Leeds Triumph at Old Trafford

13 Apr 2026 · 58 min · 20 chapters

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In short

The episode is ESPN FC’s match-and-rivalry discussion centered on Manchester United vs Leeds United at Old Trafford, plus follow-up Premier League and Champions League debate.

Guests

Kay Marie and Stevie Nichol host the studio panel. Nadem Manua and Mario Melchiot join as additional analysts. Later, they continue in Extra Time with more audience-style questions.

Key claims and takeaways

  • Leeds dominated the first half, scoring twice by the 29th minute via Noah Okafor. Lissandro Martinez made a goal-line clearance, then was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. Casemiro scored for United, but Leeds held on and won, moving six points clear of the drop.
  • Panel argues Leeds deserved the win and United were “rusty,” while the red card changed United’s momentum.
  • Discussion shifts to Michael Carrick’s future: this result is a “dent” but still “his to lose” if United win enough of their remaining games.
  • Leeds’ survival outlook is optimistic; Spurs are framed as the main relegation threat.
  • Other topics: Arsenal vs Man City title-race framing (“final”), Ryan Cherki’s impact for City, Chelsea’s Champions League pressure, and Spurs’ loss of Christian Romero.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Match Overview: Leeds vs Manchester United

1:02 to 2:48

A recap of the key moments in the match between Leeds and Manchester United.

“Leeds United would get off to a quick two-goal lead.”

Analyzing Leeds' Dominance

2:48 to 4:36

Discussion on Leeds' performance and missed opportunities during the game.

“And at the end of the day, Leeds have deserved to win the game.”

Impact of Carrick's Management

4:36 to 6:36

Examining Michael Carrick's impact and future following the defeat.

“But when they don't do it, you've got to take your chances because you might not up to speed, but you had to win this.”

Leeds' Historical Win and Future Prospects

6:36 to 8:15

Discussion on the significance of Leeds' win and their survival chances.

“would be worrying for not just Carrick, but everybody else.”

Spurs' Struggles Amidst Relegation Concerns

8:15 to 14:03

Analyzing Tottenham's position in the relegation battle and the challenges ahead.

“I think the conversation has been taking on for a longer period and they must have had some conversation and seeing where the possibilities are for him to take that job.”

Spurs' Leadership Challenges After Injury

14:03 to 17:41

Discussing the impact of Christian Romero's injury on Spurs' performance.

“Sometimes after the game in the weekend, you don't want to go outside because you know when the fans come to you, you don't want to talk to anybody.”

Manchester City's Title Race Insights

18:24 to 21:42

Analyzing Manchester City's position in the title race and their recent performance.

“With more than 120 years of experience and as a Fortune 500 company, Thrivent continues to serve individuals, families and communities across the country.”

The Impact of Ryan Cherki on Manchester City

21:42 to 28:00

Exploring Ryan Cherki's emergence as a key player for Manchester City.

“Well, when you're the hunter and you're playing the way City are, then there's no pressure on you.”

Cherki's Impact on the Game

28:00 to 29:10

Learn about Cherki's unique playing style and its effect on matches.

“that's already the biggest advantage that he possesses.”

Defensive Strategies Against Talented Players

29:10 to 31:00

Explore how defenders can strategize against highly skilled attackers like Cherki.

“But you clearly see that what he did in the second half changed the game.”
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Chelsea's Challenges in the League

31:00 to 32:50

Discuss the current state of Chelsea and their need for improvement to secure a Champions League spot.

“Have panic stations set in about finishing in the Champions League spots or are you going to be okay?”

Analyzing Chelsea's Structural Issues

32:50 to 34:20

Understand Chelsea's tactical issues and their player management decisions.

“it was almost like he was out there on his own and where was his partner?”

Upcoming Champions League Matches

35:50 to 38:10

Preview the exciting upcoming Champions League matches and team dynamics.

“You know, get your head down, get the job done.”

Atleti vs Barca: Anticipating the Clash

38:10 to 39:40

Analyze the key matchups and stakes in the upcoming Atleti vs Barca game.

“But before we go any further, I'm confused as to how Stevie Dickel plans to beat the anti-Liverpool allegations when he's not picking Liverpool for a second leg at Anfield with a deficit.”

Levante's Survival Battle

39:40 to 41:30

Discuss Levante's fight against relegation and recent performance highlights.

“Can't believe Stevie didn't go for Liverpool either, but whatever.”

Red Card Discussions

43:34 to 45:33

The panel shares their thoughts on the most memorable and foolish red cards in football.

“Stevie Nadam and Mario here to answer your questions today.”

Hair Pulling in Football

45:33 to 47:36

A humorous discussion about hair pulling incidents in football and personal stories from the hosts.

“It's Kevin Bond, centre-back for Southampton, who's 6 '3", and Paul Walsh is 5 '2".”

Liverpool vs. PSG Preview

47:36 to 56:03

Analyzing the upcoming match between Liverpool and PSG, including key factors for both teams.

“Is the ones they have stuck in the top of the red.”

Vincent Kompany's Success at Bayern Munich

56:03 to 58:38

Explore how Vincent Kompany has excelled as a manager at Bayern Munich and the impact of player quality.

“with how he has succeeded at Bayern compared to his last season at Burnley?”

Future of Vincent Kompany and Management Speculation

58:39 to 58:51

Discuss the potential future roles for Vincent Kompany in football management and speculation around Pep Guardiola's successor.

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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Thrivent believes money is more than numbers. It's a way to care for the people, causes and community you love. That's why Thrivent brings together a unique combination of financial services and generosity programs, offering advice, investments and insurance to help you plan your finances while creating opportunities to give back along the way. Through generosity programs that offer resources to fund service projects or direct charitable funds, Thrivent makes it easier to turn your values into action and support what matters most to you. With more than 120 years of experience and as a Fortune 500 company, Thrivent continues to serve individuals, families and communities across the country.

0:42To learn more, visit Thrivent.com. Thrivent, where money means more.

0:52Hello and welcome into the latest edition of ESPN FC. Kay Marie and Stevie Nichol here in the studio kicking things off with the Monday night football that we got to see at Old Trafford between Manchester United. and Leeds United. Leeds United would get off to a quick two-goal lead. Both goals coming from Noah Okafor. That was by the 29th minute that they were 2-0 up. Then Lissandro Martinez would arrive just in time to make a goal-line clearance in the first half to avoid it being three. In the second half, though, he would see red for a pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. And then later on, we would see Casemiro pull one back for Manchester United.

1:29Very nice delivery from Bruno Fernandes there. Benjamin Szczesko would nearly tie the game in the 85th, but his header was saved. And a minute after that, a Casemiro header was cleared off the line by Calvert-Lewin. Leeds would win it with an important three points as Daniel Farker dropped to his knees in celebration. This is how things look in the table for Manchester United. It was a difficult night. It was a chance to lock down third spot. But obviously, you do have the chasing pack behind them as well. At the bottom end of the table, though, Leeds move six clear of the drop. Very, very important three points for them, especially when you look at the run that they've got ahead.

2:07Things much more in their favour in surviving the drop right now. Nader Manua and Mario Melchiot are joining us right now, but let me start with you, Stevie. Where should we kick off with this game? I think in terms of the game, I was a little taken aback how Leeds dominated, particularly the first half. And in terms of creating chances, Leeds could have and should have had five or six. Now, you've got to give credit to United going down to 10 men, coming back. And considering what we saw in the last 20, 25 minutes, you kind of feel as though United deserved a point. But the truth is, had Leeds taken the chances they had throughout the game, then they would have been miles away.

2:50And at the end of the day, Leeds have deserved to win the game. Manchester United a little rusty tonight, Nadem It seems crazy to say but yeah, I think that 24 days has been significant, obviously within that there was an international break as well, but I'm just disappointed to be honest, because Stevie's right the way they finished the game was really good but the way they started was so poor you know, this is a lead side that had just been to extra time just this past weekend I believe or not too long ago, against the West Ham side and they sort of like collapsed in the they were 2-0 up at sorry, going into the 90th minute, and draw 2-2.

3:23So you can see that they have a soft center. It's a lead side that aren't winning a ton of games. And this is a big game. You know, it might not be as clear and obvious as, say, the derby against Liverpool and so on, or against Man City. But with Leeds versus Man United, there's no love lost between the two sides. And Leeds started the game in dominant fashion, in front of 70 ,000 people. And that was very, very surprising to me. And as Stevie said, if they would have taken more of their chances, you know, it's probably 3-0, maybe 4-0 at halftime, which is deeply alarming. But the fact that they had to go down to 10 men to really show some of their best football, that is a huge concern.

3:55And Leeds will celebrate that all day long. Those scenes there from Daniel Farga, that makes him an historic manager for winning the game at Old Trafford in that manner. This is huge for them. And that six-point buffer between themselves and Spurs, I'd be very surprised if Spurs catch up to them at any point between now and the end of the season, given how that's gone and how the margins vary for Spurs becomes that little bit narrower. But for Leeds one more win it's probably going to be enough. Leeds the better team tonight Mario? Oh yeah yeah no definitely what the guys already said they started well but I also think that they turned up with a lot of confidence that was probably you know maybe the confidence that they possessed was starting the game I didn't expect them to be that confident and also the way the game went like you see it and then you get the halftime or probably talk to the players and let them come out and I think you don't want a red card of course as a team you don't want a red card but I think we saw the better side of Man United when he got when they got the red card because then there were one man down and everybody had to shift a little bit harder than what they were doing prior to it and you could see that they push it all the way but it you don't um as a team you don't want to wait for that you don't want that moment to happen to you you want to have it naturally in the sense of like okay we have to tweak a couple of things but then we have to get to the level where we were when we got the red card and I think that was the downplay for them And definitely, yeah, if Leeds would have taken their opportunities and their chances, it would have been a totally different game.

5:17But when they don't do it, you've got to take your chances because you might not up to speed, but you had to win this. It was also a home game for them. And we know the history of them two fighting each other. But it doesn't matter. You want to win it. So let's get to some of the topics coming out of it. They lost to Newcastle, away to Newcastle, before the international break. They beat Aston Villa at home. But then the last game we saw them play, there was that draw against Bournemouth. and now this tonight. What does this say for Carrick's future? Anything? Well, it doesn't help him. If he had gone victory tonight and the majority of wins through the end of the season, it would have been very difficult for the hierarchy of United not to give him the job.

5:59Considering the turnaround. The turnaround has been huge. This puts a little dent in it. I think if Carrick can win, what, four of his next six Premier League games between now and the end of the season, I think it's going to be difficult for them not to give him the job just because of the... I mean, the perception around Manchester United since Carrick took over has completely and utterly obliterated the desperation and the cloud that was hanging over Old Trafford when he took over. So, yeah, I think this is just a little dent in it. Probably the manner of the... Particularly the first half performance would be worrying for not just Carrick, but everybody else.

6:40But yeah, I think it's still Carrick's to lose. You're up there in the city, Nadam. Is that the feeling about the turnaround under Carrick, that it is his to lose? That's a good question. I think when he first started, everyone felt it was going to be really short-term. But the start that they had with all those wins made people wonder, well, maybe this is going to be the right appointment. But then you also have some concerns, given the fact that they've tried to do that before with managers. You know, give Ole another chance. I'll give this person another chance. They'll be great in the next season.

7:10and seeing that long term it's not the answer. I think in some ways, anything negative that sort of like picked up between now and the end of the season, I think that will very much be the case against him being in that position, to be honest with you. But I think when the vibes were high, the vibes were really high. The club felt like it was heading very much in the right direction. And this time off between games was more of a strength as opposed to a weakness. But as times passed now, you know, obviously they had, say, Maynou missing today and a couple of others. It didn't look as good as, say, I thought it would do because I thought this lead side would be more tired and in some ways they'll probably get outrun and swept away because United have been good, really good actually at home since Carrick took over but again, just that little bit of doubt this is a tough defeat for them to take against really big rivals it'd be very hard to just move on and say everything's fine because their next game is against Chelsea and what happens now if they lose two games in a row you know, the question mark starts to raise its head again but for now he's done a good job but nothing's guaranteed because they need to make sure the right decision is the decision that propels them not just for next season but for years to come and I'm not 100 % sure if everyone believes that is Michael Carrick in my opinion.

8:14Mario? No, I think, you know, like what the guy said, of course he put a little bit of thinking in the head, but I think it comes down also like how is the conversation going because I cannot imagine a club like United is waiting for this moment to just start talking with him. I think the conversation has been taking on for a longer period and they must have had some conversation and seeing where the possibilities are for him to take that job. But if I look just at certain things, he has to make sure, like, how the team was doing certain things in the beginning when he started and listening to him in the beginning when he started, and when I watch it, for example, today, those are the things that I think he has to change.

8:56Why? Because if not, you know, it drops off too quick, and it's a short period of time because it's only half a season, and you don't want that. You want to make sure that you show everybody that, listen, when I'm here, it's different. If you let me go, you will go back to where you were prior to it. And that is the only thing I hope for him. And should he get the job or is he going to get the job? Look, I'm always, you know, like for guys that play the game and for them to come and lead, you know, the charge of the club. I think that's a great choice. And why shouldn't they? But the only thing is that you got to make sure that you bring the club forward.

9:32and I think he has done it in the start but now we have to see how he's gonna finish. Mario let me stay with you what did you think of the hair poll in the red card for Lissandro Martinez? You cannot pull someone's hair no I saw it in the repeat a couple of times I know I don't like it because I did it a couple of times on me and I will tell you something it triggers something else in your head you know like I know that people will go like oh it doesn't mean anything no it doesn't mean anything that he doesn't he doesn't hurt him like that but Martinez I think in the moment when he pulled him and coming from a person that man Martinez is one of the guys that I enjoy watching but doing things like that he doesn't even need that because the way it's not like he had the biggest competition against him okay in the air of course but pulling him I think he over pulled he kind of did something that was out of reaction instead of him thinking what he was doing and I think that's why he got the card because you shouldn't do it and I'm in a way I'm happy that referee is jump on it because when it happened to me I don't know what happens in your head but something just doesn't go right so I can imagine somebody else I guess what's okay you can answer for us but I don't like it when people pull my hair and fact is named across the board a hair pull is pretty much a red card these days yeah apparently except for in the women's quarter final of the Champions League if you saw that which was you know highly controversial in itself but I think you are you're exactly right and I think for Martinez he's trying to show with his hands there you know there's no intent, he's got big hair.

10:56Listen, he's played against people with more hair than that in the past and not bald their hair. So you could say he's lucky in some ways because he's reacted to it. But the fact is, he's still done it. And I think we're at a place, I think with football, where if you see that, you can expect that to be the outcome. And I think for Martinez, you know, he'll look back and probably regret just that little bit of rash decision making that he had in that moment. Naden, for Leeds, how big is this win?

11:22Absolutely enormous I think we're talking about a lead side But now they're going to be playing in the semi-finals of the FA Cup Playing against another big rival in Chelsea But also that six point gap is huge Like only a couple of weeks ago I think they went four, maybe five games without scoring a goal in the league And it did feel like there was a sense of doom and gloom about them But the fact is to be that far ahead of the bottom three Obviously nothing is guaranteed But with the fixtures that they have coming up And some of those home games they know they are possibly one maybe two results from being completely safe in this division and What a turnaround that would be I think from when they went into a back three when they played against Manchester City for the first time At the Etihad they've been really robust from that standpoint, but you wondered would they score enough goals?

12:05Well, they're doing that and to be able to get wins on the road as well at Old Trafford Like I say We can all try and say this is a good result and so on But this is the result that those fans will remember for years to come going and beating a Manchester United side at Old Trafford is an historic win for them and those three points especially given the fact that Forest picked up some points it makes you take a sigh of relief and obviously you can't rest on your laurels as such but wow, they'll be celebrating tonight knowing that their destiny is in their hands There's direct rivals in that next six as well Wolves, Bournemouth, Burnley, Spurs Brighton and West Ham Are they safe?

12:44I would put money on them being safe right now, you know. Well considering the bottom two, Burnley and Wolves are gone, there's no chance. So Spurs, I think they've won one game in the last what, three or four months? They've got six games left and they've got to win three and Leeds can't pick a point up. Well they need at least two wins in a draw Spurs and they play Leeds at Leeds. I I mean, I'm sorry, I don't think I'm putting money on Leeds getting relegated. And quite frankly, I think Spurs are, no question for me, the main contender for the relegation battle. I can honestly sit here and think of Leeds and think, having watched them play tonight, they can go and win three, four of those last six games with the opposition.

13:37I think of Spurs, I think, how are they going to win a game? So right now, as we sit, I don't see how Leeds are involved in this relegation scrap.

13:50I'm telling you, the pressure is on. I'm telling you, when you're in that position, it's a different feeling. When you come to the training ground, believe me, like I've been in situations where I know how I felt. Sometimes after the game in the weekend, you don't want to go outside because you know when the fans come to you, you don't want to talk to anybody. Then you have the moment when you come to the training ground, nobody makes a joke. Nobody laughs. Everybody's quiet. And then you understand, and then the weekend comes. Every weekend is a final. And is your team equipped to jump in that position to fight that fight that needs to be done every time?

14:30And some of the players that came there are maybe, like I said before, are maybe not used to that. are not ready for that, never been in a club and never had that thought process. So you need someone in your team then to stand up. And then the person that you expect that would be the leader to lead you forward, oh, for Spurs, he gets injured. No, guys, this is going to be really tough for Spurs. And coming from me in London, no, no, no, it's not looking good. Yeah, obviously speaking about Christian Romero, who's out for the season now after what happened at the weekend. He's got a knee injury.

15:03this was that moment there Sunderland striker Brian Bobby already on a yellow card pushed him into Antonin Kinski Romero's going to leave the field in tears with an injury well what's Broby supposed to do you know Broby has to go Craig says this was dangerous yesterday well here's the thing if you can look at that and say Broby 100 % pushes Romero because he's trying to push him into the goalkeeper then yeah 100 % is dangerous. I can't say that. You can't look at that and say he 100 % knows what he's doing. He knows he's pushing Romero into the goalie. The second part of it is Romero is putting himself in front of Broby.

15:43Broby's running at full pace. He has to go at full pace until he knows the keeper's got it under control. He can't just all of a sudden five yards away go, I might get it, I might not. I'll just leave it. So Romero's the one that's put himself in that position. Broby's running at full pace. He's going to put his hands on him because he has to stop. I mean, he's not going to be his hands by his side and run into him. So he does make a connection with him. But in terms of the incident, I think that's an accident. I don't think Broby has any thoughts about pushing Romero into the goalkeeper whatsoever.

16:19The way I see it, Romero has gotten himself in front of Broby and there's always going to be a collision with Broby and Romero. As I understand it, you all disagree with Craig actually and agree with Stevie in saying that it wasn't a second yellow here. But I do want to ask you, Nadem, how much are Spurs going to miss Christian Romero with what's ahead for them now? Well, respectfully, this isn't the first time they've been missing in this season, whether it's for red cards or other injuries and so on. So they've had to find a way in the past. And I think with someone like Danzo coming in, he doesn't necessarily have that star power and quality potential that Romero has.

16:53But ultimately, at this point of the season, is that what they need? I think there's an element of fighting spirit and a sense of confidence that they need to find to be able to get out from this phase. And I think Deserbe himself was talking about how in this moment as well, it's not really about coaching the players. It's about almost treating them like a father or as a brother and so on and trying to find an element of confidence from it. Romero's one of their star players when he's performing well. I think it's fair to say this season he hasn't performed that well. So yes, you lose that potential, but they're just going to have to get on with it.

17:21And I don't think this is going to be the reason why they say stay up or go down because ultimately they would have had to find a way in the same way they have done in the past. So, yes, the incident and with Stevie, all the people with Stevie and so on, but next man up, and I think the next one for them is going to be Danzo, who's a hugely experienced international. Yeah, massive run ahead for Spurs coming up. But before we get to more Premier League talk, we have to tell you what's coming up in the FA Cup. It is Manchester City against Southampton and Chelsea against Leeds Saturday and Sunday.

17:50This is the 25th and the 26th. These will be coming up on ESPN+. A SoFi personal loan is here to help you achieve something once thought impossible. Overcoming high interest credit card debt. Walk the tightrope of your finances with one low fixed rate monthly payment, no fees required and as soon as the same day funding. That's right, pull off your own debt defying stunt with SoFi personal loan. Visit SoFi.com slash trick to learn more. Loans originated by SoFi Bank NA. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. nmls 696891. Thrivent believes money is more than numbers it's a way to care for the people causes and community you love that's why Thrivent brings together a unique combination of financial services and generosity programs offering advice investments and insurance to help you plan your finances while creating opportunities to give back along the way through generosity programs that offer resources to fund service projects or direct charitable funds, Thrivent makes it easier to turn your values into action and support what matters most to you.

19:00With more than 120 years of experience and as a Fortune 500 company, Thrivent continues to serve individuals, families and communities across the country. To learn more, visit Thrivent.com. Thrivent, where money means more.

19:18This is the reaction for Manchester City after what we saw at the weekend. The papers, we got bottled, champing at the bit. Mind the gap and are you watching Arsenal? This was a weekend on which City won and Arsenal lost. And this is Pep Guardiola on the title race. He said Arsenal is a final. In the Carabao Cup final, we were complete underdogs. There is not one person in this country that would have bet one pound that we would be much better. Maybe now it's a bit different. They have been the best team in this country, in Europe so far. Beating Arsenal once is so difficult. Imagine beating them twice in a few weeks.

19:56Here are the odds. And still Arsenal who are favourites here. But after the weekend, it's a little closer than it was before. Nadam and Mario still with us. Nadam, it looks like you guys are going to win the league. Oh, yeah. Cancel every other discussion. It's happening. It's happening, K. Do not worry about a single thing. The Arsenal collapses here, but let's be serious. I think what Guardiola is saying there, he's trying to be as fair and charitable as possible, but he also knows deep down that his side are in the better moment right now. I think from an Arsenal perspective, them losing that game on the weekend, it's a tough blow for them.

20:31But they've still got a very good record in the Premier League. They are top for a reason. If they win the games that they have remaining, they finish on 88 points, which is overall an excellent season. and they'd be very much deserving champions there. But I think with some of the injuries that they've had, some of the, not necessarily belief issues that they've had, but say the fans themselves, maybe they're having doubts now. They've lost three of the last four games. Obviously, that's in three different competitions, but that starts to matter just that little bit and they know how significant this game is going to be on the weekend.

21:01I think for Guardiola to call it a final, it does kind of feel like that. And again, there's no guarantee that City win, they're going to win the league or vice versa. but that confidence boost that you'll get from that game you get the feeling that's going to be the sort of boost that you need to finish the season really really well and from an Arsenal perspective they can't even focus on that game yet because they've got Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday and that's what makes their task just that little bit more difficult because while City are getting ready for that game on the weekend Arsenal have to get ready for a very very tough opposition playing at home and if that doesn't go well then what chance they'll have on the weekend away to Man City Obviously it's in City's hands right now and if they win out because they'll go on to win it.

21:37Tell me what it's like to be the hunter rather than the hunted when you smell some blood in the water like City must be doing right now, Stevie. Well, when you're the hunter and you're playing the way City are, then there's no pressure on you. It's that simple. We were at Liverpool, we were 11 points behind Everton with 13 games left and we won 12 and drew one and won the league. And I do not remember ever when we started on that run and we got going on the run, having any pressure. It was just about watching Everton struggle. We were just going and playing. We weren't thinking. We were just watching them struggling.

22:19And then we just went and did our thing. And so right now, Man City are watching Arsenal struggling and they're just doing their thing. And there's no pressure on them at all. I mean, for me, if Arsenal win this game, done. If City win it, then they are favourites. And the way that they're playing, you wouldn't put money against them, winning the title. So, yeah, for City, no pressure. Hey, nobody expects us to win. And if we don't win it, people wouldn't say anything other than, well, Arsenal's been top of the league all season. So I don't see where the pressure is on City. It is 100 % on the shoulders of Arsenal, big time.

22:58Is that how you see it, Mario? Oh, yeah, definitely. You know, like when I watch the game as well, it's about, I look at the two coaches. Can they tweak it? You know, and this weekend, of course, you know, going to the bridge, Guardiola could tweak his team and make them understand that, okay, you're performing, you understand in a certain way that you're only using the left side. But if you bring the balance in the team, you use both wingers, you understand, on the right and on the left. And it became a whole different game. When you look at Arteta, you understand, if his team is not performing like they have to, he needs to be able to tweak it too.

23:34What you see now, what's happening too, is that you have one manager, of course he has the experience, and the other one is going through the moments and feeling like, okay, he picked up enough information to be able to compete with him, but now he can really implement and show like, look, I'm ready for this challenge. So that's why when they face, it's gonna be very, very important for them. And why he said that in the weekend, it's gonna be a final? Yeah, because, come on, his team is always capable to play finals for arsenal he doesn't know if they're going to be mentally ready so psychologically you might as well go into the head and tell them this is a final so then everybody's going to compete the game like a final and who is the coolest cat in the final mostly most likely man city so that's why he wanted to be lived like a final and want to play the game like a final because he feels like his team is ready to compete with them and beat them and then get the race on and going after people is always a better feeling, like Stevie said.

24:31You know, like even, you know, anybody that went through it, even my times, it was always like it is different when you're going after a team and trying to win it than when you are the team that's because looking over your shoulder, you know, it's like even living a life, looking over your shoulder, it's never comfortable than looking in front of you and everybody's looking at you. Stevie, give me both sides of the locker room here, like what it must be like right now in Arsenal's locker room and what it must be like right now in City's locker room. well I think Mario summed it up pretty bluntly and pretty basically what it is one dressing room has got music, laughter, jokes pranks can't wait to get in in the morning get the balls up, juggling giving it large and you've got the other dressing room sitting there like that not quite sure what to do that's just it one dressing room does not quite sure what to do All right.

25:25Let's talk a little bit about Ryan Cherky, if we can, Nadem. Obviously, he was standout at the weekend, made a massive difference to the City side. Is this a new big talent that we're seeing under Pep Guardiola that he's brought in, that he's having to adapt to his team and it's delivering for Manchester City? Yeah, it certainly is in recent weeks, but I've got to say, I think it was maybe a month ago, there was a point where Cherky wasn't even starting games. I think they were going with sort of Semenya playing either in behind alongside Haaland and it felt like they were lacking that bit of creativity.

25:56I think, for example, the game where they played against West Ham and drew 1-1 with West Ham having one shot. But when you have somebody that talented, that two-footed, that's so keen to have a positive impact on the game, like you can see these moments, like he's just, at times he is a genius, he's playing a different game to other people and like I said, the fact that he's two-footed and always looking forward, looking up and he can see passes that other people can't and find spaces that other people aren't looking to go to. I think he's been key for this sort of run that City have been on in recent times and he absolutely loves his football and loves his teammates as well.

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26:28And I think as you can see, obviously he's winding some people up, but he's really enjoying himself having this role and this impact at this moment in time. He probably won't last forever, but I'll be honest, if he can last till the end of the season, I'll be more than happy. Is he something of a maverick in a Pep Guardiola team though right now, Nadam? Obviously you're talking about him in recent weeks, but maybe when we see things a little more structured under Pep, are we seeing someone who's a bit more playing on instinct than the structure that we usually see with Pep Guardiola's players?

26:55To a certain extent, but it's not like he's got a free role as such. I think he still needs to find his moments within the structure that they have. I just think there's certain times in terms of how he does it, which feels different to other people. And it's not to say that Guardiola takes away some of this from certain players, because what is a Kevin De Bruyne? What is, say, for example, the wingers that he had when he was at Bayern Munich? what is like playing with Lionel Messi in the team that he had at Barcelona and a couple of others. But I think he has an element of creativity and fine spaces, which, as I say, other people aren't necessarily looking to.

27:24You know, it's like similar, for example, with Phil Foldens and those types of players. Those really creative attacking midfielder types. And I think for Shirky, like, as I say, if he starts to play like it's a free roll, it won't just be Pepto on him to go back. It'll be the other players around him. But I think he's understanding of what the manager wants, but also the manager trusting him to go out and do it. you get a chance to see a player, as I say, who feels very, very unique at this moment in time in the league. Mario, how do you deal with a player like this when you come up against them, given their unpredictable nature?

27:54Look, the advantage from a guy like Cherki, I think it's for everybody that plays the game. If he can use both feet, I'm telling you, that's already the biggest advantage that he possesses. I've seen him technically, I mean, I was myself, what is it, a couple of weeks ago, I was in France, you know, in my older team, and they produce a lot of great talents as well. You understand, like the Dembele and Dewey come from that setup. So I know French football is very talented technically and very speedy. But the freedom that they get is that because in their country, they want players to expose themselves and give them a certain level of freedom.

28:30When you face kind of players like that, you know, like sometimes it depends when you meet them. If you mentally can attack him, you can get to him and get to his end. because I played in that league. That's what I was like trying to protect myself with. But away from that, if you meet a player that mentally is as strong as enough, it's very difficult to tell you, okay, to compete with him and step up to him. And I think Cherki is at that level. He doesn't really care. There is no fear in his head. He might not play good, you know, all the time. But one thing you have for sure, he has a certain level of freedom and that's why he's so playful.

29:04And sometimes I think Pep will try to control that because he cannot play all the time. Sometimes you've got to put the serious hat on. But you clearly see that what he did in the second half changed the game. Because, you know, you cannot dribble the ball inside and then outside of your left pass the ball like that and give an assist like it's nothing. Oh, my God. No, that's good quality. I got a little chuckle out of you when I asked how you deal with a player like this when you're coming up against them. You have to be at your very best and smartest. You know, gone are the days when you could physically get at a guy like that and leave a couple on him and that would scare him away but now defensively you know you have to be you have to get your body position in such a way that you're trying to dictate what side he goes at and it's not completely he's doing what he wants and then if you get too close he's got such good feet that he'll make a mug of you so that tends to have you standing off him but if you do stand off him he's got the vision that Gohmari was talking about, if you stand off him, he has the vision to play the pass that 21 players on the field didn't see apart from him.

30:15So you have to be at your very best and get every single basic of defending right. Because if you don't, this guy will kill you. Of course, on the flip side of this, Mario. Go on, Mario. Stevie, the main goal, what we always do, right, and Nathan, we try to get into your opponent's head. And if we can't get there, I'm telling you, we're almost losing the battle already. So we try to get in your head. Like Stevie said, we tackle you, but if we cannot tackle you, oh, there's a lot more. What I did, I will take you and I will attack and make you run after me. So you get tired, you have less energy to attack me.

30:49That was my goal if you were like, I was like, wow. So that's why Stevie's right. We try to get in your head a lot of times. Cat and Moskian. Love that, mind games. Okay, Mario, sadly, on the flip side of this, it was Chelsea losing. Have panic stations set in about finishing in the Champions League spots or are you going to be okay? it's getting really tough. Why? Because, you know, like, it looks like they have a lot of talent in that team. Everybody talks about it. We know that they have a lot of talent. But I feel like as an engine, you understand, like you can have an engine and if the engine doesn't move the right direction altogether, it becomes average.

31:29And I think City exposed you in a way that made you understand like, hey guys, you're good, you're talented, okay, Fernandes is coming back, you know because now the situation is over so he will come back in the middle of the park because if you could see the goal that O 'Reilly scored was against Santos was a difficult one but in a way he could have been uh you know like a bit more you know like like rougher in the sense of like make him understand that the header is not going to be that easy against me but he clearly did that so what I feel like for Chelsea now what they have to do um is making sure that they everybody do you understand what the goal is now?

32:05The goal is not anymore, you understand, you win one game and then you take it easy in another game. No, you've got to step up now because Champions League for a club like Chelsea is one of the biggest failures if you don't make it. And I think they have to understand it like that. And not understand it like, oh, if we play European football, it's okay. No. You need, you have to play Champions League. You know what Chelsea needs to do? Not suspend your best player. that would be a good place to start I mean if you watch that game if you sat and watched that game the only thing I could think about as City were going through the middle of the park well in fact they were going through everywhere but particularly through the middle of the park I'm sitting looking at Kaiseido and I felt sorry for Kaiseido it was almost like he was out there on his own and where was his partner?

32:54sat in the stand with the cameras on him all the time I mean if ever there was a game that had men against boys. You know, Chelsea's always talk about the project and getting young players. Well, we just saw at the weekend what happens when you play against a proper team with men and you play a team with boys. That's what we saw, men against boys. And also you hamstring yourself by having arguably your best player sitting in the stand. Seriously. There was a lot more talk about this game and more games across the weekend on the latest Gab and Jules show. You can check that out on your podcast feed.

33:34The latest edition is available right now.

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35:02Tomorrow, it's the deciding ties in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. There are some very exciting games coming up. PSG Liverpool, Real Madrid Bayern, Varsity against Atleti, and Sporting taking on Arsenal. But who are the panel most looking forward to seeing tomorrow? Stevie, let me start with you. I have to be honest, I'm looking forward to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid. I'm just wondering, can Bayern Munich play the same type of football they did at the Bernabeu? Can they do that again at home? Because if they do, I mean, this game's over. Well, why wouldn't they? Well, there's no reason.

35:42The only reason why wouldn't they would be if they overthink it. If they start thinking about whether they've actually gone through. You know, get your head down, get the job done. and then you can start thinking about who you're playing, where you're playing, how far you can go, all of these things. Concentrate on the game and concentrate on what you did in the first leg. Because quite frankly, the tie probably could have been over after the first leg had they taken all the chances and certainly had they got that penalty that at least you should have got at the end. So, yeah, I'm interested because you can never, ever, you can never rule out Real Madrid.

36:18you know particularly Vinny particularly Mbappé as much as we have a go at them and we point out the problems and temperament and all these things they got quality and if you if you're asleep or you make a mistake they'll hurt you so that's what I'm looking forward to tomorrow big time who's going through for you? Bayern ok Mario are you the same as Stevie not on who's going through yet I'll ask you that in a minute but the fact that it's this game for you yeah of course and And what Stevie said, one of the key things in this game is, look, Madrid. We all know the history of Madrid and the comfortability of Madrid.

36:53And in the German country, it's always been Bayern. You understand? That is the leading. So for them to match themselves and compete, and they want to put up a show in the sense of like, look, we are a country that loves football as much as your country. And we're going to show you now. We are capable of entertaining you as much. We came to Spain. We showed it. We played away. and that the people even were questioning, like, can we? And they've proven it. So now they're coming there. But like you said, look, if they're going to expose themselves in their own stadium and get too comfortable, then they can get in trouble.

37:29But if they start and play the game as smart as they did prior to it, defensively standing right, don't leave stupid holes and space behind you that you can be exposed to that because with the speed, what they possess in the team, like Madrid, you don't want that. But away from that, now I look forward to Bayern. Let me see what you got, guys. Come on, let me see what you got. Because Madrid has always been one of my favourites, but Bayern, whoo, enjoyable. But you've got Bayern doing it then, Mario, if you had to pick. Yeah, 100%. 100%, 100%. I said that from like, yeah, yeah, yeah, 100%. Nathan, you're not going to go for this tie too, are you?

38:09No, I'm not. But before we go any further, I'm confused as to how Stevie Dickel plans to beat the anti-Liverpool allegations when he's not picking Liverpool for a second leg at Anfield with a deficit. But anyway, let's move on. I cannot believe that, Stevie. When was I saying you saw Liverpool play? That's why I'm not going for him.

38:30Stevie, well done, man. I love it. I'm going to go for the Barcelona-Atleti game. Not necessarily because it's going to be the most high-quality game because the Bayern Real Madrid one, I think that's what that will be. But it's interesting because when Atleti had the extra player last week, they probably got worse. I think the fact that they came over 2-0 win with that performance in some ways was a surprise to me. And I think Barca knowing that they have to go out there away from home and really be on the front foot with their attacking, I think it makes for potentially a high-scoring game. So I think that one itself, you know, these guys have played each other way too much, let's be honest about it.

39:05But I think it makes for a really interesting game. And as I say, it could be one of the more high scoring games of this round. So as a consequence, I'm looking forward to see how Atleti go about it, given the fact they rested 10 outfield players on the weekend. And for Barca, they have to be on the front foot to get some goals. And who goes through? Natham would have seen the face of Simeone. That's what he wants to see at the end of the game. Natham would want to see that. Who doesn't, Natham? I know, I know. He wants to see his face. I think the two goals is probably a bit too much. so I'm expecting a Simeone knee slide in the 90th minute.

39:38They'll probably get the job done, yeah. I think I'll let it go through. All right, yeah. Can't believe Stevie didn't go for Liverpool either, but whatever. Tomorrow we will be talking about the Champions League. Make sure to join us. Craig, Stevie, Robbo, Frank, Luis Garcia. We've got a lot of people on to talk Champions League tomorrow. Make sure not to miss it. In La Liga, Levante against Itafe. A high-stakes clash when it came to Levante's survival. 19th coming into the game a win would be a massive lifeline for them 60th minute penalty conceded here by Domingos Duarte and it's a chance here for Levante

40:19Adrian De La Fuente they definitely not get a touch on the ball I'm assuming Varluk Tatek's well go with Varl 83rd minute though young Levante player he's got his 8th of the season Carlos Espy, big header that was for them well it's a great head up It's a lovely pick out as well. The pass right on his head, right in front of him. He runs onto it, but beautifully put away. Zaid Romero would concede a penalty here. Handball, so Levante get another chance from this spot. Yeah, this one there's no question. Maybe they need to practice some penalties. You think? Yeah, not to worry though. They would hold on to get the win.

40:58And it's a very, very important three points for them. if they are to fight and escape going back down two segundar straight away. It's just four points now, but they need to start climbing their way out of the bottom three. As for Hatafe, they're in the hunt for a European spot this season, so it's differing fortunes right now. Spanish football this weekend, though, brings us the Copa del Rey final between Atleti and Real Sociedad. Our coverage will begin at 2.30 Eastern with kickoff coming up at three right here on ESPN Plus. Evan Cohen here. Game day brings the excitement. Your stay should feel just as memorable.

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42:58Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos. Get your instant free quote at ethos.com slash sports. That's ethos.com slash sports. Application times and rates may vary. That's it. That's where we end today's show on ESPN FC, but Extra Time is on the way next. Nadam and Mario and Stevie are sticking around to answer your questions to stay right where you are. Extra Time's on the way now.

43:30Welcome in to the latest edition of Extra Time. Stevie Nadam and Mario here to answer your questions today. Kicking things off by talking about red cards, because we've got to see another red card in the Manchester United game today for Lissandra Martinez for a hair pull. And so the question is, what is the dumbest red card you've seen a teammate receive? I imagine Martinez pulling Calvert-Lewin's hair would be up there. Dumbest.

43:59I can't think of the dumbest, but I can think of my favourite. My favourite red card was Paul Walsh, a weight Southampton.

44:11Centre-back defender. What was his name? Remind me. His dad was a coach.

44:19Go to the boys, they get the name. Go to the boys, they get the name. Okay. Guys, the dumbest red card you've seen or maybe your favourite red card in Stevie's nature here. Okay, I'll go for two. The dumbest one was probably one that happened in a game in 2012 between Man City and QPR. That's probably the dumbest one I've seen. But my favourite one was 2014 playoff final for QPR against Derby County. and you know sometimes people say oh you know if you're going to be the last man you're going to save your team you're going to take someone down do a job for the team this that and the other well the more you play the more you realize that never actually happens but in this game itself Gary O 'Neill took down one of the derby players as he was running through on goal in maybe the 70th minute of the game and if they had gone through and scored that probably would have been game over so he took a red card for the team and we ended up winning the game 1-0 and he took down Johnny Russell and I would have backed Johnny Russell to finish that for a derby.

45:24So we end up being kind of undeserved winners on the day. But that is the definition of a professional file and I thank Aaron Neil to this day for making that decision for the side. Nice. Did you find it? I found it, yeah. Or me? It's Kevin Bond, centre-back for Southampton, who's 6 '3", and Paul Walsh is 5 '2". And Kevin Bond's spat on his face. And Walsh just turned around and just hit him right in the nose. And he dropped him. And Walsh, he walked straight off. And at the time, the manager, Kenny Dalglish at the time, had no idea what happened. And so we got in at half time. And as we got in at half time, Kenny's going up to Walsh.

46:06He went, what are you doing? What was that all about? And he went, he spat it in my face. Kenny went, oh, that's all right then. Because that's okay. Somebody does that to you and you knock them out, nobody's going to have a problem with it. Of course not. But it was just funny. Five foot two, knocks down six foot three, Kevin Bond, right in the nose. Great shot. And I know it shouldn't always be celebrated, but I always love to see when the player just knew and walked off, didn't he? Oh, he just walked off. So funny. Always makes me chuckle. Mario, what about you? You know what the worst, for me, the worst red card is?

46:40If you know yourself that is a red. So you make a tackle and you know in your mind already. It's similar to what Stevie said. it's similar like I Because I'm thinking about myself now because I don't know I got a ball plate and the ball was too short and I knew Mario the only way for you to get that ball and to protect yourself You got to go to feed it and you know if you go to feed it off the floor You understand in a certain height you're gonna get it. I go in Bang I think about myself. I think oh dude what did you just did and then i look at the ref and then after i changed my face straight away and i walked to the side and and i knew already he i didn't even see him lifting it up i already walked in similar to what i just walked in and you know what the worst part is when you walk in game you walk past the line and you see the coach doesn't even look at you then you know you're in trouble yeah uh the silent treatment that's a big problem oh no okay are all the best strikers in the world going to grow their hair out now.

47:42Don't start me. Stupid point. You know the ones I hate the most? I'm not sure. Is the ones they have stuck in the top of the red. They put all their hair up and then they tie it on top of the red. It's like, I had a player at the Reds who used to do that. I used to say to them every time, I said, hold on a second, how are you going to flick a ball on when you've got that thing sat on the top of your reds? And he just never had an answer. No, Stevie, it's funny. Seriously though. Stevie, who was the guy at Nottingham Forest? Who was the guy at Nottingham Forest that had a thing on his head? Yeah, centre forward.

48:19Yeah, centre forward. Pineapple, they used to sing that. He's got a pineapple on his head. They used to sing it for him. Jason Lee. Jason Lee. I can't remember. That's it. Jason Lee. Yeah? Yeah, Jason Lee. Yeah, he used to have that. Yeah, he got ridiculed on the TV show for that. I think you're just jealous and you'd like to put a little ponytail on top of your head. I'd rather be bold.

48:46All right. Did you ever... Oh, my God. The producer's not happy with that one. Did you ever get caught pulling an opposing player's hair? Mario, did it ever happen to you? Yeah, it did happen to me and I hated it. Like, you know, like sometimes you play the game and it's always the same thing. They pull your hair and they act like nothing happened. Oh, when you pull my hair, it's like, it's almost like I forget that I'm playing football. So, you know, like you pull my hair and I look and you see it in my eyes. You go like, okay, you're on next. When the ball comes, I'm coming for you. But then somebody else comes to you and chill out, chill out, chill out.

49:23But I'm telling you, no, no, no, no. It happened to me. Yes. A couple of times. Not just one time, but when it happened, I tell you, yes, I'm going to look for you and I will get you back. And I ain't pulling your head this time. I'm doing something else. Trust me. And it ain't nice. question for Stevie if you were on a slot would you start Rio tomorrow? absolutely 100 % he's one of the positives that has come out over the last two or three weeks obviously the weekend against Fulham scoring his goal being involved in the second goal I mean really why would you not play him? and if he doesn't I'll be absolutely shocked.

50:08Seeing that we now have a panel of excellent defenders, which team has the scariest set of attackers to play against right now? Bayern, Barcelona or PSG? Nadem.

50:24I won't say Barcelona. I won't say Barcelona. I would say...

50:34So Bayern Munich are actually history makers. I think they've scored the most goals in any Bundesliga season ever. So they deserve a ton of credit for that. But in terms of just like what is going on, I think playing against PSG would be a nightmare. Obviously Bayern, I'd say absolutely incredible. But for PSG, those guys flying at you in different positions like the press and things like that, working that well as a three. And next thing you know, it might be Hakimi and Nuno Mendes running back at you as well. So I think PSG just feels like a headache at this moment in time. And I think we kind of saw that with Liverpool last week as well.

51:06I love in terms of what is going on. I mean, that's a great way to describe it, isn't it, Mario, with PSG? Yeah, because everybody, you know what it's with PSG, you already won that league. I mean, the Champions League. And then the way they go at it, they made me feel like they haven't won it. that hungry they are. So that's why I totally understand, Nathan, what he says. Like PSG for me, I would say that too because, you know, just the way they do it, they're hungry, they press you and they take you on like they don't care. So I will pick them too. And at Bayern, they got a French boy too. So yeah, PSG.

51:40You got a thought on that? Oh, PSG. All the other teams, well, most other teams on the planet, whatever area you're defending in, You've got a good idea of who's going to be there and what you're going to face Against PSG you've no idea who's going to be You don't know it's going to be Dewey, is it going to be Dembele, is it going to be Bacala, is it going to be Hakimi? I mean you're not sure who it is is going to end up in your area You're actually not sure when they're going to arrive there because the movement is so scary that Your head's spinning so yeah as great as the other two are PSG now as Nathan rightly pointed out in the show it was shameless from Stevie not to pick his favourite tie to look out for this week Liverpool against PSG and as Stevie rightly pointed out have you seen Liverpool lately?

52:34but here is a question about this game Stevie we know Anfield can have its magical European nights what has to go right for Liverpool tomorrow for them to get through and what can they take from the Fulham game from Saturday to help them? There's a lot of answers to that. So I'll start off by saying what I said the other night. I think most people forget that those nights at Anfield that they're talking about, Liverpool had very good teams but just found themselves in a bad spot. But because they were really good teams, that's how, along with the crowd, they got themselves out. it. This team doesn't have that.

53:19This team just doesn't have that. This team is just not a very good team. And so, again, when you look at the opposition, what's got to go right? Well, what's got to go right for Liverpool is PSG are going to have to have their worst performance of the season. And Liverpool are going to have to be at their very, very best, which we haven't seen since last season. Until tomorrow. Listen, you can always dream, and I'm not stopping at him from dreaming, but unfortunately I'm a realist. And realistically, it's going to be a tough thing. What can they take from the Fulham game, including probably Rio, right?

53:57They won the game. Listen, you win the game. Rio had a good performance, and you win the game. And Salah's cold. He's back, isn't he? Well, he'll be back tomorrow night, but... We'll see, right? We'll be on the field. I mean... Brimming with confidence. All right. Seriously, does anybody really... Is anybody... Right, four of us sitting here. Does any of us think Liverpool has a chance? Do you think they've got a chance? A chance at home on a big night like this, maybe. No. Guys? You know, when you're at home, Kate, you also have to make sure that you expose yourself. And one of the key things in this game tomorrow is if you expose yourself and you overexpose.

54:45you're going to get exposed in the worst way possible. Because the way they're going to play, if Liverpool wants to win the game, they've got to attack. So what is going to happen now if you're going to attack? You look at your back line, there's going to be holes and there's going to be space. And there's two things you don't want to do, holes and space. Because if you have too much of that against a team that's quick, young and hungry, you're asking yourself to be cut right there. So for me, I totally agree with what Stevie said. You're gonna expose yourself. I'm not putting Liverpool as a favourite in this game.

55:19No, guarantee not. Because of the way I've been seeing from them. Nadem? No, I think that's fair. I think Stevie's sitting down on the head. You're looking at Liverpool to have their best game of the season, PSG probably one of their worst. And it seems unlikely because PSG at this point in the season, as we saw last year, this is kind of when they come into their own. And PSG did win the game within 90 minutes last year. I think the 1-0 after Dembele scored. So you can't help but fancy them because this Liverpool side, whatever they've been this season, it's not been defensively solid. And some of those match-ups, like we said, with the front three or front whatever it is for PSG, I think they'll be causing absolute murders to anyone.

55:58And I think in particular, probably Liverpool tomorrow at Anfield. Nadam, do you have any inside information about your pal Vincent with how he has succeeded at Bayern compared to his last season at Burnley?

56:14I think with all due respect, I think everyone will be okay with me saying this. I think the players at Bayern are better than the players he had at Burnley. That is the starting point. So please allow me that. So as a consequence, sometimes you'll see the behind the scenes, the training and the way that he gets them to work. And it's been very, very competitive. Let's not say that it wasn't there before. but lots of small sided 2v2s, 3v3s but then also structure with an element of freedom for the 9 and the false 9 in terms of how they play. And it's been brilliant for Bayern. I think they're one of the most aggressive teams both in and out of possession that the Bundesliga has probably ever seen.

56:51And even though some people say, it's Bayern, it's Bundesliga, it's easy. Well, why are they record breakers at this point? I think they're on 105 goals so far through maybe 31 games or whatever the number is. it's been hugely impressive and I guess it's just fit. I think they respect him as a person, they understand his training methods and he understands what's best for those players and now as a consequence some of those players are playing some of the best football they've ever played so I can't necessarily pinpoint it beyond the nature of the players themselves but sometimes as a player when the right message gets into you you can transform yourself and those around you into what they're doing right now.

57:27Natham, your friend Jules on the latest Gab and Jules show said he thinks this is Pep Guardiola's last year. Is Vincent Kompany the favourite to take over if that is the case? Should he be the favourite? Personally, I don't think so. I don't know. I would love for Vincent Kompany to go to Man City to replace Pep Guardiola, whenever that would be, whether that's tomorrow, in the summer, or in a year's time. But the fact is, Vincent Kompany already has one of the biggest jobs in world football, managing Bayern Munich. For him, their goals are beyond Bundesliga. It's like winning Champions League, and that would be Vincent's first Champions League win, as well as a player or a coach.

58:03So I can't see him leaving there anytime soon. But there are other people who are potentially in the frame. You know, some people talking about Xabi Alonso's and some people have mentioned Maresca's who doesn't bring in a great lot of positive energy. But then interestingly, maybe there's a Seth Fabregas or somebody like that who maybe, maybe could be, you know, the type of coach that some of these players need in a sort of modern way as well. But yeah, I'd love Vincent Kompany's comeback at some stage. You know, somebody with a ties to Manchester, statue outside the stadium hugely successful but I'll be honest Bayern Munich's a big job to walk away from for something that isn't necessarily going to be a guaranteed success Alright we'll leave it there then guys thank you so much for sending in your questions thanks to the panel for answering them and make sure to join us tomorrow as the Champions League is back and we've got some big show planned for you over the next few days ESPN FC for that

59:16We'll be right back.

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From the publisher

The FC crew react to Leeds United massive win over Manchester United at Old Trafford with Leeds going 6 points clear of the relegation zone. Plus, a look ahead to the massive weekend in the Premier League title race with Manchester City hosting Arsenal. And, a preview of the 2nd leg of the UCL quarterfinals, will there be any comebacks on the cards?
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