I don't think the ref had any other choice but to show red. Sid, what do you think? Do you agree with the boys?
5:04Shaka Hislop:Well, I think the first thing to say, by the way, is that post-game this wasn't a zone of contention from Barcelona's point of view at all. Hansi Flick came into the press conference. He was very, very critical about the possible penalty and the possible regular car for Markvilleville for the handball. He was critical about the referee's management of the game in terms of how many times Luminium R was fouled and how the referee was a land that came to go and his sense of where he was putting the bar in terms of what counted as a foul and what didn't. But he's made no mention whatsoever of this.
5:30Shaka Hislop:There was no complaint about this particular decision. The complaints were about other decisions. And I have to say, looking at it, I think, yes, you can have the argument about whether the ball is fully under control. But for me, it's a player who's running clean through on goal and he's no longer running clean through on goal He's taken down. So I think in that sense given the way the rules are I think it probably has to be a red card Yes, I'm sorry. Did I say that I thought the call was wrong? I said that there could be an argument to be made Yeah, that you could that you could have that conversation if you saw this You saw this my point was far more about Pau Koubar C making this sort of mistake.
6:05So if I'm focusing on Pao Cubarzi, maybe that's a giveaway that perhaps I thought it was a red card as well. I'm just saying he's got to stop doing this in this sort of moment. As good a player as he may be, as a young player, again, in order to take that step to the next level, these things have got to stop for him and for Barcelona. All right, well, Sid mentioned an incident at the top of the show, and that was the handball that never was from Marc Pubil after the goalkeeper appeared to take a goalkeeper. He did stop the ball with his hands. Now that is what absolutely incensed Hansi Flick after the game.
6:42Let's hear what he had to say. You know, I think, I don't know what happens in the situation when the goalkeeper starts the game and the defender stops him with the hand and then plays again. It's for me a clear red card or double yellow and there's a red card and penalty. And maybe it changed totally different, but I think they can explain it why it was not like this. All right, Sid, your thoughts on what Hansi had to say. He's absolutely right to feel incensed after what we saw.
7:21Shaka Hislop:Yeah, because it would have been a really silly penalty. It would have been a really silly second yellow card. But the rules are the rules. If the goal kick is taken and you put your hand down to stop the ball and then you begin to take it again, that's a penalty and that's a yellow card. Now, there is only one thing, I think, and Simeone said after the game that he described this as common sense. And I suppose the only thing that you could say that would justify not giving this, is just if what the referee has essentially done, is make the decision or make the interpretation that the goalkeeper hadn't taken the goal kick.
7:53Shaka Hislop:That this wasn't the game restarting. This was him giving the ball to a teammate to take the goal kick. and I guess the problem then becomes that interpretation as to whether or not you count this as the game having restarted now for what it's worth I look at it again and live I didn't even realize when it first happened you look at it again and think well this is it seems to me to
8:12Frank Leboeuf:be pretty clear cut Jack is it clear cut to you yes it is and and and listen I again I hear the argument you don't want a game on this level um determined by this kind of an error but the truth is games throughout, every single game is determined by one error or another, forced or unenforced. This was an unforced error by Pubeela. There's no question about it. It has to be given. I find, to use the language used, common sense by Diego Simeone, the referee choosing to apply or not apply the laws written in that one situation kind of opens up a kind of worms as to what the referee determines anywhere else on the park.
9:04Frank Leboeuf:Now, while he's the referee and ultimately final decisions lie with him, as players you come to expect a certain a certain following of the laws. And this was not one. So again, for Pubeil, he got away with murder in this instance. The weird thing about this to me is, even as I'm looking at it, it seems that Pubeil is looking at Musso as Musso takes the kick. So I'm not sure what he's seeing, what he's thinking, how he makes that mistake. however he makes a mistake it's a mistake and it should have cost him well to Hansi Felix's point the penalty and the second yield Ale how much could this have changed the game?
9:53Well obviously 100 % because at that time the game was 1-0 for Atletico Madrid it was a menop for Atletico Madrid if you actually follow the video what's about to happen is Sorloff comes on the field who ends up scoring the second goal for Atletico Madrid. All of those things may have changed had there been a red card against Atletico Madrid. Is Sorloff actually coming on the field? Is Barcelona scoring the penalty? Does it go to 1-1? I mean, the dynamics of the game and the dynamics of this whole series change given this decision. I was looking really, really hard and I was hoping that I was seeing the ball moving when Musso was passing the ball to Puvile.
10:42It's like, maybe the ball is moving. Maybe it never came to a stop, never came to a rest. And so Puvile is putting his hand on it. The ball was not moving. It was not moving. It is clearly a handball. And as dumb a play as it may have been, we cannot make decisions as a referee on what you consider to be common sense because common sense to you may be different than common sense to me and that's that's the truth that's very true yes yes in real life but you know when they say common sense is not common no no but let me stay out of this let me stay out of this for a couple of minutes but the point the point being that interpretation of common sense is different yeah what i tell you what's not different the laws of the game yep and the referee is there to execute the laws of the game and to in part the laws of the game.
11:34That is his role. He is the adjudicator. He is the guy that should be making this decision regardless of what he thinks. Well, that's common sense or not. That is not the bar. The bar is, was the law broken? The law was broken and in this case, the referee decided to go, eh, it's alright. Guys, let's use common sense to referee now. Yeah, not quite the case. It's all relative. And Sid, with something so clear-cut as this, let me ask you this because as you've said, Barcelona have filed a complaint. What could come from this?
12:05Shaka Hislop:To be perfectly honest with you, I suspect nothing. I think what could come from it is that maybe the referee gets punished. That maybe the referee doesn't do X number of games over a certain period of time. One thing I should just probably point out, just very briefly on what Ali was talking about. Common sense is what Simeone said it was. We haven't heard the referee said it was common sense. So the referee's defence hasn't been, well, it was common sense. That's what Simeone is interpreting. I think the only thing that can explain this, and this speaks to what Ali was saying about the ball moving or not moving, is if the referee has interpreted that the goalkeeper hasn't taken the goal kick, that the goalkeeper has indeed just given it to a teammate to take it, the ball hasn't been put back into play.
12:42Shaka Hislop:And that's the thing, as Ali's saying about the ball moving, the goalkeeper takes two touches. And the way it seems to me is he takes one touch to put it in place, and the other touch is him taking the goal kick. And so at that point, I think you have to interpret that the game has restarted and therefore it's handball. The only thing that can justify not giving this is if the referee has interpreted that the game hadn't restarted. And it restarts with Mark Poulbill taking the goal kick, which of course is what ends up happening. Anyway, to your question as to what happens now, I think nothing.
13:07Shaka Hislop:And let's go back, shall we, to the Champions League last year, when the rule was wrongly applied to the double-kicker penalty from Julian Alvarez. And that was even more decisive than this, because it directly put Atletico Madrid out against Real Madrid. Eventually, a very long time later UEFA admitted that that had been got wrong What happened? Nothing So to be perfectly honest with you, I suspect that nothing will happen This time around, it's not like, I mean you can't really Make anything happen, it's not like you can go back and say Tell you what, let's start the game again, from this point We'll give you a penalty, we'll give you a red card And we'll restart, you just can't do that So the only thing that can happen now Is that the referee gets a bit of a telling off And the referee is basically, you know, denied The chance maybe to referee a semi-final To the referee the final, or to go to some big tournament or other.
13:52All right, well, that's convincing, I suppose. You know what that is? Common sense. Common sense right there. All right, well, let's have a look at the odds now because Barcelona have it all to do and they're going to have to do it away from home if they want to advance in the Champions League. And if you look at the odds, it's Atletico de Madrid who are favorites to advance. Now, they didn't get La Remontada versus Atleti in the Copa, but as Stevie said yesterday, you really and truly can never count Barcelona out with these things. Sid, La Remontada, is it on?
14:28Shaka Hislop:Define on for me. Give us percentages. We love percentages, Sid. Okay, okay. Okay, 5%. Oh, that'd be low. That's low. That's Sid low. Oh, Ale is here all week, ladies and gents. But that low, why? What's convincing you about Atleti? Well, because we're talking about a Barcelona side that has to go away to Atletico Madrid and score at least twice and not concede. We're talking about an Atletico Madrid side, and I know the most recent example of this is an Atletico Madrid side that very nearly lost the Copa del Rey semi-final because Barcelona beat them 3-0. But Barcelona beat them 3-0 at home. An Atletico Madrid side that in the first leg of that semi-final beat Barcelona 4-0 at home.
15:16Shaka Hislop:and an Atletico Madrid side that's put five past Real Madrid at home this season and an Atletico Madrid side that's been really, really good at home this season that last weekend, with six players rested, because the Champions League was more important, they went and played against Barcelona and they lost 2-1 in the last minute. That would put them through. I think it's just a very, very big ask. Now, look, if there is a team that can create sufficient chances, it's Barcelona. If they get one, then maybe the psychological make-up of the game changes. I think the fact that they've played that Copa de la Ré two-legged tie where you have a 4-0 win for Atletico in the first game and a 3-0 win to Barcelona in the second, when Atletico start to think, oh my goodness, this could happen, I think that affects this as well.
15:53Shaka Hislop:I think it changes the way they approach it. And so I just think it's very, very difficult indeed. I don't think it's impossible, but I think the chances are very slim. Not impossible, but as Sid said, Ale, I mean, we do believe Barcelona can score goals, but it's them going away from home and not conceding. That's what makes it tricky. Well, what's clear is that Sid is not a believer. No, he's not a believer. No, he's not. He's a very pragmatic realist. 5 % for you too? Or is that too Sid Lowe for you? I'll say 80-20. 80 that Atletico Madrid go through and 20 for Barcelona. And the reason I give 20 to Barcelona, it's not so much for Barcelona.
16:31It's much more about Atletico Madrid. And this is what I'll say. Before the Sorloth call, when he was 1-0 and there are men out, I don't know about anybody else. I was yelling at the TV and Atletico Madrid that they were taking this posture as if they were hanging on to a result and allowing Barcelona to have all the initiative in the game, even being a man down. That's to me on a ball. Yes, but it did not make me very happy. I'll just say that. I was thinking, here's an opportunity. Now, it ends up working now. They end up scoring the second goal. Barcelona don't score any. And so it feels like it's very much Barcelona with, according to Sid, 5 % chance.
17:14I give Barcelona more than that because Atlético Madrid had an opportunity to really deliver the death blow. And they chose to be conservative. And I'm just not on board with that approach. Just in general. The game presents you with opportunities. Go and take advantage of those opportunities. Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid chose to be far more conservative. I didn't like that. All right, so we've got 5%. We've got 20%. Xhaka La Remontada, on or off?
17:43Frank Leboeuf:I think Barcelona goes through. Oh! Yes, Xhaka! Xhaka's a bilingo. And to pick up on something Sid said about Atletico Madrid changing, kind of given what happened to the Copa del Rio over two legs, I don't think it's enough to change Diego Simeone. and that is the issue here. I think you see Atletico Madrid at home go into that posture that you were talking about, Ali, of sitting back and defending a lead and nothing would be more inviting to Barcelona than Atleti sitting back and it becoming a shootout between the two. Barcelona won't, I don't think will be overly concerned about concealing one or maybe two as they just keep going forward and I think it is well within within Barca's capabilities to score two, to take this extra time as need be.
18:37Frank Leboeuf:So I'm leaning Barca here, just so we go up. 51-49. But Barca, the 51. And it's a really valid point, Shaka, I must tell you. Unlike your power rankings, this made sense. Oh, steady. Look, when you think of the common denominator of those results that Sid was talking about, of Atletico Madrid at home against both Barcelona and Real Madrid, the approach of Simeone and Atletico Madrid in both of those games was high pressure all over the field, getting in the faces of both Real Madrid and Barcelona. If the approach is to protect from the very start of the game and that's the posture, to Xhaka's point, you are giving all the initiative and inviting Barcelona.
19:28Yeah, I suppose that you're playing from the counter and that there will be opportunities for you to exploit the well-versed and talked about high line. Yeah, I suppose so. But I don't see Atletico Madrid, if they're just going to sit back, they're not necessarily a team that is explosive on the counter because they're far more concerned about we're just keeping it at zero here. I hear you, Shaq, but I'm not going to go as high as you do. I'll keep it 20%. I can't believe you're throwing shots already. Come on, Ali. No, no, no. Shaq has no rankings. Don't worry. They're very perfectly curated, Shaq.
20:02I'm giving you props. All right. Well, the game of the week undoubtedly was this one. Bayern Munich against Real Madrid. If we have a look at the odds to advance after what we saw from Bayern, who lead this tie so far, 2-1 on aggregate, it is the Bavarians who are favorites in this one. So Real Madrid have it all to do. Also, much like Barcelona, away from home in the second leg. So, Sid, do we agree with the odds that is?
20:31Shaka Hislop:Well, I think there's no doubt that if you look at this in terms of logical analysis and you try and look at the way the two teams are set up and the fact that Bayern Munich have an advantage away from home at the Bernabeu and then go home to either protect that advantage or maybe even to extend it, then, of course, Bayern Munich are favourites. I thought what we saw in this game was actually, in a way, kind of a really good portrait of Real Madrid. we saw some of the things that we've seen all season that tell us that they're really not a very good team and for a lot of the game they're really not a very good team and I thought Bayern were exceptional and I thought Real Madrid just looked a level below Bayern Munich in every department but then you saw a reaction and you started seeing the quality of some of the players you started seeing the ability to make things happen and even in those periods of the game funnily enough even in those periods of the game where you were watching it thinking Bayern are a better team here Madrid were still getting themselves chances and actually bizarrely and it is a bit bizarre to say this about Kylian Nürnberg but his finishing wasn't that good.
21:25Shaka Hislop:We're talking about one of the greatest strikers in the world, possibly the greatest striker in the world, and his finishing wasn't that good. And you do sort of look at him and Vinicius and the performance of Bellingham and some of the players that Real Madrid have got, and you think they will get chances. There will be probably at some point a moment during this time when you think maybe it could happen. Then it's true. You look at Bayern Munich and you think, well, they're at home. They should find a way through. But it's Real Madrid. And if ever there was a club that has warned us not to believe the logic in front of our eyes, it's Real Madrid.
21:55100%. I mean, we keep talking about it. And as much as it may annoy some people that once the Champions League starts, Real Madrid is just a completely different beast, Xhaka. In terms of this one, because as Sid said, you know, Real Madrid grew into this game. I think they forced Manu Noya to make about nine saves. That's the most saves he's had to make in a single game for Bayern since 2020. So they have the ability, but can they do it? Or is Bayern just far too good? Look at you doing your homework. Yeah, bring it. Okay. Jack, is this just still one mountain too steep for Madrid?
22:25Frank Leboeuf:Yes, it is. For all the arguments about Manuel Noyes' performance, mighty match performance in the first leg, and Real Madrid having opportunities, we actually should be talking about a 3-1 score line at the end of the day. Even with all of that, given the push on Oli Seleiton. Bayern are just too balanced. Bayern are just too good. And while, yes, we want to romanticize about Real Madrid and the Champions League, for good reason, I'll add, this version of Bayern, I don't think succumb or give up that lead. Not. Not at all. This version of Real Madrid that we saw against Bayern Munich, I don't think there is a level higher that they can reach this season.
23:17Yeah, with all the flaws that Sid mentioned and they show some high points because this is who they are It's who they have been this whole year in which there'll be times in which you look at them and go Man, this team is terrible and then you look at them and go Hey, hey, hey look at this guys And it happens over the course of 90 minutes time and time again. You think they're terrible You think they're good. You think they're terrible. You think they're good. This is who they are This is what Real Madrid are. We're too far into the season to try to figure out, I wonder if this team is going to turn the corner.
23:49No, no, no. This is who Real Madrid are. Bayern Munich can be better than what they were against Real Madrid. As good as they might have been in some people's eyes, they can be better than what they were against Real Madrid. Luis Diaz can be better. Harry Kane can be better. Joshua Kimmich can be better. Pavlovich can be better. And this guy's... Because that's scary. No, no, no. At least next level. Next level. I don't know that he can be too much. Don't think we're ready for that. No, no, no. We're not quite there yet. He was outstanding. But there were a lot of performances from Bayern Munich that were good at times, but not throughout the 90 minutes.
24:29You think of that, Yupamecano is a good example of that. He may have been solid over the course of 90 minutes, but he almost had the assist of the day and assist of the week to Vinny Jr. And he has a mistake in them. Manuel Neuer made a bunch of stops yes he did but he also had awful mistakes in the distribution of the game which then allowed Real Madrid to take a step forward I think Vincent Kompany if you were to ask him yeah we went into Santiago Bernardo we won the game but we can be better and that's the scary part if you're a Real Madrid fan is that I think we play really well Real Madrid and it looks like Bayern Munich can actually be better than what they have been, and they're going to play at home.
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25:12Real Madrid playing as well as they did, being as dynamic as they were at times in this game, still lost the game at home in the magical Santiago Bernabeu, in a magical night of Champions League. They still lost.
25:24Frank Leboeuf:Let me also say, just in terms of the probably strongest argument for Real Madrid is Manuel Neuer and his performance. And it was a man in match performance. But I'll say here, this wasn't superhuman Manuel Neuer. No. This was just Manuel Neuer being Manuel Neuer. My point being, if that's what you're holding on to when this is run-of-the-min Manuel Neuer performance, he's going to do that again in the second leg. He's going to do that next week in the Bundesliga. That's who Manuel Neuer has always been. It's not as though his level is going to drop any in the second leg because this is his usual self.
26:00Frank Leboeuf:I just don't see that as being something that Real Madrid can reliably bank on. As a last thought, what I would say is it is more likely, more likely that Bayern Munich destroy Real Madrid in the second leg than Real Madrid coming back in the second leg. That's the way I see it. And the good thing for Bayern is that they don't have to take care of business too much in the Bundesliga because they already seem to have done that. But as for Real Madrid, Ale, I'm trying to keep people tuning into the Bundesliga on here. As for Real Madrid, if we have a look at the La Liga standings, they are in second position, seven points behind their rivals, Barcelona.
26:39Now they play another Catalan club in Girona tomorrow on ESPN+. By the way, Sid, surely they can't drop any more points.
26:51Shaka Hislop:Right. Well, I suppose let's reframe that question slightly, which is to say that you say surely they can't drop any more points. You're absolutely right. If they're going to win the league, surely they can't drop any more points. But what if they've already accepted that they're not going to win the league? Then they can drop more points and it doesn't matter. And maybe they're in a mindset that Atletico Madrid were in last week when they played Barcelona and rested lots of players because they thought, well, the league has gone. Now, obviously, the league has not mathematically gone and it certainly hasn't gone to the extent that it had gone for Atletico Madrid who were, what was it, 15 points behind the thing.
27:22Shaka Hislop:So if Real Madrid truly believe that there's still a league title to compete for and I wonder if the fact that they got beaten by Bayern and make something actually maybe we've got a chance in the league that we don't have in the Champions League now. But, yeah, the answer to your question is you're right. They can't drop any more points unless they think it's already gone. Ale, what do you think? Because we went from iLiga, maybe there's a title race, keep tuning in on ESPN Plus, to, ooh, if they drop even a point now, it's ya no iLiga. Look, unlike Sid, I'll accept your question and answer your question
27:54Frank Leboeuf:the way you worded it. put it forth. Look, I still think there is an opportunity here for Real Madrid. I don't think it's over just yet. And it's not so much because I really trust Real Madrid. It's because I don't particularly trust Barcelona either. You feel they could drop more points. They have it in them. Yeah. Now, the likelihood is that the math doesn't work in favor of Real Madrid because you only have El Clásico in terms of jeopardy matches for Barcelona. And you need, because of the point differential, you need two more matches in which Barcelona are dropping points. So the math is not with Real Madrid.
28:39But if you really want to make the math work for Barcelona and not for Real Madrid, then continue to drop points Real Madrid. And then, of course, this will be over. Who's more likely to drop more points on the way in as we finish La Liga season? I think it's Real Madrid. If I'm going to trust one, I'll trust Barcelona-ish. It's like, again, like I trust Xhaka's power rankings-ish. So not much. But more than Real Madrid. Xhaka, if you're Arbeloa...
29:12Frank Leboeuf:You trust my power rankings more or the Real Madrid more? I trust your power rankings more than Real Madrid. I'll take that. Xhaka, if you're Arbeloa and you're looking at the table, but you're also looking at what you have to do in the second leg of this Champions League. Are you resting players for this game? I don't think Abelho can afford to rest players, no. Kind of given where the league is, yes, Barcelona is still within touching distance, but I'm certainly, well, my son's a bit with Ali. I think it's over. It's Barcelona's. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You have more faith in Barca than Ali, then.
29:50Frank Leboeuf:The ESPN marketing department wants me to say that it's not over yet. Tune in every weekend right here. Truth is, I cannot in a month of Sunday see Real Madrid catching Barcelona. So you have confidence in Barcelona. Yeah, certainly. Abelho can't say that. Abelho can't take that position for any number of reasons. So I think he continues to play his strongest teams in both the league and the Champions League. And again, I think he's got one more game left in the Champions League. So I don't see the point in resting players in the league when I don't see them playing in the semifinals in the Champions League at all.
30:31All right. Well, Sid usually is following Real Madrid for us. Sid, are you at this one tomorrow? Where are you this weekend?
30:37Shaka Hislop:Yeah, I am at this one tomorrow. And there's another important point to make very briefly on Real Madrid and resting players. La Liga, this is the second of three Friday nights that they've been given to give them a little bit more extra rest. So they've got four days between this game and the Champions League game. So I think that's another reason for Arboloh not to take the risk of resting too many players for this one. And yes, I will be there for us tomorrow night. All right. Well, Sid Lowe will get no rest because, as you know, he will be on La Liga duty tomorrow. Sid, we can't wait to catch up with you then.
31:03Thanks so much for staying up for us.
31:07Shaka Hislop:Pleasure. All right. Well, as you saw, there's plenty more La Liga action coming your way. Barcelona, though, will be playing on Saturday against Español, as a Catalan Derby. And then plenty more games coming your way. Sevilla will be hosting Atlético de Madrid. That's at 3 p.m. Eastern time. All these games available on ESPN+. Well, there's also Bundesliga coming your way. Ja? Ja. Ja, that's right. Dortmund against Bayer Leverkusen. That is the early kickoff on Saturday. Myself and Casey Keller will be talking you through that one. 9 a.m. Eastern time on ESPN2. No Bundesliga Schaak? No Bundesliga Schaak.
31:47Nein? Schaak is going on holiday. one of his many holidays. We'll be here working and after that is Steve Cowley against Bayern Munich.
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32:38Everything speeds up. Games matter. More hoops and hockey schedules tighten. Your phone won't stop buzzing. And And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's that quiet little reminder. Taxes. You'll get to it tonight or tomorrow or after the weekend. And if you handle it the old way, you're refreshing your inbox like it's breaking news, waiting, wondering, hoping everything's squared away. That's a lot of mental bandwidth. With Intuit TurboTax Expert full service, you can match with a dedicated expert who understands your specific tax situation and handles your taxes for you, start to finish.
33:11You can do it all online or meet in person at one of their new tech-enabled store locations. Have your tax forms imported directly into the app and hand everything off to your TurboTax expert. While they work to get you every dollar you deserve, you can go about your normal routine, giving you time back to focus on what actually deserves your attention, like rooting for your team to make the playoffs. April 15th is not waiting, people. Visit TurboTax.com and hand off your taxes to a TurboTax expert today. Ever change. All right, well, PSG absolutely had a dismantling of Liverpool. The scoreline did flatter Liverpool.
33:49It could have been a lot more. And all of the headlines, as you can see, slot of bother. We're talking about the spot of bother that Liverpool find themselves in. Well, here's Arne's slot on the Reds' chances to advance in the Champions League. We were in survival mode for large parts of the game.
34:13But maybe also in the period of the season where we are in survival mode. So to try to find ways where we can try to make sure that their qualities are not seen that much. But that's really, really hard against this team because last season over here we were in survival mode as well. But as I said, Paris Saint-Germain was the better team. But we didn't give up. And that's why we have a chance now still in this tie, because they kept us alive by not scoring a few open chances. And now we can bring the tie back to Anfield. Not unfortunately, but in between, there's still a very important game to be played for us against Fulham.
34:58All right, Arnaz Lott, they're talking about Liverpool's chances to advance. Ale and Xhaka both have very, I don't want to say concerned looks, but kind of smirks on your face right now. Now, Stevie Nichol still gave Liverpool a 10 % chance of turning things around. What do you guys think? I don't know how you feel about it, Xhaka, but it's really sad, really sad, When your manager, in this case Arnaz Lott, when he's trying to make a case for Liverpool in having a chance in the second leg, he's not making an argument for Liverpool and the attributes and skill set of Liverpool or the things that they could do to give themselves an opportunity.
35:47His argument was they missed a bunch of open chances. Yeah. They gave us an opportunity because they missed a bunch of the chances that they created. It wasn't anything about we can do this or we can do that or we can do this better. We can do that better. It was they allow us to live because they didn't create opportunities. That is a sad argument to make if you're trying to build some sort of confidence and manufacture confidence for the second leg. Not quite the beacon of positivity. it's what you're looking for. No, it's not. That light at the end of the tunnel. It's flickering. Can you see it, Shaq?
36:26Frank Leboeuf:Nope. I'm not seeing it. No chance. I double down on what Ali said. Added to that, why you concede that the only reason we're still in this tie is because PSG gave us a bunch of opportunities. You don't expect this PSG at this time of the season to be this wasteful again. So you've really offered nothing for me to suggest that there's anything but an exit on the horizon. That light is a false dawn. Whatever it is. So Stevie Nichols, 10 % is looking more like a five? No, well, listen. It's two goals. It's two goals. Is that Anfield? You're going back to Anfield. You're going to talk about the magic there, yeah.
37:15Frank Leboeuf:You have a puncher's chance, right? But there's no question Liverpool have a good puncher's chance. It should have been 5 or 6, as even Stevie Nichol would admit to. So it could and should really be 5%. But it's 2. You have a puncher's chance. But you don't back this version of PSG to be this wasteful again. So 10 is about right, but don't put your money on that. But you need help if you're Liverpool. You need a red card for PSG. You need something. If this game is played 11 v 11, again, the best of Liverpool against the best of PSG currently, and that's a non-starter. That's not a matchup for Liverpool and one that Liverpool can win.
38:04Regardless, think of whatever the best version of Liverpool has been this season and put that out next week at Anfield. And this is the way that Liverpool are going to play. If PSG play at the best level they can reach, it's not a conversation. So they need help. They need help from the referee. They need a call here and there. They need a red card. They need something. And if all of those things happen, it's when you get to 10 % chance for Liverpool. Otherwise, if it's 11 v 11, full strength, the best of both teams, it's all PSG all the time. Well, as we said, Liverpool in a spot of bother in the Champions League, but they are also in a spot of bother domestically.
38:44Yes, the Premier League champions look at where they stand. Fifth in the Premier League table. Now, we know that the Premier League has been awarded that fifth Champions League spot, and Liverpool just fill it out now. But Chelsea, hot on their trails, just one point behind, and we know Chelsea can be unpredictable too. Brentford also making a case there, and even Everton. So, Xhaka, do Liverpool get this spot? Do they get Champions League football next season?
39:10Frank Leboeuf:I think they do, and just. And it'll probably end up in the end of the season by that exact same gap. A point, at best. Because for all Liverpool's issues, for all their flaws, Chelsea are no different. And as a result, you almost want to see a team like Brentford kind of sneak in there. Listen, you earn your right to finish wherever you finish. But kind of how Brentford have gone about their business, given everything that happened last summer and their manager leaving and players leaving, to see them in contention, just the kind of romantic in me, would love to see, football romantic in me, would love to see Brentford finish in fifth.
39:52Alec, give him the swivel. What does the romantic in you look like, Shaq? This. This face. Blushing. The football romantic in him. Alec, are you a football romantic too? Well, talking about romance, Who do you think is going to respect the ball more? Liverpool or Chelsea? Oh, here we go. Here we go. I may just define this whole thing and this whole conversation. Who gets it for you? I'm going to say Liverpool. And actually, I'm also going to suggest Arna, Arna Slott, if you're listening to me, just pay attention to me. You're not going to make it past PSG. And even if you do, you're not winning Champions League.
40:31So, hey, let's focus on this game against Fulham. Let's prioritize that. I think right now it's far more important for Liverpool to focus on getting three points in the Premier League than it is hoping and dreaming. Then maybe somehow we get past PSG. Fulham should be the priority. As Ali said, Fulham next. Fulham can be a banana peel for many a team. Do you see them being a banana peel for Liverpool?
40:55Frank Leboeuf:Not this time around. While Liverpool were a distant second against PSG, You saw Arnazla, I'm going to be the first time this season, really tinkering with his lineup, with his formation. Maybe that pays rewards. I'm with Ali. If I'm sitting in that Liverpool dressing room, I'm not overly focused on PSG right now. It's all about the league. I think Liverpool will get the better for them, especially at home. Fans will be kind of warming up for what's to come in the Champions League in midweek. I think Liverpool will get the job done. Shaka, just say that Brentford will get that final Champions League spot.
41:32Come on, let's mix things up.
41:33Frank Leboeuf:I want Brentford to get that final Champions League spot. Keith Andrews Army. Where's the romance, Shaka? Yeah, Shaka, where's the romance? That's the romance. I want them to get it. That's just the romance. That's where my romance stops. February 13th. All right, we'll see if Brentford are able to cater to the football romantic in our Shaka history. That's enough talk about Shaka's romance. All right, well, there's plenty more Champions League talk over on the latest edition. of the Gap and Jules show. I'm sure Jules will be very happy with how PSG looked. A new episode dropped today. Look at that haircut by Jules.
42:07He's bringing it. He's bringing it. All right, so Enzo Fernandez's agent is speaking out again after the Argentine was dropped for two games at Chelsea for comments he made in the media. He had this to say a few days ago when the suspension was announced. The punishment is completely unfair, banning the player for two matches. We don't understand the punishment because he doesn't mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea. Far from it. He only mentions Madrid, the city. Our plan after the World Cup is to meet with Chelsea again. And if there is no agreement, to explore other options. Well, what a difference a couple days can make because he's now changed his tune and said, look, we're on the same page with Chelsea.
42:51We made peace yesterday. There were never really any problems. We cleared the air. His statements were without any intention of causing problems at Chelsea. He's the captain, one of the team's leaders, and he's shown his best form on the pitch this season. All right, Ale, your thoughts. What are you reading into this? What a difference a couple days make. First of all, if we just go back to the initial statements from Enzo Fernandez, is yet another player who goes away with the national team and thinks that the world stops turning. That if he goes and says something to somebody away from Chelsea, nobody, apparently nobody can translate anything.
43:35Nobody can speak different languages across the world. And here we are having this conversation. I am not surprised that Javier Pastore has come out to protect his player and speak on behalf of his players. And I'm also not surprised that Javier Pastore has also said, See, remember what I was saying? We're good. We're good. It's all good. It's all good. It's fine. Let's not talk about it. He's playing great. He's playing well. This, that, and the other. This is typical agent behavior. It's not a surprise, nor should it be a surprise to anybody. And I'm sure that there have been some conversations with Chelsea.
44:12And one of the suggestions, strongly worded suggestions from Chelsea to the agent may have been, Hey, you want to get something done? this is not the way to do it. You're not going to strong arm us into a deal. And by the way, our team captain, your client, has got to stop flirting with everybody else when he's not here. So how about we finish the season the best way possible, both for you as an agent and your player and your boss, in this case Enzo Fernandez, and us as a club. And then we can have a conversation that is based on factual information, not on flirtatious, romantic. You know what I'm talking about?
44:59Shaka loves romantic. Flirtatious, romantic behavior from Enzo Fernandez in essentially saying, Simeone, papi, estoy aquí. I'm right here. Hey, that sunshine in Madrid is looking quite nice. It's similar to the sunshine in Argentina. Shaka, what did you make of Javier Pastore's comments on this Enzo Fernandez situation?
45:18Frank Leboeuf:Well, I thought it was a pretty quick U-turn. Oh, yeah. Which surprised me, because usually I'm petty. Leads me to think, and I say this to say that I've not seen any suggestion from Chelsea as a leadership, that this is their position, that you come in to make a case for Enzo Fernandez to leave this summer after the World Cup, and you as at football club say, well, he's got five years to run. We could swallow his wages for five years. So either you take that back or we play hardball. And all of a sudden, all of a sudden, this shouting from the rooftop gets really muffled. And as a result, our story has to take back those comments.
46:03Frank Leboeuf:Now, again, if it were me and I'm running Chelsea Football Club and I'm in charge of those post strings and I could look at swallowing those wages absolutely that's the position I take I'm not gonna be bullied by an agent so now to that point well but three years ago you signed this nine-year deal that sounds great you think it gives a lot of a lot of stability to your client but it also takes this option that you were trying to trying to exercise completely off the table. All right. But, you know, I'm looking at it from, maybe silly for me to look at it from the perspective of the player, Nenzo Fernandez.
46:44I don't know what you're doing flirting here and there and everywhere. Because what did we look for as players, Shaq? If you could have, if you could have stability, if you could have a place where you could be happy and have a situation that was stable around you and know that as a professional, I'm going to be here for the next five years, That was a dream come true.
47:07Frank Leboeuf:I'll be honest, Ali, and I'm with you on that. Throughout, I felt Enzo Fernandes' comments were agent-driven. I really did. I just felt... Like he spoke in his ear and says, hey, I'm ready. I can get you the move. So, say this, ruffle the feathers, the club will be forced to sell you. And then all of a sudden, and again, there's been no real suggestion from Chelsea as a football club that they are willing to take this position. But if it were me, and given how quickly that Pastore threw things in reverse, I can't help but feel that the club just said, all right, we'll absorb your wages for the next five years.
47:46Frank Leboeuf:You're going to be here whether you're playing or not. You make your choice. But that's – it's silly behavior, if indeed it's driven by the agent. Javier Pastore is a former player at a high level in European teams, a former PSG player. So he's been in the high level, and he knows how difficult it is to find stability as a professional. You don't just forget this thing. So if it is driven by him, it is a silly, silly behavior from the agent putting the player in this sort of situation. And by the way, I'm not going to take the responsibility away from Enzo Fernandez. No. Because he's the one. He's still saying it.
48:23Frank Leboeuf:Yes. Is there anything we said about common sense? I can't remember. It's really common. I don't know. That's what I said. You're sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic and your phone lights up. Maybe it's a text, a video call, a new post, or a quick notification you think you can check in a second. It feels harmless. But the truth is, once your eyes leave the road, you're not really driving anymore. And traffic doesn't pause just because you do. That split second of distraction can throw off everything. Your reaction time. Your awareness. Your ability to avoid someone else's mistake. You could damage your car, injure yourself, or hurt someone you care about.
49:08Or you could get pulled over for a reminder that your phone isn't worth the risk. So before you start driving, make it easy on yourself. Put your phone on silent. Toss it in the glove box. Set it to do not disturb. Put the phone away or pay. Paid for by NHTSA. Quick time out. Some breakfast intel you want to know about. Kodiak frozen power waffles and flapjacks are built for busy mornings. Heat it, eat it, and you're out the door. No long prep, no complicated game plan. They're packed with 12 to 14 grams of protein per serving, a good source of fiber, and crafted with 100 % whole grains, not refined white flour.
49:52So you're getting something that actually fuels you. And there's depth on the roster. buttermilk and vanilla, blueberry, chocolate chip, even gluten-free options. Breakfast that delivers, snack that delivers. Find Kodiak frozen waffles and flapjacks in the frozen aisle at your local grocery store. They're the ones with the bear on the box. Let's get to it, shall we? It is time for Shaka's Power Rankings, which, by the way, I may have aided in.
50:22Frank Leboeuf:Aided in. Shaka, don't lie. All right, let me just get to the power rank. Okay, go through. I don't think it can be argument that Barmetic and PSG are the two best teams in the world right now. PSG after being crowned Eredivisie Champions, they get the Honourable North up to number three. Arsenal dig themselves out of a much deeper hole. They're down to four. Electrical Madrid after a very good result against Barca 5. City 6, Porto top in Portugal and then they go and do what they do against Nottingham Forest shooting themselves in the foot. So they've been dropped or what? No, they're up two.
50:59Frank Leboeuf:What? Yeah, they're up two. That's because Barcelona shoot themselves in foot. Real Madrid shoot themselves in foot. Liverpool shoot themselves in foot. I don't think Liverpool needed to shoot themselves in foot. Well, Liverpool been doing that. Wait, hold on, hold on. Southampton in at number 10. Southampton in at number 10. Under whose recommendation? For the first time, a team outside of one of Europe, top leagues, top ten since... Let me ask you a question, Shaq. Who gave you that suggestion, Shaq, to put Southampton in? Southampton in a ten. I gave Shaqa that suggestion. They're a championship team, right?
51:39Yeah. As in like, I mean, the division championship. Not as in like a winning. No. Because they're not even winning the championship. Nah, they're six or six. But they haven't lost since January. But, but hold on. You took this into consideration. Her... Her... 9. Influence. Recommendation. I thought it was a big week. I thought it was a big week for the Saints. I'm not... I'm not... I like this. We took out Arsenal in the FA Cup.
52:06Frank Leboeuf:Anybody who got us a stop talking about the quadruple deserves to be an... Hey. I have many questions. I'm gonna ignore Southampton. I just said Shaka started the day with Arsenal in at number 2. What? No, he didn't. You know... I understand that Atletico Madrid is included given their result against Barcelona midweek. It cannot be denied that the same Atletico Madrid team lost to the same Barcelona team this past weekend. Yeah, that's true. So those things, don't they cancel each other out? No. Because Atletico Madrid... Why is he defending the Bayern? I have no idea. I'm just going to shut up.
52:49I'm just going to shut up.
52:50Frank Leboeuf:Because I'd let you go Madrid beat Barcelona yesterday
52:58Frank Leboeuf:Monday's price, okay on this price is not Thursday's price. Okay. All right. So today's Thursday And today Thursday your beloved Porto drew against Nottingham Forest. Yeah On Thursday. Yeah And yet during the power rankings in the top ten teams. Yeah in Europe because I'm in the world for that matter I had to plug the numbers before that was finished. Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho. So, you know, it's like... Our producer Costa was on his case to get them in by a certain time so they could build the traffic. You know what I like me too? Wall Street. Wall Street? When you look into the future, you look to the future, and he's like, oh, it's Wall Street.
53:42Frank Leboeuf:You can... Sell! Sell! Sell! It's a fire sale. Power rankings. Power rankings. rankings has an impact on what your mortgage is. So we're losing the mortgages, we're losing everything. That's right. Wall Street. Shaka, I think that's been some of your best work. Thank you very much. Please, don't go checking your 401k now. I may have had an influence there. Thanks to Porto, you might have to work a little bit longer. I also told him to put PSV up. All because of Porto. Told him to put PSV up. They just want a title. You still? Where are you going on about? good at let's see higher but you said no let's go that's fine let's go in all honesty do it yourself her helping you is really not helping he ignored me i was yelling things out as someone we know always says yeah common sense ain't no no it is not i trust your your algorithm her algorithm i'm here i'm not calling i'm not calling no names yeah i'm just saying that was a very good power Not quite what it is.
54:47Congrats, Southampton. You made it to Shaka's Power Ranking. The first second division team to ever be featured in Shaka's Power Ranking. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner and protecting both your people and your facilities.
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55:57Giveaway ends May 30th. Enter and find your closest Bucked Up at BuckedUpEnergy.com. Grab a Bucked Up and fuel like a million bucks. How long did it take you to the power rankings? After you stopped ignoring me yelling out.
56:13Frank Leboeuf:Long time. No, it's a lot of work. The algorithm. A lot of work. I am the algorithm. A lot of data. Thank you so much for tuning into this edition of ESPN FC, but don't go anywhere because Extra Time is next.
56:29Welcome into Extra Time. I don't know, I felt like singing that one. The Power Rankings by Shaka. The Power Rankings by Shaka. They are special. Yes. In its own way. Yeah. I simply, I agree with you that you cannot fight data and mathematics. However, your math doesn't quite make a whole lot of sense. And it's a comment that I've made to you ahead of the show that thank the good Lord that we're not trusting your math to bring the astronauts back from the moon. And what was your answer to that, Shaka?
57:06Frank Leboeuf:If you reach Saturn, you've gone too far.
57:12Frank Leboeuf:If you see Saturn, now I am. The math did not work. The math wasn't math in. The math ain't math in. Take a left for the lights. Shaka, were you good at math in school? Quite clearly. Oh, I don't know how to take that. The algorithm works. The algorithm works. Apparently. The Shaka algorithm is one that you will never be able to practice. When you get to the gas station, at that point, you got to turn left. Yeah, take a left for the next lights. And just hope for the best. Yep. All right, perfect. That's right. Let's go into the first question now. What happens if Madrid go trophy-less again this season?
57:45We know Florentino will overreact, but exactly what moves can they make? It seems like what they need is what Xabi was trying to provide, but clearly El Presidente didn't believe in that philosophy. You gave all the power to the players. When you decided that the structure and organization that Xabi also wanted to bring to this team was not what you wanted because the players did not want it, you're essentially saying to the players, you have all the power, you have all the responsibility. And so a guy like Arbeloa seems like a figurehead. He's just a conduit of information, but not a guy who seems to be a long-term solution.
58:26There needs to be a person in charge of this team inside that locker room that commands the respect of the players. who that person is, I don't think it's Albert Loa. At this point, who knows, Shaq?
58:41Frank Leboeuf:I have no idea who you bring in to get control of this dressing room and those egos. Because, as rightly so, Frontino Perez has allowed this to happen. And Mushroom. You now have Carlo Ancelotti, who couldn't get in under control in his final year. Xavi Alonso, who didn't even last a year. Abelor is not the answer. I'm not sure who the manager is in world football that is. It is a tricky situation indeed. But next question, because somebody is clearly a fan of Xhaka's power rankings because they want Xhaka to give us another ranking. Xhaka ranked the top five World Cup teams based solely on how good their goalkeepers are.
59:27Oh boy. Oh, okay. Okay. He's just going to mention five goalkeepers that he knows. I'm going to help you out. No. No, no, don't help him. Let him drown. He's my fellow West Indian. I can't let him drown. He's a good swimmer. He's a good swimmer. We're from the Caribbean. Who's the best goalkeeper in the world now, Shaq?
59:45Frank Leboeuf:Oh, boy. Assuming Courtois is not injured, you're going to say Courtois. Yeah, Courtois is the best in the world right now. I know this man. Tell him. So Belgium as number one? No, I don't know if Italy is going to be there, They're trying to get in the side door somehow. They're not going. This is a World Cup team. Yeah, I know. Italy is not a World Cup team. Yeah, I know. So they're trying to get in the side door, what I said. Just because that's a goalkeeper that you know, Shaq. Yeah, but she asked who the best goalkeepers in the world right now. Yeah. She asked who's the best goalkeepers in the world right now.
1:00:22Frank Leboeuf:So maybe you're interested in Courtois. Hey, you're still trying to make time and come up with five goalkeepers. I can't. I need more time. I need more time than this. Number one Courtois, Belgium. Mm-hmm. Number two? I don't know. You could say, do you need help? You could say Emi Martinez. Argentina? You could go in that direction. We could go France? I could. You don't want to go. Mike Magnon? I was thinking Mike Magnon. Top five. How about David Raya? No, he's not the star. I'm not even sure. Yeah, exactly. I'm not even sure he's going to start. I just thought we were just doing nationality.
1:00:59Oh, so it has to be their number one goalkeeper. Well, yeah. Oh, Ferris, a World Cup team. Yeah.
1:01:04Frank Leboeuf:Come back to me on this. I need to plug in my duto. He has to plug in his duto. What's happening? Check. That's it? That's your answer? Yeah, come back to me later. So he'll give us the number one, which for you is Courtois. Courtois is number one. For me, Courtois, I've been saying that for a long time. Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world. Okay. Right now. Manunoya? He's not. He's not a German scorer. You think he should be? Given what we saw recently, yeah, absolutely. First of all, did you come up with Manuel Neuer on your own? Or did our German producer? Our German producer said throw him in there.
1:01:42Keep it to yourself, bro. Manuel Neuer is not with the German national team. After what we saw, I'm not a football romantic. One more, one more. I think this producer, Kostakaripides, let me tell you. He's something. All right, let's go. So, Xhaka just gave us his one power. I gave him the best team, okay? We gave you some options. You know what? You could go with that sort of out of nowhere Bono for Morocco. Where would Emi Martinez fall for you? Yeah. Yeah.
1:02:11Frank Leboeuf:I don't know. So you have one. So here's my thing. You have one outstanding goalkeeper. I'm not sure about any of the others. I'm really in terms of who's better than who. Who's decisively better than somebody else. If only Andre Blake were there. Okay, well. None of us made it to the World Cup. It's okay. Andre Blake. I'm trying to think if there's anybody else. Hold on, hold on. You're whipping a dead horse here. I know, I know. I know. He doesn't have it. I told you he was going to start a little coma with five goalkeepers. The math doesn't add up. Which side? If you got to Saturn, you've gone too far.
1:02:57Do you know what, Eric? Shaka will come back to this. He's giving you Thibaut Courtois. Next extra time he's on, we're going to make sure that he has the other four. He needs to check his algorithm. All right, next question is for Ale. Ale, could you see Uruguay adding Luis Suarez to their World Cup roster? Do you think there's still enough juice for him to be used as a late-game sub? The short answer is no. No, there's not enough juice in the world to revive Luis Suarez right now. Now, honestly, nobody loved Luis Suarez more as a player than I did. And how, at his best, on a weekly basis, he was given a clinic in how to play the center forward position.
1:03:37But right now, it's not a clinic that he's given. This is not even urgent care that he's given. Oh, not the urgent care. This guy is self-medicating at this point. It's difficult to watch him play because he can't really move. Now, having said that, he did score a goal this past weekend, but it was for not moving. In a corner kick, he didn't move. Nobody picked him up. Everybody went towards the ball. The ball got deflected at a near post, flicked onto the back post, and there he was for the tapping. So if that's what it's going to take for Uruguay to score a goal, then yeah, bring him on. But he can't move.
1:04:14He really, honestly, I'm not making this up. He's having difficulties moving around the field, and that is something that you are required to do in order to play this game. Leslie scored a goal from not moving. What's the replay?
1:04:29Frank Leboeuf:Nobody noticed him. Nobody noticed him because he wasn't moving. All right, so that's a big old no from Ale. Next question. Shaka, picture this. It's 1993, the offseason. You're going for a night out in your Maserati in London. Which ESPN FC contributor would make the best partner for your two-seat car and who would make the worst? I already know you're going to send me for the worst, I bet. i bet first of all i did not have a maserati in 1993 let me just say that was later that was later on yeah later later on it was like reading on a solid 400 pounds a week do you know what though in 1993 i was two years old so i'm going to exclude myself because i could not have been in that two-seat car anyway because it would have been very dangerous for an india point why was she including herself in the already esb nmc country it could be any one of us dan k I know, but you already punched that last.
1:05:22Frank Leboeuf:Yes. You punched that last, and I thought, you know, I'm worse than last. I was an infant in 93, so I could not have qualified, so I'm just going to exclude myself. So, Shaq, who's best? I'm going out with Kieran Gibbs. Oh, you dropped Alec. Yeah. To be fair, Kieran was four years old in 1993. That's all right. I mean, this is a hypothetical. Yeah, okay. Kieran, yeah. I'm out with Kieran. Question. Is he going to be wearing jorts that night? Oh, boy. Tell you what, though. Tell you what, though. Yeah? He picked up the tab in L.A. So the house. Okay, so you can wear jorts all you want. So you wear whatever you want, Kieran.
1:06:05Kieran took us out.
1:06:07Frank Leboeuf:You're riding shotgun. He did not pick up the tab. I paid for you. We split it amongst three, but you were in the bathroom. Are you trying to get credit for everything? Because I did. Last week. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Last week. Whoa. Wait a minute, Shaq, you disappeared when the bill came, Shaq? Yes, he did. Kieran's picking on the bill. Kieran told me he's picking on the bill. We split it three ways between me, Kieran, and our producer, Beto, and they said, Alexis, you just pay for Shaq. So I was like, yeah, I'll get Shaq. Wow. Tap. Wow. There's a Maserati owner. I was drinking water, by the way.
1:06:38Oh, well. So there's that. And he had a burger, and he had some truffle Parmesan fries, and a soup. His body's a temple. His body's a temple. Yeah. But who's the worst though? Who's the worst? Yes.
1:06:55Wow. You see the treatment. The treatments. Can I also ask a question because I saw the jorts from Kieran. Yeah. Does that mean that now Craig is going to wear jorts? Well, that was the concern.
1:07:10Frank Leboeuf:Yes. I'm not going to lie to you. My immediate concern wasn't Kieran's jorts. there was a little skinny tie and weird glasses that wasn't my concern my concern was does craig see this and then what does that mean for the rest of us if and when he does because that means that that's the next evolution in his with a jacket with a jacket jacket with a jacket
1:07:40You gonna tell us the worst?
1:07:41Frank Leboeuf:You know, Alexis, who's the worst. We know who the worst is. You know who's high maintenance. Out of the crew. Highest maintenance. Dan's very high maintenance.
1:07:56Wow. You see? Wow. Yeah. All right. Costa, the producer, again, being a pain in the back, he wants you to move on. I know. Enough with the fun. Talk some German football. Alright, final question. Who would win in a cooking competition between you two? Ooh.
1:08:15Frank Leboeuf:Jim Rich too. You and Ali. These questions are for you and Ali. Me. Whoa. I don't know. I feel like Ali looks like he could cook. Whoa. Me. What's your best meal? Name it. I got it. Oh. What? I said. Name it. Name it. All right. I got it. Can you make haggis? Nah. There we go. I named it. You don't got it. Yeah, let's be honest. I don't know who's funny. There's one species of people eating haggis. And that is the Stevie's. Nobody, nobody eats haggis. I'm not even sure Stevie eats haggis anymore. He does. Does he say that, does he? Yeah, he does. You sure? I'm not sure. If he does, I might explain a lot.
1:08:58That body has eaten a lot of stuff. That's a fair point. That body continues to eat a lot of stuff. That's a fair point. I agree, Shaq. Really? You're probably the best cook between the two of us. I'll take it. Okay. I'm taking it. I'm taking it. I am very pragmatic when it comes to cooking.
1:09:13Frank Leboeuf:I like to cook. In-yout. I like, I like... You like to... Not fancy cook, but I enjoy it. Do you salt bait? No, no, no. Just give us a little... No, no, no, no. Wrap this up. Let's go. Yes. All right, well, Shaq is going to go pay for my dinner now. Oh, boy. Allegedly. And then I'm going to say, let me go to the bathroom. Si. We'll be back on more. Never seen you shock more so fast.
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From the publisher
The FC crew continue to react to Barcelona's loss vs Atletico Madrid and argue if the club should have had a penalty for an errant handball in the box. Plus, the guys criticize Arne Slot for his comments following Liverpool's loss at PSG. Shaka Hislop also gives out his weekly power rankings!
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