What's Wrong with Liverpool?

16 Mar 2026 · 1 h 1 min · 26 chapters

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In short

Podcast Summary: ESPN FC - What's Wrong with Liverpool?

Episode Overview In this episode of ESPN FC, the crew discusses Liverpool's recent performance, particularly their 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, and explores the reasons behind the team's struggles this season compared to their previous title-winning form. Additionally, the episode critiques Liam Rosenior's comments regarding Chelsea's pre-match huddle incident.

Key Participants

  • Dan Thomas (Host)
  • Shaka Hislop
  • Stevie Nicholl
  • Kieran Gibbs
  • Mario Malchuk

Main Discussion Points

Liverpool's Disappointment

  • Match Summary: Liverpool managed only a 1-1 draw against Spurs, despite having taken the lead.
  • Fan Reaction:
  • The crowd booed and began to leave early, a rare occurrence at Anfield, which reflects the team's current state.
  • Stevie Nicholl expressed disappointment that fans were walking out and booing.

Analysis of Liverpool's Performance

  • Recurring Issues:
  • Liverpool has faced similar late-game collapses multiple times this season, leading to a sense of inevitability about their struggles.
  • The players seem to lack a clear strategy in the dying moments of matches, often reverting to unproductive behaviors from earlier in the season.
  • Coaching and Leadership:
  • The performance is attributed not solely to the manager Arna Slot but also to individual players failing to perform.
  • Kieran Gibbs mentioned the influence of team morale and external factors such as the "Salah saga" affecting the players.

Critique of Coaching

  • Expectations for Arna Slot:
  • The crew debated whether Slot should be given more time to turn things around, given that he won the league last season.
  • However, there exists a strong need for inspiration and tactical clarity from the coaching staff, which seems to be lacking.

Comparisons with Other Teams

  • Kieran reflected on his time at Arsenal, noting the difficulty of regaining form after a disappointing season, drawing parallels with Liverpool's current struggles.
  • The conversation shifted to Chelsea's situation, particularly regarding a controversial pre-match huddle that Rosenior defended, asserting it was a show of unity.

Key Takeaways

  • Critical Leadership: The importance of in-game leadership was highlighted, emphasizing the need for players to step up and guide the team during challenging moments.
  • Trust Issues: A lack of trust among players is cited as a significant problem, affecting both individual and collective performances.
  • Future Outlook: There is speculation about whether Liverpool can salvage their season and regain their competitive edge in the league.

Chelsea's Pre-Match Huddle Incident

  • The huddle was criticized as being overblown, with discussions centering around whether it was a genuine show of unity or a misguided tactic.
  • Mario emphasized that such gestures should not distract from the team's on-field performance and overall objectives.

Conclusion This episode delves into the complexities surrounding Liverpool's current form, highlighting issues of leadership, player performance, and coaching efficacy. Conversations also touched upon Chelsea's challenges as they navigate their own issues in the league. The ongoing discussions reflect the broader competitive landscape in football, where expectations and pressures are high for teams with rich histories.

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

Liverpool's Disappointing Performance

0:47 to 1:40

Discussing Liverpool's recent draw and crowd reactions.

“Of course they can only manage a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hubs but what is going on in the world?”

Stevie's Perspective on Liverpool's Issues

1:40 to 3:10

Stevie Nichol shares his thoughts on Liverpool's recurring problems.

“The longer the game went on, the less angrier I got because I could smell it, what was coming.”

The Importance of Management in Football

3:10 to 5:05

Exploring the role of the manager in a struggling team.

“You have to get him a full squad, get all his players.”

Examining Team Dynamics and Leadership

5:05 to 7:35

Discussion on leadership challenges within Liverpool's squad.

“What you said, it's up to the manager to get players who are in bad form, who are not producing, who maybe are not mentally prepared properly.”

The Impact of Individual Player Form

7:35 to 9:50

Analyzing how individual performances affect the overall team.

“I think that the more experienced players in the squad, they haven't performed for whatever reason.”

Liverpool's Current Crisis

9:50 to 12:20

Addressing the reasons behind Liverpool's struggles this season.

“Call somebody out or call for a change during the game.”

Looking Ahead: Liverpool vs. Galatasaray

12:20 to 14:01

Previewing the upcoming match against Galatasaray and its implications.

“But it ain't going that bad for them to go there.”

Liverpool's Recent Performance Discussion

14:01 to 15:14

Analyzing Liverpool's status as favorites despite recent performances.

“So how Liverpool can be such big favourites after what we've seen and what we saw at the weekend?”

Controversial Huddle Discussion

16:13 to 18:58

Discussing the recent huddle incident and its implications for the team.

“They wanted to do a huddle around the ball to show respect to the ball.”

Analyzing Chelsea's Strategy Against PSG

18:58 to 22:47

Examining Chelsea's approach and vulnerabilities in their upcoming match against PSG.

“It just seems like he takes himself and everything too seriously.”
Show all 26 chapters

Max Dahman's Record-Breaking Performance

25:29 to 28:00

Discussing the significance of Max Dahman's record as the youngest Premier League scorer.

“Of course, that amazing run to score in front of an open goal guaranteed Arsenal, that 2-0 victory over Everton.”

The Impact of Max on Arsenal's Offense

28:00 to 29:19

Discussion on how young players like Max can change a team's dynamic.

“And that's what I think Max brings this Arsenal team.”

Navigating Pressure as a Young Player

29:20 to 31:01

Insights on dealing with pressure and expectations as a young footballer.

“Mario, it's interesting, because you've talked about obviously playing as a teenager for Ajax, going to school the next day.”

Learning from Experienced Teammates

31:02 to 32:30

The importance of mentorship from seasoned players for young talent.

“Yeah, Kieran, on that subject, what sort of advice did you get as a teenager playing for Arsenal that kind of stuck?”

Embracing Team Culture and Support

32:31 to 33:43

Discussion on the supportive environment young players need to thrive.

“You were just 19 when you arrived at Liverpool.”

Arsenal's Current Standing and Future Aspirations

33:44 to 35:16

Evaluating Arsenal's performance and their quest for titles this season.

“Well, I think so many in the dressing room are kind of used to seeing talented kids.”

Real Madrid's Champions League Strategy

38:35 to 42:00

Analysis of Real Madrid's approach to their upcoming Champions League match.

“going into the second leg at the Etihad on Tuesday.”

Analyzing Real Madrid's Strategy Against City

42:00 to 45:04

Discussion on Real Madrid's strengths and strategies in the Champions League.

“coming up against Madrid, I just don't know if I would be able to say that about this Madrid team.”

Evaluating City's Chances Against Madrid

45:04 to 46:26

Exploration of City's potential vulnerabilities and strengths against Madrid.

“And to the point that everybody's making, yeah, City have to play a perfect game.”

Discussing Recent Goals and Performances

46:52 to 48:32

Panel discusses standout goals and player performances from recent matches.

“We were discussing Arda Gula's goal as the best goal of the week.”

Analyzing Liverpool's Current Situation

48:32 to 50:51

In-depth talk on Liverpool's struggles and potential future.

“And it's not, you know, everybody keeps throwing Jürgen Klopp in.”

Champions League Spot Predictions

50:51 to 56:01

Predictions and analysis of teams vying for Champions League spots.

“because therefore they can focus more on the league.”

Liverpool's Squad Energy and Competitiveness

56:01 to 56:49

Discussion on Liverpool's current squad dynamics and their competitiveness in the league.

“You're turning your back on Chelsea a little bit here, Mario, today.”

Fashion Discussion: U.S. Men's National Team Kit

56:50 to 58:48

A lively debate about the new U.S. Men's National Team kit and individual opinions on its design.

“So it's the perfect panel to decide whether or not they like the new U.S.”

Stevie's Concert Experience

58:49 to 59:26

Stevie shares his experience at a concert from the My Generation Tour featuring 1960s artists.

“So just to remind us what this concert was, Stevie went to the local casino last night to a concert.”

Lighthearted Banter and Show Wrap-Up

59:27 to 1:01:06

A humorous exchange among the hosts as they conclude the show with final thoughts.

“We spent, what, maybe an hour, hour and a half before the show of Stevie just mentioning random...”
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Transcript

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0:35Welcome in to the latest edition of ESPN FC. I'm Dan Thomas. I don't know how much respect they have for the ball but they are with us. Shaggy Hislop and Stevie Nicholl. More on Huddlegate later on in the show but we'll kick things off with Liverpool being rubbish. Of course they can only manage a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hubs but what is going on in the world? For more on this Mario Malchuk joins us as does Kieran Gibbs. We'll start with the one and only Stevie Nichol. Stevie would you like to repeat what you said on the phone to me when that goal went in? Please don't.

1:08What made you most angry?

1:16I can't honestly say by the end I was angry. I think the most disappointing thing was the fact that the crowd were walking out and were booing. Right. I don't remember that happening at Anfield It never happened when I was there. Certainly, we weren't always at our best, but the crowd never left before the end and they certainly didn't boo us. That was the most disappointing. Angry. The longer the game went on, the less angrier I got because I could smell it, what was coming. And the fact that it's happened, this has not happened two or three times. This has happened about ten times this season.

1:54So, you become immune a little bit to it. So it's not quite as raw when it happens, because you're kind of expecting it. And it almost feels as though the players are expecting it. And the longer the game goes on and the more they've just got their noses ahead, it's almost like, let's just not think about it and we'll just try and go up the other end all the time. Instead of going about it in a smart and organised fashion of, you know, we've lost goals at the end of games too often. So you know what? There's only 10 minutes to go. we're not going to go crazy and just keep trying to attack every single time we get a hold of the ball we're going to be solid let's slow the game down let's take the air out of the opposition because you're encouraging them there was none of that it was the same old, same old let's just keep doing what we've been doing all season that's been going wrong and eventually we'll get away with it but yet again they never got away with it We had a conversation when Xavi Alonso was sacked at Real Madrid and I said would you take him over on a slot And you said, no, this is a guy who's won the Premier League, Xavi Alonso, clearly out of his depth at Real Madrid.

3:02You can see where I'm going with this. I think I know where you're going. I have to stick to what I've been saying. You have to give him an opportunity to get it right. You have to get him a full squad, get all his players. And at the start of next season, if it's still the same, then I think that's when you think about making a change. I think the fact that he won the Premier League and everybody's jumping on of well it was Klopp's team and this and that nobody was saying that when they were top of the Champions League they were top of the Premier League it was all about how he's changed Klopp's team into a little hybrid of being 100 miles an hour and then slowing it down when they need to so everybody who's coming up with a clever well it was Klopp's team, forget that the fact is it's gone horribly wrong He's a huge part of it.

3:52But I think a lot of the problems as well are down to the individuals on his team. And that's why I think he should be given the start of next season. The concern is there doesn't seem to be any sprouts of inspiration from this side. There's just nothing. There's nothing. And surely that's down to the coach. Isn't that the coach's job to inspire, to get something from these players? Yes. And he hasn't done it for so long now, Stevie. That's it. they've been so stagnant. It's hard to come up with an answer. And the reason it's hard to come up with an answer is because this team, the majority of this team are experienced winners, international footballers of some repute.

4:40And for them all to be so bad is absolutely mind-blowing. And I don't have an answer as to why they're all being so bad. I refuse to believe that it's all down to Arna Slott. I just refuse to believe it. I think as individuals, they've all let themselves down, most of them, not all of them. And I think that is the biggest problem. But again, saying that, you're right. What you said, it's up to the manager to get players who are in bad form, who are not producing, who maybe are not mentally prepared properly. It's his job to get them in that position. Kieran, you were part of Arsenal teams, obviously, that didn't live up to the expectations either of the success.

5:21No, no, no, I'm not doing that. Boy, oh, boy. It just felt a natural segue. How difficult is that as a squad to find your mojo again, considering with Liverpool you win the Premier League title just under a year ago, those expectations are rightly high. Well, first of all, Dan, thanks for the usual dig. appreciate that it says two-time community sorry i just saw that karen i didn't put that one either right carry on oh boy oh dear uh good old dan yeah no listen i i i think you know obviously the standards that they set themselves last season they have obviously been underwhelming um and i think in terms of you know the game at the weekend it was kind of the story of the season so far for them in terms of coming up against a team's worst run of form in the league and probably up there in the club's history.

6:24And it just really highlighted the problems that they have at Liverpool. I think sloppy offensively, not killing the game off, poor in-game management, lack of concentration, conceding late. and these issues come when you are feeling uncertain and you're and you're feeling doubt you know and that is um that's a natural thing to filter through the team i think it comes from a number of different things i don't think the salah saga was has really been dealt with great and that's kind of dragged in from from towards the end of last season really um and it's surfaced and it surfaced in a way. When you have a club legend like that, who's probably Liverpool's greatest ever player, I think that if you don't deal with those situations properly, they can really filter through to the team.

7:18And I think that that's what's happened. Amongst other things, I think as well, we can't forget the fact that they lost a gem and another club hero very, very sadly in the summer. So, you know, there's a hangover that was probably there for that at the beginning of the season. But I think Stevie's right. It's a collective bunch of issues. It can't just be down to the manager. I think that the more experienced players in the squad, they haven't performed for whatever reason. And they've gone into a team that used to be very proactive. I mean, we saw them last year, the way they just blew the league away.

7:58They were on holiday with a month to spare. And they've turned into more of a reactive team. They're reacting to situations that are happening on the pitch, defensively and offensively. And I think that that's just causing them, all of these things combined are just causing them to underperform lately. Steve, you mentioned it. And it was evident watching this game, you could smell it as it went on, that something could happen. What's that like as a player when you're in those situations? where you know you've been on a bad run and you can feel it. Everywhere you look, everywhere, you can kind of sense it in the stadium.

8:35How do you get over that and what is that feeling like?

8:38Frank Leboeuf:You're looking for somebody to kind of take command, to take control of the game. And we talk about leadership a lot. And this is part of that leadership in-game, just kind of in-game leadership, understanding the moment and what it takes and what's called for. and to this game you could kind of feel almost I would say maybe 10 minutes gone in the second half I thought throughout Spurs were the better team and Spurs lack of finishing is the only reason that it went all the way to the 90th minute before Richarlison scored now who on the pitch is kind of taking command making those changes saying as much as much to the other players Now, the challenge with that is, Stevie mentioned, nobody's really playing anywhere near as well as they should be.

9:24Frank Leboeuf:We were talking about it a couple of days ago, and I made the point that bar Salva Slag and Ekitike, nobody's really lived up to any kind of expectation, whether they were part of the league winning team last season or part of the expensive additions in the summer. And so when you have players underperforming by the level that they have as individuals and as groups with Liverpool, nobody's going to stick their neck out and be that leader. Call somebody out or call for a change during the game. And that's come back to haunt them time and time again. Because it wasn't a slow burn. This was coming, as I say, from the 55th minute.

10:04Frank Leboeuf:You could see it coming. Mario, Van Dijk should be that leader. He has been that leader in the past. is the problem at the moment, as the boys mentioned, his form isn't anywhere near where he wants it to be, so he's looking after himself. No, look, I understand what's happening now, because everybody can see it, and he's not performing like we want him to perform, especially the way you can see also playing against Richarlison. Richarlison didn't take the game only like a regular game. He took it like a derby kind of game, the way he was going after it. You know when you get so many opportunities as a striker and you keep believing that one moment is going to come?

10:38I think he had that fight in the Zinnem and you could see these battles you understand with Van Dijk standing on the wrong side You understand sometimes defending him wrongly here even pushing through all the way Okay, Gomez comes inside and Salvas Lai is not tucking in okay that moment can happen But for me the key thing is like what the guys mentioned after 10 minutes in the second half Everything for me was Liverpool's own mistake if you play a game and you're not playing to kill it off and you're at home They were playing at home and you are 1-0 up and you are just waiting and waiting and waiting and you're not going for the kill You had a couple of great breaks.

11:14You understand with Gagpo Eketike they had a couple of breaks that they came out and you could see like okay the opportunities were there But the problem for me is if you don't finish games off You're always making them believe and come on guys. Yeah, you're playing against the spare side that are wounded They are in trouble. They have a new coach there. The players are injured. They are not performing how they want they don't know where they're going to get a win from. And you're going to give them this type of confidence going at Anfield and scoring that late goal. And then, oh, they believe that those guys have now, they're probably going to use this game against Liverpool, try to pedal on and see what they can do after this.

11:50While Liverpool is in a situation thinking like, hey, guys, this cannot happen. But you have done it so many. They've done it to Wolves as well. They've done it to what? Okay, City is maybe a different situation. But when it happens to Wolves, then you've got to wake up already and say to yourself like, Like, hey, especially like you say, you know, you're a captain of the team. You also got to put your foot down and say, like, guys, this cannot continue because if not, we're going to be in real trouble. And like Sabas came out and saying that, no, you don't want to play Conference League when you won the league, you play in Champions League.

12:19This club is too big to go that far, except if it's maybe going really bad. But it ain't going that bad for them to go there. There's one of the biggest problems that they have. It's the worst thing that most teams, when they're struggling, go through. they don't trust each other. And when I say they don't trust each other I'm talking about the very basics of anything that you do. Whether it's a simple pass you don't know whether it's coming to your throat over your head somewhere even lower down and you don't know you just don't trust the person giving it to you. And that filters into defending.

12:54Defending particularly when you don't trust the guys beside you that means your starting positions off because you don't know whether you should over-cover somebody because you don't trust them to either win a header or do the right thing. And that just snowballs all the way around the field. And so, although you look on a piece of paper and you see all the names, and I'm talking about how experienced international players, winners, World Cup winners, when you don't trust the guy next to you, it affects your game as much as it affects his. And it just snowballs. It is, of course, Galatasaray in the Champions League.

13:25They have a 1-0 lead going... Is it 1-1? I can't remember what the first one was. 1-0, yeah. Which it was 1-1. I completely forgot what happened in that first day. Liverpool are still big favourites going into Anfield. Stevie, percentage? Let's do it. This is 50-50. Seriously? I don't honestly see how you can make Liverpool big favourites. Liverpool have just capitulated against, right now, the worst team in the Premier League. And they're 1-0 behind against Galatasaray. who have a guy up front, an Aussieman, who can win any game on his own, just a single piece of magic or brilliance. So how Liverpool can be such big favourites after what we've seen and what we saw at the weekend?

14:07I don't get that. And I don't think you'll find many Liverpool fans sitting thinking, oh, we're big favourites to win this game. One more thing from what we saw on the match against Spurs. And I feel like you may have done this in the past, Stevie. Mistaken who the manager was. This is Igor Tudor. And he thinks this is Arnaud's lock.

14:32Frank Leboeuf:Oh, never mind. Oh, never mind. It's not you. And that's Tottenham's player liaison. That's embarrassing. You think he knows? You can tell he doesn't know. Even when the guy turned round, he didn't go, oh, sorry. He was like, how are you doing? Yeah, I'm sorry. That's embarrassing. You haven't pulled on that in the past? Absolutely. Even Paul and I didn't do that. Wow. Oh, my goodness. Wow. I'm sorry. A lot more on this, Ben, on the latest edition of the Gab and Jewel show. No Gab. So, Nadam is sitting in. That is available to listen to now.

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16:13This, of course, is what happened. They wanted to do a huddle around the ball to show respect to the ball. And it just so happened that the referee was standing next to the ball. He didn't move. The huddle continued. And of course, it's been a big talking point over the last 48 hours. Here is Rosinha again on the huddle.

16:34Frank Leboeuf:I think in terms of the huddle, I think it's been blown out of proportion, to be honest. It's a small, small thing amongst many, many serious things that we need to address, such as the massive game against PSG tomorrow. in terms of the huddle the lads have always wanted to show unity and togetherness i think they'll continue to do that but what we don't want to do is antagonize or bring more noise on ourselves and we'll make the decision on where we do that on the pitch tomorrow mario he's made your team a laughing stock hasn't he no he didn't he didn't but okay i agree with you then this was a little bit for me also come on around the ref doing that okay maybe the ref was standing where the ball was so that's why they did around it.

17:17He came out. He also said they might going to, you know, skip this. In my time, I would say then, I would not do that hug. I would do a hug with somebody else, you know, that I dearly love, but not with my teammates standing there like that. Because I was like, why are you guys doing that? You don't need that motivation because the motivation normally happens in the dressing room. You always have guys, you understand, in a tunnel when we go out, or let's say, you know, you go to each other and say, come on, let's do this. But standing there around the ball now, for me, no, no. I don't agree with this.

17:46Kieran do you really believe it was the players who came up with this

17:52yeah it probably was but I think it's silly to say that it was the players idea because you're the coach at the end of the day so you know you make the final decision and he must have thought it was a good idea to do it so I think he's I think he's just gone a bit of a stretch too far I get the idea because you know and I respect Liam because he's a young manager and I think he represents you know young modern coaches pretty well but I think he's just got that one wrong and and like you say he's blown out of proportion but I think it's it's blown out of proportion because you know he's allowed it to happen and uh you know I I do get the idea in the sense that he's a young manager he's coming to a really struggling Chelsea team you know they've they've been underperforming for a number of years now and he's trying to find these small margins to try and you know shift uh the culture shift the energy of the club so you know i can't blame him for trying these new things but unfortunately in this day and age when you when you do these controversial when you do these controversial things they can quickly turn into you know a wild meme and i think that that's what's happened with this one and it's just backfired a little bit um so be interesting to see if he does it tomorrow he should have laughed yeah that's a good point That's what he should have done.

19:04Yeah. And not taking... It just seems like he takes himself and everything too seriously. Yeah. And it gets a bit much. And this is kind of the top hat. So somebody needs to go to him, look. And we've got to remember how inexperienced he is, right? Let's give him a little break. And I was pretty harsh on him the other day because I thought it was ridiculous. And I thought the way he approached talking about it just showed his inexperience. and I hope somebody says to him, look, in the future, if you're going to do anything that doesn't work, just laugh at it. You know, make yourself the butt of the joke and it'll go away.

19:42Yeah. Because we're still talking about it three days later. Yes. Indeed. And of course, he wasn't happy with the referee at all in this game, Mario, because he made the point that everyone sat in the press conference could see it was a penalty in the second half.

19:57I'm just wondering with your Chelsea blinkers on what you say.

20:04I think Palmer is very clever. He puts his foot to him. Look, he puts his foot to him. So that's what I think that he didn't give it for. Okay, if you ask me, do you want it to be a penalty? Of course I wanted it. But is it a penalty? No, this is just intelligence. And now, you understand, the ref kind of pulled out and said, no. I think the guys upstairs maybe looked at it and said, okay, he is blatantly going to him instead of the other way around trying to maybe protect the ball he could say or he could say like no i put my foot there just because i wanted to run no you don't put it that wide so waltemar stepped in so no for me when i looked at it again you understand because you also have to remember it and if it's the other way around i will call it the same thing so now i have to say no i would not give that penalty uh of course rosin you were speaking today ahead of tuesday's clash in the champions league where they're looking to turn around that 5-2 defeat against PSG.

20:58A lot, of course, to do, Mario. They are 8-1 to get it done. How do you approach this game? Because you've got to be really careful, obviously. You need the goals. But defensively, we saw how vulnerable they were against this PSG attack in Paris last week. You know you're facing a team that you arguably, OK, I don't want to say they reinvented the way they pressed the ball and everything but they clearly showed Chelsea how did they did it in the summer you know when we saw them in the summer they were prepping one of the key things I think they did it in the final last season too what they do really well if you see guys like them bail it the way they stand the way are they are ready for you to make the mistake Chelsea walked right into the trap I know he said like okay from the back Jürgensen you know the goalkeeper take the time play the ball in the middle we saw Fernandes saying like having a go at him because he didn't agree with him, taking the wrist ball or playing it right through the middle.

21:57And they were waiting for that press that moment. That is one of the key things that they really have to think about. Liam knows he was a manager in France. When you're a manager in France, and I can talk from experience because I play there myself. When you play there, one of the key things the France League has and the culture of France has is counterattacks. So he has to be careful because as soon as he exposed himself and make his team wide open, they are going to come and hurt him because they have the speed in the team, and I think that is going to be one of the key things. I don't think, you understand, when I watched the game in Paris, he prepped that well for it because I think they were too vulnerable at moments, and now they're coming to the bridge.

22:38Of course, you're playing at home. You want to start well. You want to do well. You want to score as early as you can, but be careful. Don't be too open because if you're too open, they're going to hurt the back line of you, so they have to be careful. So the one thing is don't concede too early. If you concede too early, the game is over. Who's in goal, Mr. Hislop?

22:59Frank Leboeuf:I think I stick with Sanchez. Right. In that, I don't think there's... I thought Chelsea took too many risks at the back against Pirates in the first leg. And I don't feel there's the need to take those risks. You cannot afford to go as cheaply as you did in the first leg. right now for me Sanchez remains in number one I'd stick with him we'll of course be discussing that game on the next edition of the show and if you ever miss anything you can catch our videos over on YouTube be sure to go to ESPN FC and subscribe I like things my way my coffee my schedule and my treatment so I talked to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo Pre-Filled Syringe which contains Efgar Tegamide Alpha and Hyaluronidase QVFC It's injected under your skin subcutaneously.

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25:28Max Dahman, of course, broke records at the weekend as he became the youngest ever goal scorer in the history of the Premier League. just 16 years of age and 73 days. Of course, that amazing run to score in front of an open goal guaranteed Arsenal, that 2-0 victory over Everton. Kieran's with us, as is Mario. It's interesting with you boys, because actually you all started quite well. Shaka went to college, well done, Dr. Hislop. But Stevie, Mario and Kieran, you all started when you were teenagers. Kieran, of course, you played in the same squad as Cesc Fabregas, who's on that list as breaking records.

26:06What's it like to have that kind of youth around you and how much potential, obviously, did you see from Cesc there?

26:15Well, I mean, Cesc was like the blueprint of the academy. You know, he was the standard. I think that that was what all the coaches alluded to, of, you know, what it takes to play at that level. So to see him at such a young age, you know, not more than four or five years older than a lot of the academy boys at that time was incredible to see and very inspiring. So I'm sure that he's, you know, Max is going to be that guy or is that guy at the moment for the rest of the Arsenal academy. And, you know, we've seen the likes of Bakayo Saka come through. In my day as well, at the same time, it was Jack Wilshere that just came through and just looked so effortless for these guys.

26:57And I think that he is now the new standard. and how amazing is it for him to one day score in the Premier League and then the next day you're at school. It's an incredible story, a special, special weekend for many reasons. Not only was it pivotal in the title race, but I think that the way he took his goal and the moment that he did, it is iconic. It was an iconic weekend, I think, in the history of Arsenal. I don't want to go as far to say, you know, we have someone that is going to come in and completely transform this team because they're already on their own trajectory. But I think, you know, when you look at a local boy that's come in and done what he's done so far for the club, it's a real it feels like it could be a real shift and that's how good he is the way that he can come in now with this club that are getting heavily scrutinised for not being creative and not showing enough poise offensively, he completely comes in from nowhere and gives Arsenal another dimension and then you kind of think where where could this team actually go?

28:26What don't they have at this point? And that's what I think Max brings this Arsenal team. That's a lot of pressure, Kieran, for a 16-year-old to add some spark to this flat Arsenal side. Yeah, I mean, but that's the thing. He just feels like he doesn't even feel the pressure. It's just unbelievable. I mean, you know, he comes into every game completely unfazed. He danced around the Mansfield pitch like it was the Emirates. It's incredible to see what he's doing at this age. He can take everything so far, every test that he's been put his way. It looks like he's surpassed it with ease. Obviously, we don't want to put too much pressure on the boy, but I'm hopeful for the club, but also for England as well.

29:17I think you should as well, Dan. Yeah, let's see him score past the goalkeeper first. Mario, it's interesting, because you've talked about obviously playing as a teenager for Ajax, going to school the next day. Do you think it's easier to be a teenager in soccer now or when you were younger? Given the scrutiny, obviously, programs like this give people like Max. No. No, I don't want to take credit away from people like that. You know why? Because when I was my younger age, you had people that were in my position now, and they were talking about, do you understand, their time. No, this kid went through the similarities as we all had, do you understand.

29:54You go to school, and then you go and perform for the team that you dream of performing for. Same like I had at Ajax. Okay, you go back to school, and you go through those moments. But it's still, what is it? How many fit in the Arsenal Stadium? 60 ,000. I had 50 ,000. So it's still the pressure of 50 ,000 or 60 ,000 people watching you, screaming your name. the proudness of your parents being there and looking at you because that's what he had I had my family as well so watching you that moment is just crucial for you and for him to go to the only key thing what happens now the most important part when you're that young is if you can keep your two feet on the ground so you have a family around you and making sure that you how they say it in English don't stick to your own hype because if you get that yeah it becomes a very difficult situation.

30:40He used to be young to get there because he's clearly just starting. He's doing great things. I'm sure after scoring that goal, a lot of people will be his friend and a lot of people at the school will tap him on his back as long as he just keeps on walking and says, yeah, thank you. And don't get faced by it because it's going to only get and get worse, my friend, and just stick to your good quality. Yeah, Kieran, on that subject, what sort of advice did you get as a teenager playing for Arsenal that kind of stuck?

31:10Well, I had the likes of Cesc, Theo at the time. There was quite a young group, but there was also older, experienced players as well that helped along the way. I remember the likes of Thomas van Marlen, Per Murtasaka, Bakary Sanya. I think all of these guys, the older, experienced boys, are the ones that really help you in those moments. through the good and the bad. Max is also going to have difficult periods in his career. And I think that certainly for the older boys, look at who he's got to look up to in the team now, who I'm sure he even admires as players. Bakayo Saka is probably a key one because he's also a local boy as well.

32:02So I think he needs to listen to the people around him and his team that are doing it at that level and just take advice from them. I think that that's the smartest thing that you can do because you're going to get so many opinions, so many different voices in your head. I always think that the players that you play with, that you basically live with day in, day out, they're the ones that are going to help you the most and give you the best advice, I think. Did you get new friends popping up, Kieran, once you made your debut for Arsenal? Not you, Dan. Not you, Dan. Not you, Dan. Not you, Dan. Not friends like you.

32:41Not you, Dan. You're a Latina smile. You were just 19 when you arrived at Liverpool. Aye. And this was the Liverpool side, obviously, so well known right across the world. Yeah, it's not... It's just encouragement that you get from the older guys. Right. You know, it's not... There's no bitterness, is there? Look at this young guy coming in to take my place. Oh, Ripper Snapper. Let me tell you something. Max Dowman right now people like Saka and Giochires and Odegaard you're right this couldn't have happened at a better time we've not you had a little mention of well I played for a team that right now are crap going forward and then so it's all about Max now this is perfect this is perfect for Arsenal all the talk is all about Max Dowman and as we've seen it kind of it's like water off a duck's back to this kid which is fantastic for everybody else so it takes the pressure off them and it's also good to have kind of a wee brother that you can all look after this couldn't have happened at a better time Arsenal were absolutely feeling the pressure the way they're performing everybody's jumping on them going forward, there's no spark there's no inventiveness and this kid appears and does all of those things takes the pressure right off Dr Shaka Hissler, what wise words would you give him?

34:01Frank Leboeuf:Well, I think so many in the dressing room are kind of used to seeing talented kids. Maybe not as talented as Max Darman, maybe they haven't kind of made the jump. Whenever you talk to footballers, we all talk about talented young players that we've seen who just haven't made it for one reason or another. Many times, they kind of feel more talented than we are, but haven't been able to make that final or clear that final hurdle for any number of reasons. Now, Max Dutman has done that. Personally, I think it's a great position on time for him. Now, you made the comment about Max Dutman being the spark to Arsenal offensively.

34:40Frank Leboeuf:Arsenal don't need that right. They're in a great position. They're going to win the league. Yes, they're coming to some criticism about their style of play and reliance on set pieces and no real spark going forward, I think is the term you used. But they're winning the league. Are they going to win the quadruple? that's still too much for me they are positioned too but I think it's easier way way easier said than done right now I'm going to go no I think if Arsenal win two titles the Premier League plus one other I think they celebrate well into next season where are we on the quadruple Kieran

35:27quadruple i'm i'm you know i'm not convinced um i think that the champions league might be a stretch too far even i think that they'll get to the semis um i worry about them coming into a big game like that against around madrid or barcelona that um turn up in those big occasions but I certainly think that it will be at least the Premier League and as Xhaka said I think probably one more I can give them not as a certainty but I think that they're going to go and do at least a double this year

36:06Frank Leboeuf:So as I've already said and I think this is where experience comes in, experience competing for multiple trophies winning multiple trophies for instance, you go and you win the you win the Premier League, that's a tough come down, kind of given it's been, what, 22 years or whatever it is since Arsenal last won the Premier League title. That's a tough come down to then get yourself together to think about the FA Cup. You win that, that's a tough come down again to then reset your sights on the Champions League final if you get there. Now, experienced teams who've done it and kind of been there understand that process, but because Arsenal haven't been there in so many situations, that's That little period there where, again, they go all the way and win one or two trophies, it increasingly becomes more difficult with each title.

36:53They're favourites, of course, to win every competition that they're in, including the FA Cup. They're obviously in action against Southampton in those quarterfinals. That's the stages that we're at. And obviously you can see those live on ESPN+. First weekend of April, Chelsea, Port Vale, Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham against Leeds. And, of course, Manchester. Oh, no. You've got to wake up early to watch Liverpool lose, Stevie. Oh, boy. It just keeps getting worse. Stevie will be in studio, of course, for that game. Oh, brilliant.

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38:34Real Madrid very much in the driving seat to qualify after being 3-0 up against Manchester City going into the second leg at the Etihad on Tuesday. Here's Pep Guardiola. It's easy for me guys. The first 20 minutes you have to score three goals. Yeah, perfect. Good message. But the reality is completely different. It's just to be sustainable in our approach, in our house we have to do it and in all departments that we are working tomorrow or talk tomorrow about what we have to do until the end and we know it's not

39:06Frank Leboeuf:able it's because the first result in the first leg was not the best one so it's difficult sometimes you know because we create the first 50 20 minutes four or five times in by line for for Bernardo was alone in the six-yard box and two three crosses cutbacks that we didn't arrive and they three shoots and target three goals. That is the Champions League. That's why it's so difficult. And the opponents are really good. We have to live with that. Of course, we have to take more risk in terms of trying. But even the results are not good in the first half. We have to keep going, carry on, go. Because you never know.

39:42Frank Leboeuf:You never know. So how do you handle this psychologically, Stevie? As a group of players going into a tie in which you need to score goals however you know you can be vulnerable at the back as well you've got to be smart and you've got to pick the right team and you can't go losing a goal early and the game's over right uh been there done it seen it uh played against you know we did exactly what what man city did to real madrid outplayed you know away from home and the first leg got beat 2-0 okay okay great that's fine we'll bring it back to anfield we'll get after it 2-0 10 minutes in We'll go a goal down And of course The older way Goals rule back then Game was over In 10 minutes Ended up losing 2-0 I think So you have to be smart But you have to pick The right team And when I say The right team For Man City They have to be Solid defensively They can't afford To give anything Away whatsoever And that means You cannot gamble Certainly at the start Obviously the longer The game goes on I think you start making Changes in terms Of going forward But you can't afford to lose goals like this at this level.

40:47I mean, and mistakes as well from... You can understand the O 'Reilly one, he's not a fullback, he's a midfield player. But then Donnarumma compounds it by making a mistake as well. So you need defenders to start with to make sure you don't give the game away and the game doesn't finish early. So Kieran, as a player, how do you cope with this kind of juxtaposition of needing to score goals but don't want to concede goals which i know is the normal way in which football was played but you're three nil down so you have to take more risks yeah no it's it's really difficult i remember i'm testing my memory now but i think it was 2011 or 2012 we were we were four nil down against ac milan i think in this uh kind of identical fixture obviously with the old format and uh you know we took them back to the Emirates and I remember going into the game and thinking for sure I know that they're not going to score because I know the reaction of the team after that defeat was heavy so I had a feeling that it was for sure it was going to be a clean sheet we was not going to concede another goal against them but I just don't think that this I don't think you can say that for if you know if it was if it was this this fixture and I was coming up against Madrid, I just don't know if I would be able to say that about this Madrid team.

42:09They can just cause havoc at any moment. And if their individualism surfaces, even just for five minutes, the game can be over. So that's why I hear what Pep's saying about them needing to be perfect. But I think it's going to be one of those games that Madrid are going to have to be you know, very imperfect for them to have a chance. So it's a difficult one. I think this one's a difficult one for them just because of their individual quality. Mario, it's interesting. Kieran alludes to it, and obviously we talk about it a lot, this weight that Real Madrid carries in the Champions League, obviously the most successful club in the competition's history, and they come at you, and that plays on your mind as well?

42:57Yeah, of course. because I think, look, even if you don't want to think about it, you think about it because you look at the facts, what is facing you. City, now we understand, in the journey that they've built now, they are strong and it's also a side that Madrid wants to beat because Madrid is watching them and thinking like, okay, City is coming, you know, okay, no, we're going to City now because they already came to us. We know that they are going to try to expose us and open us up, but we're going to get opportunities and we've got to really take it. City did it in the first leg you could see what Madrid was doing there were moments when City was in control and everybody thought like okay this looks alright but you know there is only a split second and they can really hurt you okay now they have a situation because now the rumors are going that Mbappe will be back so imagine they're going to play like City has the ball all the time similar to what we saw prior to it and then there comes a moment when you get 2v1 2v1 against Real Madrid could literally be like a 1v1 against any other team because those two players, like Finicius or Mbappe against two players, it's not always said that those two players are going to get the ball.

44:03Sometimes they get split open and they get run out. So those are the key things. If you talk about, like, of course I saw that. In my life, I went to Juventus one time and we had similarities like this. And that was clearly, definitely my school time because we met a guy. I don't know if you're familiar with a guy, but one of my admirers was Zidane. And oh my God, what he did to us in the second leg when we went to Juventus. I swear, I remember what football was like when you play against someone that is extremely good. So I don't hope for City that happens. If one of the players will pick up and like what Volverde did in the first half, if that happens again to them, it will be a very difficult thing.

44:44And if not, I hope that Haaland can, you know, chipping an early one. like I said for Chelsea, if you chip in an early one and the fans go around you, you get a different type of energy. And that energy is what you need in the team. You need the energy of your fans being around. It gives you belief and then you go all the way and you will really push, push as far as you can. But if that doesn't happen, it might be very sad in that stadium.

45:08Frank Leboeuf:What chance, Xhaka, do you give City? Not much, in all honesty. And to the point that everybody's making, yeah, City have to play a perfect game. that goes without saying. It's just the type of game that City plays, dominated possession of the Bernabeu, but we've said it all season long, just so fragile at the back that even when City and where I thought City were getting the best of Real Madrid is trying to press them, force them into mistakes high up the park. Maybe they do the exact same at the Etihad, but the issue with City and how fragile they are defensively, and more to the point, Real Madrid's strengths is that one ball over the top just does all that good work.

45:47Frank Leboeuf:And if Kylian Mbappe are in the park as well, it becomes even more of a threat. So I expect City to go ahead, dominate the ball as it did in the first leg, to try to press and force Real Madrid into mistakes, higher up the park. But that leaves space in behind. City kind of varies from that approach, that approach that they've used kind of naturally over the course of the last couple of seasons, then things become fractured. So I just don't see how City come back from this big a deficit. And we'll, of course, be discussing that on the next edition of the show as well as PSG at Chelsea. Be sure to join us.

46:30Thank you very much, everybody. Be sure to stay tuned as Extra Time is next. Mario is here. Hopefully, Kira can make it through to Extra Time. with his fans. We will see. Champions League to come tomorrow, but stay with us for this.

46:50Welcome in then to the latest edition of Extra Time. Mario is with us, Kieran as well. We were discussing Arda Gula's goal as the best goal of the week. Of course, that long-range effort that we saw for Real Madrid. Kieran, could you kick the ball that far? No, I couldn't then, to be honest. No, I couldn't either. Mario? No. Could you kick the ball? I could definitely kick it that far. I can still do it now, but will I score? No, I wouldn't score. Shaka, you could with your goal kicks in the past. I couldn't do that now, if that's what you're asking. Well, no, not now, obviously. Look at the state of you.

47:23Frank Leboeuf:I don't know where you're trying to say that. I feel every bit of scheme of it. Hey, take it easy, my Shaka, man. Take it easy, man. Never mind. Never mind all of it. Never mind. Stephen? No. No chance. No, not now, but back in the day. Back in the day, no chance. Oh really? No. Of course you could. No. No? No. Okay, I couldn't have scored that. Alright, okay. Very good. I'm back in Stevie. I'm back in Stevie. Too modest. I believe in you Stevie. I believe in Prime Stevie. With the balls now, you always moan about the balls being too. No, even, I couldn't. I believe in you Stevie. I believe in you.

48:00Let's get some questions then, shall we? Let's have a look at what the first one is. I don't know. You can read that far. I can't read anything there's in there. I can't read. Good luck. Stevie, drop points to Leeds, Forest, Burnley, Wolves and now Spurs. Is it more surprising that Slott hasn't been sacked at this point? Oh boy. Look, if Arnaud Slott hadn't have won the Premier League last year, I think there's a good, there's a fair chance that he could have lost his job. but he did win the Premier League last year. And it's not, you know, everybody keeps throwing Jürgen Klopp in. Jürgen Klopp had some seasons where they struggled to get in the Champions League and that's exactly where Arnaud Slott and Liverpool are right now.

48:44They are struggling to get in the Champions League. So, yeah, because he won the league last year, I think that gives him at least the start of the season next year. What would you hope to see from the start of the season that's been lacking so far this season? Why do you think there can be a difference? Well, I don't believe it's possible that the players, as individuals first and foremost, could be as bad. I really just don't see it. And I think that would make it way easier for Arnazslaught in terms of what he's asking them to do. It's his job to make them good and they're not good. Well, it's his job to organise them and motivate them and all of those things, but he can't step on the field and make somebody have a better starting position.

49:34Michael Carrick did it at United.

49:39Well, I would suggest Manchester United's run has more to do with the physical side of the game. Probably 50-50, the physical side. and yes, the fact that they probably feel more comfortable in the positions they're playing. I don't understand what you mean by position. When you're playing once a week and everybody else is playing two and three, isn't it? That's quite convenient, isn't it? To be able to do what you want to do is a lot easier when you're physically ready and at it. You're not carrying anybody. Everybody's in great shape. There's a whole different atmosphere around the place. The biggest problem the Man United are going to have is next year If Michael Carrick or whoever takes over next year Because this run is going to last the rest of the season I believe Picking up good results The biggest problem they're going to have is being able to adjust To having two and three games a week with that squad Unless they go out and sign five, six players and make themselves way stronger because at the end of the day, the squad they have, as good as the results they're getting, isn't going to get, in my opinion, isn't going to be capable of playing two and three games.

50:50So you're saying that you don't want Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League because therefore they can focus more on the league. Then Arnestock can work its magic because if not, if you're in the Champions League again, you're going to have the same problem of not having time on the training ground. Oh, that's a very sensible thing you said. Well, you're the one who brought up Manchester United. That's a very sensible thing you said. You got one right with the top 10 goals and now you've just blown it apart. Stevie, Stevie, let me... Complete garbage. Mario? Guys, don't bite Stevie, don't bite me.

51:22Look, one of the key things, what they had, was that when Klopp was there, you guys were going like 100 and whatever numbers an hour, you understand, in attacking and dictating games and slot came in he wanted to dictate the temple be more in control i think you understand and i i don't know how you see it but i think they have to be more crucial in finishing games off because if not if you want to keep controlling like this you're gonna bump your head a couple of times more against this kind of situation he cannot afford to do that he's got to finish games off because this is not good come on stevie you you don't you don't want to watch the end of the games like this?

52:00No. So you're saying he should get sacked? Is that what you're saying? No, I would not say that. Come on, he's my Dutch guy. I would never want him to be sacked. But I definitely want him to change. You said he should get sacked? I don't know, Stevie. What about Manchester United having a rest? Do you like Pep's approach, Kieran, of giving his players the day off and having them rest a day before they face Real Madrid? What is his goal? I mean, I'm not sure how much it's going to matter. I'm not sure how much it's going to actually matter in the game. So maybe he's just trying something different because it's, you know, I don't want to say it's a free hit for him, but I think he's easy.

52:46I think he may just be trying something different to take the pressure off the team. And I don't mind it, honestly. Like, it's not something I ever did. but I think he needs to do something pretty out there to go and get a result and this is what he's decided to do so yeah we'll have to see how it turns out Day off, Shaq, would you like that?

53:08Frank Leboeuf:I'd like to do something, I'd like to touch you well I'd like to come in and do something before you Have a little huddle? Yeah, you've got to pay your respects down Indeed Stevie would you have a good day off? Yeah? Absolutely, yeah Before a big game? Why not? Okay, yeah Why not? I'd like a little touch I'd like to, you know, do something. Realistically, what are you going to do in one day? You won't touch it during the game.

53:33Back of the net. Right. Kieran, will you be at the parade? Yes, full kit. I might have to go back for it. I might have to go back for it. Yeah, I think so. I think so. Yeah, you will. It might be a bit early in the year for me to go back, but I've got to try. Miami. I've got to at least try. North London. Right, start Ben Strop. Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa. Who do you trust most to secure a Champions League spot? Do we have the league handy? Just to remind everybody where we stand, obviously. That is a filter of a question. Losing against Manchester United. Chelsea losing against Newcastle.

54:07Liverpool drawing against Spurs this weekend. Who is the least worst?

54:14Frank Leboeuf:What's the gap? Villa have a little bit of a gap on everybody on the other team. There we are. They're in 51, 49, 48. They're in complete free-fall, aren't they? Yes. I'm going to go Liverpool, I am. Liverpool not to make it. No, Liverpool to make it. Oh, Liverpool to make it. Liverpool to make it.

54:33Frank Leboeuf:Listen, you're asking me to pick the best or the worst here. Liverpool just drew with Spurs. He's asking me to pick the best or the worst here. Right. Because they're going to get knocked out against Galatasaray, then they've got the whole week to prepare every time. And then it's no problem. Then they'll be all sorted. Harder slot works his magic. I've made my pick. Perfect. No, you're right. I've not seen anything else. Minimum pick. Kieran.

55:02I think I'm going to have to go Liverpool as well. I think I'm going to have to go Liverpool. I think Villa... I'm just not feeling Villa at the moment. They've kind of fallen off a cliff. I know Liverpool are in a bad spot, but you've got to expect them to muster up some kind of experience that they've got in the team. The quality is there. The quality is there. we just haven't seen it enough. I think that they might turn it on right at the last. And then who fifth? Liverpool fourth. Who would you have fifth then, Kieran, between Chelsea and Villa?

55:36That's a tough one. Well, I answer all the big questions. That's it. I think Villa. Oh, really? So you've got Mario's Chelsea missing out? Yeah. Mario? I think so. You know what I got. Sorry, Mario. I don't know, Mario. You said that Rosinio... It's okay, you know, maybe... What did you say? Come on, Claudette. Keep going. You said Rosinio was wrong when he said it should have been a penalty. You've had a go at his huddle. You're turning your back on Chelsea a little bit here, Mario, today. Oh, no, I don't then. Listen, I don't have to agree with everything. Easy now, Tiger. I'm just saying Liverpool might get there.

56:17But the second one, I see Aston Villa start dropping. I feel like the squad is not too big. And I think the squad is now questioning themselves. Do they still got the energy to push themselves and be competitive in that? Because Emery done a great job, but no. My Chelsea boys, I think they got that young energy. And let's see what they do against PSG, because then they got the freedom, what you just called them, what you just said to one of the guys there, to Xhaka, I think on TV, you said, oh, they're going to have freedom. OK, Chelsea might be in that situation too. And push all the way and get themselves into the Champions League again.

56:49And we've got different fashionistas amongst us. So it's the perfect panel to decide whether or not they like the new U.S. Men's National Team Kit. Let's hope that the producer has done some producing and has it for us to see.

57:03There we go. No. So that's the home one on the left, away on the right. I like it. I like the away one. The away one is really nice. Yeah. Yeah, I like it. Right. That's a beach top. A beach top? That's a beach top. That's not a football strap. No, you don't like it, Stevie? So people might like the fact that you don't like it. Yeah, maybe. Yeah, maybe you are. I like it. You like them both, Shaq?

57:29Frank Leboeuf:It gives movement. It gives movement? Yes. Gives more to that, Shaq. You know, it's like a flag fluttering in the wind. Oh, I see. Beautiful. Like the American flag. That's correct. Beautiful. The other one's stylish, don't you think? The other one's very nice. The awake one? Yeah. I like them both. It's horrible. My fashion is still weird. Kieran, you changed obviously Craig Burley's outlook on it. I know, I was going to say, we should actually ask Burley. He takes all of my hints, but I'm going to go... No, it's a no from me. What don't you like about it, Gary? It feels like a bit... It feels, I don't know, I don't know if there's a bit of...

58:07It feels like it's... Where's Wally? A bit where's Wally. Where's Wally? Or where's Waldo, as they call it here. Where's Waldo? Yeah, there we are. No. I'm not feeling it. I'm not feeling it. Mario. No, when it comes to me, you know, when I wear that, I go for the away kid, will be my number one for sure. Because I like it slick and everything. But one thing I have to say to you then, look, when you put on a jersey from your national team, I wouldn't care, man. Give me that jersey. Don't give me that nine, Mario. I don't care about that. Do you see the fluttering? Give me that jersey, man. Give me that jersey, man.

58:40Let me get on the field and let me do my job. Come on, give me that jersey. Do you see the movement that Xhaka does? Movement.

58:44Frank Leboeuf:Because movement. I go for the movement like Xhaka. Movement. Movement, Xhaka. I'm down with you. Oh, yes. Moving out the group stages and home. Oh, boy. Final question, Stevie. How was the concert last night? Did you dance? So just to remind us what this concert was, Stevie went to the local casino last night to a concert. Yeah. And the concert was what? The My Generation Tour. The My Generation Tour. Yeah, Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Right. Love and Spoonful. Okay, so this is the 1960s. 1960s. Right. And Terry Sylvester from the Hollies. Okay. It's fantastic. Terry was absolutely brilliant.

59:23He's a friend of yours. He's a friend of mine, yeah. He was fantastic. You wouldn't have paid to go and see this, would you? Saying that, we also have to add...

59:33Frank Leboeuf:That's a big spend, does it? We spent, what, maybe an hour, hour and a half before the show of Stevie just mentioning random... You don't know that? By the way. Yeah. Random figures from the 1960s. I hope you didn't spend in and on that thing on the top of your head. Why are you suddenly protecting... You would never have thought, you know what? You would never have thought, I walked every day I thought, you've been to the bar where I went to. Yeah. I can't believe it. I like it. I'll tell you what. It's all right, look. I'll tell you what. Yeah, yeah. You're definitely dead. Let me tell you. You're definitely dead.

1:00:04Frank Leboeuf:I'll take it. If two of you had shown up together, I'd have been, I'd have been ego-tudor. Not sure who I'm talking. Not sure who I'm talking to. It'd be a TV. You guys would think of all the sun with me. Now you know who's stopping your CV.

1:00:21I thought it was just you. I thought it was you. But now I see you're copying. Mario, if we're going together, we might get a father and son this game.

1:00:37Frank Leboeuf:Hey, there you go. I love what he had. I have. Two for one special. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. You guys are good. Have we got anything else to say? Goodbye. Steve was desperate to get out of them. Steve was finished. So you paid for the tickets? I actually did, yeah. No, you didn't. Of course I didn't.

1:01:04That is it. Thank you very much, guys. We will return tomorrow for those big Champions League matches, of course, including PSN, SG against Chelsea, and also Real Madrid against Manchester City.

1:01:25Frank Leboeuf:Shot clocks, big shots, upsets, aces, TGL playoffs are here. First, Atlanta Drive starts their repeat run against Los Angeles Golf Club. Then, Rory's Boston Common Golf and Tiger's Jupiter Lynx face off in their playoff debuts. Who will advance? Keep up. It's playoffs. Tune in Tuesday, March 17th at 6.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. only on ESPN and the ESPN app.

From the publisher

The FC crew continue to react to Liverpool's 1-1 draw vs Spurs and question why Arne Slot's side have been so poor this season compared to last year's title winners. Plus, the guys criticize Liam Rosenior for making a big deal about Chelsea's pre-match huddle kerfuffle.
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