In short
ESPN FC episode reacting to Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, focusing on Jose Mourinho’s post-match press-conference strategy of blaming refereeing/VAR after two red cards, and debating whether it distracts from Real’s poor performance. The discussion then broadens to other league storylines (Manchester United’s early-season struggles, Manchester City’s perfect start, Arsenal’s shock loss to Brighton) and a later segment on Ballon d’Or talk and player warm-up advice.
Guests/backgrounds
Dan Thomas (host). Shaka Hislop (former goalkeeper, TV analyst). Alex (football pundit, “Macca”). Mario Malkior (former player/analyst). Jan Aage Fjortov (football writer/analyst; also discusses a “hex” on Michael Karak). Additional guest mentions include Enzo Maresca and others only as references.
Key claims
Mourinho’s “sideshow” worked short-term by dominating media coverage, but is tired and not convincing at Real Madrid; Real’s underlying issues (lack of plan, low pressure, trophyless stretch) remain. Atletico were deserved winners and showed Simeone-style nastiness. Manchester United lack intensity and a winning culture; City’s start shows “winning habit”; Arsenal’s Brighton loss was shocking and lacked response.
Notable examples
Mourinho’s complaints about a 41-year-old referee, VAR official Trujillo, and “80s style pressure”; Real doing “nothing” until late; Atletico’s hard tackling (including a Bellingham early clip); Atletico’s players like Kangin Lee, Alex Baena, Marcus Llorente, Johnny Cardenoso, and defensive flexibility with Romero/Hancko/Poo Bill; United’s results vs Fulham/Everton and being 10 points behind City; City beating Sunderland 5-3; Arsenal losing 3-0 to Brighton.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOReflecting on Real Madrid's Loss
0:45 to 1:15
Discussion on Real Madrid's recent defeat against Atletico Madrid.
“But we kick things off by reflecting on Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid.”
Mourinho's Press Conference Reaction
1:15 to 2:30
Analyzing Mourinho's comments following the match and media response.
“We could have skipped the press conference because the story of the match is right here.”
Tactics and Team Performance Analysis
2:30 to 4:50
Examination of Real Madrid's performance against Atletico and tactical issues.
“And by the way, everyone thinks it was a red card, the lead challenge.”
Discussion on Mourinho's Strategies
4:50 to 7:30
Critique of Mourinho's approach and whether it works for Real Madrid.
“But when I was watching Real Madrid, normally you're waiting for the instrumental moments, and those moments were not coming.”
The Pressure on Real Madrid
7:30 to 10:10
Exploration of the pressure on Real Madrid and its effects on the team.
“Because he can do everything about these sideshows that he's doing at the moment, but he's not winning.”
Atletico's Resurgence and Future Prospects
10:10 to 14:01
Discussing Atletico Madrid's recent performance and potential for the season.
“a big game away at Roma in the Champions League.”
Optimism for Atleti's Season
14:01 to 15:09
Discussing Atleti's potential and key players for the season ahead.
“Baena looks good, Marcus Llorente, Johnny Cardenoso did well in the derby midfield as well.”
Real Madrid's Coaching Challenges
15:10 to 17:22
Analyzing the coaching issues surrounding Real Madrid and Mourinho's role.
“It's the biggest game of the season for them and they won it.”
Rafinha's Impressive Performance
17:23 to 18:39
A detailed look at Rafinha's skill and impact on the field.
“You take a look at what Barcelona have done this season.”
Barcelona's Transformation and Strategy
18:40 to 20:29
Discussing Barcelona's strategies and the significance of their current form.
“Because if I go down too quick, you will make me look like a fool.”
Show all 30 chapters
Manchester United's Struggles Under Carrick
20:30 to 23:28
Exploring the challenges faced by Manchester United and the coaching issues.
“And they must be thinking, well, thank goodness, because they didn't have to spend that money.”
Manchester United's Struggles Under Carrick
24:09 to 24:49
Exploring the challenges faced by Manchester United and the coaching issues.
“No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field.”
Manchester United's Ongoing Issues
24:49 to 28:03
Continuing the discussion on Manchester United's problems and performance.
“the club as a whole for giving him this squad and expecting him to succeed with it.”
Manchester United's Disparity
28:03 to 28:48
Discussing the current struggles of Manchester United compared to their historical success.
“Everton, remember, scored two marvellous goals.”
Cultural Shift at Manchester United
28:49 to 30:19
Analyzing the cultural changes at Manchester United and the impact on their performance.
“The standard of Manchester United is so far away from it.”
Comparing Top English Clubs
30:20 to 31:36
Exploring the struggles of Manchester United in the context of other top clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal.
“And if you saw that, I may say at the end here, that when you saw Brighton against Arsenal, if you see even Manchester City in a funny game against Sunderland, there is so much more power in there.”
Manchester City’s Perfect Start
31:37 to 33:16
Reviewing Manchester City's strong performance and their perfect start to the season.
“Arsenal went, well, not 30, but wasn't far off.”
Enzo Maresca's Leadership
33:17 to 35:36
Discussing Enzo Maresca's impact on Manchester City and his coaching philosophy.
“Remember 4-3, Diaz made a meal out of it and he somehow managed to save his own goal on the line.”
City’s Defensive Challenges
35:37 to 36:38
Analyzing Manchester City's defensive issues despite their attacking prowess.
“But from a City perspective, given that community shield performance and result, to see what they've been able to put together, this truly is an incredible response.”
Arsenal's Shocking Defeat
36:39 to 39:46
Reflecting on Arsenal's unexpected loss to Brighton and its implications.
“And they have this balance now about them.”
Players' Unexpected Poor Performance
39:47 to 40:59
Examining the lack of response from key Arsenal players during their defeat.
“when you come up against, take nothing away from Brighton.”
Introduction to Football Americas
43:17 to 43:33
The hosts discuss the absence of Shackler and reflect on resilience in football.
“No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field.”
Mourinho's Impact on Players
43:33 to 46:11
Discussion about Jose Mourinho's influence and the Ballon d'Or candidates.
“And what's going to happen with the German team under Klopp?”
Debate on Ballon d'Or Favorites
46:11 to 47:34
A deeper analysis of who should win the Ballon d'Or this year.
“Did you, your teammates, care about him, Mario, back in the day?”
Warm-Up Tips for Players
47:34 to 49:25
Mario shares his experiences and advice on how to effectively warm up before games.
“Okay, Spain won it, but Rodri was the player.”
Challenges of Training and Coaching Dynamics
49:25 to 54:30
The hosts discuss the challenges of post-game training and maintaining a relationship with the coach.
“There was the opening of the stadium at the arena.”
Scrutiny on Coaches in Football
54:30 to 56:00
Insights into the pressure coaches face, particularly at Manchester United.
“So in Germany, I had Felix Magath, who was the toughest guy.”
Analyzing Manchester United's Struggles
56:00 to 57:42
Discussion on the current performance issues at Manchester United.
“And the only problem for Germany is now, for Jurgen Klopp, is that he has to play with German players.”
Relay Race Banter Among Hosts
57:42 to 1:00:46
Light-hearted conversation about a hypothetical relay race among the hosts.
“who is dropping the baton and how far behind is Jan finishing I mean I mean we will we always have the fish to take care of but yes I think that we will put me as the first one.”
Relay Race Banter Among Hosts
1:01:10 to 1:01:20
Light-hearted conversation about a hypothetical relay race among the hosts.
“That's why State Farm gets to know you so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan. It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash DebtPlay. Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A., member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Fast funds terms apply at SoFi.com slash DebtPlay.
0:33Welcome into the latest edition of ESPN FC. I'm Dan Thomas, joined by Shaka Hissop. Later on, Jan Arga-Fjortov will be joining us to tell us why he put that hex on Michael Karak after his rude to him in that post-match interview. But we kick things off by reflecting on Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid. And already the press are absolutely loving Jose Mourinho. Unhinged, says the front page of Sport. Great Atleti. Meanwhile as Marker goes with FAN Atleti, Mourinho explodes. Here he is.
1:16We could have skipped the press conference because the story of the match is right here. There were two clear red cards. You can imagine the difficulties we faced playing 11 against 10. Just picture what it would have been like playing 11 against 9 for 15 minutes.
1:39Then they bring in a 41 year old referee with no international experience and it's certainly not because he's a great referee. The poor guy came here and couldn't handle the pressure. The kind of pressure I call 80s style pressure, which you rarely see these days. And then there's Mr Trujillo, the VAR official. He called the ref over for the first red card, though I don't think he called him over for the second, which was even more obvious than the first.
2:18So much nonsense. He belongs on this show, really. Jan Argo Fjortov joins us, as does Mario Malkior. Alex, I want to start with you, and what's really interesting with this is I want to get your interpretation of how this has been received. Because obviously, look over here. Look at the pictures. Look at what happened. Look at the red card. And by the way, everyone thinks it was a red card, the lead challenge. But make sure you focus on this. Don't look over here, where it was 11 against 11, and we were rubbish. We didn't do anything until the last 85 minutes. And for goodness sake, don't mention what Barcelona are doing at the moment.
2:49Has it worked? Basically, how's the distraction from Mourinho worked? Yeah, vintage Mourinho, wasn't it, Dan? Anytime anyone brings a prop to a press conference, you know it's going to be gold. You know it's going to be one of those presses you'll remember being in forever. Mourinho's done this before. I remember Rafa Benitez having a list of facts back in the day in a press. It's always good stuff. Has it worked? I guess it kind of has. I mean, of course, that press conference in the immediate aftermath of the game was dominated by that performance and by reaction to it. A lot of the media coverage on Spanish radio, Spanish TV has been dominated by it as well.
3:24But also, there is an awareness that this is what Jose wants. This is the terrain that he wants to cover. He doesn't want to talk about his team's performance. He wants to talk about the referee. It suits him to do so. And we've seen this quite a bit from Real Madrid over the last couple of years, really, this last couple of barren years without trophies, where, yes, they've had at times legitimate complaints about referees going right the way back to Negreva and all that, but also it's convenient and maybe easier than talking about some of the more deep-lying problems within the team, within the club.
3:53So I'd say to an extent, yes, it has worked because there's been a lot of discussion of this. And look, as you say, the decisions, certainly at least one of them, were clear red cards and were bad decisions. But yes, to an extent, it has worked, but also there's been a lot of talk about the fact that even before that, even first half, 11 versus 11, 10 versus 11. Real Madrid did absolutely nothing in this derby. You can't escape that because we all watched the game. You know, regardless of those decisions, we all watched the game. We all saw the performance. And this is it, Mario, isn't it? Because it's a performance we're kind of used to from Real Madrid over these last couple of years where they've gone trophyless.
4:30Whereas Macca said yesterday, they kind of turn up and there isn't a plan. You're just waiting for an individual to do something special. Yesterday, obviously, they didn't. It was funny for me to watch because when I watched the game, and Simeone highlighted it too, that they were not putting pressure on them. They don't play like he highlighted, of course, the Barcelona situation because he knows how it's going. But when I was watching Real Madrid, normally you're waiting for the instrumental moments, and those moments were not coming. So that's why, you know what Eric said, the first half, nothing was happening.
5:05Of course, we come into the second half, when everything changed, you understand, when the red card, I still highlight, okay, at one point, my side goes a little bit to Mourinho with what he said about regarding the tackle that was happening. But when the red card happened for Heisen, the whole game changed in the sense of it was kind of like a game that suited Madrid in saying, like, we're going to sit back because if we go out, we expose ourselves. But that's actually how they started, too. So it wasn't really a big difference. It was only the changes of names. And he's saying like, Fini off, putting on another defender to making sure that I close it at the back a little bit.
5:41But I never felt Madrid was capable that normally you see they go out them and they turn up and they do crucial things in the sense of like, the Mbappes, the Finis, you understand, even the Bellingham, like he had to take Bellingham off. Why? Because he knew he was going to get close to another yellow card. And I did not want the game to go like that because Madrid was not turning up. He hasn't seen that sort of football from the 80s, Jan, apparently. Although if you watch the World Cup, Argentina certainly... Well, because I don't know what he's saying. We know what you're going to get from Atleti in the derby.
6:17They're going to come in, they're going to tackle hard. And you're crying about it should have been 11 against 9. How about 11 against 11? You go out and you try and beat this side. Well, first of all, I'm very surprised that the coach and the team bring a printer to the dressing room. I never experienced that. But having said that, I played in a time where we didn't have electricity, so that's fair. But let's be honest. Does it really work out for Jose Mourinho? Let's not forget, he was Elvis in Las Vegas. This was the one. He was the special one. This was one of the best coaches in the world.
6:53He was Elvis. He was on top of his game. I'm not saying that about Real Madrid. It's like an affair in Swindon. no disrespect to the fairs in swindon but still what the good thing about football is you can say whatever you want if you're bad you're bad the results are not there he hasn't won for ages and that's the fact and when we saw those netflix series i mean he hadn't done any mistakes for the last 15 20 40 years so why should he start now but does it really work out for jose marino do we really believe this? Because he can do everything about these sideshows that he's doing at the moment, but he's not winning.
7:37He's got one of the best individuals ever in his team, and they're not producing, and they're losing. What happened in Benfica? What happened there? What happened this and there? So I'm not sure this is working out for Jose Mourinho, I'm sorry to say. Is it a tired act now, Shank? Yeah, it is. It's well-worn at this point. And my issue with, well, this version of it, or more to the point with the club he's at, is that I don't think anybody falls for that with clubs like Real Madrid. No, it worked wonderfully well at Porto, as we know. It worked wonderfully well, particularly in the first spell at Chelsea, when Chelsea hadn't won a title for 50 years, and the siege mentality, woe be us, and it's everybody against us.
8:18It works in those circumstances. But eventually that catches up with you. We caught up with him at Chelsea. As Chelsea started winning and we're regarded as a big club, this siege mentality stopped working. People stopped listening. It worked for a while with Real Madrid, but then it gets tired because you're one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's not, yes, at times decisions go against you, but more go for you. Let's be honest. And people are tired of this siege mentality, this will be us and see straight through it. Now, it might work in the short term in this dressing room, given the fact that they haven't won silverware for a couple of years, that they're trailing Barcelona.
9:02Maybe he gets his team to rally somewhat, which we haven't seen. But I don't think as a neutral observer, it's at all convincing or anybody's buying. It's kind of sad to see because you feel that since Real Madrid refused to go to the Ballon d 'Or because Vinny didn't win it. Since then, there have been moaning about schedules, about referees, about the world's being against them, and yet they come up with nothing, Alex. There is this kind of jarring juxtaposition between, as Schapa says, being Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, and quite often this discourse of kind of a victim kind of mentality that everyone's out to get us.
9:42And like I say, it's quite jarring, I think, for a lot of us to listen to, but it has been a narrative that has been kind of internalised at the club now for a long time. The pressure is already there on Mourinho. Look, it's seven games into the season, already six points behind Barcelona. They've lost to Betis, they've lost to Derby, they've needed late, late goals to win against Espanyol and Elche. Don't forget, we've got a Clásico coming up in around about a month's time. Before that, of course, we've got the international break and then they're playing Villarreal and Sevilla, a big game away at Roma in the Champions League.
10:14But yes, you know, like I say, it's easier in a lot of ways to put the blame elsewhere. On the referees, on the league, on the federation, on UEFA or, you know, whoever the enemy of the week is. But it's been two long years without a major trophy. And this season, Real Madrid need to deliver. And yet it's early. It's a lot of time for a lot of twists and turns. But right now, it's not looking good. And because, Mario, this isn't a first. This isn't just like six weeks where they're just trying to find their feet. it's been two years now since Kylian Mbappe's come in that there hasn't been kind of that togetherness that we've seen with other teams, that we've seen with Barcelona, with this Real Madrid side, despite the fact that you've had Ancelotti at the end of his tenure, you've had Alonso, you've had Abelhoa, and now you've had Mourinho.
11:02Yeah, the key thing for Madrid always, you know, like Madrid, because of the size of the club, we're always going to be very critical of them. If they don't win, it's almost like a normality for us like if they don't win they do something bad and you know if they like it or they don't like it that is what the pressure that i think you know speaking to people that performed at their club know that pressure so for them not to get what they want is also because they're in that situation of okay you change change change and they have the ingredients one because you have one of the like the hardest players to play against when you're talking about their forwards you know the Mbappes and the Vinis one of the hardest you understand and even the Bellingham that comes in late situations, how he creates it.
11:45The hardest part for me to watch when I'm watching Madrid is that it takes so long for them to adjust, to come back to where they're supposed to be. And I think now Mourinho came in and they expected it to change straight away. But it's not going to happen really quickly because they see they're kind of hanging against a similar kind of problems. Because when you watch the game, you understand, one what I talk about no pressure two waiting for the counter-attack what they were waiting for how how to hurt them really and then the third part was energy levels the way Madrid played against them oh my god it was no problem for them and it should never have been like that because it should they should have brought something else and also what Madrid did that is what Simeone is because you know like playing against him you understand he was identical how his teams are he will make sure if you feel like you're gonna come to me and gonna play an easy game I will hurt you so bad and all the things I'm gonna try to hurt you with I'm gonna try to get in your head I'm gonna kick you and I'm gonna give you something that every time you get up you think it's okay did you see the first challenge that Bellingham had the guy clipped him on the back of his foot it wasn't like it was a hard challenge or painful one but it was straight away in the beginning of the game to set the tone like we're gonna irritate you guys we're gonna get in your head and we're going to win this game because of that, you will not be able to control yourself.
13:12That is where the battle was already won for them. Which is interesting, Alex, because the discussion that we had after their defeat against Anfield was they looked a bit soft against Liverpool. They looked a bit soft against Arsenal when they were eliminated from the Champions League. They kind of found their nastiness again yesterday, didn't they? Yeah, I think we've seen a few seasons from Atleti where they have been slow starters, where at the start of the season, you know, they bring in a few new players, a few players have moved on. It takes time for Simeone to make his mind up, I think, about the way he wants the team to play, his best 11, his best system.
13:45Is it three at the back? Is it four at the back? They've had additional problems this season up front where for a while they had no forwards because Jonathan David came in late, Julian wasn't available, Solos was injured. So it's taken a while and it has been a slow start to the season. I think we've seen throughout that time, I've seen kind of spells and moments and things that have made me think, okay there's something interesting here and maybe now it's it's coming together now they've got you know a fulcrum up front in in Jonathan David's Julian Alvarez is is coming back into the team um and a few they'll do signings like Kangin Lee looks good Alex Baena um looks like he's coming good this year after a tough year last season so yeah I think reasons to be optimistic for for Atleti they as I say we've seen a few times now over the years where they take a while to going have a really good run maybe kind of through October, November, December and then in the new year at some point they they drop off but I think there are there are quite a few encouraging signs especially those players I mentioned Kangin Lee yes he should have got a red card in the derby but he's been outstanding I think so far this season.
14:44Baena looks good, Marcus Llorente, Johnny Cardenoso did well in the derby midfield as well. The defense I think Romero does make a difference they've got this flexibility where they've got him and Hanko and Poo Bill who can play as a back three or in a back four. So I think it's encouraging. And yes, certainly the first half, neither team was great, I thought. But overall, Atleti for me were absolutely deserved winners. And yeah, as always, it's a massive game for them. It's the biggest game of the season for them and they won it. Yeah, and just going back to Real Madrid, is it just too naive to say that you can't have Vinny and Mbappe in the same team?
15:21Yeah, I think that is too naive to say. I think that a good coach could sort that out. I don't think Jose Mourinho is a good coach to sort that out. And you may say that Alonso wasn't right at Alba Loha. But I think that is possible. We've seen that in other teams as good players can function together. I mean, I think the moment when you have a look at this team, I mean, can you imagine what a great coach, a great leader can do with this team? I mean, Jose Mourinho must see himself as the luckiest manager alive to get a chance to coach Real Madrid again because it couldn't be based on the results and the development he had as a coach.
16:00Jose Mourinho has always gone through his life to knock upwards. So he was the translator, then assistant coach, and he went all that ladder upstairs. The problem is it's not so charming when you get to the top because there is no one to knock anymore. So you have to knock down. And that is not charming at all. And this thing that I don't think that this way of the philosophy of Real Madrid at the moment, and it's been now for some years, as the lad's been saying, I mean, being the most wealthy, maybe the most famous club in the world, having the blame game and being the victim, that's the worst, kind of me less charming than that.
16:41I can't believe that. And I think that the initial question, Dan, is that I don't think that helped them. I don't think that helped. Why don't we just organise a good team, put it together, great players, good relations between the players. They have the nastiness in there as well. They can use that. That's fine. But yeah, come on. That must be possible to make a good team out of that. And of course, what's not helping is that Barcelona are brilliant at the moment. I mean, there is no team in the world that are better to watch. They are thoroughly entertaining. Brighton, Brighton. Don't forget Brighton.
17:17Shut up with Brighton. Brighton. Bayern, Brighton, Barcelona. The three Bs. The three Bs. You take a look at what Barcelona have done this season. They have put on a show, no matter who they have faced, the latest victim, of course, Sevilla in that 3-1 victory. Eight wins out of eight. and it is Rafinha who is just grabbing all the headlines and rightly so. Mario, I wanted it as a defender. How do you come up against someone like that who pushes you for 90 minutes continuously? Okay, first of all, thank you because I love Rafinha. I think it's incredible. Especially why? Because when you come to a club and they try to get you out and you then single-handedly have to turn things around and you have to hold them to your self-belief.
18:09Because people talk all the time about like, football is easy, go talk to him. Self-belief, a club doesn't want to hold you. And then, oh my God, the way this kid is playing, you understand, technically gifted. But the way he scores his goals, the way he makes you feel as a defender, like you say, when you play against him, he's got the speed. Now, he's got the technique, like how he scored his goal, that chip. He's got the technique, he's got the speed, and he also got the skill. and then let's add the mindset of him the way he thinks you understand is not only as a leader because you know wearing the armband you also have to lead and has to believe in yourself but also like he plays like he always wants to win and he does not care who he's facing and I think that makes him exceptional for me asking how I would play against a player like that I'll make sure everything behind me I gotta make sure I cover it before he covers it because the guy has enough speed but his skills I'm telling you then, look, I will not go shopping because, you know, I will try to stay on my legs.
19:11Because if I go down too quick, you will make me look like a fool. So I will not give him that time. And even Shaka's face, if Shaka is my goalie, he might be screaming at me, stay on your feet, stay on your feet. So that's what I will do then. I will stay on my feet. Do you know what's really interesting about Rafinha? It's that we've got a grumpy load of people on this show. Not necessarily today, but in general. every time we mention Rafinha they have a similar reaction Jan to what Mario did he seems to be a footballer's footballer yeah and and not only a footballer's footballer for me it's like a fantasy kind of figure I mean I remember when I played it was like Jurassic Park 3 when I moved it was like it was shaking all over the place and and and and with Rafinha you don't you don't feel he's touching He's not touching the ground.
20:00He's like the first FIFA games. You remember when you played them and the players were not on the pitch. They were just sliding around the pitch. And that's what Rafinha's doing. I mean, he's quick. He's so elegant. And as Mario was saying, the technical finesse that he's got, I mean, I just love to watch it. Yeah, Alex, he's getting all his flowers and deservedly so at the moment. Yeah, and it's one of these great what-ifs. You know, what if Barca had got what they wanted and signs Julian this summer. He'd be playing up front. Rafinha wouldn't. And they must be thinking, well, thank goodness, because they didn't have to spend that money.
20:35They had a solution in-house. And right now, he looks the best player in the world. So, yeah, he's defying all expectations, including the clubs, including probably his own. And it's all because they couldn't get the target they really wanted. Percentage chance Barcelona win the league, Shank? We've upset Real Madrid fans enough already. Shall we go in 99? Let me add something about Rafinha here. I think one of the things that I think players gravitate towards him so much is you can make the argument that Rafinha was the best winger in world football last season. You quite easily can make that argument.
21:06And then Hansi Flick comes and says, all right, best winger in world football. I want you to play through the middle. And he just goes, all right, and then does this. I mean, that is to footballers who've played at the highest level and understand how difficult that can be to be that good in one position and then just shrug your shoulders and be that good in another. That kind of that I think all players all players respect and love to see. added to the fact that as well as Barcelona playing, everybody just seems to be smiling and having fun. And it's a joy to watch. It's a complete package in terms of a neutral watching Barcelona and in particular Rafinha play.
21:51It's testament, Jan. And you, of course, followed him throughout his career. And Jürgen Klinsen mentioned it last week to Hansi Flick's man management skills. I was just thinking of it. We're talking about Jose Mourinho and then you have Hansi Flick, a great, great leader. someone that we used to say someone you would die for he's a manager he's there for you you you just know that he got that authority without showing it you don't have to show it he's just there this is a guy that when he was out I remember I met him in in a in a gym in England I said what have you done I'm just visiting different clubs to learn different skills that I but I don't have that is that kind of guy.
22:30And I think it's great that human beings, I will go so far, human beings like Hansi Flick are successful. We need that in this world. Oh, nice touch, isn't it? Very good. We are the world. We are the world. You've got the mental picture of Jan in the gym. Treadmill on like a three or a four. He was here to learn things. Alex, thank you very much, mate. What's on for the international break? take it easy watching spain but not too busy dan not too busy oh what a life thank you very much much appreciated uh just a reminder a lot more to a reaction to what we've seen uh in spain over the last few days on our youtube channel and just a reminder when everyone is back and alex has had his rest uh we've got a great double header for you on october 10th the saturday barcelona Getafe followed by Real Madrid against Villarreal.
23:25And as I mentioned, YouTube, a place to go if you want to catch the highlights of those games plus more reaction from the Madrid derby. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. With Apple Card, you earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases like groceries, merch, or tickets to the game. Plus, it can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. No matter your team, no matter where you shop, Apple Card is here to help you tackle game day. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval, Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at AppleCard.com.
24:06This episode is brought to you by State Farm. No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field. That's why State Farm gets to know you so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget. Like a good neighbour, State Farm is there.
24:49the club as a whole for giving him this squad and expecting him to succeed with it. What do you think, Jan? Do you want me not to say anything about passion? I won't. I will start by saying that I think it's too easy to say this is Carrick's fault because, I mean, this record has been played so many times at Manchester United the last years. We've seen that they could have a good start and then they go into this kind of thing that you don't understand what they try to do. And I think that's the most worrying thing when you see Manchester United at the moment, because I'm not sure what do they try to do?
25:26I mean, OK, go down, die on that sword, with that sword, on that hill, whatever, what metaphor you want to use. But I don't see that with Manchester United. It's just because I think they want to win. I think they're desperate to win. I think they want to do well. They've got good players in there, better players than they're showing now in terms of results, at least. But when I see them against Fulham and when you see them in different games during the season, what do they try to do? What is the aim? What are they doing? Is that just don't to Carrick? Not. It's not. Because there were reasons when you saw that Carrick season, when he took them into Champions League, which was a great achievement from Carrick and Manchester United.
26:09So there were room to think that there should be a bit of optimism going into this season. But wow, first game of the season, Hull, we talked about that game before, and then Fulham now. I mean, that goal at the end there may be a bit kind of thing that you take the worst pressure off. But wow, it's just sad being Manchester United fan now. He's not wrong. No, he's not. And listen, I think Manchester United have a whole lot of problems. I'm with Jan, I'm not putting this solely at the feet of Carrick. I said last week, I think it was, that I think the ownership group kind of looked at how the team ended last season successfully under Michael Carrick and thought, well, we don't really have to do an awful lot here.
26:54For all the criticism that has been kind of thrown at this ownership group, you know if they could get away with not spending money, they won't. So they make some good additions and then Tielemans and the likes, but nothing that really says that they're going to be competing with the Arsenals and the Manchester City. And as a result, you have a team that's regressing because they have not retooled properly in the summer. And then you have players who finished the season so wonderfully well. Dalo, who hasn't started at all well. All of a sudden, Michael Carrick made Sesco look a good signing. We've not seen that at all to start this season.
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27:35You look around the rest of the park and it's just players who just have not been pulling up trees. And as a result, you just have this kind of lacklustre, flat Manchester United yet again when the end to last season just seemed to promise so much more. Could you say it's unlucky, Jan? Obviously that late equaliser for Everton, the goal that shouldn't have been in the Manchester derby. I mean, you can always be devil's advocate. I went to that game at Everton. Everton, remember, scored two marvellous goals. I mean, after Manchester United got down the 2-1 from Cesc, you felt that they could do it.
28:14And then suddenly, I'm not saying out of nothing, but a fantastic goal there. The game against Fulham yesterday was a funny game because it could be 3-3 to halftime. There were so many chances. I counted 10 big chances in that game. Then they got a funny own goal with Martinez and Lammans not looking so good either. And then they saved themselves. Oh, save? I mean, does Manchester United... Manchester United are now 10 points behind Manchester City. We played five games. There is an international break now. The standard of Manchester United is so far away from it. But I think the easiest thing you can do is to start having a go at carry.
28:59because we've seen this before. Do you think we were too obsessed that it is Manchester United? Because their team, you know, it is what it is. It's a mid-table side. But because of the badge they wear on their shirt, we think about the history, we think of the success of the past and our expectations are just too high from them because at the end of the day, they've been mediocre for a long time now. Yes, but sometimes experts go too far back. I don't think it's interesting now what Beckham, Neville, De Roi Keynes did over this world, because that is unbelievable many years ago. But we have to go back five, six, seven years, and you somehow see that they're doing the same mistakes all the time.
29:43That's the problem. I mean, starting with Ole, Ole had a good spell, got him into two good positions, losing that final. But then you saw at the end there was nothing more. Then Ten Hag, they gave him a contract after that final. Then somehow they found a way to get Amorimin. I mean, that was a bright idea from someone at Manchester United as well. Then you go steady Eddie, you go on carry. He knows the game. He's Manchester United through and through. There won't be any scandals around him, but it's still the same problem. So for me, that is something about the culture, that winning culture that used to be Manchester United, that we've seen, I just said, I shouldn't talk about the 90s, but that winning culture is gone and it's been gone for many many years should we expect that from manchester united of course we should because all manchester united fans around the world and there are a couple of them are doing the same but but see a teleman who comes in now i'm not singling him out because he's just in but but he came on with a good good record from aston villa and he's just like running around he's just running around being flat i mean there's nothing there there's no exploding.
30:52And if you saw that, I may say at the end here, that when you saw Brighton against Arsenal, if you see even Manchester City in a funny game against Sunderland, there is so much more power in there. There is so much more energy in there. There is so much more intensity in there. And you don't see that, unfortunately, by Manchester United right now. Can I just say as well, I don't think being harsh on Manchester United is anything but par for the course. Manchester United are still arguably the biggest club in English football in terms of commercial interests, let's put it that way. Liverpool went, what, 30 years without winning a title?
31:33Nobody kind of pulled the reins up with them because they'd been mediocre for a long time. Arsenal went, well, not 30, but wasn't far off. They were criticised for not kind of building on their heritage during that period. Manchester United, bigger than both of them at their peaks, are now going through their lean spell. They're just getting the same treatment that every big club who goes through this extended lean period gets. And I don't feel it's unfair or unwarranted. I think it's just par for the course. Jan mentioned it, wasn't it? That silly game for Manchester City against the Sunderland.
32:13City getting the win 5-3 in total. You take a look at their results so far. this season. They remain the only perfect side then in the Premier League. Defensively, they were fine, actually, until the clash on Sunday and then it all went a bit wrong. Here's Enzo Maresca.
32:33No, to be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3. But again, I expect a very difficult game. I knew how good they are. Off the ball, very aggressive. On the ball, they have different weapons, set pieces, Bromby, so I know that was a difficult game, but again, happy because we found a way to win the game. The good thing also is that these seven official games that we played, they have been all different. We experienced different things. The last one with 10 players, today was a complicated one. The bottom of one, we were losing 1-0, so also a chance to learn from the game. Learn, don't concede, goals yeah yeah well it's I mean yes you said that they start the defense so good but I was there at the Coventry game remember that game Donnarumma saving them they had some good chances Coventry but I mean it's a great habit to have to win football games I mean that is a great great habit and when you have those kind of players but you somehow feel it's a risky game as well because there were some key moments yesterday.
33:44Remember 4-3, Diaz made a meal out of it and he somehow managed to save his own goal on the line. And then, of course, Erling at the end will do it for them. But I think that the main thing for Manchester City now, and I would say also for Arsenal, when you come into the start of the season with so many players just coming from the World Cup, they haven't had a pre-season. if I talk about Erling he has been more or less playing through the whole thing he says himself this the start of the season is a pre-season but not bad getting so many goals in the pre-season and we had our national coach over there had a meeting with Mareschka and of course our man wanted to say to him can you please save him not that I have to save him now when we're playing the national game so he's back in Norway now they have four international games back in the old days we know that there will be a back injury of some players now pulling out, not playing in the Nationally.
34:43But so far, so good for Manchester City. And I think that the main thing for Manchester City now, Noam Areska has kind of landed. You remember Bournemouth, he was 1-0 down. The season could be different. Then we will always say, yeah, he has the inequality to succeed Pep. But no, he's landed. Seven out of seven, not bad. I don't think many would have predicted that after what happened in the Community Shield, Jack. No. We were all sat here, lambasting City, Arsenal were just head and shoulders above. But as Jan said, the way in which the start of the season has played out, it's now Enzo's team.
35:18It is Enzo's team. And now, I think interestingly with this result and scoring five goals into this extended international break. Now, it's a break for all intents and purposes. But as a player, you can now sit back, look on that last performance, look at where you are on the table. and take stock of the start of the season and feel good about it or bad about it, depending on who we're talking about. But from a City perspective, given that community shield performance and result, to see what they've been able to put together, this truly is an incredible response. And I thought Sunland provided a test that they didn't expect coming.
35:54I said they didn't expect Sunland to play the open game that they did. I dropped Robbie from my fantasy team check. Well, that's why you're bottom of the fantasy table, Dan. But that's another conversation altogether. A fascinating one. Yeah, I'm sure it is. But Sunderland provide this test that all of a sudden City maybe get caught out by, but are able to match. If we talk about Barcelona earlier, if Barcelona win a game 5-3, we don't have an issue with that because we know who Barcelona are. I think we've kind of figured that City defensively have not been the strongest for the last couple of seasons, but they have such a fearsome attack, and you show it in evidence again, that they can make up for it when they aren't as good at the back.
36:40And they have this balance now about them. When they keep clean sheets, they only need a goal or two. When they let in three, they go and score five up the other end. I'll repeat exactly what Jan said. Winning is a hell of a habit to have. And they are the only team that have won all of their opening matches with Arsenal losing their first game of the season. The defending champions beaten comprehensively by Brighton on Saturday. 3-0 it was. Arteta's side had no response to a brilliant Brighton team who moved up to third in the table. Right, Jan, was this a blip for Arsenal? How do we read this?
37:17I was shocked because I was shocked and I had to go through the start of the season of the old top five leagues. I think this was the biggest shock result ever. There was nothing, I would say, there was nothing in the performance of Arsenal. Yes, I know that they needed to save a penalty up in Sunderland and they turned it around as well. There was nothing showing in the beginning of this season that they should go under as they did at Brighton. And that is no disrespect to Brighton because Brighton has been so good this season. And they were good in the midweek when they got a 2-0 down and they managed to win at Old Trafford.
37:53But I think that the performance of Brighton was second to none. But I have never seen, I don't think, in two seasons that Athens show go under. I don't think this was going to be a trend at all because they've got a fantastic squad and they've got a great culture at the club. But that single game, I can't find any other words than shocking because Brighton won deservedly that game with great recruitment, a 19-year-old Greece that looked like$1 billion. And it was just a fun, fun game to watch. Why was there no response, do you think, Jan? For Arsenal. I think that sometimes those kind of things happen.
38:37And I know that's the worst explanation ever. But it's like this in football. There are suddenly games that they occur. The good thing for Arsenal, they don't occur very often. And I was wondering, and you know Arteta, You know how intense he is. He has gone to pep school. He knows his thing. I thought that there would be a response after halftime, but there weren't. There was nothing coming. Raya didn't look like Raya again. I won't say there were two goals with two mistakes, but I've seen him save them. The defense looked out of touch. I mean, the only thing they were doing was diving on a high class of level.
39:16Martin Erdegaard, the midfield, weren't even there. The attackers weren't there. Declan Rice at the end should have been sent off. If it was any other player that nobody knew about the player, another big profile would have been sent off straight away. So there was a lot of things for Arsenal that was not very Arsenal-ish. Too many passengers on the day. And it happens, to Jan's point. You can have good players and all of a sudden everybody has a bad day at the same time and that's what you get when you come up against, take nothing away from Brighton. Brighton themselves are a darn good team and if you have that many passengers this is how you end up.
39:56Now of the five substitutions you've got Timber as a right back but you look at the other four Solis who was a match in that community shield game that we were discussing earlier. Odegaard who's been Arsenal's best player so far this season Bakayo Saka who a lot is asked of if Arsenal are to be successful this season and Bruny Guimaraes completes that front four. Now, whenever Newcastle have been poor, Bruny Guimaraes has been the emotional spark. Now you have an Arsenal team who are poor and Guimaraes is one of the players who gets hold of. Because there's just not that response. And maybe it's too early for him in an Arsenal shade, whatever excuse you want to offer.
40:42I just say that to make the point that players who you've been able to rely on, You've built your season on this far, just did not show up. And it was just too many all on the same day up against too good a team in Brighton. And you get embarrassed. Extra time. We'll be discussing more of what happened in the Premier League. You can check out the boys answering your questions. That is available every day, of course, over on our YouTube channel. Stevie. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. With AppleCard, you earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases, like groceries, merch, or tickets to the game.
41:22Plus, it can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. No matter your team, no matter where you shop, AppleCard is here to help you tackle game day. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval, AppleCard is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at AppleCard.com. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field. That's why State Farm gets to know you, so they can help personalise coverage for your life and budget. Like a good neighbour, State Farm is there.
42:04Football Americas will be available tonight without Shackler. No, I'm not there tonight, no. It was impossible to ever stop fighting. What a save by Casey Keller. But you can get beat down enough where you finally quit. Keller became one of the most dominant keepers in the game. This isn't just your career ending. This is potentially your life ending.
42:42This message is brought to you by AppleCard. With AppleCard, you earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases, like groceries, merch, or tickets to the game. Plus, it can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. No matter your team, no matter where you shop, AppleCard is here to help you tackle game day. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval, AppleCard is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch. terms and more at applecard.com. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field.
43:22That's why State Farm gets to know you, so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
43:33A lot for Jan. And what's going to happen with the German team under Klopp? Be sure to stay tuned for that. None for Shaka. Yeah, I'll go home then. Mario has. That's it. Be sure to stay tuned. Extra time is next.
43:53Jan Agafjortov. Jan, I tell you what, I haven't realised how much you dislike Jose Mourinho. I love Jose Mourinho. I love to work with him. Dan, you know, you probably interviewed him. I love him because he gives you back and he gives you always that bus of waiting for him to get in interviews. But we have to say that Jose Mourinho has the best part of his behind himself. It's like, I've used that metaphor before. I mean, it's the same with Ballon d 'Orno. We all know that they will find a way to give it to Messi. And it's the same with Jack Nicklaus getting an Oscar every year just because he's alive.
44:35I have no idea where we went there. Oh, yeah, quite easy to say.
44:44Jan, with Harry Kane likely to win the Ballon d 'Or this year, who wins it first between Mbappe and Haaland? Since there are no international competitions next summer, is this year Haaland's best chance? Before you answer that, if you don't mind, Jan. Yes. How obsessed are Norway with the Ballon d 'Or? Is it a thing that there is, for example, in other parts of the world? Not really. Not really. We are kind of quoting everybody else, talking about Ballon d 'Or. We're seeing that Jamal and Mbappé are doing a campaign. Harry Kane, Haaland is not doing any campaign. Having said that, Bayern Munich, the management, is doing a campaign for Harry Kane.
45:26I think they should give it to Erling Haaland. He scored over 50 goals, two trophies, and took Norway to the quarter-final of the World Cup, which is sensational. But I will hope that it will go to either Harry Kane or Erling Haaland. To the question then, is next year the best chance for him to win it because there's no international tournament? I don't think that it depends on that. We've seen so many different voting kind of thing and people tend to vote on the same players all the time, it seems. And when you see after the Ballon d 'Or is finished, there are some voting guys that you... It's not predictable.
46:01It's showbiz and we like that, but in Norway, it's not that big, no. Mario joins us back after some technical issues. Oh, you get to join in the Ballon d 'Or discussion. How lucky for you. Oh, my God. Did you, your teammates, care about him, Mario, back in the day? Yes, of course. I mean, look, we can say as players that we don't care about him, but if someone wins it that you know, you look at that person differently because you think like you want something look there are moments when you are less in awe by it because then when you don't agree with certain moments but there are moments where you do agree you go like wow so anybody that won it i say well done because if i had that opportunity none of them are on the panel i'll do that there was no none of us would have won it we would be standing they're like, oh my God.
46:56Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Can I, to the question, I think this summer's tournament has been great for Erling Haaland in terms of being amongst the ballon d 'or. Yeah, yeah, exactly. So, to the question about next season not having an international tournament, I disagree. I thought his performance in this summer was... So you'd give it to Haaland? I think he's definitely in with the show. So you'd give it to Haaland? I haven't given it much thought. But I'm just saying. So let's say, campaigning aside, right? Because clearly people are campaigning. So you've got Laminya Mal. Okay, Spain won it, but Rodri was the player.
47:45He tore him on there. Kylian Mbappe, France kind of came flat. Harry Kane, England. Erling Haaland was as big, if not a bigger story, in terms of... I'm referencing the question here. Erling Haaland was as big a story, if not bigger, than those four who are politicking for it. That's a word. So you're saying Haaland is your vote? Yeah, I'm giving it to Haaland. Right, we got there in the end. Could Brighton realistically finish in the top four this season, Jan? Yes, they could. They could. I don't think that they have a big enough squad doing that. But if you see the stats in the Premier League at the moment, they're nearly top on every kind of stats.
48:36And if you saw last season, there was a place available for a team coming in with Manchester United and getting better and better. And they got in there. Maybe there could be five teams in the Champions League. So make yourself ready for Xhaka's ranking. I'm so looking forward to that, though. Because Brighton is going to be top three at least. Yeah, Xhaka's power rankings. And I also see that blue kit was fire. Yeah, it was awesome. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That red shoe category. Oh, my. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was fire. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yes. He's right. He's right, Dan. He's right about that. And they want the approval.
49:12It looks amazing. no but it looked cool I have to give them the credit too Mario when you're coming on as a substitute how much warm up do you actually need to get ready and how much of it is just going through the motions for the coaches
49:31the first advice I would give anybody take it easy when you warm up you know why because my first debut at Ajax I ran so much then when I had the time to come out I was tired. So, don't ever do that. I'm telling you right now. I was a 19-year-old kid. There was the opening of the stadium at the arena. You know, they call it Johan Cruyff now. I come on, Dan. I tell you, my heart is beating. It's beating like crazy. Oh, my God. And my mom said, when you get on, just remember when you're nervous, you just say to yourself, this is what you always wanted. So, I come on the field and say, this is what you always wanted.
50:08I come on. And I'm blowing like crazy. I'm like, oh, my God. I'm so tired. I'm like, what happened? The next game comes after. I have to do a warm-up, eh? If you saw my warm-up the second game then, oh, my God. I was so chill. I was doing a little... I was stretching. I was taking my time. I come on. I felt like, how come I run more now than I was running on my debut? I said, ah! This should never happen again. So now, any advice? Take it easy when you do your warm-up. We've all pre-gamed too much to it. Don't over-exaggerate. Jan, warm it up, warm it up. Now, what you do try to do is to, of course, warm up as much that you won't be criticized next day for the manager.
50:55When he looks over, you do some of those stretches and you do one of those old, you know. So just to show the coach you're ready. But the funny thing now Mario and Xhaka There's so many of the staff They wore That would kill me That would kill me Xheshly was funny When he had to come on He was like
51:29This is very Xhaka-esque Why is that? I can imagine Xhaka I was like a young Mario. A young Mario. Running up a no-no-no-no-no, Dan. Just bouncing away. That's how it's the hospital doing. The boys were moaning in the past, about the warm-downs you have to do after the game if you haven't played for being so sad. He's throwing his mic on. His mic's gone. That must have been torture. That was an annoying allegation. Yeah. Yeah, because after the game, Dan, listen, when you start, you think it's okay because then you're not part of that group. But when you come on and you didn't play long and hard enough, they make you run after that.
52:10When everybody's out of the stadium, you start training. I'm like, what is this? Dan, let me tell you something. When I was 19, do you think I'm going to complain about running? Oh, no. My brother, I'm telling you that. Honestly, if you tell me I have to run, I will run. If you tell me I got to run to all around Holland, I will run around Holland because I'm caring about, am I going to be part of this team, yes or no? I didn't care how long I had to run. I imagine you weren't running around Wigan. There's also one thing. Yeah, I was running around Wigan. But one thing I'll tell you then. When you warm up, make sure you keep an eye on your coach.
52:47Because you've got to make him know, like you guys talked about, you've got to look at him and you've got to make sure you check. Coach, are you looking at me? Because I can see you. Because you have to stay in his head. Then he says, okay, go on. To be fair, Mario, or it doesn't take long to run around Holland. I've won to beat. You've got to try, my friend. You've got to try. I want to beat that after getting warm up. Come to the MLS 2006. Dallas gets knocked out in first round of the playoffs or whatever it is. You have to keep training till the MLS Cup final. So regardless of where you finish or where you get knocked out, you have to keep training till the MLS Cup final and the season goes on break from December to February that was the stupidest thing but Chaka I seem to remember you telling me a story about what you did during that time yeah but that was off air I told you that was going I told you that was off air let's keep it off air Dan what are some beverages involved let's just keep it off air Dan right that's just oh my god I'm making the point Oh, boo-hoo, I had to train.
54:04But for nothing. And then you're going on a three-month break. That was Jussie. Yeah. But I will, because it reminded me of what Mario was saying, you have to be in the head of the coach, in the brain of the coach all the time, and you wanted to show him. But I think the worst thing I knew was running, warming up running before you were running. I mean, what was that all about? So you were supposed to do that. So in Germany, I had Felix Magath, who was the toughest guy. So you're warming up 20 minutes before a 40-minute run. I mean, that was terrible. Jan, what change from Nagelsmann's Germany team do we expect from Klopp?
54:51Well, first of all, the environment. because Jürgen Klopp is coming in and he's a mixture of Martin Luther King, Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela. He is like the messiah is back. He nominates 44 players, two different squads. Every German footballer with a German passport was nominated except Leroy Sané. And he's putting it up. Can you imagine if Nagelsmann did that? Everybody would say, Oh, that's the most stupid thing I've ever seen. I know. What a great idea from Jürgen Klopp. This is unbelievable. Oh, yeah. He wants to have a look at some players that we've never heard of before. Oh, what a great idea.
55:37But, of course, Nagelsmann didn't have this ability that Klopp is having. Klopp, in Germany, is a Menschenfänger. He's the one who wins souls for himself. and for Germany, and for the national team. And I must say, if you haven't seen that press conference of Klopp, I think that is fantastic, the way he sorted that out. And the only problem for Germany is now, for Jurgen Klopp, is that he has to play with German players. Yes, yeah. Florian Wurtz. How is it... How is it that Carrick's job is under more scrutiny than De Zerbi at this point? Mario, you went on during our Manchester United discussion.
56:21You pulled the plug at that stage. Just give us your insight into what's going on at United.
56:30What is going on at United? You know what the thing is? There are coaches that when they do well, it seems like when they sign the deal, it all goes the opposite way. Because it seems like under pressure, you understand, when they got to go after the deal, they perform better and care of the same. And I am all of it. So I'm not gonna be the guy now is gonna, you know, knock him down because when he was performing I was like, oh, this guy, yes, he's the guy that's gonna fix it And now I'm watching and I'm saying like what's happening there? What what I feel like you understand some of the guys when I see when they come in at the job And I'm not only talking about the menu job.
57:07I'm talking about the menu job. I'm talking about the Spurs job I'm talking some of the teams for me. They don't look fit And when I'm talking about fit, you understand? I'm not talking about Fernandes because this guy doesn't stop running. But I'm talking about some of the guys, it looks like they're not performing and they're not up to the level that they're supposed to be at. And I think that difference of level is too big for them to succeed in the sense of winning games. And that is what surprises me. Because I'm like, wow, what's happening in that team? And it's so sad. Final question. if the four of you were in a 4x100 relay race what would the running order be who is dropping the baton and how far behind is Jan finishing
57:57I mean I mean we will we always have the fish to take care of but yes I think that we will put me as the first one. Right. Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
58:11Hey, Jan, take it easy, my friend. Okay, look at this. Yes, that is someone dressed up as a fish. In case you haven't seen this. Jan. He's running down, Jan. Go, Jan. The fish is gone. Listen to Mario.
58:37Oh boy! First of all, I got two things. What is this? Mario, Mario, Mario, this is an international race. High level. I was racing a fish.
58:54But the thing is, the thing is in two weeks time, I'm going to be in a legacy game at Middlesbrough. Wow. And I have been I haven't been eating for six weeks now. I swear, I haven't. So I will be so fit now. I will be so fit. What's the mascot in Middlesbrough? Do they have one? A frog. That's Neil. So to the question, it's the anchor. The anchor is the last one, is it? So we want Mario. Mario's the anchor. I've seen Mario's Instagram. The problem is, the race might be over by the time he gets the baton. Jan is going to run his second leg. On the street. You want Jan on the street. Okay, why? Because the street is easier to run.
59:35Okay. You're going to run the first leg, Dan. Yeah. B of the bank. Don't give me a turn. Don't give me a turn. Hand over to Jan. Yes. I'll run the third leg. Yeah. Hand over to Mario. And then Mario's got a lot of work to do. Yeah. We come last. Mario. I will not disappoint you guys. I know you won't, Mario. We will disappoint you. You're not the problem. Yeah.
1:00:00Listen, listen, listen, look, look. What's in your mind? Hey, hey, he's not doing bad to me, so don't worry about it. I've been doing some of these stretches like... Yeah, yeah, what Jan said. What the hell is that? I've been doing some of these. I've been doing some of these. You're not cruel. You guys are crazy, man. Oh, my God. Look at me, coach, I'm ready. Yeah, I'm ready, coach. I'm ready to score goals. Oh, God. Mario is running around Holland. On this one. Bernard Tanya-Yangos. I'm running for his second third and fourth leg. I'm running around Holland. There you go. Oh, boy. Thank you so much, guys.
1:00:41You're swimming around. You're swimming around. We will be back tomorrow. Shaka, you're here tomorrow. Yeah, I'm here tomorrow. We'll do Shaka's Ballon d 'Or power ranking. Oh, really? Oh, God.
1:01:06This episode is brought to you by State Farm. No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field. That's why State Farm gets to know you so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
From the publisher
The FC crew continue to react to Real Madrid's loss to Atletico Madrid and question why Jose Mourinho's side were so flat in the game. Plus, the guys praise Raphinha's start to the season for Barcelona. Jan Aage Fjortoft also explains why he thinks Michael Carrick's job is in jeopardy at Manchester United.
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