NOBODY could replace Bruno! | Squad depth is a big problem for Amorim

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0:36Yes, guys, welcome to another Rio Presents brought to you by Crafted. Joining myself is Mr. Joel Baer and Steve Hardson. We're saying, guys, as usual, we're here. We're live and direct. Wait, what's happening? Forget about what's happening with us. What's happening with you, bro? I'm seeing you out there at the F1 with Bex, Kevin Hart Swiss Beats Yeah man, who else is there? Jessica, is it Jessica Alba? Rosie Huntington Yeah you named a lot of them man but no it was sick I've got to say man F1, they do it different F1 is on a different planet different level to all sports in terms of the experience they put on I was there for three days I was doing some great stuff with Qatar Airways United, which is like a bit of a charitable side of the business.

1:28And it's really like helping young kids and stuff and disadvantaged kids from disadvantaged backgrounds and stuff. But wow, what a weekend, man. But you look like you dress better than Bex at that event. No, Bex is clean, boy. He's clean. He's got his stylist and everything out there. Trust me, he's on point. You're playing it now. How busy? Has he got a minute in his day to get on his phone and mess about? Or is his day planned out? Does he have, like, what time he goes for a wee, like, in the calendar? Yeah, everything's a strategy. It looks like it's a strategy. It's all on the minute, all on the second.

2:03But, like, yeah, he's pristine, man. He's got that suit look going down to a tee right now. Do you know what I mean? I've got the more casual-looking stuff. He's got the suited and booted look. Anyway, Roberto Baggio, talk to me. Can we just have a moment, yeah? I've met everyone, right? I've met all the best players from my generation, the generation before, this generation. I've met them all, yeah? I saw Roberto Baggio there. I don't know what happened, but I got emotional. There was a little watering of the eyes because it took me back to when I was a kid. On my estate, there was a period of time where we were talking about Maradona, Baggio.

2:44like mate he was one of the most revered one of the most loved people where I'm from and I don't know how why he's in Italy do you know what I mean he's playing in a different league the Italian league was the best league then but what he used to do with a football have you heard Pep Guardiola talk about him go and listen to I'll read Pep Guardiola's comments on Roberto Baggio he'd get no respect today because he wasn't golden assist merchant he'd get no respect today Mate, he was a phenomenal footballer. I've asked him to come on the pod. I said, listen, please, I'm begging you. I'm begging you, please come on the pod.

3:23Because I don't think even he realises, yeah, how much he is loved by people like me of my generation. Like, I was emotional. I can't even put it. I'm stuttering here because it was too much. It was mad. He's like the ultimate, the streets won't forget player, isn't it? The ultimate, like. when you go Italy and you talk to the Italians and players about him and stuff mate when you talk about the best players he's one of the players they mention all of them speaking of which right thanks for ignoring me in the week by the way I sent you that little news article about Varon did you see it? no what is the point of sending you stuff?

4:03wait the one that the one where he's been where he's he's been banned or something yeah so I said let's go get him on the pod because he's clearly they're not doing nothing. He's been banned for six months because his team had to give the guard of honour to the champions and he made all of his team face the opposite way as they came out. Well done. Well done. I'm so here for how petty that is. No, no. I'll speak to Seb, he's a good lad. I've seen him around on the circuit a few times. He's top. What a guy. What a guy. When he's had a drink, mate, lunatic. Funny guy, man. Funny guy. I've seen him launch bottles across rooms when he's had a drink.

4:36Mad man. Horrible. Anyway, before you go into United, yeah, did you wear your crafted stuff while she was out there. Yeah, man. I had it on. I had this on. This is what I had on, man. You know what I mean? And you know, we should point out, by the way, that it's Black Friday. The Black Friday sale is only on until Wednesday. So make sure you go and cop what you need to get, man. There's loads of stuff on there. There's pendants like this one that I'm wearing. I wear this one quite a lot. There's great deals. I think some items are up to 71 % cheaper. Like, I mean, that's a very nice little bit of data and the stat that I've just presented to you.

5:08But this is the perfect time. Just go and get organised for Christmas. That's all I'm saying. Get organised now. Reduce the stress for the festive period. Because you know what it's like. Last couple of days, you're flying around town, wherever you live, going, I've got to find this, got to find that. Black Friday's gone. The prices are back up again. And you're banging trouble. So go on. You guys are starting your Christmas shopping before the 24th. I know that the lists in my house have already been done. And Kate is on the prowl for presents right now. She's pestering the kids. It's mad. Good stuff, man.

5:38Anyway, listen, man. make sure you check it out it's all about the craft and stuff so there's something for everyone you know i mean get your bits in now make sure you get them in before the 24th like don't be a steven house and do it but anyway let's move on to the man united talking points now you came back from a goal down to become the first team to beat crystal palace at home since february i was at the game bro the celebrations were mad you would have thought you're not everyone a trophy um first goal in 25 league games for Joshua Zertski. Rio, have you ever witnessed a single moment that's so important for a player?

6:13Like, it must have felt like exhilarating for him, right? Forlans, surely you'd have been on the pitch for him. Forlans, yeah. Forlans got to be the one. Like, he was someone who was low on confidence. He worked really hard in training. He had like, he's almost like his kryptonite was Rude Van Nistelrooy, who was like the golden child at the time at the club. And he was always going to be second backup dancer to him. So Diego, he wrote himself into folklore with the two goals against Liverpool. And he's fortunes at the football club in terms of confidence and belief, not only in himself, but also from teammates.

6:51We could see things in training that make you go, oh my God, wow, he's got a chance, he's a top player. But there are things in his... He had things in his armoury. He was a cold finisher, left and right foot. He went on to win the European Golden Boot, I believe, if I'm correct. Yeah, he went to Spain, the Villarreal, the Atletico. Yeah, he was like a ridiculous footballer, man. Like in terms of movement, he was, you know what he was like? He reminds me a bit like Harry Kane in that. He'd done rep after rep after rep. So when he got into position to score, everything looked like it was cultured and everything looked like it was like precision and there was a method to it.

7:31It was just like, I've done this so many times. you could see that practice coming out in the way he finished. Why didn't it work for him then? For that early start of his United? In fact, his entire United career, he didn't really. I think it's rude. I think he, and I've spoken to him since about this actually, and I've seen him around, and I think having someone like rude there, who like, he knows he's never starting. No matter what he does, he can come in and score a hat-trick at Anfield and then go to the Etihad and score another hat-trick next week. And if Rude said he was fit, Rude would play.

8:04Like, so what that does for someone's confidence, we talk about players building confidence. It wasn't really there for him to do that. But again, like, then I would suggest then your mentality has got to be, how can I support Rude and be part of a squad? And I think like he needed to probably draw inspiration more. Don't look at Rude, look at someone like Oli and go, where can I fit myself in this squad and draw confidence from? And someone like Oli probably would have been a better kind of reference point for him. Fergie never got any criticism for moving Farlan on when it didn't work for him at United.

8:42And probably was insulated massively by the success, and probably rightly so, let's be honest. But if that happened now, where you had a player leave United and go and win the Golden Boot in the manner that he did, we would never hear the end of it. You look at the likes of, I don't know, it's the same with Salah. Salah leaves Chelsea and goes on to become an absolute world-beater with Liverpool no one's really talking about it and same with Kevin De Bruyne and Man City but because those teams that they've left that Chelsea continue to win and continue to be successful no one really said much so but yeah it is a crazy thing I think Zerksi though when you talk about him could this be his moment I don't know I mean he needs to play games if it's going to be your moment and it's a catalyst for a change in fortune at the football club but he needs to continue playing games.

9:29And if he's afforded that, then it'll be okay. I mean, listen, the last game, you saw the comments online, it was going, what's Zerks? He looks way off it, miles off it. I think he needs to play continuously. He'd done that when he was in Italy and he looked a much better player, albeit in a different league, but he still had to score goals and be effective in the games than he was. But the difference in that is that he was playing week in, week out and knew that he was going to be playing. And that's the difference here. I don't think he believes he's going to play even if he scores a few goals on the run.

9:59Because I think he would be sitting there and going, if Cesc goes out for another three games and Cunha's out for another three games and I'll do well, if they're fit, they're probably going to come in and play. That's what he's probably thinking. And I think the manager, that's where the staff come in and maybe leading players come in, where they're having that conversation with him to build that confidence and that belief that, actually, no, no, this is an opportunity for you. There's a space there. If someone comes and grabs it and really makes it hard for the manager, you've got a chance to stay in, genuinely.

10:31These are the conversations that you need. Wingbacks. Manager spoke before the game about there being some anxiety around Dorgue any time he touches the ball. I don't think Dolo looks anywhere near what I've seen Dolo play like for the entire time Amarim's been here, actually. Masraou is clearly better suited to being a wide centre-back Than he is a wing-back I think he's naturally just a full-back And we're not going to see that from him Ahmad, he mentioned that he likes having Basically he wants wingers, doesn't he? In those wing-back areas I've had this mad idea You tell me how crazy this is Because I know you played with this guy a lot Vision this Antonio Valencia In Patrick D 'Argu could he do that because he only did one thing didn't he Antonio but he did it unbelievably well stand your defender up knock it past him deliver across the front of the six yard box Rio before you respond to this I want to say that I think Valencia was the absolute best at what he did Steve you're right but I feel like Dogu's got a little bit more to his game if I'm honest with you than that he's not just a head down run forward cut it back or cross it across the goal goal if I'm honest with you he ends up on the ball a lot in our system and I think the gaffer's right there is anxiety with him I don't think he's a ball player I think you've got to utilise what he's got and I think he's got some serious physical talent and I think you've got to maximise that and the one player that I think he could replicate in doing that is just not spamming balls into the box but look at the opportunities that Antonio Valencia created by having that very direct style and I look at Dogu and I think he could easily do that Antonio, I think, one of the most underrated players I've played with.

12:21He's a ridiculous specimen. His understanding of the game was far beyond anyone giving credit for. Intelligence. And his will to win, his will to beat players and to be effective. You wanted him in your team. You want that on your team rather than against you all the time. He was a top player, top professional as well. Great lad. So I understand what you're saying. I don't think the styles... I couldn't think of another player who I'd probably match him up with more, which would be Patrice Evra, especially a young Patrice Evra. I think between the boxes, in our generation, I think Patrice was probably the best getting from one part of the pitch to the other between the boxes.

13:02You don't think Paddy was a bit more technical? Pardon? You think Paddy's a bit more technical? Than Pat? Yeah. No, I don't think so. I don't think he's... I think quality and decision-making, passing-wise, I think he's got a lot to learn and needs to be coached. But I think he's got the similar attributes to Patrice. He's a great mover, great balance, willing runner, got a great engine, powerhouse. That's Pat between the boxes, right? and I think that he can improve defensively in his own box but I think he can improve massively in his decision making in his pass choice in the final third and I think if you can coach I don't think there's much to coach him on in between the boxes I think he's really good in between the boxes I think he gets things right a lot of the time he can power through, play one-twos play inside the pitch and keep running and get on the end of things but then it's when he gets to the final third it's that decision making it's that quality of his final pass which is lacking and I think coaching him in those areas and simplifying the game, hit areas.

14:14Don't try and hit people. Don't try and pick people out sometimes. Just hit areas and simplify them moments. He gets into those areas enough in a game that if you coach him enough, I think he could become a very effective part of the team. But I think right now he's doing everything but the final piece, which is the actual, the right pass, making the right decision in those areas. I think in terms of getting up the pitch and I still think that, again, defensively, I think he can learn a lot more. And I think that comes with games, that comes with good coaching. And I think there's a big responsibility on coaches to improve players in those areas.

14:47These are really fine-tuning areas in either box, like working on little details. Because I think he's got really good attributes to work with. And that's why I think about Patrice. Patrice, when he first arrived, was by no means the finished article. There was a lot to do. There was a lot to work on. But he had really good attributes that you go, you know what, if I'm basing it just off of this as a foundations, there's loads to go out here. If he's a winning learner and if he can learn. So Rio, why is it then that Dalo is getting the nod over Dogo at the moment? Like, what is it that he offers that Dogo doesn't?

15:27I think that a bit more defensive stability. I think he plays behind the ball a bit more when the ball's being developed. So he's a bit more of a security option maybe for, especially in that away game as well today. I think he's more of a defensive option where you've got Ahmad on the other side, especially who's going to be up the pitch as a winger, more or less. And he gives you that bit of security. But yeah, I think Dalo's been fighting for form. Dogu's not been perfect in any of the games he's played. And I don't think that from his comments, the manager, he's totally happy with Ivor. Steve, quickly to ask you What can be the solution then?

16:08Shaw at left wing back Now that your boy Martinez is back from injury? I wouldn't mind seeing Luke Shaw As a left wing back If that happened I think there's a lot of things to like about him With that The fact that he's left foot dominant Is a big one Because I think When you've got this system My main gripe with the Everton game Last week Was that we had Dolo checking back on his right foot On the left And we had Ahmad checking onto his left foot On the right So you put To cross the ball like that You put the ball in the air And you're putting the ball in the air Against Tarkovsky Which is hands down The dumbest shit I have seen on a football pitch In decades You've got Mount You've got Mbumo And you've got Zerksy Even though he's 6 foot 4 He's never jumped once in his life Like you are putting crosses Into the box Against Tarkovsky Who's texting with one hand And winning headers With the other Like it was dumb So So I think having people that are strong foot dominant in those wide areas, and people misunderstood me when I said, and have them cross it.

17:12And they're like, oh, so you're saying still cross it? No, I'm saying get to the byline with your strong foot and then check it back. Let's go to the penalty spot. Let's go to the edge of the six yard box. Let's get those tap-ins from there. High quality chances rather than spamming it in the air like Trent used to do. It was a mad tight game. and it's Bruno delivering again with assists set plays which I'm not happy about because you've got to have more than one way to be able to score hey well sometimes that's the way back you can't blame them you've got to take what you can you know but I'm worried I'm worried about our chance creation Xerxi Mount and Bumo they're all coming to feet no one's going behind we've not I don't know when Cesco's coming back clearly something else has gone on with Cunha because this bang on the head seems to have, you know, kicked off with some concussion protocol or something because he's just missing.

18:03We lose Ahmad and Mbumo. It's a tough few weeks, man, and possibly a couple of months for United until AFCON's over. Right, man, we've got loads still to come right on this pod, but we'll be back shortly after this.

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19:07That's the concern for me, is that whenever we've been doing well and we look good, we've had people running off the ball. And Bumo, Kunio especially, Seska even running off things or players running off of him. And if we keep coming to the ball and condense the pitch and we don't stretch teams, we're going to be too easy to play against. And that's going to be a big problem. Teams are going to be able to be on the front foot and be more aggressive against us and aren't taking a back step. And that's dangerous. But going back to Bruno, I think like you see, he's overtook Paul Scholes into fourth place in terms of assists for the club.

19:40I think Premier League assists, he's only behind Bex, Giggs and Rooney. He's in legendary territory there with them names. It's crazy. but and I've seen some people talk about him and go ah they'd be better off without him and blah blah blah and I'm like are you crazy like the geezers playing in a holding midfielder's role and still creating more than anyone on the pitch do you know what I mean still up there in the league in terms of chances created like ridiculous he's like when I see him question it just makes me sit there and go what are you you don't know football you can't know football and then I see people saying ah he should be gone he should be out we'd get rid of him he would unlock the others and we'd be better off.

20:22Man United done that years ago. You know who it was? It was Texino. I'm shouting Texino out. Maybe play the clip. I sent it to the group the other day. I understand the argument. Oh, when Ruud Van Isteroy was at Man United, he was scoring the goals. Got rid of him. And we went on to do so well and much better without him. The players that came in and took over that mantle were Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Saha. Like, who have we got coming in to replace Bruno? Who's going to take over that mantle? Who's going to take over that and go, OK, I'm going to create the 60, 70 chances a season now.

21:01I'm going to score the 15 goals and I'm going to create and do the 15 or so assists as well. Who's going to do that? Who's going to spread it around across? I mean, it becomes the same argument. They're saying that and I agree with you now. I was one of those people who didn't know football, by the way, because I was just like, sell him. He's just, he's attitude, the whole thing about him, just get rid of him. But now... Now, yeah, when he was... Listen, even your whole fan base weren't having it a few years ago against Liverpool when he was just like sulking and throwing his hands around. We were losing.

21:37Yeah, to be fair to Rio, I thought he was trying to get Bruno on the channel, but he was basically saying, no, he's a winner. And, you know, sometimes that's what happens and he would be like that as well. But it's taken time and now I totally understand. But what I'm saying, Rio, is a lot of those people have said that if you sell him and you get the 100 million that was potentially on offer if he had gone to Saudi, then you would have used that to be able to rebuild the team. You wouldn't take that money. Bruno stays regardless of his age and the money available. No, listen, it depends who you're going to go and get.

22:10I'm just saying that if you get rid of him, don't expect that output to be really taken on by somebody. or two players. And Buma and Acuna are going to do great for us. But they need Bruno. They need someone who can supply the chances. Because if he's gone, I don't see where that's coming from. And if you're going to sell him for£100 million, you might have to go and spend£100 million to have a chance of getting that. So it doesn't make sense. I think he's a wonderful footballer. He's the one that they look at when there's any time in a game when they need something. Every one of that team are looking to Bruno.

22:46so difficult to think of going anywhere else but no, I think he's a wonderful footballer and I think you need to kind of still keep building around someone like him because I think he's that good of a footballer I mean, you've just got to look at the chances created Rio Bruno Fernandes, 33 during the 25-26 season Brian Mbwemo, 21 Saka, 21 Diallo, 19 Awobi 19 he's head and shoulders above the rest you know and look how bad Man United have been so far this season you know so there's one striking thing that tells you about the top chances created in the Premier League there's three Man United players in there we just need to be able to finish the chances we'd be different we'd be further up the league if we had people that could finish the chances right now do you know what I mean if we had a Rude Van Isteroy right now in our team jeez god forbid where would we be guys we could be dreaming looking down on the others in the league We could be looking down at Arsenal right now.

23:46He threw it in his net for the first five games as well. But no, I think one of the big problems we've got, listen, chances created and scoring goals, we're going to lose Ahmad and Mbouma for the African Nations, right? And this is another gripe of mine about the African Nations. Why is the African Nations the only tournament that's during the season? It's the most disrespected national tournament. It just doesn't make sense to me how it is being played at this part of the season, which is detrimental to a lot of teams that have African players in them. It's one of those where they're going to have to look at it.

24:21And I think with the rise of African football anyway, Rio, I think, and voices such as, I know you're not African, but people such as yourself, people who hold a strong voice in football. I think that's the kind of stuff that you need to start bringing to summits, man, because I truly believe that it's getting more shine now and you never know. It's all about speaking to the right decision makers, I'm sure. You know the biggest thing as well, one of the things as well, is that African players are so prominent now. There's so many more African players playing on the big stage and the biggest stage in the Premier League and in other European leagues and Champions League.

24:56So when them players are leaving, it's diluting the quality of the Premier League and La Liga and all the other leagues that we're talking about. So there's got to be a push for this tournament to be put in around the same times as the other tournaments that are going on. The Euros. Do you know what I mean? The Copa America. Why are they played in the times when everyone's off? But the African version isn't. Steve, I want to ask you, what do you think the impact will be of losing Mbwema and Ahmed? What will that do to Bruno's positioning? It wouldn't make sense to move him around, but they're definitely going to because there's not really a lot of other options.

25:40Have they been keeping Kobe on ice just to play him while AFCON's on? Madness, if so, but possible. But then, who's right wing back? De Lowe? Okay. And then, behind that first 11, there is no one. Like, there is just no one that he trusts. It doesn't feel like there's anyone knocking on the door. There's four or five players in the team which, if we had alternatives, wouldn't be playing. I'm certain of that. which means that you're so far away from having competition for places. I mean, yesterday's performance with Casemiro, another good performance from him. There is no one in our squad that can do that.

26:26I'm worried, man. I am worried. I'll tell you one thing, Steve. If I'm Cobby Maynou now, I'm probably sitting there for the last couple of weeks going, do you know what? I'm going to get myself razor sharp, majorly fit, and ready for when the African Nations hit. Because if I don't get in a team then, what is going on? Because the manager could easily move Bruno, even into the false nine, if Sesco's not fit. He's done that before successfully. If Cunha's not fit as well, he can move Bruno to the left and play Kobe in the midfield. I think it's a big few weeks for Kobe Maynard in determining how he feels about his role at the football club.

27:07how he feels about staying or going. These next few weeks are going to be telling in that department. So watch this space. Guys, I want to move on to the most important part of the pod, Chelsea versus Arsenal. Obviously, we saw the game today. Chelsea looked bang up for it, probably the biggest game of their season. Arsenal, not quite so, which is understandable after putting four against Tottenham, three against Bayern Munich and obviously having a little stroll today at Stamford Bridge. should we be worried Rio because the performance wasn't as high quality as we've seen over the last seven days I would argue if I would argue that if I went back into my kind of how I'll be thinking after a game in a change room a game of that magnitude top of the table clash Arsenal would have took a draw before the game I'm telling you if you'd ask any of the Arsenal if you spoke to Declan Rice and the boys in that dressing room before the game and go if you could walk out of Stamford Bridge regardless of what goes on in the night minutes with a point right now would you take it I think they'd all say yes I mean you want to win but I'd probably take a draw now right so regardless of what's going on yeah they went down to 10 men sometimes it's much harder playing against 10 men everyone drops behind the ball there's no spaces and funny enough Chelsea went and went one nil up um in it with 10 men but I just feel that I don't think this affects anything with Arsenal they haven't lost they maintain that which is great they're still on a good streak they've been they've been in relentless form, blistering form, banging goals in now.

28:36And they've changed that narrative in the last couple of weeks from being a set piece, Tony Pulis, Big Sam inspired team to being a team that can play, can create chances and score goals. So I think they've had a wonderful couple of weeks in building that momentum and that belief. And I actually am going to go as far to say, especially after the game against Bayern Munich in the week, I'm going to go as far as to say that I think there's teams now going up against Arsenal who are more fearful than anything about getting rolled over. And they're probably walking into that game going, how do we beat these?

29:10How do we match these physically? How do we match them in terms of ball retention? How do we get the ball off them? How do we defend the set pieces? I think teams are going into games against Arsenal starting to ask themselves a lot more questions than we've seen even in the last three or four seasons. Real, we played with a B team today We didn't have Saliba and Gabriel Two centre-hours Two centre-hours that don't play together Steve, you forgot that We had Trossard, who's been one of our best attackers Martinelli started We all know he's the impact man now I mean, for me, personally What's that about, Steve?

29:47Go on I was wondering what the impact is that you think he makes Who? Trossard Come on, Steve, don't be a hater He scored against City great assist by alright yeah alright exactly sorry less behave you're still five still five points clear at the top from City do you know what I mean Rio we could win this by mid-May you know if I'm honest yeah that's usually when the season ends Joel but I want to talk about Saka quickly Rio we spoke the other day and in fact got another assist that must be what two this year yeah but you know you said Rio he looked back to his usual self last weekend against Spurs.

30:29The man you can rely on. Again, Steve's just said it, but brilliant assist against brilliant assist for Mourinho. No? Yeah, I just think with Saka, when he's on it, man, I think he's almost, he becomes, he looks unplayable. He's got that strength like Salah. He's like, he's small in frame and size when you look at him, but do you ever see him when he get pushed off the ball? Especially when he's got his back to play or gets the ball side on. No, I don't when you see people take the ball off him or put him on his arse or nothing like that. He's a strong, strong little guy and he just makes, Julian Lescott, I always think of Julian when I watch him because he says, listen, he makes the right decision at the right time 99 % of the time.

31:13Passes it when he should, passes it longer when he should, shoots when he should, creates a 1v1 when he should and crosses when he should. He's very efficient and very effective and again, it's a really nice assist And I think he's one of those players. I think if he starts getting into form at the right time of the season, anything could be possible with the Arsenal team because I think he's that important and he's that impactful. Big match-up with Kaiseido versus Rice today. Probably the two best midfielders in the league at the moment currently. I really reckon that if Beckham and Rice wins the Premier League, he will be getting all the awards as it stands so far.

31:55But do you think Kai Sado had something to prove today during the game, Ria? No, I think Kai Sado in the position he's playing has been the best player in the league this year. Holding with Fielder, there's been no one as good as him in terms of winning the ball, aggression, controlling the pace of the game for his team, tackling, even creating. I think against Spurs, he won the ball and then created the goal at Spurs. I think he's been brilliant this year. but I think when people start trying to compare Caicedo and and Declan Rice I get it Are you going to say just enjoy them both? Are you going to give us the purpose?

32:37No, no, no I'm just going to say I think if you think about Declan Rice when he a while ago he was playing playing more of a holding midfielder role at times he's not playing that he's playing they're playing different positions you know what I mean so to compare them I think it's just not fair on either of them I think they're very different and I think as an eight as somebody who's going up and down and doing all parts of the game swashbuckling player Declan Rice is that guy like he's when he runs when he travels with the ball he just looks dangerous he looks like he's hard to stop do you know what I mean?

33:09and even when he gets in and around the box he's still creating he can create his dead ball situations now are speaking for themselves whether it's a corner or a free kick I just think he's just there's layers to Declan's game and listen he doesn't look like he's never going to look like a Pedri or a Vettinha but he impacts the game in a different way do you know what I mean there's different ways to impact the game the other way he's got to look beautiful and like an artist and he might not be as beautiful and easy on the eye as those but his impact and he's and what he brings to his other teammates that belief and that security and that yeah I've got Declan on my team I think Casado's got that now though with the Chelsea team.

33:54I think Casado plays for Chelsea and he's there and the other team makes a game. Yeah, we've got Casado today, man. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That's what I think he is now. That's how important they are for their teams. It's true. I'm dreading asking this question to Steve quickly. Arteta got criticised a lot for playing with the handbrake against Liverpool earlier this season, but he ended up with Saka, Baduike, Eze, Odegaard, Mourinho all on the pitch together. Do you reckon he's taken off this title of having the handbrake on? Steve, sensible answers only please I'm here for the truth and nothing but the truth and the whole truth so help me God well it obviously didn't work for him did it because he didn't win against 10 men yeah it's true I mean Rio I'll move it on to you because I don't want to hear anymore leave on here in a second because I've only noticed it this season and it's not been every game this season but Rhys James in the 6 what's your thoughts yeah I like it Listen, Rhys James, you have to remember, went on loan as a youngster to Wigan and played centre midfield and was their best player.

35:00Yeah, Wigan, I've got no couple of Wigan fans. They absolutely love him. Yeah, and it's not like, it ain't like this position is foreign to him. And I think that he's one of those players that no matter where you put him on the pitch, he'd probably be comfortable. I reckon he could play right side of centre half and be a top player. Have they only done it with him at Chelsea this season? I've only noticed it this season. like? Yeah, maybe they've done it last season a few times, I'm not sure. He switches it a lot because sometimes he'll play Malagusto there, sometimes he does it. I personally like to see Rhys James I've never seen Gusto in the six.

35:31He's done it a couple of times. I've heard Chelsea fans complaining about it as well. They really don't like that. He does this, Moresco, who plays players where they shouldn't really be playing. He'll do it with Tyreek George and he loves to tinker a little bit anyway, but I'm not worried about them because they'll fall off. Also, I think that they Honestly, I think they and City are way more of a threat than you're giving them credit for. You know what's going to happen. You're going to get to January or February. You're going to start smelling your own farts, think you've won something again, fall off, and someone else win the league.

36:03How many times does it need to happen before you recognise the patterns? I don't agree with you, Steve. Mid-May. Mid-May.

36:14I think Arsenal win it. I've got to be honest, boys. but he's got to go if he don't has he has he really yeah why has he really got to go if they don't win it yeah how can he not that's when that's when that old that old saying you've got to be careful what you wish for comes to play because the grass isn't always greener Steve okay I just want the same treatment the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got at United it's not going to happen because we're it's different culture different clubs different expectations being Manchester United and being Arsenal and different times as well yeah say what you want mate you guys are sacking managers like America around anyway speaking of sacking managers and a slot Liverpool Liverpool finally get a win and he's dropped Mo Salah how toxic is training going to be tomorrow?

37:10Mo ain't going to be happy Mo Salah is not walking into that training ground with any type of bouncing issues. He's walking in there thinking, rah, and you know what? A top pro is upset. A top pro ain't happy with that. And I wouldn't expect him to be bouncing into the training ground, but I'd be expecting him to come in and thinking, I'm going to show you and I'm going to work and you're going to see it and you better put me back in and I'm going to score and I'm going to improve. That's the way top players think. That's the way top players look at that is like, you are taking away what I love doing and what I'm great at and you think that's going to be alright and I'm going to take that on the chin?

37:51No, no, no sir. No, Mr Slott. That ain't happening. That's the response to Arn Slott are we running? That's great. It's a lot of balls from Arn Slott, you know, because from the great fans I was hearing he had two games and two wins or he would have been gone. This is what I'm hearing from people that I know in the Liverpool camp. Joe, obviously I was in Qatar, yeah, the last few days I was with Stephen Gerrard. I was sitting there saying to him over some food the other day, listen, you need to sharpen your tools, mate. Sharpen the tools, get them ready because you could be going back in as interim boss.

38:24That's what I was thinking. There were so many games coming up. I was just thinking, wow, I don't see Slott getting through all of these games in good enough condition. And I think the pressure from the terraces and the fan base might be too much and they might make a decision. And in that time and that climate, someone like Steven Gerrard sitting there, the legend of the club, forget his tenures at different clubs, but a legend at the football club ready to come in and just steady the ship for him, I wouldn't have been surprised if Steven Gerrard had got a call. Speaking of legends at Liverpool Football Club, Jamie Carragher said this week that Slott needs seven points out of the games against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds to stay in his job.

39:09Do you agree with that? Oh, they're eating their own.

39:14Steve's mad, you know. Rio, do you agree with that? Listen, it changes every week. Do you know what I mean? He's won against West Ham now. You'll see it after the end of the season. They'll probably be coming out and saying. He's changed it. He's turned the road. Part by Sunderland. Watch. Yeah. So you just can't call it. Every week we'll hear a different story and a different version come out. He's won the league last year. Do you know what I mean? Has it all gone that bad? is it he's bought a few players and can't fit them in is it that bad really he was sacking straight away he was he was he was like God last year he was God slots a new Paisley the new this the new that he's taken over from Klopp took it to a new level we'll see yeah I thought they were going to get Klopp back from sabbatical but anyway listen the story doesn't end it's going to end in mid-May like I said earlier on in the pod a couple times but I want to say thank you very much Watch for everybody watching Rio.

40:11Your commitment to the pod is outrageous. After being with Kevin Hart, David Beckham, Jessica Alba, the list goes on. You've still made it here to be with us today. So we appreciate it. Steve, well done. Congratulations on the win, mate. You know what I mean? It's been a long one coming. And hopefully you enjoy the rest of the week now. Champagne's out. Myself, Joel Bayer, I want to say thank you very much because obviously still five points clear ahead of Man City. Shout out to Crafted as usual. I don't even take this off anymore, if I'm honest with you. I just shout out with it and all sorts.

40:42And yeah, please make sure you check out the videos on the channel. We've got Sadio Mane interview that came out, and that was outrageous. I thought Rio wasn't going to ask those meaty questions, but he did. He asked the most salad questions. He asked what it was like when he got there, why he chose Liverpool over Man United. It was honestly one of the best interviews that I've seen. Do we have any more coming, Rio? Yeah, we've got a few more coming. I can't tell you who, but we've got some... we've got one of the Premier League's all-time legends coming on soon in the pipeline can't give you his name can I give him his name?

41:16no let him wait let him wait but it's one of the biggest one of the biggest legends in the Premier League that we've seen love it and if you ain't subscribed yeah we're on to you okay like, share, comment, subscribe the whole lot we want to see it shout out to everybody Rio Presents signing out peace

41:37Thank you.

42:22We'll see you next time.

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