Mourinho Reunion at Madrid?

1 May 2026 · 1 h 4 min · 24 chapters

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In short

ESPN FC debate on Real Madrid’s next manager (Mourinho vs Klopp and others), Barcelona’s potential 2026 striker targets, plus Premier League VAR/referee controversies and match previews; later, a Liverpool player interview and extra-time discussion.

Guests (and backgrounds)

Alex Kirkland (ESPN journalist covering Real Madrid coaching talk). Jan Aage Fjørtoft (former player/analyst, discusses Klopp, Germany, and coaching fit). Craig Burley (former player/analyst; quoted about Real Madrid “player power” making coaching difficult). Frank Leboeuf (former France defender/analyst; argues VAR decisions). Stevie Nichol (former defender/analyst; joins debates). Also included: Beth Lindov (interviewer) and a Liverpool player, Mikhail Kerkers (Kerkers interview).

Key claims

Real Madrid need a coach immediately after the season, but top candidates may be unavailable due to the World Cup. Player power at Madrid (Vinícius, Mbappé) limits what any coach can demand. Klopp is discussed as possible but uncertain. Barcelona’s finances may improve if Lewandowski and other earners leave; targets debated include João Pedro, Julián Álvarez, and Alexander Sørloth.

Notable examples

Mourinho “informal contact” with Madrid is suggested; Klopp’s Germany/Liverpool/Real Madrid pull is emphasized. VAR/KMI panel contradictions are criticized in Havertz–Kuşanov (no red) and Gabriel–Haaland (red not meeting VAR threshold). Arsenal vs Fulham preview: panel split (draw vs Arsenal win). Kerkers credits Salah and Robertson for guidance.

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

Real Madrid's Managerial Situation

1:02 to 1:53

Discussion on the potential managerial changes at Real Madrid this summer.

“Because he didn't like being called Lil Stevie the other day.”

Evaluating Managerial Candidates

1:53 to 3:10

Analysis of potential candidates for Real Madrid, including pros and cons.

“that he's Florentino Perez's first choice, preferred choice to be the next coach, but that is not our understanding at ESPN.”

Coaching Challenges at Real Madrid

3:10 to 4:27

Exploring the pressures and challenges of coaching Real Madrid given recent performances.

“given that it's going to be a trophy-less season once again to get that appointment made.”

Jurgen Klopp's Potential Move

4:27 to 6:19

Discussion about Jurgen Klopp's managerial prospects with Real Madrid.

“Just taking a look at that list, the second name on it is Jurgen Klopp.”

Craig Burley's Insight

6:19 to 6:34

Craig Burley's thoughts on the difficulties of coaching at Real Madrid.

“Here's what he had to say earlier in the week.”

The Challenge of Player Power

6:34 to 8:56

Analyzing the impact of player dynamics on coaching decisions at Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid players refuse to be coached.”

Barcelona's Transfer Strategy

8:56 to 14:01

Discussion about Barcelona's plans in the upcoming transfer window.

“Jose Mourinho has the CV, but I don't think he has the recent record.”

Chelsea's Transfer Speculations

14:01 to 15:30

Discussion on Chelsea's potential transfer moves and player fitness.

“what they'd like to do, what they say they'd like to do, and what they can, in fact, actually achieve, like I say, given the restrictions.”

Evaluating Player Fit in La Liga

15:31 to 17:08

Analyzing the fit of various players potentially moving to La Liga.

“No offence, Jan, but Solov for me doesn't make any sense whatsoever at Barcelona.”

Premier League Key Match Incidents Discussion

18:50 to 21:48

Debating a controversial referee decision regarding a potential red card.

“Against Manchester City, when Kai Havertz goes through and Kushanov's fouling, 1-1.”
Show all 24 chapters

VAR and Referee Decision-Making

21:49 to 27:20

Exploring the complexities of VAR decisions and referee panel processes.

“The only thing I was thinking of, that Erling Haaland made Gabriel and Arsenal a favour by not going down.”

Arsenal vs Fulham Preview

27:21 to 28:00

Previewing the upcoming match between Arsenal and Fulham, discussing predictions.

“Arsenal do actually play host to 10th place Fulham.”

Arsenal's League Performance and Predictions

28:00 to 30:22

Discussion on Arsenal's struggles and predictions for their upcoming game.

“And now it's about the selection and performance pitch.”

Milos Kerkes on His Liverpool Experience

31:40 to 37:56

Milos Kerkes discusses his adaptation, friendships, and learning experiences at Liverpool.

“You're coming to the end now of your first season at Liverpool, maybe more tough than you expected when you moved here last summer.”

Analysis of Kerkes' Potential and Pressures

37:56 to 41:44

Discussion on Kerkes' performance, potential, and the pressures young players face.

“I think he said the right things about Salah and Robertson.”

Scotland Fans' Creative Travel

43:11 to 45:02

Discussing Scotland fans hiring a school bus for games.

“If I was standing, I wouldn't be as high.”

VAR Controversy: Arsenal Penalty

45:02 to 48:23

Debating the VAR decision on Arsenal's overturned penalty.

“Did you just see you've not seen any buses around?”

Luis Enrique's Bold Claims

48:23 to 52:08

Analyzing Luis Enrique's comments on PSG's gameplay.

“We have seen now that the spin doctors and the politics statements comes into football because what I say here is nothing.”

Pep Guardiola's Future

52:08 to 56:00

Speculating on Pep Guardiola's potential next steps.

“I agree with you in everything you said there, but don't turn around and say you defended well.”

Speculating Pep Guardiola's Future

56:00 to 56:40

The hosts discuss potential future challenges for Pep Guardiola.

“It's very very hard I think the only one who knows that is Pep Guardiola and I also think you know where should he go?”

Players with Ronaldo's Work Ethic

56:40 to 58:50

A debate on which players would have been the best if they had Ronaldo's dedication.

“Yeah, I mean, they're going to be challenging, let's put it that way.”

Comparing Legendary Players

58:50 to 1:01:00

The conversation shifts to comparing the dedication and talent of various football legends.

“But if Brazilian Ronaldo had stayed fit, I don't think anybody would have come close to him.”

Childhood Football Heroes

1:01:00 to 1:02:50

Hosts share their childhood football heroes and their influences on their careers.

“You've got to read his book, though, as well, and then you see it's a lot more deep-rooted, and it goes right back to his childhood, too.”

Miserable Travel Companions

1:02:50 to 1:04:20

A humorous discussion on the worst travel companions related to football losses.

“I mean that was an artist, what a player.”
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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.

0:58Hello and welcome to the latest edition of ESPN FC. Kay Moriček is loving Stevie Nichol who's raised his seat a little today. Because he didn't like being called Lil Stevie the other day. Alright, let's kick things off then by talking about Real Madrid's managerial role which we expect to be available this summer with Alvaro Ablo expected to be replaced. These are some of the names in the mix. Jose Mourinho at the top of that list, followed by Jurgen Kopp. Our below is still there. Jose Mourinho. Didier Deschamps, Lionel Scaloni, Max Allegri and Unai Emery. Yes, Jose Mourinho. Some reports say that he is top choice.

1:39So let's bring in Alex Kirkland, Yanagafyarzov. This came up on the show the other day, Alex, but we do want to get a journalist's opinion on this Mourinho talk and whether he could be coming back to Real Madrid. Yeah, of course there was this report this week, Kay, that he's Florentino Perez's first choice, preferred choice to be the next coach, but that is not our understanding at ESPN. Our understanding is there's kind of a list of possible names. You've just mentioned a lot of them that are being discussed behind the scenes at Real Madrid, sort of weighing up the pros and the cons, a lot of factors to consider.

2:12Availability, for example, because some of the names that you mentioned on that list would be available, you know, pretty much straight away or as soon as the season ends. other names wouldn't be because they're involved in the World Cup, for example, could wait for a coach to take over after the World Cup. So that's our understanding of where the situation is, that these potential candidates are being discussed and assessed. It's quite a wide-ranging list. It's fair to say, you get the impression, like a really clear profile of what kind of coach they want that isn't the place that Magid are at because they're really different coaches here in terms of their style and their experience and all that kind of thing.

2:47But we're not at a point yet where they're saying, this is the guy. Has there been some kind of informal contact with Mourinho? Well, our understanding is yes. And even in terms of Mourinho getting in touch with one or two people behind the scenes at Madrid to sort of try and assess what the situation is like actually at the club. We think that's happened as well. But we're not at a point where it's Mourinho, he's the guy. There's quite a long way to go on this yet, I think. So the club are not under too much pressure right now, Alex, given that it's going to be a trophy-less season once again to get that appointment made.

3:18well there's huge pressure of course there is you know that there's always pressure around you're right it's it doesn't happen at Madrid where you go two years in a row without a major trophy this is the first time in in 20 years that that has happened so of course there is pressure I think the pressure really comes though from what I was saying just now in that as soon as this season is over like you say it's going to end trophy list then really the work needs to start right then what you can't have a situation I think is where you get to the season end of the season we don't know who the next coach is going to be time drags on we go to the world cup we get back from the world cup that that is an unsustainable situation i think that majid need to give the impression and will give the impression that the moment this unsuccessful campaign ends we're right at it you know new projects new coach players leaving players coming in and the work starts right now so that's why i say that availability could be a key factor in terms of determining who the candidate is because could you wait for a pochettino for example to finish with the US at the World Cup.

4:17Could you wait for Didier Deschamps, who will be hoping to take France, you know, all the way to the final potentially of the World Cup? It seems unlikely, given the scale of the work that has to take place in... Just taking a look at that list... A brand new project from the ground up. Sorry, Alex. Just taking a look at that list, the second name on it is Jurgen Klopp. And I wanted to get your perspective on that, Jan. Jurgen Klopp as a Real Madrid manager. Well, I guess I will answer that, but I should get it into context that they need someone to clean up in the dressing room and cleaning up in the dressing room you need a mandate from the big boss Perez they took Alonso on Alonso tried to do that and he was gone straight away in terms of Jurgen Klopp I mean I've said this before I'll say it again I've probably said it many times before the World Cup I think that the big disappointment of this World Cup will be Germany because I don't Julien Nagelsmann won't take them to create results meaning that Germany would love to have Jurgen Klopp back.

5:14The whole country will be behind him, come back as a messiah, the saviour of German football and come back there. So the first alternative for him will, or one alternative will be for him, of course Germany, the national team. Having said that, in Germany they love Real Madrid. I mean, all their great players were they with the Brightoners or Toni Kroos or Jupp Heinkes was there just to name a few that made that travel to to Madrid de Santiago Bernabeu. So Klopp will be there. What is Klopp doing now? He's travelling around in the world, being the best football ambassador in the world for Red Bull, in a private jet, no responsibility.

5:53It seems like a great, great life. But I do think that Jürgen Klopp misses himself. I think that he misses the dressing room. He misses the limelight. He misses to be with football players because that's what he's done all his life and that's what he's world-class at. So I think that the two things that could, or maybe three things that can take him back is to be saviour for Germany, saviour for Liverpool or go to Real Madrid. All right. Before we do bring it back into the studio and the opinions here, we want to just revisit what Craig Burley said about the whole situation and why it's going to be difficult to bring in a manager at Real Madrid right now.

6:29Here's what he had to say earlier in the week. Real Madrid players refuse to be coached. picking the next head coach manager at Real Madrid is super difficult because you walk into that dressing room and day one in such a weak position and that's a very bad position to be for a manager.

6:53Do you think it is impossible, Stevie, when there's player power like this for a coach to come in and take charge of a team like this? I would have to say right now, yes. I don't see how Vinny and Mbappe will change the way that they go about what they do on the field with Real Madrid they want to do what they want to do and it seems like nothing can change that regardless of who the manager is and I think for that reason why would Jurgen Klopp take it? Straight away the first thing you've got to do when you walk through that door at Real Madrid is try and get Vinny and Mbappe to defend That's the first thing you've got to do.

7:37You've got to get those two guys on your side. And you can't get them on your side unless you cow down to them. Because they're clearly not going to do what you tell them to do in terms of when you don't have the ball. So I don't see how Jurgen Klopp goes anywhere near this. And every one of those names on there pretty much is coaching at the World Cup. So Alex is right. You should get somebody in right at the end of the season. But that's an ideal world. We don't live in an ideal world. and Real Madrid have put themselves in a position where they're going to have, if they want somebody at the end of the season, they're going to have to take somebody that really and truly they probably don't want because the guys they do want are unavailable.

8:19I don't see the workup as being an issue or it shouldn't be an issue. Now, I understand in an ideal world, to Stevie's phrasing, you get somebody in as soon as the season's over and start planning for next season. But given the club, give him the dressing room. You need a manager who has a CV that will command the respect of every single one of those personalities, the Kylian Mbappes, the Vinicius Juniors. And right now, those managers that command that respect, in my opinion, are going to the World Cup. My eye is immediately drawn to Deschamps and Pochettino. Jose Mourinho has the CV, but I don't think he has the recent record.

9:01Maybe that suggests that Fionnino Perez, and to Alex's point, maybe he is Fionnino Perez's preferred choice, but in terms of that galactical manager. Now, let's say France goes very deep in the World Cup. I think they win it right now, as you said. Deschamps takes every single box in terms of personality, how he's won, getting the best out of Kylian Mbappe, certainly in the international arena. So that, for me, makes an awful lot of sense. And if you are talking about building Real Madrid for the next four to five years, waiting four or five months, I don't see as being that much of an issue. It will be a whole lot less than four or five months.

9:43The Jose Mourinho thing for me doesn't make sense on a couple of levels. One, as I just mentioned, he hasn't done an awful lot recently to suggest that he's the man. But also, just roll the clock back a couple of months. and Real Madrid against Benfica, and you have Prestiani making those comments and Jose Mourinho's comments to Vinicius Jr. Again, kind of given the role that we've all kind of put on Vinicius Jr. and his role in Xavi Alonso's exit, I'm not sure how that works either. So therefore, again, my eye is drawn to just two names on that list. If it means waiting a month or two, so be it.

10:24Yeah, when we were just listening to Craig talking there, Alex, is there a feeling like that in Spain that it's really seen as an impossible job right now and that this player power is there at Real Madrid? Yeah, I think everyone agrees and we've seen it. We've seen the evidence over the last year. This is a very, very difficult dressing room to manage. Is it impossible? No, of course not. But extremely difficult to manage given the characters involved, the egos. there are lots of stories about things that have gone on behind the scenes in the dressing room between the players not just with Xabi Alonso in the first half of the season because part of his departure of course was as we reported this issue some of the big players like Vinicius like Bellingham like Feliv Alverde but his successor Alvaro Arbeloa as well there's been big big problems I think behind the scenes in recent weeks with key players so it's extremely difficult now I mean Klopp is the one I think that if you can if you can get Klopp I think you get Klopp it depends if he if he wants it partly because of what stage he's at in his career but also I think because of the kind of environment that a coach has to operate under Real Madrid would Klopp go into a situation put himself in a situation where for example like I say Xabi Alonso made some big decisions with Vinicius Junior say in the first half of the season and he wasn't backed by the club.

11:37Alba Loha's made some big decisions in the second half of the season and he subsequently basically had to I think do go back on some of them because he hasn't had the support from the club at senior level so is that the kind of situation that Klopp is going to be willing to operate in I would say probably not all right let's move on to talk about oh go on then Jan no I'm just saying that if Jürgen Klopp get an offer from Real Madrid and I don't tend to know him more than I've known him for 15 years as a journalist and interviewing many many times Jürgen Klopp will never say no to Real Madrid and probably people will say you don't have no clue what you're talking about but Jürgen Klopp will not say no to Real Madrid OK.

12:15Jürgen Klopp will not say no to Real Madrid. You heard it here. Let's move on to talk about Barcelona because with the 2026 transfer window, not too far away, there's been a lot of talk about the shortlist of attacking players that Barca are looking at that could be the replacement for Robert Lewandowski if he is to move on. As you can see there, Julian Alvarez, Joao Pedro and Alexander Sarlot on that list. So first up, Alex, what are you hearing? Yeah, I think the big question is how much room to Barca have financially this summer. Because look, my initial reaction, when you put to me the question, can Barca sign Julian this summer or João Pedro this summer?

12:52It'll be no, given the sums involved. But it's interesting, I was talking to my colleague in Barcelona, Sam Marsden, he was saying, look, Barca, they're going to get a big earner off the wage bill in Lewandowski if he does indeed reject the reduced renewal offer that he's had this summer. If they can move on someone like Ter Stegen, which might be difficult, but it's possible. That's another big earner off the wage bill. three or four other deals as well. Barca, remember, their earnings are kind of growing because they've had this kind of progressive return to Camp Nou. They think next season you'll be getting sort of 70 ,000 fans every week at Camp Nou.

13:22That increases the matchday revenue. That helps with La Liga's spending caps and what you can afford to spend in terms of wages and transfers. So you put all that together, and maybe there's a situation where Barca will have a bit more money to spend this summer than you might think. Then, of course, there are a whole other questions about can you get Gio Pedro out of Chelsea? Can you get Julian Alvarez out of Atleti? Solov may be a more accessible option. So they've got to do something this summer, because like I say, right now, Lewandowski hasn't accepted this offer to stay. Even if he did, they might want a new first choice, number nine for Antares.

13:55Hasn't convinced this season as well. So they've got to do something this summer. As so often the case, it will come down to what their sort of ambitions are, what they'd like to do, what they say they'd like to do, and what they can, in fact, actually achieve, like I say, given the restrictions. So let's imagine that they can, Jan. What do you think of João Pedro leaving Chelsea to go to Barcelona? Well, I thought you were asking about Serlo, the Norwegian at third position there. Yeah, no. I know that's a no. Yeah, no, I think, but is he good enough? I have to ask, that is my instant reaction on that.

14:29Is he good enough to replace Lewandowski? I'm not sure about that. do I think that Chelsea will have to do something in this transfer window? Well they have to do a lot of things but it's funny because every weekend we're talking about Chelsea need a proper number 9 to get them goals and now the guy they have is going to go to replace Ravodovski at Barcelona the math doesn't come great here Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, if we're not worrying about financial situations here, could you see that as a fit? Ok, that's a no-brainer Okay Yeah Absolutely That's a no-brainer Why Would Atletico Madrid Give Alvarez To Barcelona I mean Really I just don't see that at all I think Gio Pedro Would be a great fit And you think he's good enough Yeah Yep Absolutely I mean He's going to finish With more than 20 goals This season And he's got 6 assists If he can do that In Chelsea's team What's he going to do in Barcelona's team.

15:32So, yeah, for me, that makes sense. No offence, Jan, but Solov for me doesn't make any sense whatsoever at Barcelona. All right, we've got to ask Jan about Solov before he tells me I'm... Well, Alvarez to Atletico Madrid is just... When they say, Olissa, why doesn't he go to Liverpool? Oh, that's a great idea. Why don't I get Taylor Swift to my 60th? I mean, it is so obvious. That is so obvious that they will take the best players. But why should Bayern let him go? In terms of Solov, I think that the only... The only thing that will make that possible if there is a financial problems and he's the one they can take.

16:10And to be fair, he got a great stat against Barcelona. I mean, that is a fantastic stat for Alexander Soloth. What speaks against him is that he's tried at RB Leipzig, Crystal Palace, it didn't work out. But I think he's been excellent for Atletico Madrid and he's been excellent for Norway. but I can't see that we'll be at the top of the wish list of the Barcelona fans. I have to be honest with my fellow Norwegian. Didn't have you down as a swifty, Jan, but you surprise us every week. Well, you can sing anytime. If you listen to this, you can sing at my six-year. Okay. Alex, thank you so much for joining us.

16:49We'll be hearing from you again very soon. Thanks, Kane. All right. Make sure to stay tuned with us for La Liga this weekend. Valencia against Atleti, Osasuna against Barcelona and Espanyol taking on Real Madrid. These are the last games for Barcelona and Real Madrid before they meet each other in El Clasico. Speaking of the Clasico, well, you can be at our watch party for it. The Torch Los Angeles Coliseum, May 10th, 10am. Make sure to scan that QR code if you'd like to be there to support Real Madrid or Barcelona and enjoy the Clasico fun experience. Are you looking to rebound from your high interest credit card debt?

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18:36With 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. Against Manchester City, when Kai Havertz goes through and Kushanov's fouling, 1-1. The title is there. It is a red card, guys. It's a red card in Manchester and the world is different. That's it.

19:09OK, so that was after Saturday's game against Newcastle. Mikhail Arteta referring back to that moment between Kushanov and Kai Havertz. This has come out today from the KMI, the key match incidents in the Premier League. The Premier League's key match incidents panel unanimously ruled that referee Anthony Taylor was correct not to show a red card, noting that Havertz is not in control of the ball and Kushanov makes shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Frank Leboeuf is joining the party right now. Yanagafyarov is still with us. Frank's already smiling. What have you got to say about this, Frank? I don't know who made that comment and that statement because really it wasn't at all a shorter against shorter.

19:53I was sent the incident again and Kusanov is really behind Averc and he pushes him on his back. Averc would have been in control of the ball if Kusanov didn't push him and didn't make sure that Averc couldn't get the ball with his left foot. but he was about to get the ball with his left foot when he's pushed. So, yeah, yeah, I agree. I don't like Arteta complaining every week, every game about something. But in that case, I'm sorry, there is no shorter against shorter. It's a push and it's a red card, therefore. No, no, no. At the time, immediately speaking after this game, I was with the key of my panel here.

20:40I didn't think it was a foul. I didn't think it was a red card. My argument then being, were the roles reversed and a defender went over that easily? I would be very critical of my defender in that position. I stand by that. I still see it and I don't see it as a foul. I certainly don't see it as a red card. Stephen? I'm with Frank, 100%. Havertz is ahead of him. It's not shoulder to shoulder. Kustanov is the one that initiates the contact. It's not Havertz that initiates the contact. and as Frank said, how's Havart supposed to get control of the ball when he's been knocked off balance because of Kushenov?

21:19So I'm with Frank big time on this. I think absolutely it's a foul. Who are you with, Jan? Well, I'm with Stephen. It is a foul, but that's not what we're discussing. We're discussing if it's a red card. What's a red card then? I'm 100 % with Xhaka. I mean, that is never a red card and in due respect to a world champion and an England champion for 100 times, but I can't see any red cards going on there. I was doing the game as well. Never thought of that after the game. The only thing I was thinking of, that Erling Haaland made Gabriel and Arsenal a favour by not going down. Can I ask you a question then, Jan?

21:56Can we? So, if you agree it's a foul... Sorry, Frank. If you agree it's a foul, how is it not a red card then? Because I thought that the rule would go into if he has a great chance to go on goal, There's a lot of things to do before this is a clear, clear goal chance, in my opinion. Frank? I have another. Yeah, I had a question. I think I forgot it. But yes, what about the comment? Because it started with a comment with the Premier League comment saying that it's shorter against shorter. Do you agree with me that it's not shorter against shorter? Therefore, it's a push on the back. Do you agree with that, guys?

22:34Yeah. OK, so therefore, we can imagine that if it wasn't a push from Kusanov, Arvast would have been in control of the goal, of the ball, and therefore would have gone to the goal and faced the goalkeeper. So therefore, I don't know why it's not a clear and obvious situation of a red card. I mean, that's an action of getting a chance to score a goal. So, therefore, it's a red card. We don't discuss what they've said, but what we see. And Ateta just said that if you've played any football in your life, you can see straight away it's a red card. But I just realised we are four here in the studio and it's two against two.

23:20That is point one. And it's a lot of things to do before Harvards is going all on its own on the goalkeeper, in my opinion. All right, let's move on to this incident. No, I'm not getting involved. I didn't discuss this incident, but it was Gabrielle and Haaland in that City-Arsenal game. But the panel have also spoken about this moment. They said the KMI panel ruled by a vote of 3-2 that Gabrielle should have been shown a red card for extra head movement forward toward Erling Haaland. However, the panel voted four to one that the incident did not meet the threshold for a VAR intervention. What an absolute contradiction in terms.

24:04Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, my goodness me. Can I translate this? Can I translate this? Yeah, go on. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. That I got. That I understood. So they said that it did not meet the threshold for VAR to intervene because it was seen, Gabrielle's action was seen as not excessively aggressive or violent. Well, why is he getting said nothing?

24:32It's complete nonsense. You can't turn around and say, it doesn't mean the threshold of anything, and then turn around and...

24:42It's a complete and utter contradiction. It really is. This is two days in the trot. way to the other day were like he asked us what we how is this possible and we couldn't answer because it makes absolutely no sense and this is another one this is absolute nonsense to come out and say what they've said it's just gobbledygook complete gobbledygook um i i'll agree i'll agree with everything i said there and as we discussed yesterday i don't get this threshold for vr i i I just think that that's language that, I don't know if it's designed to confuse, but it shows how it confuses every single time it's used.

25:23Again, on the day or just after, my opinion was, I didn't think Gabriel should see red for it. While he does make a movement forward, I think if he kind of pulls his head back and then lunges forward, we're having a different conversation. Well done. But because the two heads are kind of met and Gabriel pushes forward, but I'm OK with the yellow cards as they were. I've got a question now. If it doesn't meet the threshold for VAR, what is the threshold then? Because red, as far as I'm concerned, red is the worst punishment you can get on a football field. But it doesn't hold the threshold for VAR.

26:04Let me also say, I totally understand the confusion, But given that it's four to one saying that the referee was right and three to two saying it only takes one vote, one person to contradict himself. And it makes the entire KMI panel look up. So what's the threshold then? What's the threshold? Because if a red isn't high enough. Stevie, as we discussed yesterday, I do not get this threshold conversation. Never have. But listen, I mean, it's funny what we're discussing here. Let's start with this panel. I mean, I get it. This is a metaphor that some of the young viewers won't get. But that reminds me of John Cleese in Life of O 'Brien, when they're sitting there in the stands, this panel for the Romans and all those kind of things.

Read the full transcript

26:52What is this panel anyway? I mean, voting system about a decision after a game. Where are we going? So we have referee, we have VAR, we have a panel, we have a voting on different things. Where are we going? This is a joke. This is not Supreme Court. This is two players that have a go in a top game in England. And we have a voting system among the referees. I mean, this is ridiculous. This is John Klischisch. OK. Arsenal do actually play host to 10th place Fulham. That game's coming up tomorrow. Arsenal looking to extend their lead to six over Man City at the top of the table. So here is Mikel Arteta speaking ahead of that game today.

27:38Focus on Fulham and hunger. Hunger to play, hunger to compete, hunger to win, hunger to be closer to achieve our dream. We have prepared the best possible way since the moment that the final we've let it go. We've done everything that we possibly can to give ourselves the best chance to recover, to bring the right energy to prepare the game in the right way. And now it's about the selection and performance pitch. Now, something that has been noted is that Arsenal have had their struggles winning league games in between Champions League knockout rounds over the past few seasons. This is what we're looking at here.

28:17Just one win in their last six. I wonder if that's factored into anyone's predictions as to how this game is going to play out. a number of us going for an Arsenal win. However, Jan and Frank are both going for a draw and dropped points here. Why is that, Frank?

28:38Well, just because what you have just shown, you know, the graphic that you've shown in between two Champions League games, Arsenal will have, especially the game that they will have against Atletico, they will have to raise some players, for sure. I'm pretty sure they're going to, but Atleta will do that. and the depth of the bench is not that big and the record that you just showed proved for me that Arsenal is going to be in danger against Arsenal. Yes, they should win, but according to what we have seen for the past two years, there is a doubt, so it's why I put the draw. Jan, why are you going against Odegaard here?

29:18I'm going for Bob and the Berger Fulham. Now, it's based a lot of what Frank said, obviously, but it's also the fact that they're playing Fulham. I think Silva is good in finding good strategies for this game. I must say that after that 5-4 game, everything that will happen the next day we will think is bad. But I somehow find that Arsenal played a solid game, and this is a big one for them. But I still think, in my prediction, that this will be a tough one. I saw Newcastle, there could be a 1-1 win. Wissar did what he had to do there at the end. So I go for a draw. Stevie, you get the final say?

30:00Yeah, I think Arsenal will win it. I think Fulham will try and go and win this game. And they'll leave some holes. My goodness, if any front line is due, some chances and some goals in open play, it's Arsenal. So I've just got a gut feeling that Arsenal are going to get it done. We will be talking about it on tomorrow's FC, looking back on that game between Arsenal and Fulham will react. But on Sunday, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford. And ahead of the game, Beth Lindov caught off with Milos Kerkes. If you've ever wanted real energy without choking down something that tastes like regret, Bucked Up is the answer.

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31:47You're coming to the end now of your first season at Liverpool, maybe more tough than you expected when you moved here last summer. How do you assess it from a personal point of view but also from the team perspective as well? Yeah, I think in general for me it has been a growing season and learning a lot of new things and adapting so maybe a bit you know first two three months were a bit tougher you know in terms of play style and everything that was new to me playing a lot of games and you know I I needed to adapt also my legs for it to be honest and physical stuff but yeah after that yeah you know when you when you take some time and then adapt it gets better and better always so yeah I'm happy now that you know I found my place more and that I can play more consistent you know and consistent performances also and I think in terms of team also has been you know growing season you know every new player that came you know you need you need some time to adapt and to get to know each other better on the pitch off the pitch so yeah I think has been growing season and yeah I think the future is bright for this team for sure.

33:06Yeah and you mentioned it was tough at the beginning and it's so hard now with social media and everything that there's always a lot of scrutiny and criticism when you're a player coming into a team. How tough did you find that period those first couple of months when there was a lot of scrutiny around you? To be honest I don't look that too much you know. I'm on social media only to post maybe picture and stuff like this but also I have people doing that for me sometimes but I'm not paying attention or comments or whatever you know we know Obviously media here is big thing especially in England and Everyone you know people talk and have their opinions But I'm always focused, you know only on the pitch and I know like what I can do What kind of player I am and why I'm here in Liverpool so I know that I'm going to grow from that you know he's gonna give me more experience like to learn and to push harder so that's what I did I just stay silent worked hard and everyone in the club helped me a lot so I'm just improving and getting better that's what I want to do till I'm in Liverpool.

34:17You've struck up a close friendship with with Mo Salah I mean when he first came onto the scene here at Liverpool you would have only been a teenager. Has it been surreal at times to sort of now be playing alongside him? Yeah when he came I was I think I was living in Austria so I was really young I was watching you know following that's that about that time I started to watch Liverpool like a lot so when he came 16 was it? Yeah 17. 17 yeah That's that's when I started to watch like more consistent Liverpool and Yeah, and now I'm here and you know He always say that he connects really well with Balkan guys that were here, you know, yeah that Region, so yeah, we are we are close Me him and Dom, you know So he accepted me really well Like everyone did but yeah, he took me more than like under the wing and helped me out in many ways also hanging out and doing stuff so I'm really thankful to him for that and yeah it's gonna be one month more and yeah I'm for sure I'm gonna miss him a lot yeah there will obviously be a lot said about him over over the next few weeks but having worked with him closely now and and obviously knowing him as a friend what is it that you think makes him so special?

35:41I mean everything like he has so much experience but I think what is really putting him away from everyone is how really professional he is. Unbelievable like I don't see that in any player doing all the gym stuff, eating healthy, how focused he is on you know taking everything, doing everything that he can perform best on the pitch so that's really unbelievable that's what i tried to learn from him in this year also to pick it up and yeah he's just yeah unbelievable in that another player who you you will have learned from and worked alongside a lot this season is Andy Robertson now you described him when you joined the club as the best left back in in Premier League history how how has that been learning from him and getting to watch him and and again having watched him before you came to the club to now be working with him every day Yeah, for sure.

36:38I say always also that's when I said about Maud and when I started to follow Liverpool, I said also it's the same for Robo. Obviously, they're here a long time and he really is a legend. You know, best player, I said it and I believe also by that because how what player he is, how much energy he has, how much he running, assisting and everything. this really unbelievable and he's a really big player did a lot of stuff for the club so it's it's good you know it's you know end of the day we have we had to compete this season you know for playing minutes and everything but he's not like a bad blood you know it's i'm younger i came in he also took me under he helped me a lot gave me gave me a few advices on the way and he's good you know you you see these players you want to learn from them you know and then you know when it's time to succeed and you know you have to be there and I know it's a big thing.

37:43He gave a lot to the club and I know I have big shoes to fill for the future, that's for sure. And I'm going to give my best.

37:54Frank and Jan are still with us. What stood out to you, Jan? Humble guy. I think he said the right things about Salah and Robertson. I will think that Kerkers has a bigger potential than he has showed this season. I don't think that he has been a strength to this team this season as they expect him to do. I think that Robertson still is ahead of him in the peaking order. But I like the way Kerkers go in there. He's got an enthusiasm to his game. And he said it himself. He's been struggling. He's struggling when he came there. You saw that straight away. He was too hot in his tackles and all that.

38:31That has calmed down a bit. But I still think there is more potential there and he has to show in next season. This season is, for me, average. More to come from Kirk, has? I hope so. Has to be. Definitely no question. He struggled the first part of the season. He has improved. Question is, is he going to improve from the first improvement? Because that has been OK. That hasn't been top class. It's just been OK. so he's he's got a big six months coming up at the start of next season because absolutely, unfortunately for him, his performances haven't been up to par. And his buddy Salah is leaving.

39:15Yeah and obviously he can lean on in that regard I think what you see and appreciate is how steep that learning curve is in playing for a club like Liverpool and as we were discussing yesterday a lot of times there isn't that patience around young players and getting them to develop and recognize their full potential. It is about the now. And Kürtel is suffering with that in recognizing that curve and the need for immediate return. Given time, I'm sure he'll settle in and be a fantastic asset to Liverpool. Just oftentimes at clubs like Liverpool, time isn't given to many. Anything to add, Frank?

40:00well I'm fed up with those kind of answers that football players have the tendency to to give us you know where we all already know what they're going to say before they answer to it so maybe it's due to the question and especially the last question what the guy can say about Robinson sorry what can he say he oh no he's a bad player I'm so happy I came and he's on the bench right now and he deserved that because he's crap now he used to be good but he's not the best player anymore i am the guy you know he has to say something he doesn't want to say that the guy is a legend that he should maybe still be on the on the bench according to what he was uh kerkers was able to do so yeah you know it's maybe nice i'm sure kerkers is a nice guy and i don't want to be critical towards him, especially him.

40:52It's all of them. They're like that. You know, I don't know. Maybe in our time, there was something spicy. And I don't want to talk about Roy Keane, Eric Cantona, myself, or some others. They were saying what they were thinking of and not what people were expecting to hear. So, well, that's the only thing I wanted to say. But it was funny. I was laughing at his last answer for the last question. I guess also Ashley Cole will give him a call when he says that Robertson is the clear best left back in the Premier League. We're going to dig up some old interviews to see if anybody criticised Frank.

41:30Frank was hammering everybody. Oh, he's crap. I'm a world champion. I'm a world champion. He's crap.

41:41And make sure to be with us this weekend And as Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich take on Heidenheim, 9.30 a.m. Eastern on ESPN+. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Granger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities.

42:18Call 1-800-GRAINGER, click grainger.com, or just stop by. Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start? Thumbtack knows homes, so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint finish and satin? Or what that clunking sound from your dryer is? With Thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro. You just have to hire one. You can hire top-rated pros, see price estimates, and read reviews, all on the Thumbtack app. Download today. And that is all we've got time for on the latest edition of ESPN FC. But Stevie and his high-care, Shaka, and Jan and Frank will be answering your questions on extra time.

42:59So make sure to stick around if that's on the way next.

43:10Welcome into the latest edition. You don't know any chair now. Too late. We can let Stevie a high chair. Is he standing? Can you bring him a sippy cup, please? If I was standing, I wouldn't be as high.

43:31Yeah, guys, the other day we had a problem and his chin was barely touching the table. Come from one extreme to the other. I've been sitting much? All right. Okay. Did you guys hear about the Scotland fans hiring a school bus to take them to and from games in order to cut down on the costs? And will Craig and Stevie be joining them? That's a good show. Unfortunately, we won't be joining them. I wonder when last them two have been on the school bus. That's the first question. I'll tell you what. You're pretty genius, that. I'll tell you what, they'll all be all sprightly when they get on the bus.

44:08but when they get off it they'll be falling all over the place. Why is that Stephen? I think there might be some liquid refreshment going on in the bus. Can you imagine when you come into the bus, you think this is a bus ride, this is enjoyment and the first one is you see Craig Burley sitting there. That is a bus ride. Craig would definitely be in the back of the bus though. Here's a question. He's got that energy. Is it against the law in this country to drink beer on a bus like that? Oh I don't know. Or on a private bus? I mean, I know it's allowed in Scotland, but... It was not forbidden in the 90s.

44:44Why a school bus and not just a regular bus? Why do the Scots have to go for a school bus? Probably because it's available. It would be available. Where are you going to get another bus now? There's only one bus in Scotland. Anywhere. Surely there's a lot of buses going around. I've never seen any. But... But... Did you see? Did you just see you've not seen any buses around? A lot of school buses. A lot of school buses, though. Exactly, exactly. That's why they can hire one. There's tons of them. It's true. All right. The next two are back-to-back, because there was a big argument yesterday between Stevie and Don.

45:26Don is right. That is never a penalty. Penalty given on field, not a clear and obvious error. Check completes. This is the Arsenal overturn penalty and it caused a big argument yesterday, guys, on the show. Jan's nodding away. So what was going on with those two messages? I'm thinking of that panel, if we're going to have a vote again, because I think that, I don't think it was a penalty, but I don't think VAR should have intervened. So I'm probably a suitable member for that panel, as I sound.

46:05Chris Foy is the former referee, right? So he said, no penalty given, no VAR intervention. Understood, he said. Right. I think it's what Don said. I think it's what Don said. He said, agree that it wasn't a clear and obvious error. He agreed with that because I followed that yesterday with the argument with Stevie. But he was saying that it was for him at first. It wasn't a penalty, which I agree with. I'm sorry Stevie, I know you were defending that. But yes, that was a light contact, let's say. But yes, I think the VAR should not have overturned the decision. UEFA says for hand balls that if there is a deflection, it must be a clear change of trajectory.

46:57And if the ball roughly stays on its intended path, then it's still a penalty. Do they need to have a rethink? Trajectory. I thought there was a clear change of path. You know what? I'll give them one thing. They're not stupid. So you read that verbatim? Right. Roughly? Yes. If that is not the biggest get-out-of-jail-free car. So now we've got to try and figure out what roughly means. So that's the get-out. Yeah. Why don't you start with a Frenchman and a Norwegian try to explain the viewers what trajectory means. You start, Frank. Exactly. Exactly. But it's really, it's hard for us to really understand what they mean and to translate and to really have a clear idea of what they want to explain to us.

47:52I think they're going deeper and deeper in their basis in the way that they make it more complicated. and the word, I agree with Stevie, roughly, at the point when you put roughly, it means you don't know. It's a question of interpretation. That's what football is. So it will be always for and against a decision. But try, at the most, try to make it clear at the best, you know, because that's a big mess right now. Yeah, but this is politics. We have seen now that the spin doctors and the politics statements comes into football because what I say here is nothing. They're just working on a sentence that people shouldn't understand it and try to make it clever.

48:37That is the same as in politics. OK. Frank, Luis Enrique said, if you didn't like the PSG buying game this week, then your opinion isn't worth listening to. Is he right? Well, he said well done that. I don't know if we can say that in US television, but it was, I say, ass, dick, dick, dick, opinion. And I agree with him. And I have that opinion too. Even as a defender, you agree with him? I think it was 90 % right. Yes, I think on some point, the two first goals that Bayern conceded and the goal that I think it was the one from Molise, that PSG conceded, was awfully defended. That's what I personally think.

49:23It was a great game. Maybe it was impossible to cope with the offensive talent that we've seen. The action, and I said, well, if I'm in the middle of it, how do I defend? Because they are so good. There's no exactly what to do. The pace is great. The technique is great. The offensive tactic is great. Yes. But still, what I've seen on the two first goals, I mean, come on. On the header, what is his name? Neves caught. Neves, not that tall. So that's a defensive mistake. when Olysees scored, he was surrounded by four Parisier players, but nobody attacked him. So that's a defensive mistake that we can talk about.

50:01And I'm sorry, we have to say it. That was a fantastic game, of course. And to just point the defensive mistake is a big error because you have to emphasize the fact that it was a great game. But as a pendent, we have to say it. And as a former defender, I'm sorry, I have to say it even if it's an S, but dot dot opinion. but we've not heard from you on this game yet now Nevis is taller than Stevie by the way I just have to say that for the record not today exactly I will say it quite simple Kate if you don't love this football game there is something wrong with your love life nobody said they didn't love the game but why wouldn't Enrique come out and just be honest about it and just say along the lines of we want to try and create and score goals and in doing so sometimes we do leave some space that will cause us problems on the counter attack.

51:03How about you just say that instead of turning around. He's a football fan. He's a football romantic. Yeah but Jan it sounds ridiculous when you turn around when you've lost four goals at home and you say our defenders played well. Come on. That's just. But listen. We're not stupid. We're not three years old. Yeah, but don't we like it? We are not three years old. We are like 300 years old. But what I would want to say is that sometimes we do criticize managers who are iPad coaches. And they say all these things, writing up things, and say all the right things. He does sound like a gaffer that loved the football game.

51:43And he said, instead of saying that we were 5-2 up and then the 5-4, I'm just very proud to win that game against Bayern Munich, which is a good team, and we probably need three goals next week to go through. I think that is good. It's freshening that someone says that. He's just a lover of the game. Yeah, but that's my point, Jan. He spoiled it by trying to convince us that they defended well. That was my point. I agree with you in everything you said there, but don't turn around and say you defended well. You've lost four goals at home. Come on. That's fair. Fair. Alright, let me stay with you, Jan.

52:20Do you see Lucito Diaz winning the Ballon d 'Or? Luis Diaz for Ballon d 'Or. I don't think he's number one candidate from Bayern either. I think that he will have Kane and Olissé in front of him, but he sure had a fantastic season and he loves to play against PSG. But now I can't see him winning the Ballon d 'Or. Stevie? No, I think it's a ditto with everything Jan said, basically. Shaka, when will Real Madrid announce the signing of Scott Parker as head coach? Company has shown that Burnley relegated head coaches are actually elite. Nice one. Good one. That is very true, actually. That is very true.

53:01Ask Sean Dyche. Yeah, right before the World Cup. We're waiting for Don to confirm. Don is our Real Madrid insider. Don's rumours, not to be confused with Donnarumma. Yes, yes. Don said Scott Parker. Put it on Don. Put it on Don. Don's been bringing room. It's going to be funny because we all talked about the fact that the next coach will have a certain aura to convince maybe Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé or even Jude Belligam to try back. Good luck to Scott Parker because the aura is not really there. like like thousands of coaches you know you have like only like three or four maybe we can get that i'm not even sure that jugon club will have uh uh all the respect from those two guys or three guys uh to track back Why firing shots at poor Joggin?

54:01He's just jetting around in his Red Bull private jet, chilling. Frank's just firing shots. Stevie's bag of tips. Yeah, but he's not Zinedine Zidane. He's not Zinedine Zidane or somebody else or DJ Deschamps. That's the point. That's the point. When you come into the dressing room, you have to have also a pass as a player. and if you have Ronaldo if you have Zidane or Didier Deschamps or maybe some others we really have a past as a player and on top of it as a coach Oh, but to sum up that's really angry Yeah, but to sum up this episode Frank Leboeuf says that Scott Parker is not Zinedine Zidane Thank you very much Frank Leboeuf Thank you I wanted you to be sure I wanted you to be clear about that You know All right A lot of rumours about...

54:54But I love Scott Parker. Well, you've just said he's got no aura. What? It's a bit late, but I don't know. Well, you don't know. Maybe I'm going to say it. I love Scott Parker, but I hate the other club. He fucking loves Scott Parker, but I hate the other club. Oh, boy. You think of Paul Parker. Oh, boy. All right. We love Paul Parker, too, here, all right? Tony Parker, I'm sorry. Come on. I thought it was Tony Parker. A lot of rumours about Pep leaving. Why would he go? Man City looks set up to dominate for the next few years. Jan? Fair comment, but it's so hard to read Pep. I've been working very closely with him for three years.

55:36I still can't figure him out. You try to pick his brain. You don't know if he wins the Premier League now. Will he stay or will that mean he will go? If he loses it playing bad, does that mean that he will stay or will he go? who should I get? Oh someone said let's get Vincent Kompany. Oh that's a great idea I'm back to Taylor Swift for my 60th again. I mean how can you wish for that? Vincent Kompany would stay in Manchester City and so on. It's very very hard I think the only one who knows that is Pep Guardiola and I also think you know where should he go? What will be his next challenge or will he just go to to Central Park, or Parker, as Leboeuf will call it, to read a book.

56:21Well, I'm pretty sure he's not gonna go to Real Madrid, that's for sure. Well, yeah, that's probably a certainty. Stevie? I think Jan's right, you know, you don't know. You don't know about Pep. You just don't know. You really don't. Can't second guess Pep. Jan's been trying, but he can't quite get through. Are they set up to dominate though?

56:46Good point. Yeah, I mean, they're going to be challenging, let's put it that way. I think it's a little bit of a step to go dominate. I mean, they haven't won the league yet this year. Yeah. So, yeah, little early. All right. Which player, if they had the work ethic, dedication and mentality that Cristiano Ronaldo had would have been the best player ever? Ronaldinho. Messi. Tough to argue with that. Tough to argue with that. Ronaldinho had the most lazy... My French, laissez-faire attitude and yet still... Just ask Frank. And yet still won everything there is to win in world football. If he had a work ethic of Ronaldo, God alone knows.

57:36But then he wouldn't have been the joy, probably wouldn't have been the joy that he was as a player. But that's my answer. George Best. George Best. You're talking about Ronaldinho? You're talking about Ronaldinho? Yeah. I said Ronaldinho is my vote. Yeah. Yeah. I totally agree with him, with you. But yeah, I was thinking immediately, because the same position, I was thinking about David Ginola. Because, I mean, Shaka played with him And David was at some point absolutely amazing. And but that was another era that was a different situation. But what he did for Paris Saint-Germain and after what he did for Newcastle was pretty exciting and pretty sure with more works.

58:24Don't forget that he was also smoking. And well, you know, that wasn't the perfect dedication that he had to put on in the football world. But what a player. What about Phenomeno, Ronaldo? I was just thinking, but for injuries. Less about Wicca and more about injuries for Phenomeno. Ronaldinho's number one. A little bit Balotelli. Yeah.

58:56Ronaldinho's number one. But Balotelli. But if Brazilian Ronaldo had stayed fit, I don't think anybody would have come close to him. I think he was as unplayable a player. Stevie, what about George Best? I put him on there, Sir Frank. I think that George Best is a great example. But Frank, imagine if David Genola was pretty as well. Imagine if we had nice hair. Imagine if we had Jans here. Oh, man. I would say Jan Fjortov. Imagine how good I would have been. You had incredible work ethic, didn't you, Jan? I had, that's what I had. I took out what I had, which is good or bad news. I'm not sure.

59:40But I think when you see George Best, when you see when he ended his career, more or less, ended his career for Manchester United, it was not very long after the 68 final when they beat Benfica at Wembley. And George Best, when you see what people say that saw him play with him. I think George Best must be a great candidate for this answer. Yeah, and your favourite player is Marco van Basten, right? Yeah, but he had the work ethic. He was just unlucky with injuries. For me, I still haven't seen, and I've seen many, I have never seen a complete number nine as Marco van Basten. He was the best thing.

1:00:21And if you haven't seen him, just have a look at him. He had everything. Well, I'm going to add Johan Cruyff. Johan Cruyff, I mean, was absolutely fantastic. And, I mean, life was important for him outside of football as well. So, it's why I put him in the list because I'm pretty sure that he would have played the same time than Ronaldo. I'm pretty sure he would have been more professional, more dedicated to the football. And he was already fantastic because, I mean, he changed the world of football. He changed the way of thinking the football. but it would have had more effect on the on the on the on the in that matter if you can't we compare with Christiano we've missed one guy I know you're gonna say Gaza I was thinking you see Diego Maradona can you imagine Maradona yeah if he had that work ethic oh yeah imagine Gaza yeah everybody didn't even need it exactly he's in the conversation for the best ever and again he was just as easy as anything.

1:01:25But Gassa is a good shot, Stevie. Gassa is a good shot because if you see his career, when he got his injury in that final, and then he went to Lazio, and we have to be honest, yes, he had in 1996, he had a good European championship, but still Gassa, he had the potential to be the biggest around. Yeah. You've got to read his book, though, as well, and then you see it's a lot more deep-rooted, and it goes right back to his childhood, too. Yesterday, guys, We asked these two who their childhood hero was in football. I'm assuming, Jan, yours was Marco van Basten. No, it was later. Believe it or not, on a day when it seems to have Leeds have saved their position in the place in the Premier League, it was Billy Bremner of all people.

1:02:07Number four for Leeds United. That's a great choice. Ah, Billy Bremner. That's a great choice. What about you, Frank? I didn't get the question. Sorry, can you repeat that question? Your football hero when you were growing up?

1:02:22Michel Platini, the French guy, was named the best player ever for Juventus. And what he did, I think he scored eight goals in the Seeds game in the European Championship in 84. And two, how do you say, a trick. The guy was absolutely fantastic, couldn't do everything. and what a player. That's another guy you could put on the list because he wasn't really dedicated. I mean that was an artist, what a player. I played against him twice, Platini. And I don't think I remember ever seeing him on the field. You couldn't pick this guy up. He was invisible on the field. You couldn't pick him up. He would just appear in the middle of the party to pick it up or in the box to put it in the net.

1:03:12I mean... That's a great description. I love that description. He had a little cloak. He had a Harry Potter cloak going on. He did, yeah. Okay, who is the most miserable... I saw many players completely invisible on the field. They never appeared.

1:03:35Who is the most miserable to sit next to on the flight home? Stevie after a Liverpool loss or Frank after any game involving VAR? I have seen Stevie during a Liverpool loss. Never mind next time, I don't want to be on the same plane. I don't want to be on the same plane. I'll walk.

1:04:01The first time I met Frank privately, I played against him. but the first time I met him privately was after my career in the Caribbean. I was sitting next to him in a bus when we had a PFA tournament in the Caribbean. And I loved sitting next to Frank. But it has to be said, that was before VAR.

1:04:26No chance now. No chance now. All right. Thank you so much for sending in your questions. Nice stuff, guys. Bye, guys. His chair's gone down a little bit. Bye-bye. Bye, guys. Hey! Hey! You can sit down now, C.B., you can sit down. Hey!

1:04:47Hey! Hey!

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From the publisher

The FC Crew break down the latest in Real Madrid's managerial search, asking if Jose Mourinho returning to the club would be a good decision. Then, a look at Barcelona's potential replacements for Robert Lewandowski, such as Julián Álvarez, João Pedro, and Alexander Sørloth. Also, a discussion on the controversial moments between Havertz and Khusanov, and Gabriel and Haaland in April's Manchester City vs Arsenal match. Then, an exclusive interview with Liverpool's Milos Kerkez who breaks down his first season at Liverpool and his relationship with the departing Mo Salah.
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