In short
ESPN FC discussion focused on Arsenal’s Premier League form and whether Kai Havertz can solve their striker needs; Chelsea’s early defensive problems; Champions League title picks; plus Serie A takeaways and some Extra Time/Q&A topics.
Guests
Kay Murray, Shaka Hislop, Stevie Nicholl (studio panel). Mario Melchiot (returns after ~2 years away). Gab Marcotti (joins for Champions League and Serie A segments).
Key claims
- Arsenal are “head and shoulders” ahead domestically, with strong midfield/defense and good mental response after going 1-0 down vs Chelsea; Champions League is the next step.
- Havertz is productive and can lead the line even if not a “natural” number 9; debate over whether Arsenal lack an out-and-out striker.
- Chelsea’s defense is concerning early: seven goals conceded in three games; issues include gaps in midfield/defensive shuffling and goalkeeper positioning.
- Champions League favorites: Real Madrid (Gab), PSG (Stevie), Barcelona (Mario), Bayern (Shaka). Arsenal not picked to win.
Notable examples
- Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Odegaard winner; Havertz goal discussed in relation to defensive positioning.
- Goalkeeping debate: a “false goal” blamed on poor defending and defender positioning rather than Martinez.
- Serie A: Inter’s 3-2 comeback vs Napoli after defensive mistakes; Juve 1-1 Milan; Roma beating Atalanta 2-1.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOArsenal's Perfect Start
0:45 to 3:40
Discussion on Arsenal's strong performances and their potential this season.
“They stayed perfect at the weekend with their third win from three in the Premier League.”
Arsenal's Title Aspirations
3:40 to 6:10
Debate on whether Arsenal can win the Champions League and their superiority in the league.
“The Champions League has to be the next step.”
Chelsea's Defensive Struggles
6:10 to 12:16
Analysis of Chelsea's defense and the impact of their players on the game.
“I think it's great for Arsenal that Arteta is the manager as well, having been brought up basically at Manchester City.”
Goalkeeping and Defensive Strategies
12:16 to 14:01
Discussion on goalkeeping techniques and defensive responsibilities in football.
“Well, you're expecting, you're expecting a defender to protect that half of the goal, to take away that half of the goal.”
Arsenal's Tactical Evolution
14:01 to 16:47
Discussion on Arsenal's strategy and predictions for the upcoming season.
“oh look he'll talk us through them Mario he'll be angry on me oh my god I had to like Arsenal clearly Stevie already explained it.”
Champions League Predictions
17:42 to 21:40
Analysis and predictions for the Champions League season.
“The inside story of the biggest scandal in modern baseball.”
The Debate on Arsenal's Number Nine
21:40 to 25:49
A lively debate on Arsenal's need for a traditional striker and Kai Havertz's role.
“I think the way they're playing, it looks very comfortable for them to get goals.”
Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid
25:49 to 28:00
A discussion about Mourinho's history with Real Madrid and their current stability.
“Because he says they need one, doesn't mean they need one.”
Analyzing Real Madrid and Inter Milan's Stability
28:00 to 31:36
Discussion on the stability and strategies of Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
“Well, look, he obviously knows that Inter play three at the back.”
Importance of Preparedness in Health
31:36 to 32:34
Introduction to a medical emergency kit and its benefits for families.
“Mario will be back in just a little while as well as we look at our top goals.”
Show all 19 chapters
Serie A Match Recap and Insights
32:55 to 37:14
Review of recent Serie A matches including Inter vs Napoli and Juventus vs Milan.
“In the Serie A, we saw two big matchups this weekend.”
Discussion on Business and E-commerce
37:14 to 38:07
Exploration of how Shopify powers various businesses and enhances e-commerce.
“Gab telling us all about the Serie A and how things have been going so far.”
Discussion on Business and E-commerce
38:13 to 39:18
Exploration of how Shopify powers various businesses and enhances e-commerce.
“The one that makes buying so incredibly easy?”
Ranking Players: Best Signings for the Money
42:00 to 43:50
A discussion on which recent signings will be the most successful in terms of value.
“Them two, I found that out later on, but Chirky spoke about Harlan.”
Debating Enzo Fernandes' Value
43:50 to 46:39
A debate on the worth of Enzo Fernandes and comparisons with other players.
“He was never worth 110 when Chelsea bought him, and he's not going to be worth 120 either.”
Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or Chances
46:39 to 48:58
Analyzing Harry Kane's performance and his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.
“Mario, do you think Harry Kane should win the upcoming Ballon d 'Or?”
Fulham's Struggles and Managerial Concerns
48:58 to 51:11
Discussion about Fulham's poor start to the season and potential managerial issues.
“He's playing Messi and Ronaldo were running with everything.”
Teachable vs. Unteachable Skills in Football
51:11 to 56:00
Exploring skills in football that can be taught versus those that cannot be.
“He has played like, what is it, three games in total they have played.”
Understanding Match Situations and Teachable Skills
56:00 to 58:08
Explore the critical skills required in football and how they can be taught or improved.
“So just kind of, and the other aspect to taking across in a match situation is you almost have to know where everybody is and what they're likely to do.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Hey Chicago, class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look. Try it. Style it. Make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up, it shows off. First day fits, handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest Crocs store today.
0:34Hello and welcome into the latest edition of ESPN FC. Kay Murray, Shaka Hislop and Stevie Nicholl here in the studio. We've been having a sing-song before we came to the right tonight. And we're happy to be welcoming some faces back to ESPN FC today. More on that in just a minute. Let's talk about Arsenal. They stayed perfect at the weekend with their third win from three in the Premier League. Martin Odegaard scoring the winner against Chelsea in that 2-1 victory for the Gunners. And here are some of the headlines from England, all with a nod to Odegaard's winner in this game. So I mentioned we're going to be welcoming some extra members in.
1:10One of them, Mario Melchiot. Nice of you to join us, Mario. We've not seen you in ages. Where have you been? They were hiding me, so now I'm back. I had to leave my brothers alone, so I had to come back. They were hiding me, but OK. They opened the door again, so I'm back now. We are very happy to have you back. And if you don't mind, we're going to talk about Arsenal before we get to Chelsea. Let's start with Arsenal. How far ahead do you think they are, Mario, from the rest of the pack in the Premier League? They were very good. Why they were very good for me was the reaction when they were 1-0 down.
1:43You know, I think when you're a team and the way this game started, because I felt like two teams were meeting each other, away from the managers having history together, of course, because they, you know, where they're from. but there were two teams that were playing football in trying to win the game. And sometimes when Chelsea normally goes away, it's slightly different and Arsenal normally is the only one that has to make the game. But now it was more open and their reaction when they were 1-0 down, they kept on pushing and kept on believing. And one of the key figures that I felt that what Arsenal always does against Chelsea is rise.
2:17He is the man that people sometimes look at him and they sometimes forget how important he is when they have the ball. He sometimes goes right at the set of halves, right in the middle of the back, and distributes the ball from there. He goes between Gabriel and Consa and tells them to go wide to create more space, and he does it every time. I went to the bridge, he did it last season, and he did it again this weekend.
2:44Stevie, you looked a little bit perplexed then. No, I was... I can't... Maybe it's me. Could be. Well, it was every likelihood it's you. I've been the answer for many a question. I just think that we've all been correct and it's so clear that Arsenal are by far the strongest and the best side in the Premier League. And so for me, it's about Arsenal getting better. and I spoke about it yesterday. I expected them yesterday to finish the game better. But, yeah, you've got to give Chelsea credit the way they started and the way they got after Arsenal with every opportunity they had. But, my goodness, this Arsenal side is strong.
3:32I mean, I'm looking at Arsenal. Can they take the next step and win the Champions League? Never mind the Premier League. Well, can they without the high-profile forward that they were in the market for? Well, I think they can. I believe they can I think the fact that they've gotten over the line In the Premier League From a mental point of view This team is going to be even better You know once you've crossed that line And you've got it in the bag And you think about it And they've had the summer to think about it We're champions, we deserve to be champions And by the way we were champions At the end by some way And we've shown already this year That we can be and will be the best team by some way.
4:15So what's next for us? Never mind the Premier League. The Champions League has to be the next step. I agree. Frank Labouf, who was on yesterday, always talks about you have to hit the post first before it goes in. So in referencing Arsenal and Champions League losing as they did to PSG, that's hitting the post. So there's every chance that they, well, not just go deep, but I'm sure Arsenal fans will be thinking they can win it. I know we'll get to our predictions. So we'll get to that a little bit later on. As far as this league goes, I think Arsenal are just head and shoulders above everybody else.
4:50Now, that's not to say that they're going to go 100 % during the course of 38 games. No, I think they'll stumble. But it was seven points between them and Manchester City on the final day of last season. I expect it to be at least that, even with City being a better version of themselves. I'll be surprised if that gap is a little bigger. I'm not going to say a whole lot bigger, but a little bigger. They've shown that. And I think right now, with what, four games gone or whatever it is, the challenge for us in talking about the chasing pack, the cities, the Chelsea's, Liverpool, and whoever else may come up, is comparing them to Arsenal.
5:33I don't think any, well, certainly that three, are anywhere near as good as Arsenal defensively. I don't think any of them are as good as Arsenal in midfield. You'll certainly meet Arsenal's depth. Now you could question whether up front they can match with the likes of Haaland, but then you look at Arsenal and all the weapons that they have. Havertz, who continues to, he's not a natural number nine, but continues to lead the line wonderfully well. The challenge is right now, nobody in, well, at least two out of those three departments come even close to Arsenal? I think it's great for Arsenal that Arteta is the manager as well, having been brought up basically at Manchester City.
6:22Because if you look where Arsenal are sitting right now, they are getting close to Man City at their best. They have by far the deepest and best squad. Oh, wonder who else used to be like that? Man City. So this is basically Arteta, in my opinion, will be sitting thinking, right, I want us to be the city of how many years ago it was. And so I think that's great because that means that he is not going to sit on his laurels. I know he sits and he goes crazy at the sideline and sometimes as a player it can be too much. But I tell you what, there's no way that he's ever going to let one player slacking off, drop the standards and not be at the best if it's down to him at all times.
7:03So I think it's great that Arteta is the manager because he knows where they want to go. OK, let's get to Chelsea then, if we can, Mario. Their first defeat of the season. But they've conceded seven goals in three games. Is the defence a concern for you? I don't want to say a concern because it's too early, you understand, to straight away say a concern. I think when you as a new manager come in, of course he has to implement so many changes, so many new things. Players go last minute, you understand, what happened to Fernandes that he just left prior to when the league was going to kick off. Alonso maybe had a feeling that he was going to go, but still was hoping maybe like, hey, then I have him because he was very important.
7:42You could see it yesterday too. That, you know, like if they make the substitutions and then later on change the midfield and put in like two right backs in that position. James is more likely to play there and more comfortable there. Alavia, one of the key things for him is stay fit. Not staying fit is what he's been hunting him for so long. And when you look at the back, you understand, Le Croix, the goal from Havertz was very, very important. Because there, when a moment like that happens, you know, the ball gets played. Calafiore attacks. Neto is supposed to follow him. He doesn't follow him.
8:22Le Croix goes across. And then everybody should shuffle across to close the gap. And the gap goes wide open. Oh, my God. It was almost like watching a gap that normally doesn't happen in football right in the middle of the field. Because normally it happens on the side that the player can break through or whatever. But the runs, they were all in place. And then, of course, the intelligence comes with Harvard of seeing it and then letting it go. He did it prior to it. It didn't work out. Did it again. So when I look at Chelsea, those are the key things they have to focus on. What do you want to...
8:55Okay, Casero is going to come back and he's very important. So that's why we could clearly see that him not in the team is a big difference. And then when they bring him back, then you got to look at the defense and making sure, because conceding, you can score as many goals as you want. And I know I come from a school, you understand, where we always say, you beat the opponents if you score more goals. But it doesn't look great on the confidence of the defenders. Also your goalkeeper, because regardless if Martinez is new, he still feels like even when you at the first goal stepped a little bit too far to the right, you couldn't turn left anymore.
9:26But I'm just saying, for Chelsea, what's very important is moving forward, they've got to clean it up at the back. Because if not, it's always going to hunt them. Let's get to the two sides of that, with the Emi Martinez side of things. How long does it take to slot into a new team when you've got his experience? No time at all, in all honesty. It's just kind of getting to understand. I'm sure he would know the names, given that he's played against them as many times as he has, even with the new additions. So that would sort itself out pretty quickly. and just kind of, over time, identifying those players' likes and dislikes, what they tend to do and not do, which you can watch as much tape as you like, but until you're standing behind them and get to experience that yourself, that takes some getting used to or some adjusting.
10:15But in terms of just getting in and settling down and playing your own natural game, I have no doubt that Martinez is doing that already. Can I ask you about the false goal? I had a little difference of opinion. We had a goalkeeping coach on yesterday called Dan Thomas, who apparently completely and utterly blamed Martinez, which I stuck up for him. I'll be glad to know. I wonder what he thought about it. Thank you very much. I'll say this. That goal couldn't, in terms of our discussion, be more timely. We had a conversation three, four days ago, me, you and Frank, about defenders and this need to make a block, or to make a challenge, that's poor defending.
10:58Good defenders get in a position, stay in that position. I can't remember who the defender was that the ball came through his legs. Le Croix. Le Croix. Now, if he just stands up and positions his body, he takes two or three yards of the goal away. And now, Emi Martinez is defending five yards. and that's the difference between seasoned defenders and this new batch of defenders. There's no need to make a block. If you stand in the right position, I can make a save if the goal is four yards wide. Now, if you position your body accordingly and stand there and take away that left half of the goal as Emi Martinez is standing, it leaves Martinez with four or five yards to protect.
11:46and even if you put the top corner, he's going to get there. It's a perfect example of what we were talking about a few days ago. But, Chaka, normally, as a goalkeeper, you tell your defenders, your key thing is you block the first post and my job is the second because that's how I've been raised up. They said, close your legs. He striked the ball right between his legs and one of the key things that happens to goalkeepers, I mean, I don't have to talk for you because you know it better than me but that's what, let's say, Van der Sar said to me he said, close your legs when he comes inside I only want you to close your legs and make sure he doesn't strike the ball at the first post that's your job the rest is my job and clearly what happened he shot it right and Matias was hanging to the right and could not turn the same habit to Raya because when they're hanging one side it's very, very difficult I feel like it's to come but you can clearly tell me better, you know, like, is it hard to move sides when you get surprised like that?
12:49Well, you're expecting, you're expecting a defender to protect that half of the goal, to take away that half of the goal. So once it comes through your legs in that manner, then it's difficult to make that adjustment. Because let's, just to make the math simple, so the goal is eight yards wide. If your defender positions himself properly and takes away four yards, now as a goalkeeper, you're protecting four. you're standing in the middle of that four yards because you're protecting that far half of the goal. So now if it comes back through his legs, now you've got an awful lot of ground. You've got six yards to make up to try to make the save.
13:29And again, we had this discussion just a few days ago about the difference between good defending and defenders who may find themselves as good athletes playing in good teams. that's just poor defending OK you know what where's Dan Thomas when you need him no offence doing some culture with goalkeepers yeah he's got a coaching course he's on it today let's get to Mario's Premier League predictions I mean it's a bit of a cheat isn't it three weeks after the Premier League and he gets oh look he'll talk us through them Mario he'll be angry on me oh my god I had to like Arsenal clearly Stevie already explained it.
14:12If I have to say some more to what Stevie said, I'll be you know, disputing him and I don't want that because I agree with him. Man City, I feel like yeah, I mean if I look at, okay, for me now I feel like City is it's a team that was already there and he had to use the yellow light to change a little bit, tweak it a little bit because some of the guys left, new coach and everything but the pattern looks the same. What will happen this season I think If he uses the momentum, he can clearly get very close. And if not, if he changes it, yeah, I don't know how the players will react. But that is the job why he's there.
14:45Did you just put Newcastle in six for Xhaka? You know why? I'm going to tell you about Newcastle. You guys, listen, listen. I know you're going to jump on that because it's your rivalry team. But I put Newcastle in it. You know why, Xhaka? I have a feeling. They might surprise people, eh? I'm hoping so. He came there and imagine. look we all talk they draw the games and I see Stevie already with a smile Stevie EZ don't attack me yet but I'm saying it only let's leave him as a surprise let's see what happens that's all I put him there I like Mario's positivity I bet you do it's quite positive for Liverpool as well isn't it Stevie I know yeah well let's hope Mario knows what he's talking about how far off are the chasing pack Mario How far ahead are Arsenal?
15:38I mean, Arsenal, watching them against Chelsea was a big difference in the sense of like how they reacted and everything. I think that they, what Ateta is doing, he like, okay, normally when you win a league, right, and you keep on buying and you keep on adding, Normally it becomes a difficult thing, but if you see the strategy of him, like he buys really thinking-wise and it looks like they planned it prior to when they're buying. And that's why I feel like he's really ahead of the game. And I think a lot of them did it. And I think him being at City, how City did it. I think Stevie said that.
16:18But how City did it. And I think he has that way of bringing in the sense of like being a coach. He's doing similarities. because he went after Gimmaras from Newcastle, at a moment when people thought, he has enough midfielders, why does he need him? No, because enough games, enough Cup, Champions League, they want to win the Champions League because they have to, because they're guys. London's been blue with the Champions League for a long time. It's not what they want to make it red. Got that one. Nice stuff, Mario. Thanks so much. Maybe you can give us them again at the end of the season a little bit more of a head start on the boys, having seen a few teams played.
16:55You can see everybody's Premier League predictions over on our YouTube channel. Sometimes Shaka flip-flops as well and changes in... For me? What do you mean sometimes? Check them out over on ESPN FC. With Instacart Shopper Notes, you can be specific about what kind of steak you want. Like asking your shopper to get you thick cuts of steak. Bright red, marbling you can see from across the room. A fat cap that knows exactly what it's doing. While you're at it, ask for a cut that can single-handedly carry the cookout on its back. Something so tantalizing, even the neighbor you got beef with asks, What's the secret?
17:32Okay, so maybe you can't quite get that specific with Chopper Notes, but you get the idea. Want to get groceries just how you like? Download the Instacart app. Shohei Otani's interpreter was fired today if Ipe Mitsuhara ran up gambling debts to a Southern California bookmaking operation. The inside story of the biggest scandal in modern baseball. He was absolutely bananas, the amount of bets he was making. I've never seen him like it. From 30 for 30 podcasts, this is The Betrayal of Shohei Otani. Presented by Gusto. New episodes available now. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. The Champions League is back tomorrow.
18:14We've decided to pick who's going to win it all this season. then Chakra and I have both gone for Bayern Munich. Stevie gone for the favourites, PSG. Gab Marcotti has gone for Real Madrid and Mario has gone for Barcelona. So let's welcome in Gab, shall we, to talk more about this. Real Madrid, Gab, you see it this year with Mourinho? Look, I don't have super strong feelings about this. So I just think there's... I feel a flip-flop coming up. There's a lot of uncertainty out there. But amidst all that uncertainty, I'm going to go for the guy who's won it twice. I'm going to go for a team that's absolutely stacked with individual solutions.
18:57Doesn't necessarily need to play particularly well. And the team that has the standout goalkeeper, again, in Thibaut Courtois. Winning three in a row is extremely difficult. Sorry, Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal are going to be up there. Barcelona are going to be up there. Maybe somebody like Man City. But for me, I had to pick one. So I put Real Madrid right up there. Just because the ingredients are there in the knockouts, the law of the Bernabeu, all the stuff. It all rolls up nicely and sets it up for Real Madrid. But weren't the ingredients there last time, Gab, for Mourinho with Real Madrid?
19:40The first time around. I'm sorry? Weren't the ingredients there last time? Time for Jose Mourinho. Yeah, but you know what was also there last time? Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, those guys, yeah? One of those guys is in Miami. Another one of those guys is on sabbatical right now. I just think it's a different landscape. You know, I don't think, I think one of the differences is that less than, Obviously, great teams don't always need to play well to be effective in knockout ties. We've learned that over the years. But I think this holds especially true for Real Madrid. And look, if they go firing in all cylinders, then they're going to be really, really good.
20:23But they don't necessarily need to. And that's why I would put them a smidge ahead of the others. But certainly, I would expect Arsenal, Bayern, and Barcelona to be right at their heels. Possibly Price-Sensier Man too, although they did have a bit of a stinker of a start to the season once again. Yes, but Stevie thinks they're going to do it again. Well, if we're looking at Omens, having a stinker at the start of the season is right up there straight. Because that's what they do. And it's difficult to look into a crystal ball, to be honest, because I don't have one and I don't know anybody that has one.
21:04We can ask around. Yeah, we can ask about. So I like to go with what I know. And I do know that PSG, at the end of the season, are usually firing on all cylinders. They always start slow, which they have done already. And we said the same things about last season. Oh, winning it back-to-back. That was the cry. Which is a sensible thing to think. But they've jammed it down everybody's throat. They don't care about how hard it is. They can just get it done. And so that's why I find it difficult to go for anybody else but PSG. For you, Mario, you're going for Barcelona. You think they're going to do it this year?
21:39Tell us why. Look, they kicked off really well. I think the way they're playing, it looks very comfortable for them to get goals. It's not like... Look, the last puzzle that they needed was bringing calmness and a person that can control games and can maybe move them over the line in Rodri. So when he made that move, instead of going to Madrid, going to Barcelona, That change was so effective, I think, for the team moving forward in maturity, understanding the way Barcelona plays is exactly suitable for him and the other way around. So I feel like to get that last little jinx into the puzzle, I think it's going to be very important and I think they can do it.
22:24The way they score, if you see, oh my God, I looked at Jamal. Why does the kid make it? You know, you're so young, take it easy with people. But sometimes he goes to people and defend us. oh my God, how angry will they be? And you cannot get close to them. So that's one team that have been coming close, Barcelona, so too, of Bayern. They're going to do it this year for you, Shaq? I think so. I felt that Bayern and PSG were the two best teams in the Champions League last season. Bayern really continues to improve under Vincent Kompany. Also, and rightly, PSG are favourites. There really wasn't a lot to give between two of them last season.
23:02Again, maybe some might blame a little bit of naivety on Bayern Munich over the two legs. There was also that controversial penalty in the first leg that ultimately you can make the argument, determine the tie. I just feel PSG regresses slightly. Bayern Munich continues to improve on the company. And so for me, they are the favourites. And no one's picked Arsenal, even though we've been waxing lyrical about Arsenal and how they're unbeatable right now. Yeah, I still feel they're missing that out-and-out number nine. I know, again, PSG won it twice back-to-back with out-and-out number nine. But I felt that Arsenal were more pragmatic during the course of the tournament last year.
23:47I don't see them having that success in getting to the final this time around. They get to the semi-final, I think, but I don't see them getting to the final. Gab? Gab's going to have a heart attack. Look, I can accept reasons why Arsenal won't win. Primarily the fact the Premier League season takes so much out of you and there's going to be questions about him handling the big squad or whatever. But come on, the number nine thing still, even today, they have Kai Havertz and they have Giocheres if you're into large burly centre-forwards. Kai Havertz has already won the Champions League as a number nine.
24:30But they clearly won someone in that position, Gab. They themselves have been looking to get someone there. Have they really? Have they really? What, two years ago? He's fit now. When they're in for Hulian Alvarez, Gab, wasn't Giochrez brought in to replace Kai Havertz? But Kai Havertz is getting it now because Giochrez has been so poor. I don't understand. So two summers back-to-back, Arteta has been in for a number nine, yet still you're making the argument that they don't need a number nine? Just because Arteta says they need somebody doesn't mean that he's actually right. Arteta gets things wrong occasionally too, right?
25:14So I just think if Arsenal don't win, the fact that the problem is Kai Havertz, when he scored to win the final, he nearly scored to win another final, not 10 years ago, but just like three, four months ago, they lost that one on penalties. I mean, I thought they laid a turd in the way they played, but that's not Kai Havertz's fault. And then the problem is still, oh, false nine. He's not real. There's something wrong with Kai Havertz. But if the guy's fit, I think he's shown he can be productive. He's not going to be the one standing in the way of Arsenal's Champions League if he's fit, which may be a question mark.
25:48Okay, there you go. So that's you. He loves Kai Havertz. It's his friend. It's still raging. Look, it's still raging. Fuming. It touches a nerve. Yeah. What does that tetanoya mean? What do you know anyway? Because he says they need one, doesn't mean they need one. Champions League, as we mentioned, is returning. And one of the standout games that we'll be looking forward to on Tuesday is Real Madrid and Inter. In fact, it's hard to look past it. There it is at the top of the pile there. Let's talk a little bit more about it, Gab, because there's a lot of history here for Jose Mourinho. Before we do get Gab's take on it, let's get a little word from Jose Mourinho on what he's found out so far with Real Madrid this time around.
26:34When you first were here, I think it's fair to say that you put the club on your shoulders and took them to a completely different level of competitiveness and you changed things within the club. On this second occasion, what kind of club have you found and what do you think your role is?
Read the full transcript
26:54I found a club that is always Real Madrid and that I think is enough to say. Real Madrid is Real Madrid.
27:09Real Madrid that had a very complicated season in the past. When you have complicated seasons, of course, there are lots of things that you have to improve. One thing is to work with a stability base. Another thing is to work with a problematic base. And that's the case. And that's the case. We want to win all the time. We want to win tomorrow. We want to win every game. We want to win every competition. but I repeat one thing is a problematic base that you have to work to achieve a stability base when you compare for example us with Inter we are speaking about stability we are speaking about a team that even changing coaches like they did in the past 6-7 years stability stability, content Inzaghi, Kivu 5-3-2 Dynamica, stability Structure, market Stability So Real has to To go to the Stability level But independent of that Real is Real And in Real Is to win So Gab he knows These clubs very well How will that factor in too this tie?
28:43Well, look, he obviously knows that Inter play three at the back. I think on the pitch, it's always interesting when you play against a back three and conversely against a front two because I've made this point before. Not many top clubs in the world play with two strikers. Inter have those two, and I would imagine it's going to be Lautaro and Esposito. It could be Lautaro and Turam. it just creates a different matchup if you're playing a back four, especially if you're playing a back four, which is shielded by a midfield. And we're seeing Bellingham's role this year. We're seeing Art de Goula coming in from the other side that, you know, is a little bit top-heavy by Mourinho standards compared to teams that he's played in the past, especially if you're attacking fullbacks.
29:32And also a club in Inter where he's right. I never thought I would say this about Inter is that, yeah, the club are stable. They do have a winning culture where they've come up short in Europe. It's not because of lack of culture. It's been lack of talent. There's only so much you can do. They were under settlement agreement with UEFA for many years. Since then, the new owners have said, oh, look, we're not going to rack up huge losses. We're going to try to make a small profit or break even every year. And they've done that. And I think they have weirdly gotten even better since they've done that.
30:03This is a team that's reached the Champions League final twice in the last five years. So I think he has a lot of respect for Inter and the threat that they can bring in this first game. And he's telling guys, hey, let's take nothing for granted. Are you looking forward to it, guys? Absolutely. I mean, two clubs with this kind of pedigree and this competition, absolutely. Mario? Yeah, no, definitely. Because you also have to remember, Akif won the Champions League with him when he was at Inter. So having that, the influence, you understand, of those two going against each other. You know, like, look, what is always key is, let's say, like father against son.
30:45You always want to get one over your dad. So, you understand, I don't want to say I know him really well, but I know him as a person. And the winning mentality that he possesses and the way he wants to take him on, that's going to be very interesting for me to watch. Because they know each other. They will always respect each other. But you know what happens when the game is on? The friendship loses a little bit when it's during the game. Do you get a little bit of that? Like, I want to beat you. Oh, absolutely. No danger. Big time, yeah. And I think for Inter, this is great because the pressure is on Real Madrid to come forward and play.
31:21I think that will play into Inter's hands. It'll be great. Absolutely. We will be talking about the Champions League, of course, on ESPN FC. So be sure to be with us this week because we'll be looking back on all the games, all the big ones, especially that one between Inter and Real Madrid right here on ESPN FC. Mario will be back in just a little while as well as we look at our top goals. There's nothing worse than waking up sick. In this time of year, with the kids back in school surrounded by hundreds of others, yours may bring home a whole new world of viruses and bacteria your family may have no immunity to.
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32:30I trust my medical emergency kit and I can save you$45 right now. Visit urgentcarekit.com slash sports promo code sports. That's urgentcarekit.com slash sports promo code sports. Buy five quarts of Mobile One full synthetic motor oil and receive two times O rewards points. Plus, get a$10 gift card and receive a 2311 die cast after rebate. Terms and conditions apply. Get details at O 'Reilly Auto Parts. In the Serie A, we saw two big matchups this weekend. Inter beating Napoli 3-2, even though Napoli had gone two goals up. It was a dramatic turnaround for Inter ahead of that game with Real Madrid midweek in the Champions League.
33:13And then we also saw Juve and Milan play out a 1-1 draw. Gab Marcotti still with us to tell us the key takeaways and what we learned. Let's start with that game between Inter and Napoli, if we can, Gab. It was a tremendous game, tremendously entertaining for the neutral. Inter battling from two goals down with half an hour to go, throwing the kitchen sink at Napoli. Inter were two goals down because of two stupid defensive mistakes. But to be fair to Allegri, Napoli made it very tough on them. And they came back and then eventually got the dramatic winner in injury time. You saw the celebrations and they also hit the woodwork a couple of times.
33:53definitely, I think, deserve the three points. But there's one thing telling yourself, well, we played much better than they did, and you settle for a draw. And another one when things break your way and you get that win or an injury time. They're absolutely flying. The other big game, I think you want me to talk about Milan Juve, but I've got to at least say one sentence about Roma, who are top of the table. They beat Atalanta 2-1. They could have beaten them 4-5, 6-1. Gasparini's doing a phenomenal job there. and I think Roma are going to be the biggest challengers to Inter in Serie A. Juventus and Milan, what can you say?
34:28It was pretty much a dire game, apart from Alfaggio Cisse's close control, and then the goal was nice too. Juventus getting equaliser deep in injury time with Federico Gatti, who, by the way, somehow managed to injure himself in preseason, celebrating with fans at the training ground. I don't know what that was all about. And Spalletti said, look, what do you want from me? I have nine players out, including, of course, Weston McKennie and Kevin Yildiz and Kefren Turam. It's all very true. The problem is the players who are in, like Randall Colomani, who's not very good, which begs the question, why did you bring him back?
35:05And then what were you thinking when you signed Nick Voltermann? I'm not saying he's not a good guy, but just because he's very large and very German doesn't mean he can be your number nine. That's not the sort of player he is. Milan were absolutely horrific. 0.11 expected goals, three total shots, one on target, and they nearly escaped with the three points. Ruben Amarim, he came out and, you know, he loves to be super blunt when they're not good. He says, yeah, we were really bad. We have a lot of work to do. They're still adapting to the structure. It would probably be more helpful if he didn't play Alexis Salamakas, who is a winger, at number 10.
35:44But, hey, you live and learn. It's a long journey ahead with Amarim, assuming he survives. Yeah, well, talk to us about how Ruben Amarim's been taken so far. Milan unbeaten at this stage, right, Gab? Yeah, okay, unbeaten, but come on, man, like on points. Against Juventus, with everybody out, they laid another turd. I don't know at some point. Look, it's still very early. They're changing. He's changing the system. You can say, look, well, they often played a back three with Allegri last season. Yeah, sure, that's true. But going to this 3-4-2-1, which is a very, very different system where you ask your wingbacks to do very different things.
36:25It's Amarimbo. You saw how long it took him to sort out Manchester United. It's a similar situation in Milan. I'm not wild about some of the choices they made in the transfer window as well. Obviously bringing in Gonzalo Ramos. We haven't really seen Pulisic yet. He's been injured. He's been in and out. He was on the bench at the weekend. They need to improve qualitatively. And also, I think at some point, they need to figure out, make a succession plan for Luka Modric. Because if you play the 3-4-2-1 that he plays, where you've got the two number 10s and the two wingbacks bombing forward, that puts a lot of strain on the two guys in front of the back three.
37:03And if one of them happens to be 40 years old, even though he's a legend and a Ballon d 'Or winner, it's just not Modric's game. So I think he's got a lot of things to figure out going forward. Good stuff. Thanks so much for being with us, Gab. Gab telling us all about the Serie A and how things have been going so far. You can always stay up to date with everything that Gab's got to say on our YouTube channel, ESPN FC. Plenty of talk about the Serie A and world football beyond there as well. Gab, thanks for being with us. My pleasure. As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy.
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38:55And did I mention that iconic purple ShopPay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your$1 per month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com slash network. Go to Shopify.com slash network. Shopify.com slash network. All right. I like that. Great stuff. Great stuff, guys. stick around though and these guys will be sticking around to answer your questions on the latest edition of extra time but that's all we've got time for on espnfc however the questions are in extra times on the way next day right where you are welcome into the latest edition
39:50Mario is back after about two years away and it's great to have you forgot how we do everything around here he's just making up his own rules that's picking the predictions and saying why newcastle are in six and talking about what they've done already the season he showed up halfway through the season to pick yeah that was the predictions yeah boy sorry mario i left the parachutes at home and now you can give us your champions league predictions in march if you do Okay, sorry, sorry. First question, Mario, we have missed your positivity. Stevie, between Kay Shaka and Mario, are you overwhelmed with positivity?
40:35I'm sorry, I had one show last week where I was like low on a snake's belly and all of a sudden I'm misery. good when you were upset at the roller coaster in the stands that the fans have made all on their own what's that about well that was a misunderstanding that was a misunderstanding i'll have you know you're a beacon of positivity i am a beacon of positivity okay can i tell you shack is um during the show when gab was talking and gab used a description about something and Stevie looked at me pulled such a funny thing I couldn't hold my laughter in sorry about that guys I saw it so I looked over here I just looked over here because I was like I'm not looking at Stevie I am not looking at Stevie oh boy he used it twice he used it twice okay oh boy oh we could have had Gab for this question seen as though he loves Kai Havertz so much.
41:30Oh, yeah, loves Kavar. Okay, who is the best combo? Gakpo Isak, Haaland-Czerky, Parma Pedro, or Odegaard Havertz? Haaland-Czerky. Haaland-Czerky. Mario?
41:49You know why? Maybe because what they say Haaland-Czerky is also because they are very close as friends, and friendship helps normally when you have the connection. So it's also normal that they pick Harlan Chirky because they have that. Them two, I found that out later on, but Chirky spoke about Harlan. He said he was one of the first that he befriended when he came to the city. So, yes, I understand that. And Harlan definitely wants to be his friend because he needs that ball from me. He lost me a little bit. I'd like to vote for Gab. Can I vote for Gab? Have words, have words. Yes. Yes, you have both Havertz Havertz.
42:28So now you put me in the same group now? Yeah. That man loves a Kai Havertz. He will not have any Kai Havertz. Oh, boy. Which£100 million-plus player will turn out to be the best signing for the money and which one will be a dud? Rank in order. Morgan Rodgers, Bradley Barcola, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez. Oh, wow. So who's the best signing for the money?
43:01Well, we know exactly what we're getting from Enzo Fernandes. Right? I don't think he's going to be any different at City than he was at Chelsea. Yeah. So of the other three, we can't really talk about Barcola. Because... Why? Well, because... We speculate, and that's what we do. You can change your mind tomorrow, trust me. I'll leave the speculation up to you. I changed my mind all the time, Steve. I think I'm going to go Morgan Rodgers. Because I think Morgan Rodgers, as long as he's fit, will always score goals. So Morgan Rodgers top. Yeah, Morgan Rodgers, then I'll go Elliot Anderson, then I'll go Barcola and I'll go Enzo Fernandes.
43:44That's my four. Even though you just said you know what you're getting with Enzo Fernandes, he'd be the dog. Enzo Fernandes is never in a million years ever going to be worth 120 million. OK. He was never worth 110 when Chelsea bought him, and he's not going to be worth 120 either. Anyone disagree with Stevie? I am... I'm going four Elliot Anderson, three Enzo Fernandes, and I'm a little bit torn on Rodgers and Barca. Take your pick. OK. Which one is one or two? You take your pick, Mario. So if somebody said to you, you can have either Enzo Fernandes, Morgan Rodgers or Bacala, you would take Enzo Fernandes?
44:28I'll take the 100 million, please. Well, I think we'd all take the money. Don't you have to look at what they're coming into to make that decision rather than just looking at which player you want? Give me the money in a relegation battle. Yeah, I don't see Enzo Fernandes being any... Listen, Enzo Fernandez was exactly the same playing with Argentina as he was with Chelsea and everybody else. The question is, who will turn out to be, right? So, to use Xhaka's world, we've got to look to the future. And I'm just telling you that Enzo Fernandez is not changing from what he is now. And you don't have a crystal ball.
45:04So that takes him out of the picture. And I don't have a crystal ball. So then it becomes about the other three. that's why I had Enzo Fernandes in fourth spot I understand Stephen I do, it's just the way he went in about Enzo Fernandes at first I thought he was going to place him higher because it sounded very positive do not try to read Stephen's mind good luck with that you try to read that mind, you find yourself tell you what, when you do let me know Mario, any thoughts on this one? for me I think Rodgers kicked off really well, so he will be my first pick. Not because he's a Chelsea, because I know he understands it.
45:44And then Anderson is maybe because I've been watching him and, you know, the way the kid plays and the way his career has been going for the last, what is it, the last two years? The changes and stuff that happened to him, I think it affected a lot. So, yeah, and then Enzo, I don't know. With Enzo it's very difficult. Why? Because he's going to an old manager in a team that is actually already running. So if he can implement himself, okay. But the money is a lot of money nowadays. And that for me is very difficult. It has nothing to do with the ability of the players because they're all good players.
46:22But the financial side is for me a little bit like I go, ooh. You understand? So it's a little bit crazy. So I'll go, let me just pick my number one. Morgan Rodgers. And then I pick Elliot Anderson. And then I pick Bacala. Do something, my friend. Please, do something. OK. So then I go for Bacala. Mario, do you think Harry Kane should win the upcoming Ballon d 'Or?
46:51He's been pushing for it, right? He's done well. And I hear the statement that Mbappe brought out, too. You understand? He did well at the World Cup. He did well during the season. So it's always going to be that between them two, right? Who's going to... I mean not only them two, but I mean more. But I mean on the players, you look at strikers, that's going to be the key. Can he win it? Does he have the possibility? Yeah, of course he has the possibility. Because we're talking about Kane. Kane has not been doing it for now. He's been doing it for years. So that's right. The chance of winning it, yes.
47:23But will he win it? I'm not sure about that. Because I think there are more players that they're also pushing for it. so that's why i'd say what it's been a long time since it was this difficult to pick i was just thinking that i was just thinking that i mean who's have we have we just got sport where we knew there's either going to be leading the messier ronaldo you knew it's going to be one of them too so they would but they were just head and shoulders above everybody anyway all of a sudden you're just who's like who is it and you don't know what to do you have a couple where you can really argue the case for one or the other yeah there's like no leading content no people keep talking about Mbappe, they haven't won anything.
48:02Bans didn't win the World Cup. Nope. I mean, anybody who's talented will score goals for Real Madrid. I couldn't answer the question. It's hard. I would have to sit down and think about it for a while to figure out who's actually... Who should win. Harry Kane is a good shot. Harry Kane is a good shot. I suppose he's up there. Yeah. Remember to put it this way. I'm not losing any sleep. No. No. I don't know. When was the last Bayern Munich striker that never scored a ton of goals? Which seems a little harsh, but... Yeah. It's hard. There's a lot of good goals. There's a lot of goals. There's a lot of goals.
48:48There's a lot of goals. A lot of goals. How many ballon doors did Robert Lerner-Dossey score? Well, he was... None. You could argue he was robbed of one. Yeah, but he was playing the wrong time. He's playing Messi and Ronaldo were running with everything. And then there's a big feeling that he was robbed of one as well. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. With Fulham's next two games against Liverpool and Man United and a real possibility of starting 0 for 5, is this simply a difficult opening schedule or is the Arbeloa hiring already looking like a disaster? So, I was reading today that, who is it? It will be and...
49:26Oh, goodness me. my ex-Arsenal midfielder who's there now? Smith Rowe. Smith Rowe, yeah. Have deleted all the Fulham references or photos of their social media. And then somebody has a camera who posted something else about see no evil, hear no evil type of thing. And it just feels like something's brewing. I generally do not read anything into players' social media. I don't. but just kind of the two or three players you just can't help but wonder if there's something brewing The way they played at the weekend there was a lot of them running around when they scored with smiles on their face including the war bit I couldn't tell you but initially I felt too soon but then you see that and you just wonder and you know how it is you lose a dressing room you do not get it back Yeah, but...
50:26So that's my concern. Yeah, but... But you know, Saka, you know what I always feel when managers come to the Premier League? They kick off, they have a philosophy of what they think they want to play like. He has played there, so he has enough experience. But when you take on a team like Fulham, you also have to remember, I know your history was great teams and everything. You can do so. But your first job should be, let me get enough points on the board first. And it should not be, let me play the best football and the most entertaining football for you. Because you put yourself wide open and you expose yourself and expose your team.
51:05And then when you try to adjust, it looks even worse than when you arrive. So that is what you have to be careful with. He's still early. He has played like, what is it, three games in total they have played. But when I'm watching them, they're doing things. I see the center halves. They're playing sometimes left back and right back. And they leave a gap right in the middle. I'm like, come on. I understand that you want to play football, but don't do it like that. Tied it up, tied it up at the back, tied it up in the middle, and just play the game and making sure I'm going to win this game or I'm going to try to win the game 1-0 or 2.
51:36The beautiful things come later, but this is the beginning of the season. Don't do that. And a lot of them, they come and they try to adjust and the problems kick off after. I'm 100 % with you, Mario. The weekend was the first time I had really watched the whole game. and they were really open. I mean, it was good to watch. And actually, Fulham played some really good football as well and they scored. But defensively, they were wide open. So, yeah, I'm with you, Mario, big time. Taking the ship first. So, to K's point, they now have Liverpool and Manchester United in the next two. Liverpool away, Manchester United is the next two.
52:16They're then away to Ipswich, home to Hull, away to Coventry. These three promoted teams. Do you wait for that? If you're having doubts about Ablo, do you wait for those three games? Or do you pull the trigger before going into those three games? You can't pull the trigger. You've got to give them at least ten games. I'm just asking. Listen, Areola, Areola in his first season at Bournemouth...
52:46Forgot what you were going to say. In fact, no, I was wondering whether they got mixed up with... The Crystal Palace manager. Glasner? Yeah, because he did the same when he went there initially. It could be either the two of them did or I'm mixing them up. But I think the both of them started off with no wins out of like seven or eight. And look how the two of them have ended up. Glasner's won in Europe. Ariel is at Liverpool. So you've got to give them at least ten games. At least. I was just checking. Yeah. Because remember I didn't sell, I didn't buy any of them players so I got a hundred million burning a hole in my pocket.
53:24I gave you it. Decide what to do. What skill, I'll start with you Stevie as the manager, what skill would you consider the most teachable and what skill is the most unteachable?
53:39I think the most teachable is teaching somebody to be responsible for every single thing to do. whether it's training, whether it's eating the right thing, whether it's doing extra work, whatever it is, if you get somebody and you get them in a position where regardless of what talent they have, if they become ultra-responsible for everything that happens to them, then you'll get something. It might not be Messi-esque, but you're going to get a great pro, you're going to get a good soldier, you're going to get a guy that people will follow. So I think that's the easiest thing to do. The unteachable is just brains and decision-making.
54:25Decision-making at the time. You can talk to somebody, you're blue in the face, and I've done it a hundred times with players, about doing certain things in a certain situation, and when it comes to it, they forget it. And the reason, because you always say, by the way, I told, remember in that position, what did we talk about? And they go, oh, I forgot. And that's what I say, oh, I forgot. Now, everybody, everybody can make mistakes, but the best guys make the mistake once. And then next time it happens, they just automatically do it because they've got football intelligence. Unfortunately, too many players are never going to get it.
55:09So you can't teach that. That decision that they make, with or without the ball, you cannot do anything. You can help them along, but it's up to them. Can I ask anything? I'll say, well, from a goalkeeper perspective, and allow me to explain. So I'll say the easiest thing to teach a young goalkeeper is how to jump and catch a ball. which leg to come off while on, when, this is how you have your hands, this is how you catch the ball. The most difficult thing to teach is doing that in a match situation. And because the old cliche is you have to catch it at the highest point. No, you don't. You have to catch it before the striker can get there.
55:58That's all. You don't have to get at the absolute highest point. So just kind of, and the other aspect to taking across in a match situation is you almost have to know where everybody is and what they're likely to do. Whether the striker, the far post, who's kind of in your blind side, whether he's going to try to make a run across here, whether your defender has pinned him in. You have to kind of have a picture of everything so you know what's your path to that ball, who's coming where, are you going to get hit or not. Those are things that only match situations can teach. and are very difficult to kind of pick up and get used to.
56:42Okay. Total Football. Mario, what can you tell us? I think the most teachable one is the easiest one, I think, is like sitting on your sofa and explaining the game to someone on TV, because that is for me, you know, like I think no one has to be skilled for that. And the one that is unteachable sometimes comes to when people have to train when nobody's watching. You know, you've got to be on your own and your football. And I think that is one of the skills that I think for all of us, you understand, the guys who are sitting there and for myself, is that it's a skill that you either have it and say to yourself, I'm going to do it, and either you don't have it, and they will never do it.
57:25And you can talk to them, you can say, come on, you've got to go out and you're going to do that. And they find some excuse to do something better. and I think that's one of the skills that is one of the hardest to teach, but it comes to everything, I think. But definitely football, because I've been around players that were incredibly good, but teaching them to work harder was very hard. Did you understand the teachable side? Did you agree with Mario's teachable? You just didn't want to ask me in and again. You thought I was trying to wind you up, didn't I? No, but did you agree with what Mario found teachable?
58:01Every single thing you said, I agree on. I could tell by your face. All right, lovely stuff. Thank you so much. Thank you for sending in your questions. Stevie is my guy. Stevie is my guy. The Champions League. The ESPN FC will have you covered with all the chat.
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From the publisher
The FC crew continue to break down Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea and question why Mikel Arteta was looking to bring in a striker after Kai Havertz's recent performance. Plus, Mario Melchiot gives out his late Premier League predictions. Gab Marcotti also joins the show to preview tomorrow's UCL action and recap the weekend's Serie A action.
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