Is Liverpool's Crisis Over?

24:57Let's move now to the top of the Premier League. Just a reminder of how things are looking. And it's Arsenal that are all the way at the top. And whoo, look at these numbers. I mean, numbers never lie, as they say. And Arsenal are just a fortress right now, especially at the back. So, Stevie, what is the blueprint to beat them? If they are to lose a game, what is it going to take? It's going to take an impeccable defensive display from the opposition and taking the few opportunities that may come your way. Because they don't give many away. and if you don't take it when it comes along then you ain't beating Arsenal.

25:41It's as simple as that. They've got plenty of power and pace and ability going forward. They've got goals but defensively you've just got to pray that they turn up one day and they're not quite at it because you're not getting anything. Nobody has yet been able to cut this team open regardless of whether it's making passes, balls in behind, set pieces, you name it. This Arsenal side is better than anybody so far this season that's come up against them. And it doesn't look like changing. So, yeah. How about a big slice of luck? A big slice of luck. Wow. How about that? All right. When your manager tells you that, I don't know how to line up.

26:25Mario, speaking about Juri and Timber now, he's definitely been proving his worth, his versatility as well. Did you see him coming this good, though, especially when he plays out of a natural position? He was a huge talent at Ajax. So, you know, and both of them, because he's a twin and him and his brother, and he's very close to Gravenberg. So during the COVID time, I went to watch them train, you know, privately, because I know those guys. And so I watched them train and I could see something in this kid that was different. First of all, when you train when you don't have to, for me, you're already special.

27:01And then he comes to Arsenal, but then he gets that big injury. After an injury, the hardest thing, people sometimes don't realize it, to come back to a certain level and to the level that he is now is extraordinary. And of course, sometimes you might want to play as a center defender because that's what he was playing for Ajax. But when your opportunity comes to the right, Alex, you got to take what you get. And the way he took it, you know, Ben White was playing that position. So the way he knew he had to compete with someone for that spot. And now he has this opportunity and he took it. And that's why I think at the back line, everybody got the right speed.

27:36And that makes it very difficult to play against. If you look at Calafruiri, good speed. You understand? Saliba, Gabriel, and then you got him on the right. I think speed-wise, as a team, you know, defensive line, they all got enough to give you problems that you cannot just outrun them really easily. And I think that's one of their strengths of Arsenal. Chekka, that back line we know has been protecting David Raya, like the great wall of Arsenal. But if you're David Raya, you must get bored. You must just want to pitch up a seat and take a little nap during the game or something. I don't think so.

28:09Shaka? I don't think so.

28:11Frank Leboeuf:That's totally fine. It's like a good problem, but give me something. One attempt. You're absolutely fine with that. And David Raya's role in his team is just to be the eyes in the back of everyone's heads there. And at times, that is almost a little bit more difficult in that when you go to training, you practice saving shots. That's what you do. You're up and you're down and you make saves and you don't. But then when you come to games and you can't replicate these match situations on the training ground. Seeing everybody's position, knowing, making sure everybody's in the right position. Saliba knows where Gabriel is and he knows where Timber is.

28:58Frank Leboeuf:And if Califiori goes for a little wonder how you adjust and just making sure as good a back fours they are, as understanding as they are, just making sure that they're in the right positions. You can't replicate that in a training goal. Yeah. But that is as big a part of your job as a goalkeeper as making those big saves. And credit to David Raya. He's part of that. He's part of those statistics. All right. So I guess he just practices talking to himself, to that back line, what you guys had for breakfast. Concentration, eh? Concentration. Stay in the game. Anything to keep him awake, right? Sure.

29:35All right, well, let's have a look at this video again because I don't know how closely you guys saw this, but Sean Dyche was furious. This was two weeks ago when Forrest played Bournemouth. Now, Forrest conceded an incorrectly given corner, as you can see right here, that ended up being a Bournemouth goal. And then guess what? Deja vu happened much to Sean Dyche's ire. because this happened against Manchester United where it looked like the ball stays in play right here. And then Forrest concede a corner. You can see the surprise right there, but the ref says it's a corner. And then surprise, surprise, Forrest also concede a goal here.

30:16Stevie, as a manager, how would you react seeing this happen to you back to back? Listen, you use it in order to get some sympathy. You use it in order to take some pressure off the players, by saying that it's not their fault they didn't win the game or whatever happens in the game. You just try and use it to your advantage somehow. But what you can't do is be crying and blaming it. You know, the two decisions that happen, I mean, they happen a lot. The referee has got to try and see whether there is a millimetre of the ball on the white line and then make a decision on it. You can't go blaming anything on that when he makes a decision when it's that tight.

31:05It's a toss of your coin whether you get it right or wrong in that situation. So, yeah, you just use it how you can just to take the pressure off yourself and the team.

31:17Frank Leboeuf:You know, if I'm Sean Dyche, I'm reacting exactly the same way as he did. You know, because it's drop points for your team. Now, as a neutral, once the dust settles, you know that these things happen and while we have VR, that's not under VR's mandate. That's a decision that's made in the higher office. Those are decisions that each club get to vote on. So you know VR does not interject in the case of corners. You could argue all you want. But, again, if it's me, and that happens to me, I'm kicking up a little bit of a fit myself as well. But I know I don't really have a leg to stand on, but that's all right.

32:02Mario? I just wanted to say, because I was waiting for Shaka to say it, if it was me, because I know if it was me, I would have lost my head too. Come on, if someone does that to you, you know? And prior to this situation, you also have to remember where they come from, right? Dice took the job. It wasn't a winning team. So then you get your team to win a game. And then the next one, when you play against Man United, regardless if we say Man United is not, you know, at the moment the team that they want to be, but they're still building. So you want to beat them. And then you're going to, you know, get moments like this.

32:34Oh, yeah, I would have lost my head too. I would have gone, ooh, that ref. You know, if he showed me yellow, I might be quiet. But if he didn't show me, I keep going. Are you telling me that a referee has never given a free kick and then somebody scored from the free kick and then they don't do the same thing and complain about the free kick. I don't recall hearing anybody going mental about it. I mean, it happens all the time. It happens and

33:05Frank Leboeuf:people complain and they move on. Right. But Stevie, you're going to complain. Yeah, but you're not going to start crying for VAR and this and that. There's one thing to complain, but you can take it too far. Which he hasn't. I don't know what all the fuss is about. I don't have a problem with that goal at all. I'm sure you don't. I mean, it's hard. It's hard to concentrate when this relatively mighty Manchester United is breeding down your back to come back and snatch a point. It's not like you can go well. There'll be another one shortly. Exactly. Exactly. Not my fault. Just the same. All right, let's talk about Erling Haaland, shall we?

33:50Because have a look at this video. It's such an interesting one as well. We know that he scored twice against Bournemouth. This is his first goal. And I want you to have a look at Ryan Cherokee. Once Haaland gets the ball, he's on the break. You already know where it's going, but look at Cherokee right here. We're going to highlight him in just a bit. And his hands go up.

34:14Frank Leboeuf:He's like, yes, I know this is it. Look how many more touches. He's still got 25 yards to go. And look how many more touches Haaland has to take before he actually scores. But he was so confident that the big man was about to score. And I just have to ask you guys, did you ever have this confidence in one of your teammates that once he touched the ball, you knew it was going in that you could probably celebrate already from the halfway line? Who was it? Roshi. Yeah, fair. I mean, Banzi. I mean, in a situation like that, you know. No, I never quite put my hands up with that. And celebrated. But then I didn't have a...

34:47In my contract, I didn't have an assist bonus in it, which I'm sure Mr. Cherky's got. Ah. So I'm pretty... As soon as he sees him going clear, he's thinking... He's counted his bonus. He's counted his bonus. He's got his bonus sorted.

35:01Frank Leboeuf:Catch him. Oh, boy. Shaka, what about you? I know you were all the way at the end, but even all the way at the end, could you see? Yeah, probably the only player player that you could have that confidence in is somebody like Alan Shearer. One-on-one. I still don't think there's a better finisher in the game. Let's not get into that conversation with Erling Haaland again. Oh, jeez, let's not. But Alan Shearer was as reliable in front of goal as anybody else. All right. Well, you can bet they're talking a lot more about Erling Haaland and especially about that Spurs-Chelsea result on the Gab and Jules show.

35:36The latest episode dropped today. And look at that. Aside for sore eyes, Jules actually showing up to do his own podcast.

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37:29All right. Like I alluded to, the Champions League is back this week. The defending champions PSG are hosting the only remaining perfect team this season in Bayern Munich. What a clash of the titans he. All right, Stevie, who has more to prove in this matchup? Probably Bayern. You know, I guess. We know PSG, when they're at the best, will beat anybody on the planet. and we're watching Bayern Munich this season thinking they've been at their best all the way through the Bundesliga. But is that going to translate from the Bundesliga into the Champions League? That's the only question we've got left in terms of Bayern Munich.

38:17In terms of going forward, they've been exciting. In terms of scoring goals, surprise, surprise, Harry Kane, you've got Alise, Diaz. I mean, going forward, they're as good as anybody. but it's been in the Bundesliga and so I guess the question will be answered can they translate that dominance and that quality in the Bundesliga can they translate that into a big game like this against maybe right now not playing the best football they've ever played but arguably the best team to beat. Shaqad, you agree is that how you see that? We want to see if Bayern really are at the Champions League level and you kind of sense that that is what Vincent Kompany wants as well.

38:56Frank Leboeuf:Absolutely. Listen, well, Bayern Munich are the Champions League level. They are one of your favorites to go on and win it. But just kind of given their season so far, undefeated in all competitions, 15 wins. This is, you could make the argument this is their first true test, their biggest test. Yes, they beat Chelsea at home. It's starting to the Champions League. Other than that, Pathos and Bruges, two teams, you'd fully expect them to win every single time. and now this is to really show who Bayern Munich are. Are they this team that are breaking all records in terms of a starter season or are they just a big team in a weaker league that are taking advantage of everybody else around them?

39:40Frank Leboeuf:This is a true test for Bayern Munich against PSG. Well, Stevie, you had picked PSG to actually win this one on Saturday. What was the scoreline? I'm going to go 2-1 PSG. Xhaka, what about you? Yeah, that sounds about right to me. PSG at home, 2-1. They as well have a lot to prove themselves in that. This season has not been perfect. Certainly, as you would expect, given their standards. But this is a team built for the big games. And this is a big game as well. So PSG for me, win this one by two goals and so on. Mario, what's your score prediction for this one? Yeah, I think PSG. I go for PSG.

40:302-1. 2-1, I think it's a nice score. All right, so PSG all around. Frank LaBeouf must have gotten to everybody here. No? Okay.

40:41Frank Leboeuf:It's not good when everybody picks one team, though. No, so what this all means is that Byron Meeker are going to win this one. When did MD ever listen to Frank? Well, we'll be talking all about it on ESPN FC tomorrow. Ale Moreno will be back in studio and our special guest, Juergen Klinsmann. Save$2 when you buy two cans of Superior Products Coverall Tire Dressing. Plus receive four times O rewards points now at O 'Reilly Auto Parts. Coverall delivers long-lasting shine. Visit your O 'Reilly Auto Parts store or OReillyAuto.com. Heat up your 4th of July at the Home Depot with our wide variety of grills under$300 and make every gathering one to remember.

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42:07All right. Welcome into Extra Time. And I just realized I don't think I have Extra Time, guys. Okay. So we're just going to chat.

42:15Frank Leboeuf:So go home? So we just got to go home? Is that how it works? She left. It's all right. All right. Which is just like a free-for-all, I suppose. Can we just ask our own questions? We can. There we go. All right. Come on out. Come on out. Come on in. Oh, we got it. The golden paper. All right. Ooh. First question. Let's see if they match up. Stevie's thoughts on Mo Salah. Is he past his best, or can he still rediscover his form from last season? Did complete only one dribble prior to the match against Villa? I would suggest dribbling isn't really his 40. I've seen him stand on it quite a bit. But the answer is yes, he can.

42:59I mean, there's not a player ever played the game, professionally or otherwise, who hasn't gone through a tough spot. And that's all this is. And by the way, in case everybody's forgotten, he scored in the last two games. So, yeah, absolutely he can get back to his best. I think he heard when you were suggesting that the gaffer might have no choice too soon but to drop him. And then he said, all right, Steve and Nicol. Well, if it helped, great. But I'm guessing it didn't. It didn't. It didn't. Anyone else want to chime in? Mario, you think he can rediscover that form that we saw last season? Yeah.

43:37And also what they have to be careful with, that they don't change the system. Because if they play 4-4-2 with Salah on the outside, that I don't think is his position. But you know like how he they used him really really well against Villa because he was the outlet for them They kept on passing the ball to him and holding it up. So I think If Liverpool get that confidence back Then Salah will also be way more dangerous because he'd be closer to the opponent's goal because the confidence dropped a little bit That's why this is bigger and then it becomes harder for him because he's a we have to be honest He's getting older too, but away from there.

44:12Yeah, he can definitely come on. He scored again. He keeps on scoring All right.

44:16Frank Leboeuf:We'll give him one, but it's all right. So count. That's very true. He's getting older, that's it. Glass half full, Steve. I love it. You know that Stevie's been floundering from glass half full when it comes to Liverpool to glass half empty. So then slightly. Yes. Understandably. You're going through it. Welcome to the club. Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster of disappointment. I thought you'd go through it, so does Stevie. That's why you have to celebrate the little wins, you know? like little threes in a row do you know what that's like no you know it recently

44:52uh mature is not a word i've been called three in a row for us is kind of insignificant that's the oh well it's very significant now it's very significant now you would love a three in a row now well we're going for three in a row at the weekend

45:09whatever whatever all right

45:15Frank Leboeuf:Don't think of that. See those pesky facts? Don't think of that. They keep getting in the way. Who cares about facts and stats? All right. Why do you think Spurs are so bad at home? Ouch. I don't know. They are awful. They are awful. I saw something the other day. They've nearly lost as many home games at this new stadium as Arsenal have lost at the Emirates. Arsenal have been there since 2009. Oh, jeez! Wherever it is. Well, wherever it is. Been a long time. Yeah. My point. And Spurs have almost caught them in home losses in, what, three years, four years? Mm-hmm. I think under Frank,

46:01they're so well-organised and do everything as one all the time that it actually suits them when they're away from home. Because generally, when you're away from home, the home team are the team that the onus is on to go forward and so it suits them. So when they do go forward, when they're away from home, they have more space and more time. But when they're at home and they're forced to go on the front foot, when somebody like Xavi Simons, who was brought in to be the creator, isn't at it, then they're going to struggle. So going forward, they're probably lacking. He's not happy that they're away from home either.

46:43Yeah, but other people have been able to step up because of the more time and more space. Whereas at home, they've got less time, less space. They don't have as many creative players. And so at home, it just seems to be harder for them. So Mario, what Stevie's saying is that they're so bad at home because it's Xavi Stevens' fault. Yeah, pretty much. It's not only that. I think when they... Well, no, I don't think that. Because there are more individuals on the field. I just think that when they come out, you understand, And I think they normally when you see Frank's teams, it was always like the counterattack.

47:18There was speed up front. They could really surprise you. And I think at the moment they are working on that because we are not seeing no surprises yet from them. And I think that's one. And on the other part is, yeah, the impact of the stadium sometimes can put some weight on them shoulders. So I hope they push it away because it's a nice stadium. So you want to deliver some nice football too. And I think that's what they're struggling with. All right. Let's go to the next question because it is an interesting one. Ten Hag to Wolves. Does appointing him guarantee relegation or does it offer a good chance of safety?

47:54For those who don't know, that Wolves are currently in talks with, I believe, Gary O 'Neal. But Ten Hag is also one of the names. Eric Ten Hag is one of the names that has been linked with the job there at Wolves. So does it guarantee relegation or offer a good chance of safety? Well, I think you'd have to say it. There's more chance of relegation. Oh, Jesus.

48:16Frank Leboeuf:Wait, wait, wait. I don't get any Ten Hagel point. Yeah. I don't get any Ten Hagel point. Mario, anything for you fellow Dutchman here? Because the guys are just piling on. No, but the guys, you know what? You got to look at it as well, the way he is as a coach. He wants to play football. He wants to play open. He wants to play a certain way. Wolves is not there. That's not a team. So I don't see anything going the positive way. I think you need someone there. You're in a relegation situation. You need someone that brings character and builds the player to a level that they know they have to survive.

48:53But if you're going to bring a coach that wants to play nice football and try to build something, no, no, no, no. I'm not, no. I don't think this is the right team for him and I don't think this is the right fit. Wow, nobody's a fan of that one. All right. No. Next question is for Shaka. Shaka, a lot of keepers seem to have trouble with punches. So how often did you practice punches in a responsible fashion and would do a dozen or so in a row and with defenders in the box?

49:22Frank Leboeuf:Yes, you practice punches with either hand. How often? A couple of times a week. I mean, it's kind of part of practicing taking crosses. You do that a couple of times a week at least and you know you throw a few punches in there. Like everything else it's more difficult it's more difficult than a match situation as it is in practice and because players are kind of clever and you saw that with Donnarumma and Tindall's are holding your hands or nudging you just at the right time. I also think it's more difficult now. Back in my day, you could take half a head and nobody... Yeah, nobody would blink twice.

50:06You just think it up. Exactly. You'll be fine, you know. Think it up, you're fine. No, you can't do that. It's almost a little bit more difficult now. The game's gone. Hey, we're right. Everybody's all so soft.

50:16Frank Leboeuf:Yeah. A little punch in your head and never hurt anybody. How often did you practice punches? On a Friday night after the fall? You should practice getting out the road of goalkeepers. Oh, yeah. did you ever learn the end of one they are no it was after you on you you're all right yeah mario what about you or they or they or or you know if they don't punch they they jump out and put their foot forward so you hit their stats and they say oh sorry i know shaka was one of them once yeah yeah shaka i'm admitting to nothing he was a lean mean machine back in the day we're We're trying to say. Now he's lean and still lean.

50:54Yeah, right. Okay. Don't try to backtrack.

50:57Frank Leboeuf:Yeah, back. Long time ago, he was lean. Long time ago. I said, now you're still lean and lean. No, don't try to backtrack. Now you've got machine is quite machining. Two leaves. HR. Oh, God. Just taking myself.

51:12Final question, and it's for Mario. Mario, did you watch or celebrate the Dodgers winning the World Series? I was happy, you know, because look, when you live in a town and people are happy with celebrating and everything, look, and seeing them win it again, because now it's back to back, it's never a bad thing. I'm not, I'm also going to be honest, I'm not the guy that is really equipped into the baseball stuff, but I definitely had it at school. So coming to LA and seeing them win it again, yeah, of course, you cannot miss it. All right, we'll leave it at that, because we're more of the cricket type.

51:49Yeah. I really didn't know how else to chime in for that one.

51:53Frank Leboeuf:The Dutch play cricket as well? The Dutch play cricket as well. I know that because they've knocked the Westernies out of qualifying a couple of times. They play badly. Yeah. Yeah, okay. Yeah. Guys, you could send us cricket questions as well. We'd happily take that on. I don't know what's going on with cricket. Let's wrap this up because we're going to see two grown people start to cry here. Yes, you will actually. Scotland also knocked us out of the World Cup once, but we won't get into that. Anyways, ESPN FC, we don't cry as much on the main show. We are on back again tomorrow. Juergen Klinsmann will be joining us, so do tune in.

52:33Good energy in. Good energy out.

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