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Stick to Football

26 Feb 2026 · 1h 26m · 25 chapters

Episode artwork

Sesko Strikes Again, Gyokeres Finds Form & Gary’s Annoying Arsenal Fans | Stick to Football EP 118

In short

Hosts: Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Jill Scott, Ian Wright

Guest

Roberto Martínez (Portugal Head Coach)

Sponsored by

Microsoft Copilot, Huel, Heineken, Sky Bet Super 6, ARNE clothing

In this episode, the team discusses the ongoing title race in the Premier League, focusing on Arsenal and Manchester City. The recent performance of players like Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško is analyzed, alongside other pressing topics in football, including Tottenham's relegation worries and the upcoming World Cup preparations for Portugal.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes.

Chapters

0:45

Discussion on Recent Football Matches

The hosts reflect on recent football matches, sharing personal experiences and opinions.

“If the header goes in at 1-1, but he hits the bar, it might have been all right.”
4:10

Insights into International Management

A conversation about the differences between club and international management with insights from a guest.

“You're learning to coach without the players which has been a phenomenal experience.”
9:00

Analysis of Arsenal's Game Strategy

The hosts analyze Arsenal's gameplay and player performances, focusing on key players and strategies.

“If he carries on now, I believe that he could probably get more.”
14:03

Arsenal's Big Game Impact

Discuss the significance of recent games for Arsenal's season.

“I always come back with a top, top, top role that he is not ready yet.”
14:20

Arsenal vs. Man City: Title Race Analysis

Analyzing the title race between Arsenal and Man City and their respective strengths.

“It was such a big game for Arsenal though, wasn't it?”
16:42

Fan Reactions and Title Aspirations

Exploring fan sentiments towards Arsenal's title aspirations and Gary's commentary.

“I had to protect him because then what people were saying was, yeah, but if City are doing really well, Nevs still wants a title challenge.”
19:30

Tottenham's Current Struggles

Discussion on Tottenham's performance issues and potential relegation worries.

“How come we're not talking about Man United and they're playing well?”
22:02

Coaching Strategies for Relegation Battles

Insights on coaching strategies to avoid relegation and player mindset adjustments.

“Because you're a Tottenham man Why shall I die?”
28:00

Managerial Experiences and Strategies

Learn about the challenges and strategies managers face in different leagues.

“And this is something that comes with experience.”
35:49

Match Predictions and Analysis

Get insights into upcoming matches and predictions from the hosts.

“If you only got 11, we would have got 10.”
Show all 25 chapters
42:00

Predictions on Upcoming Matches

Hosts share their predictions for the upcoming Fulham vs Tottenham match.

“If Cescola scores two, can we get extra points?”
43:20

Discussion on Arsenal and Chelsea

The conversation shifts to the rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea, with predictions and personal anecdotes.

“For me That one I think Winning means more To Spurs than Fulham At the moment Because Fulham are in a great season They're playing at home I think they could be caught A little bit You think Tottenham win?”
45:04

Analyzing Pedro Neto's Potential

A deep dive into Pedro Neto's playing style and potential impact in the league.

“Eden Hazard was somebody that he would stop the game and find his 1v1.”
46:11

Bruno Fernandes: A Leader in Football

Discussion about Bruno Fernandes' leadership qualities and his role at Manchester United.

“I've gone 3-1 what's the score going to be?”
48:38

Tactical Intelligence of Football Players

Exploring the tactical intelligence of players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.

“But what I appreciate is the consistency.”
50:42

Managing Cristiano Ronaldo's Legacy

Insights into managing Cristiano Ronaldo's career and tactical fit in teams.

“Does he play more disciplined for Portugal than you see him at United, maybe?”
56:08

Cristiano Ronaldo's Legacy

Exploring Ronaldo's tactical fit and leadership at 41 years old.

“I mean, what he's achieved is absolutely off the scale.”
1:02:14

The Modern Player's Mindset

Discussing how player roles have evolved with substitutions and team dynamics.

“So there will be them hurdles they get over, of course.”
1:04:02

Bruno Fernandes' Role and Impact

Analyzing Bruno Fernandes' performance and optimal position in the team.

“I think now we're talking about a player that obviously the players that they are 30s, late 30s they come from a different generation Now, the younger players, they come up with these five subs.”
1:10:01

Bruno's Exceptional Playmaking

Discussion on Bruno Fernandes's assist record compared to his goal-scoring.

“Cristiano, I think his career has gone through phases where he wanted to be the top goal scorer.”
1:11:58

Crystal Palace Managerial Situation

Debate on whether Oliver Glasner's treatment at Crystal Palace is justified.

“I think the Palace fans have got every right to feel like they do.”
1:13:14

Memorable Instances of Being Robbed

Guests share personal experiences of feeling robbed in football matches.

“was one of the biggest robberies in Premier League history.”
1:16:06

Defender Celebrations: A New Trend?

Exploration of the trend of defenders celebrating tackles and its implications.

“And I remember it became really strong within coaching the reaction between Buffon, Bonucci and Chiellini.”
1:18:38

Adapting Players for the World Cup

Discussion on integrating multiple star players into a cohesive team.

“Yeah, but you can see Sculls, his face weren't tight when you kissed him.”
1:24:00

Creating a Competitive Environment in Football

Learn how player commitment and competitive training impact national team selection.

“And let's see if training can make the decision of who plays rather than, okay, I'm coming with my set idea and Scholes will play with Roy.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Gary Neville: Just before we get started, a quick thanks to our partners and clothing. We hope you enjoy the show. Right, let's go for it. You ready, Gary? We're ready. What have you got on?

0:11Roy Keane: I've got my Leipzig top on that's sent to us by the Bundesliga. Friday night's live on the overlap.

0:17Gary Neville: Well done. Good promotion. Well done, Kieran. Doing my best, guys. So I... I just had to...

0:24Roy Keane: I like the stone roses. I don't like United.

0:28Gary Neville: Well, one out of the two. Yeah, one out of the two would take that. I like Salford, though. Thank you. Didn't bring us any luck last night. Didn't bring us any luck last night. They're going to keep letting me in, you know. I think I've lost three in three, my last three. Well, stay away then. Don't come back. Terrible, eh? It was a bad night, that. If the header goes in at 1-1, but he hits the bar, it might have been all right. The shot straight after that, the keeper's saved it. It's hit the lad on the line and come back to him. You just can't win, can't you? Bizarre, that. Ah well We're on Need to win at the weekend Colchester I was going to go to Colchester But I'm not now Because I'm doing Arsenal Chelsea On Sunday So I was going to go down early On Saturday But I can't now

1:10Roy Keane: You go in the away ends When you go

1:12Gary Neville: Yeah I go to away ends I didn't do last week At Cheltenham Because there was a few of us Going back to Bromley Just before Christmas Well a month or so Before Christmas I went in the away end Yeah Hud up Watched the game We lost as well too now I went to Barnet away Sof I like going to the end. It's good. Good atmosphere. Yeah, it's good. Just nice to watch a game on a terrace and just watch it properly. That's what I like about League 2. You can do that. I love League 2. I mean, it's a bit scruffy at times, but... Arsenal-Chelsea this weekend, big game. I think Arsenal will do it now. We've got a bit of a hybrid episode today, haven't we?

1:48Gary Neville: We have. We have. Do you reckon he's got the biggest cup upset ever? Wigan and City. at Wembley you've got an upset in the third round and then you've got an upset like that incredible really here they are

2:04Roy Keane: yo Jim Ratcliffe here how much are you getting paid for that

2:10Gary Neville: no no I'm not getting paid Storm Roses I'm not getting paid for this why are you doing that where's your Salford Orange one oh I would wear that I've worn Salford Orange on here but you also a few weeks ago when it was it's for Manny wasn't it before the yeah yeah yeah before the City game oh that is cool how nice eh yeah

2:25Paul Scholes: you've got one for everyone obviously No. No, I can get you one, though. I can get you one.

2:30Roy Keane: You look about 20 years old.

2:33Gary Neville: I like it. It's for money. So, that's nice, that corduroy. Of course it is, I'm wearing it. What's that, Kieran? I'll take my trip.

2:40Roy Keane: Leipzig shirt, Skolzee, because we've got... Hey! This is live on the overlap.

2:45Ian Wright: How are you? Good evening.

2:47Jill Scott: How are you? I remember when you were interviewing me in the early years. Yes, remember? And now look at me.

2:54Gary Neville: Dropped off, haven't I? this year how are you good yes Roberto I'm Roberto trying to be

3:01Roy Keane: low keyword I know to say you've

3:02Gary Neville: embarrassed me here with what you're wearing oh no Roberto really smart

3:06Roy Keane: looking good international management you look very fresh and relaxed and you've got a good team

3:15Ian Wright: is that true Roberto it's fresh you feel like you've got time in your head

3:21Jill Scott: and stuff you know what it's interesting because obviously I had seven years in the Premier League. And managing in the Premier League is almost, you look forward all the time. It's the next game, next game. Even the press, at the end of the game, you're already thinking about the next game. If it's any players, anything. Family life, inexistent. Inexistent. I remember my first girl, Luella, the first three years I was at Everton, never saw her. The first three years of her life. And then you go to international football and it's almost, it's more intense when you've got the games because it's the whole country and there is no margin of error.

3:54Jill Scott: In the league you can lose a game and then you get the three wins and you get back. International football, you lose it out. And the whole country is following. So the intensity is bigger. But then you've got no games for a month. And the way of managing is looking back. Not looking forward to the next game. It's like looking back. What did we do well? What sessions were well accepted? What things, what partnerships? You're learning to coach without the players which has been a phenomenal experience. I think when you've been a coach, you can only see coaching with players. And I learn now after 10 seasons in international football that you can actually coach with other players because you can see what they do at the clubs, what are the patterns that are stronger for them, then you match it in what you want to do.

4:43Paul Scholes: You don't need to go, you're not the top international lads you have. Do you still need to go and watch them, almost let them know that you're watching them, even though they're brilliant players? He's got away for a few days ago. That's what I'm thinking, yeah.

4:53Jill Scott: I think there are three groups. We're working in three groups of players. So you've got a group of players that we assess them in a very quick way when we are with them. And it's almost, okay, he was so important in the group because you need to give a little bit of continuity over time. You can't just pick 23 players different in every cold up. You need to have the opportunity to work on tactical aspects. And you do it with games. You don't do it with training. So then you've got players that, if they are fit, they're coming back because of what they did already. Then you've got another group that is the players that they've been in the national team, but they need to be in a good moment of form to come in because there are a lot of competition.

5:31Jill Scott: And then the third group is a group that they've never been in the national team, but they've got something that is different. Maybe something that we played in Germany and we didn't have that. And how can we find it? Or if we wanted to play another shape. So those three groups, the first group doesn't need much attention. You don't need to be following the captain of Manchester United because he's an important player. but that group in the middle needs a lot of attention and the other group even more because you need to anticipate if they're going to be able to cope with being an international player, if they could be themselves in that environment and that's what I enjoy because you need to follow them in the five top leagues, we've got players in Saudi Arabia, it's a global market really and it's fascinating what you learn when you see them.

6:15Roy Keane: Do you speak to the players a lot like in the week and stuff like that or not really?

6:20Jill Scott: That's so funny, Jill, because when I was manager at Everton, he used to upset me a lot when the international manager would come in. He was like Father Christmas, you know, so that was good news. And I'm thinking, well, he needs to be focused to do his job here.

6:34Paul Scholes: Just a reminder, when you were at Everton, we were with Ireland with Martin. Exactly.

6:38Jill Scott: And we always had a good relationship.

6:42Paul Scholes: I always felt the Everton players were coming in on a wheelchair or crutches. Every Everton player had an injury. You were like, oh. No, he's on the other side of it. I remember. I don't want to carry a grudge. No, no, I know, I know.

6:56Ian Wright: Stick to Football is brought to you by Armed Clothing. When Arsenal score, he's like, oh, good goal from Arsenal. And then someone else scores, he goes, oh, what a finish.

7:07Gary Neville: Do you know something? Gary, you've got a tough job here. Paranoia is incredible.

7:11Jill Scott: If you're the captain of Manchester United in a tough period, it's difficult to be available all the time and always being there. and I think that's what Bruno has.

7:18Roy Keane: He never shies away.

7:20Jill Scott: Never, never. You've got this mixture in the same player. If you want to mark the biggest guy in the box, it's Bernardo Silva. If you want to appreciate where the space is going to appear, it's Bernardo Silva.

7:29Gary Neville: The clue I'm going to give you is that he caused me a few problems at times. Okay. That doesn't matter. He's a winger. A wide forward...

7:37Paul Scholes: It doesn't have to be a winger to cause a problem. You seem always a wide player.

7:41Jill Scott: With Ronaldo, how are you going to win a game? He said, no, we won in penalties. He said, you see the experience of Ronaldo. they speak about the 1 ,000 goals he's not bothered about 1 ,000 goals and he feels what's the difference for me scoring 1 ,050 or 950 I'm the same player

7:56Ian Wright: I can't talk about

7:57Jill Scott: Man United and they're playing one don't talk about

7:59Gary Neville: Man United bro

8:07Gary Neville: so last time we were on here righty since I asked a little bit of a wobble at Wolves but you mentioned last time you thought that Jokeres was a maybe was that the best we've seen of Jokeres at the weekend against Tottenham?

8:19Ian Wright: Yeah, I think so. I think that, I still have to say, Tottenham were pretty poor with what they'd done and how they tried to mark him and even the space. I thought Eze made a great run for him to get that first goal, but I was always looking at, when you look at Jokeres, it's the finishing and how quickly he can get it down and finish it. It's the same with what other guys set up for him, how he just moved the defender and finished it. I think that when he's got someone like Eze close, that kind of, that close to him, and he can pick out one of the defenders, the weakest one, I thought Dragoson was the weakest one and we saw that, he can be very effective.

8:57Ian Wright: Now I did say I think he can score between 10 and 12. If he carries on now, I believe that he could probably get more. And every single goal now, when you look at Arsenal, we're in everything, all the competitions, every single goal is so important for him now. if he could get on that on that kind of run now especially after them two goals he scored against Spurs hopefully you know he can he can score those goals because people constantly talk about him as the guy he scores against like the lower the lower end lower end teams which he's done in in Portugal he's doing it here but that's what Arsenal always needed we need that we've scored goals against the top six we've done that we've shown we can do that we need to break down that kind of defence and score goals against that kind of team and his finishes were like really good really good You know what, it's like when I saw Cesco's last couple of finishes.

9:44Ian Wright: There's something about it, Roy, which was really clean and like, boom, boom. And he looked like that happened to him. And so obviously Chelsea coming up, you're hoping that he will get the same kind of space because I think he struggles in that low block when it's all condensed on him. You need help. Yeah, that's all it is. You need someone closer to him. Now you're looking at, obviously, guys, he's got 10 goals now. I said 10 to 12. if he can get the 15, 16 goals and everybody still kicks then it'll be a hit when you look at our running you could see that he could do it but like again you know it's only Wolves the other day we saw how we went the other way and you're looking like oh my gosh this is the pressure's mounting and they're not dealing with it very well especially when that Declan Rice mistake which was very very much out of character you know but then when that happened Arsenal for me in that game they still played well in the game and it was can they get back on top and finish them off again and they did Do you think they do it

10:43Gary Neville: Roberto? Arsenal I mean what do you you obviously you coached Lukaku Yeah and he was I don't want to say misunderstood in terms of his style but he's an imperfect striker sometimes he can look a bit clumsy sometimes he's not how do you see Jokeres in terms of sort of as a player and do you think Arsenal can get over the line do you think Arsenal will get over the line

11:04Jill Scott: so for For Jorke, he's a player that I've seen a lot because he was at Sporting and he played for Sweden. Sweden, imagine the front four. It's Kuluseski, Jorke, is Zach and Elanga. So as a national team. What Jorke is, and I thought Arsenal handpicked what he wanted, is a player that is always at the space at the back of the centre-halves. It's not about what he's going to do with his feet in front of him. It's just if he's got that space and it's the best when he gets 1v1 situations because he's got the power, he uses his body, and he's a good finisher. I always felt that, and probably 20 years ago when you were playing, you knew that the teams that they were competing to win the league, the foreigners were coming to a second, like a bottom 10 team, and then after two years they would come to Arsenal, to United.

11:52Jill Scott: Because you've got a period where you need to almost find the physicality, adjust to what the league is, and I find Cesc, Jorges, they are in that period. Jorges, on top of it, is an incredible, psychological task. When he's been already in this country at Reading, I never got the opportunity to get into a Premier League club. He had to go to Coventry. So as a human being now is going to Portugal, comes back, this is a moment that he needs to, there are many, I think he needs a transitional period. He's not a player that is going to come in and it doesn't matter how much you paid. He's going to give you, but he's got the potential to be the leading goal scorer for Arsenal for the next four or five years once he's ready.

12:31Jill Scott: And I think the game against Spurs show you what he can do when the space is there and when the style suits him. But I think what Miklarteta has done is he brought a player that he didn't have for those sort of games. Whatever it is, the one that you need to use the contact in the box to score goals, the one that you need to explore the space. But I think he's got everything to be able to cope with that.

12:52Ian Wright: You know what I like as well, what he's done as well, he kept him on. You know, he kept him on. And that for me, as a strike, you don't want to be taken off. Even though he scored that last one right at the death there he needs to be on knowing that I'm going to get those goals at the end I can finish the game off as well you take him off you look quicker didn't he you know what you can feel you can just see something like I say I'm not going to act like Spurs are one of the top end teams where they played and like I said I thought Eze made a great run to make that space because that ball came from a long way to come into his feet on the edge of the box with no one near him so I was thinking can he control this and finish it quick bam done it and you think to yourself right okay let's go You've not really seen that in him before.

13:33Ian Wright: Have you? Like cleanness of strength. Yeah, and the thing is, you know what else as well? He looks like that. He looks like that now. You can see him. He felt like that. His chest came up. And I'm thinking, yeah, crack on, bro.

13:45Jill Scott: Go on, go. Those are key moments, aren't they? Because scoring in a derby changes everyone's perception. And then you feel it. Because he's been, this is a very tough, he's a great example for any young player that he gets rejection somewhere. And he keeps going and the resilience. but his journey has been from not being accepted in the Premier League, having to go abroad to come back. I always come back with a top, top, top role that he is not ready yet. He needs to go through those phases. And I think that goal will mean a lot more than just the goal itself.

14:15Gary Neville: Stick to Football is brought to you by Arm Clothing.

14:20Roy Keane: It was such a big game for Arsenal though, wasn't it? Like, obviously after Wolves and then City getting the win and then to reduce it to two points, I was like, it was such a big win.

14:30Ian Wright: You know, the thing is that all the narrative around Arsenal about the physicality, the emotional, Declan Wright, all that stuff is part of what's got to happen with Arsenal in this time. Did you say something? In this time, simply because, you know, and you guys know, you've done it so many times, it's about the games and winning the games. It's not about like, oh, we're not aggressive enough, oh, we're celebrating too much. It doesn't matter now. I think the guys have got to understand now that this is about trying to finish this off because that's been the problem in the last three years. It's about timing sometimes as well,

15:03Roy Keane: and getting teams at the right time. And the anxiousness of everything as well, Scolzi,

15:08Ian Wright: is because they are so desperate to do it. The fans, you can feel it. So they're just trying to get it done, and I think that's where they need to put their focus.

15:14Gary Neville: Do you think they do? I mean, obviously, you're not into predictions, Roberto, but you see City, you see Arsenal. Who do you think gets over the line? you don't have to predict you don't have to you don't have to prediction

15:28Jill Scott: it's interesting because if you ask any other Champions League team outside the UK everybody will tell you Arsenal look stronger than Man City but when you understand the Premier League and you know the way Pep Guardiola works Man City should be the favourite to finish the season the strongest just because of the change in terms of players in the dressing room it's almost like everything is coming to place and it's got this incredible capacity of finding tactical solutions and preparing each game. When you look at it from outside, everybody in the Champions League, all the top clubs in the Champions League, they're highlighting Arsenal.

16:04Jill Scott: So in Europe now,

16:05Gary Neville: Arsenal are seen as the team that are the most dominant.

16:08Jill Scott: Yes, because they beat Real Madrid the way they did, because they're a team that can defend very well without the ball, that they can play with the ball. It's a very complete team. Set plays. I know that in the UK, it's different. In the Premier League, everybody works the set plays well. but in Europe nobody can defend a corner from Arsenal that's a reality and when you look at the Premier League teams against European opposition the goals that they score from that ball situation is incredible it's a trend that it hasn't developed in Europe yet and that side of it can be a big strength in Europe but in the Premier League I don't think you can call it I think even that game Man City Arsenal is going to have a bigger influence than we think and what is it 90 minutes 90 minutes could be anything could it be a bad decision could it be a bit of luck a bit of magic so I think the league is going to be decided and they have that

16:58Paul Scholes: co-final as well that can just derail one of them that's it

17:01Jill Scott: and what happens in the Champions League Champions League could be that City plays Real Madrid and they're out and then Arsenal the thing is

17:08Ian Wright: when you listen to Arsenal fans and listen to what they say about Gary Gary's desperate he wants a title chase I want a title challenge and I keep going on about Arsenal all the time who is Nev but he's just walking on the TV But I had to protect Nevs. I had to protect him because then what people were saying was, yeah, but if City are doing really well, Nevs still wants a title challenge. Don't dig out my mate, you know what I mean? Just because he's saying, oh, he wants, when Arsenal score, he's like, oh, good goal from Arsenal. And then someone else scores, he goes, oh, what a finish!

17:42Gary Neville: Do you know something? Gary, you've got a tough job here. Paranoia.

17:45Ian Wright: It's incredible. You do so cool, innit?

17:48Gary Neville: I think Arsenal win it. I think they will win it. Arsenal fans are pissed off with me because a couple of weeks ago when City scored two in the last ten minutes at Anfield they thought that I was like sort of over-celebrating the fact of my that was big and by the way Arsenal wobbled like Maddox for a week after by the way so let's be clear it was big do you think Arsenal win the league Ian?

18:08Ian Wright: Yes I do I do you know you've got to remember we're joint top scorers we conceded the least goals that's facts bro I'm not going on pure faith I'm not going on pure faith you're broying me off you're broying me off

18:20Roy Keane: I'm not broying me off

18:31Ian Wright: Gary, I have to believe it what they're trying to do and what they're trying to finish I have to believe, I've had the faith from the start I know people say faith is believing in something that you know believing in something that's not there but like it's faith alright, you don't have to explain yourself You said they're going to win the league.

18:49Gary Neville: I'll say one thing logically to you. He's nervous himself.

18:51Ian Wright: I'm not nervous. I'm just so anxious. I'm anxious.

18:56Gary Neville: Why would I not want Arsenal to win the league?

18:59Ian Wright: No, to ask the people with your commentary what you're asking. You would rather Arsenal win the league than City, wouldn't you? A hundred percent. Of course I would. I said to them, girls. I'd rather City. That's all it is. Gary just wants to see a title race. We want to see a title race. Everyone wants to see a title race. When you're the team that's up there, and we have wobbled, you know, after the Tottenham game, up to the Tottenham game, it started with the United game for me where it just like, oh, what's happening? We have wobbled, but at the same time, that's what's meant to happen. Because you're going to wobble, yeah, it's all part of our journey.

19:27Ian Wright: It's time to relax with it. Time to relax with it.

19:29Roy Keane: It is exciting.

19:30Ian Wright: You can tell by the octave of my voice.

19:33Roy Keane: It is. Man United could still win it.

19:35Ian Wright: Look at Man United. How come we're not talking about Man United and they're playing well? Don't talk about Man United, bro.

19:45Gary Neville: Man United are fine. Cesc, let's just quickly go to Cesc because I want to ask Roberto about Igor Tudor and Tottenham and talk about Tottenham a little bit but just in terms of Cesc, he's got a player at the weekend, hasn't he, you would think now. I mean, he's definitely grown a little bit like Jokeres in this last few years.

20:02Paul Scholes: Of course, yeah. Brilliant. Confidence, yeah. But even early in the season, remember I think we mentioned where he was missing one or two chances but he was getting into the good positions and thinking he's doing a lot of the right stuff and he's got a lot of confidence and belief. Does he look quicker and more powerful? Did you see when he said,

20:16Ian Wright: set off is that always the case

20:18Paul Scholes: when someone's going good you just mentioned attacking players do look a bit the weight's been lifted off their shoulders I'll tell you what was really good about that United exactly I was just about to say that's goals maybe the test will be when you're going to be the main man now can you take that he's coming off the bench and getting up to speed with the game

20:35Roy Keane: if it's working as a finisher though why not keep him as a finisher

20:38Ian Wright: I'll tell you that goal with Cunha's Cunha's working on the end of the pass you know what's good about it is that what people will underestimate is the balls coming across to Sesko, coming off the... His concentration and finish was so... He had a long time to look at it. A long time to look at it. And this is what I'm saying. People underestimate, right? People underestimate. They think that's easy because it's just him and a goalie. But that finish and the contact, again, remember Roy when I say about it, going to the basics when it's coming, the timing, it was fantastic. And he's done the same with that goal where he curled it in the top corner.

21:09Ian Wright: The good thing for United

21:10Paul Scholes: with the attacking players there, it's not all on Bruno now. There's a bit more support for Bruno you know, it's not always on Bruno, playing that killer pass. Them lads do look for a striker.

21:18Gary Neville: Bruno had one of his most difficult games, I felt, on Monday in some ways. But you're right on Sesco, because everybody in the stadium, as that ball came across to him, knew what he had to do. What he had to do, yeah. And he had a long time to look at it, but he just did it absolutely.

21:30Ian Wright: Executed it, brilliant.

21:31Roy Keane: And you wasn't sure he was going to do it. No. But when he did it, you thought, Yeah, but you know what, I'll tell you again,

21:36Ian Wright: because I always look at the replay and watch this. His whole demeanour, he's going to score. because he didn't even he didn't look at the goal he didn't look at anything because you know when it's coming there you're going back in there and the goals don't move do they? Absolutely absolutely don't move bam in there and again

21:52Gary Neville: I'm looking forward to seeing them two next season Tottenham I want to come to Roy and to Roberto but they're in trouble aren't they? I mean Roy they'll go to you first on Tottenham they're in trouble aren't they? Why are you coming to me? Because you're a Tottenham man Why shall I die?

22:08Paul Scholes: I always get the bad stuff Are you a space man I like what I'm thinking I do What do you make Roy I mean obviously

22:15Gary Neville: it's been a big couple he got you to go see It was a tough first start for them

22:18Paul Scholes: listen Arsenal new managers in the door I still think they'll be okay but I'm not falling for this one they're too good to go down no but and the games they've got coming up I do think they're a bit I do I think they'll I think they'll find a bit more than Forrest and West Ham it's as simple as that West Ham's found a little form and they look like it but West Ham have got a little bit of momentum going and big games again coming up this weekend Forrest was killer blow last minute to Liverpool these are all momentum turners they can change week to week but I'm sitting there I still think Tottenham will have enough to stay up which one do we think

22:47Ian Wright: will go can I say something I saw remember the goal against Arsenal I saw Igor Tudor trying to speak to was it he blanked him totally blanked him that says to me that they've checked out already you think so right I think Spurs players have them they've done that

23:06Paul Scholes: with Thomas Frank when he was trying to walk around Yeah, but this guy's new. This guy's new.

23:10Ian Wright: He's saying he wants him to come up and look at Grand Theft and he just stayed there. You think to yourself, that don't look good.

23:17Gary Neville: No, it didn't look good. Roberto, what does a manager go into? He's actually, to be fair, done this so many times now when you go to Tudor. He's gone into clubs and had 30 games, 40 games. What does he do with literally 10, 11 games to go? Is it tactical? Is it psychological? What is he doing now when you go to Tudor to try and get those players on board?

23:35Jill Scott: I think it's accepting where they are. You're going to the last third of the season. I remember when I was at Wigan, you almost prepared for that last third of the season because that's your opportunity. It's the last third for us was, we're going to get out of trouble. The problem is going to the last third hoping that you're not going to get dragged down into a relegation battle because your club wasn't ready for that. This is where it becomes very, very dangerous. What happens now is that you should forget about these general terms. Oh, we shouldn't get dragged down. What that means for a player.

24:06Jill Scott: When you say to a player, don't get dragged down to a relegation. What is this? Do I need to run more, less?

24:11Gary Neville: What language do you use to a player that's in trouble with relegation?

24:14Jill Scott: It's basic. It's like everything that you can control. You have to do 12 kilometres. You have to do six sprints into the box. You have to run into a near post. Everything needs to be so measurable. Measurable. And it's about winning the next game. I do think Spurs, they'll get one or two players back from injury. You win a game and they've got too much. The problem is that the players, when you get the feeling that these general terms, I don't want to be... There are no easy games in the Premier League. Like, yes, I was at the game on Monday, Everton, Man United. The last 20 minutes, they had 10 corners that Man United had to defend.

24:48Jill Scott: It's like every win, you have to suffer. So as a player, if at Spurs, you think, no, we're going to have easy games to win. No, there are no easy games. And it's just reducing that to, look, it's the next game. And you've got an opportunity to get points rather than if you don't win, you're out. It's changing the mindset. said, it's like every game now, in the last third, is an opportunity to win points. The moment that the club see it as a, wow, if we don't win, it's like the mindset is so negative and it drags you down. And we've all seen it, that there are teams that are too good to go down.

25:18Jill Scott: And they go down because they are not prepared for that final third of the season.

25:22Paul Scholes: I just think there's worse teams in Spurs. As bad as Spurs are.

25:26Jill Scott: But don't you think West Ham are too good to go down as well? In those terms? I think West Ham... The three teams that they came for the championship it was a big debate and I thought from the outside I was looking and said it's true I think the Premier League and the Championship they're dragging away from each other like the three teams that they go up they're going to go down and this year with what Sunderland and Leeds are doing all of a sudden it's like okay I think the gap now it seems that is smaller so all of a sudden there will be obviously it seems that Wolves they're a team that now they could get points to Arsenal they could compete against anybody but obviously maybe the points tally will be enough there are another there's two places but even

26:05Paul Scholes: the worst thing for Forrest they have a bit of a distraction with Europe yes you know they play the Liverpool game they're on the back and going to Fenerbahce all these

26:12Jill Scott: challenges

26:13Paul Scholes: Thursday they ran out of steam the last half an hour

26:16Ian Wright: West Ham are gaining momentum when Tottenham are like losing the team that looks

26:21Paul Scholes: a bit doomed at the moment you're probably saying Ali Forrest I know they have a new coach going in and you think he needs a good start fourth manager different ideas coming their way again huge weekend coming up

26:31Gary Neville: on what you just said about Leeds and Sunderland there, what's happened and it seems happened in the last two or three years is I think teams have come up over the last few years and tried to play football no doubt Leeds and Sunderland have gone back to basics, they've gone physical, they've gone aggressive you were one of the first exponents that I can remember of playing football in the Premier League your belief in how to play is obviously strong, are you changing slightly, would you change slightly now if you were in the Premier League and play more physically if you were coaching now in the league?

27:00Jill Scott: No at all I think the the danger that we have is like, ah, this team plays football. Well, that doesn't give you anything. Is he exceptional at playing football or not? Because being average at something is not going to give you points. Even if you are physical or you're going to be percentage football, you need to be exceptional at something. I believe in being exceptional at playing football. Why? Because that's what the player loves. We all play football because what you can do on the ball and there are many things that is about discipline and working hard and there are many aspects that you have to, There is no compromise.

27:33Jill Scott: But I believe that you can be, if you become exceptional at what you do, you'll win games. It's not going to happen overnight. And that's a little bit something that when I became a manager, someone said, remember, you become a manager twice. I said, okay. I said, the first time they give you a job and the first time you lose four games on a drop. And it's so true. Because the moment that you doubt and you start saying, oh, we played football now, we lost four, maybe we should go a bit more direct, then you're done. you're finished because the message in the players doesn't get the people you don't trust but do you think Ruben Amorin was right

28:06Gary Neville: to stick with what he was going to do no no

28:09Jill Scott: I think that's different I think obviously Ruben Amorin was very successful at sporting and probably came to United and he didn't know the league and probably that transitional period that we talk about as a manager happens until you have 100 games at any league you're not an experienced manager I think probably Ruben got caught in between between getting the best of the players and playing his way. And this is something that comes with experience. I was the same when I arrived at Swansea. No, no, we're playing like that. And with them, I've got the same beliefs that 20 years ago that I started, but now I'm a bit more.

28:47Jill Scott: What can I do for the player to be at his best?

28:49Paul Scholes: But were Swansea and Wigan going to give you that time, Roberto, to lose four on the road? Yes, totally. Was that the big difference? You had a bit of kudos from a player. Totally. I was smart with your pick as well, going, this is the right club for me.

29:01Jill Scott: Roy, I don't believe about going to a club or to a league. I believe on going to a person that believes in your job because then it's going to give you...

29:09Paul Scholes: You must have felt when you went into Swansea, as long as you wanted it, you would get them 70, 80, 90, 100 games.

29:15Jill Scott: Yes.

29:16Paul Scholes: To get a foothold in your own career and to get your message across to players.

29:19Jill Scott: I don't know at Swansea because that was a big risk from the chairman. Hugh Jenkins, he saw me as a captain there and he knew about my ideas and the way I wanted to play. And I believe that as a manager, you could be a footballing team in the lower leagues. It was this stigma that, no, you cannot play good football in the lower leagues to get promoted. And I thought, no, no, you can. You can, but you need to be very clear how you're going to do it. At Swansea, I think if I would have lost four games on a track, I would have got the sack. At Wigan, and this is a story I never shared with anybody, when I arrived the first day, Mr.

29:55Jill Scott: Willen, which is an incredible custodian of a football club and a great example, something that we're losing in our game. He said to me, look, I believe in you. I believe in what you can do. If you get relegated this season, you're going to be my manager in the championship. If you get relegated the second season, you're going to be my manager in the league one because it's my mistake of giving you the job. But you're going to be here for four years. It's such an empowerment that it doesn't happen in modern football, that it gives you such a strength that it takes away the excuse to the player.

30:28Jill Scott: after not four defeats we had a period of 11 games without a win in the Premier League and the trust was exactly the same and I think that's what we don't get in football anymore now it's like it's quick it's like it's almost week to week

30:45Paul Scholes: now for managers isn't it survival surviving defeat surviving defeat

30:49Jill Scott: and I do feel that there is something about clubs that they are structured to survive defeat I think what Arsenal what Miklo Arteta I've been through is a great example great example do you want to get back in

31:00Gary Neville: to club management at some point

31:02Jill Scott: I don't know I don't know that's the truth I never I never am a bit I'm very I can never plan my career I would have been I've never imagined what I managed to experience so I'm always when the right time arrives then it's the right project if you win the World Cup you can go back here if you win the World Cup but I think it's the project it wouldn't be a club or I would like to manage here. No, it would be who's that person that is believing or that board that they believe in your work and what is the project behind it. Now, I do feel when I speak with young coaches, they say, look, if you can work international level, and you'll know it, Roy, when you work international level, it makes you complete.

31:42Jill Scott: I think club level is always forward, forward, forward. I loved it. I loved that international football stuff.

31:47Paul Scholes: I did.

31:48Jill Scott: It's so, like, you need to prioritise. You cannot work at everything. You've got three days to prepare a game. So everything becomes very specific and what can you help the player to perform. And you need to be very... It's clarity. International football is about clarity.

32:01Gary Neville: Was your most difficult job, Roberto, at Everton, trying to change a club that historically plays, always want a bit more of a direct physical style of play into a football style of play? Because it's hard there, isn't it, to try and do that?

32:15Jill Scott: Yeah, but you know, Gary, I love that challenge. And the first season, we got the biggest amount of points in the history of the Premier League of Everton, 72 points, that any other season would give us Champions League football. I loved the challenge, and I think the players loved the challenge. It becomes a real test of character, because you're talking about centre-halves going from 50 passes a game to 110 passes a game. You're talking about the goalkeeper to help allowing the pressure of the opposition and playing through it. And we became really, really strong. What I regret when I look back is I didn't manage the expectations.

32:55Jill Scott: So from the first season going to 72 points, the next season in Europe, we were the, at that time, not many people remember, but in 2015, the British clubs, the Premier League clubs, were finding it very difficult to play in Europe because the physicality of the Premier League was taking a lot about, and Everton was the latest team in the European competition. And then it became the opposite. Then all adjusted and then they became power in Europe. You saw Chelsea against Arsenal in the Europa League final, Liverpool against Spurs in the Champions League final but then the season after we made two semifinals Everton in the domestic league cup and in the FA Cup and it was those margins we considered the 91st minute you remember against Man United we missed a penalty in the second half and the final was against Crystal Palace and I always felt if we would have won that I was in a process where we needed silverware to make the next step but as well I think we were talking about good owners Bill Kenwright that he was an incredible support he got a bit ill at the end and I think we lost a little bit that capacity of surviving defeat or being able but no the answer is I love the reaction of the fans because you know the fans want the team to win and Everton believe it or not has got nine league titles there is a feeling there in the fans that the olden days they were the best team in Europe and when we were winning and playing well is much better than winning when you don't play well.

34:25Jill Scott: And it was a feeling that, okay, the old times, Howard Kendall, it was the School of Science, it was a feeling of, you could feel the positivity. The problem is that when you lose, the reason why you lose is because you play, you're trying to pass the ball. It's not like that. It's because when you pass the ball, you don't do it well enough and you need to improve it. But I love, it's like a little bit of an unfinished business because we were so close, but I enjoyed the fact that the whole football club embraced when the team was winning, obviously the style that we had.

34:59Gary Neville: Stick to Football is brought to you by Arm Clothing. Every week, Roberto, we do a game of predictions and you're going to stay with us. You can join whichever side you like. That's the losing side. You can join the losers. Might be after this. I think we've done one last. Ben, on you come.

35:23Gary Neville: It's the final golden game round of Super 6 this weekend. If Liverpool beat West Ham, the jackpot will double from£250 ,000 to£500 ,000. It's completely free to play, just predict six scores this weekend and the money could be yours. Don't forget to enter the Stick to Football Mini League using the code S6-STF. 18 plus TNCs apply.

35:49Roy Keane: Welcome to Super 6. Right, last game, last round. Gary and Jamie, 11 points. 11 points. You guys... If you only got 11, we would have got 10. 97. We would have got 10 on the top. You guys, Jill Roy and Ian got 13 points. Wow.

36:05Paul Scholes: That was a big... That was down to me and my four. Top 20%. And you are. Did you give us a four for the Villa? That was a double one. Are you sure? What were we in the top 24?

36:14Roy Keane: I'm not even checking his scores properly. I am, honestly, don't worry.

36:16Ian Wright: And what were we in the top 24? It was Kieran.

36:18Roy Keane: You were at the top 20%, you beat 600 ,000 players. That's a lot of people. It's a lot, isn't it? Gary, are you going to have a wobble? That's fantastic. There we go. We beat a lot of people. Are you going to wobble? No, but it feels like a wobble. Did you give us the four points for the Villa, Newcastle? Yeah, we will have done. We will have done. We will have done. We'll do that double one. Everything's been scored. We've got four for that, yeah. It's all perfect. Right. Let's play Liverpool versus West Ham It's this week's golden game If Liverpool win The jackpot doubles to£500 ,000 Wow

36:51Gary Neville: Roberto Yes Liverpool-West Ham What are we going for? Scolsy Roberto's the man 2-2 2-1 2-1 I think

37:00Roy Keane: 2-1 Roberto what would you say? He asks us what we think And I need to say No no What would you do? What I think

37:05Jill Scott: The thing is, the manager of West Ham knows how to win at Anfield. Yes.

37:14Jill Scott: And they struggled when Liverpool had teams that were very defensive.

37:19Gary Neville: What do you think then? I fancy West Ham. Three-nil Liverpool. To win. West Ham to win.

37:25Jill Scott: Two-one. One-nil, I don't think they'll score many goals. One-nil for West Ham. One-nil to West Ham, wow. We were going to go to Liverpool. We've got Liverpool now. We have to score at home.

37:34Gary Neville: I can buy into that all day long. Liverpool lose. I mean, I wouldn't come with it, but I'm happy to go with it. No, no, but you've got the final say. Liverpool have to score at home. No, you're right. Is Verst, how long is he over?

37:45Paul Scholes: Verst was a big loss. They were at Liverpool, dreadful against Forrest. Dreadful. Is Verst back?

37:50Roy Keane: Is he back? I don't know.

37:52Paul Scholes: But you'll have to, we can't, you'll have to fancy Liverpool. Is he? Yeah, yeah, it's back, yeah. Steve Highwith.

37:57Ian Wright: It's always Steve Highwith. Last time we had an ex-Everton manager on here, you know what David Moyes has done on here. Don't overthink it. I'll overthink it. Liverpool are home to West Ham. I just think that West Ham have got momentum at the moment. They're a champ for some. West Ham have got great momentum.

38:12Paul Scholes: They're fucking four bottom. What momentum have they got? They're falling quick. That's great momentum. That ought to be Champions League next year. I'd go 2-1 West Ham. Who did they draw with home to your name? Who did they draw with? Bournemouth. No, United. United? No, West Ham. Bournemouth, wasn't it? West Ham. They drew... United is where Schoenberg's going. No, no, West Ham drew... What are we doing here? Bournemouth Bournemouth won it and right no you can't Liverpool Liverpool will probably have been beaten

38:39Roy Keane: right well we're going to have to go different to them because we'll probably miss them could they get a draw 2-1

38:44Paul Scholes: when's the Champions League is that not don't know it's pretty helpful today they're playing

38:48Jill Scott: they're playing the next week

38:50Roy Keane: 2-1 Liverpool is it 2-0 11th 2-0 Liverpool 2-0 Liverpool

38:58Paul Scholes: I'm going against Bournemouth score Bournemouth get it no lateral thought Newcastle Everton

39:02Jill Scott: no they go very straight

39:03Gary Neville: They're first. Newcastle. Oh, good. They don't say anything now, Roberto.

39:10Roy Keane: Newcastle win.

39:11Gary Neville: Let them drown in their own urine. Look how we're going.

39:16Roy Keane: I thought you were nice.

39:20Roy Keane: Newcastle win.

39:22Paul Scholes: 2-1 Newcastle? Yeah. 2-1 Newcastle. You always go 2-1.

39:26Roy Keane: 2-1 Newcastle.

39:27Ian Wright: 2-1 Newcastle. Newcastle, 2-1. Yeah, listen.

39:29Roy Keane: What we're thinking here. See?

39:31Jill Scott: Yeah. Don't ask me, Gary. Can't work out Newcastle. That's a hard... All the rules are hell.

39:36Roy Keane: 3-1 Newcastle. Oh, good shout, Scott. We'll go 3-1 Newcastle.

39:41Paul Scholes: You know, Dave and Wise have got a great record up there. You know that. You've obviously done your score. Eddie, I was as well.

39:45Ian Wright: Leeds Man City. This is a big game.

39:48Paul Scholes: This is big.

39:49Gary Neville: This is big. This is big. I'm going... Is it 5.30? Is it 5.30 Saturday? I've been let down by the cards. I've no idea. I think Leeds... You're good. I think Leeds... I've got to go with...

39:59Ian Wright: I think Leeds are big. Roberto... I think Leeds are big. 1-1 1-1 You know something

40:03Jill Scott: I think you might do it

40:05Roy Keane: Don't go hard over

40:06Jill Scott: I don't know what What are we going with then

40:10Gary Neville: 2-0 or 2-1 3-1 2-0 2-0 All the Portuguese lads That would 2-0 2-0 2-0 Man City It's one of those games

40:22Jill Scott: that if Leeds scores it becomes Leeds Man City I think if they're going to win it's because they're going to

40:28Roy Keane: Do you?

40:28Ian Wright: Just from their madness I just feel like they can I feel like Because I don't see City winning all their games now.

40:34Roy Keane: What was the season 2018 when City just won 14 on the bouncer? On the bouncer.

40:43Jill Scott: This is our time, to be anxious. You think so? You think so? They're capable.

40:48Paul Scholes: Let's give Leeds one anyway. So what's the score going to be? Just put Leeds first. Can you put Leeds one, please? That's what we're on. Just leave it at that. One nil.

40:58Roy Keane: Just put a line.

41:00Ian Wright: What are you thinking? City are going to beat them. I think City will probably beat them too. Look at O 'Reilly. Look at their new great goal scoring O 'Reilly. We haven't even been to go by. So good. He's definitely going to.

41:11Roy Keane: His first game was against us last year. Very good. Left back. I've seen midfield.

41:16Ian Wright: Now he's like... Go on, Gilles. Gilles. Gilles.

41:20Roy Keane: Manchester United versus Crystal Palace.

41:23Ian Wright: Palace always do well. Are you OK? Are you OK?

41:26Jill Scott: At your club, you know your club. I'll let you two... No, no, you two, you two. You know what?

41:32Ian Wright: When's this game?

41:34Gary Neville: Can Barry tell you in there? This is Sunday, two o 'clock, I think. Because I'm doing the Arsenal-Chelsea game. The Arsenal-Chelsea game. 4.30, yeah. So it's two o 'clock Sunday.

41:42Paul Scholes: You know, they're going to beat Palace. Palace got that big win last week. That'll just relax them a little bit. Yeah, I think this game might be a bridge to... United at home. I'm going to say... We'll give them 2-0 or 2-1. No, I think I'll give them more. Three?

41:53Ian Wright: I think Cesco's going to nick a couple in this. I'm going to go Cesco.

41:57Roy Keane: How many do you think?

41:58Ian Wright: Cescola's going to start as well. 2-0. I've not done one yet. I've done all of them. If Cescola scores two, can we get extra points? Yeah.

42:05Roy Keane: Thank you. 2-0 or 3-1.

42:06Ian Wright: Cescola scores two.

42:08Paul Scholes: If he scores three, you're 2-0. You deserve more than three. 3-0 or 3-1 United. I'm going to text him a quarter to five.

42:13Roy Keane: I said we're going to score. I think Palace score. No one listens to me. I think Palace score. I can tell. Get your phone out. I haven't seen Palace. I'll say get something else. Why do you do? Not very Super 6, is it? Come on. I don't overthink.

42:26Gary Neville: we're going to go for 3-1 United 3-1 right love that Fulham Tottenham oh that's not a good game for Tottenham awkward dog of a game when's this one is this Sunday Fulham are going well

42:38Ian Wright: aren't they

42:38Paul Scholes: yeah

42:39Ian Wright: Fulham are good man especially at home you're on up with the new sports manager he took them off

42:43Paul Scholes: for a meal last week in London did you see that he took them off for a meal did he who's fucking for a meal on one hand you have a meal try to get it on the training pitch we all tried out a couple of meals I'd better go captain 4-1 No more go-kart. We've got to do some training. We've got to do some possession. Can't do that go-kart. He tried at me, lads. He said before, Salford.

43:09Ian Wright: Fuck training off. Take Salford. Forget the training pitch. It's Friday. Chelsea players.

43:14Gary Neville: They were all flying around.

43:16Roy Keane: I think he just says everything. So then whatever's right, we can clip it.

43:21Gary Neville: What are we doing? Fulham Tottenham. Roberto, help us.

43:23Jill Scott: For me That one I think Winning means more To Spurs than Fulham At the moment Because Fulham are in a great season They're playing at home I think they could be caught A little bit

43:32Gary Neville: You think Tottenham win?

43:34Jill Scott: I think so Back five I think they could

43:36Gary Neville: 2-1 Oh 1-0 Oh you love that 2-1 Full back

43:40Jill Scott: There's not going to be a lot of goals No way

43:42Gary Neville: No 2-1 Maybe

43:44Jill Scott: Fulham type pitch 2-1 to Spurs

43:49Paul Scholes: 2-1 to Spurs Cappuccino's the King's Road Chilled out 4-4 but you it's not like off the road 1-1

43:56Jill Scott: he's guaranteed he's got to give us all the points that I got him even full of winning

43:59Paul Scholes: Arsenal-Chelsea 1-1 put all your money take on your pension put on that 1-1 do you know what Chelsea could get a man's end off again Chelsea will do something daft you watch

44:08Gary Neville: I fancy Chelsea

44:09Roy Keane: I know

44:11Gary Neville: you fancy him all day righty do you know when I commentate at Arsenal I'm going to give her a special mention there's a woman who comes and sees me every single time called Susie she brings me some black blueberries it's amazing she's lovely she does that to us

44:25Paul Scholes: when we're there as well you're not that special she gives us her food I know her she's lovely I have a great relation with Arsenal fans

44:30Gary Neville: in the stadium she goes to Gary

44:32Paul Scholes: then she goes home she serves Gary and goes home they don't realise Gary just wants I don't mean you're in your box

44:38Gary Neville: I mean you're actually on the gantry I know that she gives us food Arsenal Chelsea Ian come on does she bro you off bro me off come on bro me off

44:50Paul Scholes: he's eating his berries I'm going to go what are you doing 3-1 No This is on you This is on Ray Yeah I'll take it This is on you Nobody else Have your phone on Roberto

45:03Gary Neville: I want them a win

45:04Roy Keane: For Teclan Rice

45:05Gary Neville: Question to Roberto On Pedro Neto Yeah Because you look at him He's a massive talent Yeah And you think of him As like Hazard like In his style No No No It's Let it out

45:18Roy Keane: There's nothing like him He doesn't play in wide areas

45:21Jill Scott: He's got a bad

45:23Paul Scholes: No, no.

45:24Jill Scott: Just because he's...

45:24Paul Scholes: He's getting hype. Yes.

45:27Jill Scott: Eden Hazard was somebody that he would stop the game and find his 1v1. He's got that pause. Neto plays the opposite. He accelerates the game.

45:36Roy Keane: So he's... Apart from that, you're right. No, no, no.

45:39Jill Scott: But they are different players. Pedro Neto can play on the right and the left. He can play on the outside. When he plays on the right, he can come in safe for the left foot, but it's not going to be a slow action.

45:50Gary Neville: What's holding him back from being to go there?

45:54Jill Scott: Nothing really I think he's been a little bit adapting To the number of games of Chelsea Because he's a type of player That probably a game every three days Tough Yeah, he's still young He had a big injury when he was young And I think he's still adapting But the moment that he'll be able to play Three games in a week He'll have that influence in every game He is a vertical player He's somebody that is going to make it He's going to open the game up However you want to do it I thought the game if you remember the game against Paris Saint-Germain in the World Cup final he was the main player to open the space to Palma he's that type of player the intensity is incredible what do you think?

46:34Roy Keane: do you think he'll open Arsenal?

46:36Jill Scott: I've gone 3-1 what's the score going to be? I think it's a draw or wins it wow I think so

46:42Roy Keane: he said draw wow no he said oh Chelsea win a draw or Chelsea win? yeah I'm with it that's big I'm with it Yeah, but it's... Look at the moon. Look at how sweaty it is. Look at me now. Your sweat's gone. There's no sweat, mate. Oh, mate.

46:59Gary Neville: Roberto, go with it. No, no, it's your call, man. Liverpool losing, Arsenal losing. What would you say then?

47:05Jill Scott: 2-1 to Chelsea, 1-0 to Chelsea? I think it's a draw. 1-1? You remember the second half in the cup?

47:11Roy Keane: Yeah, yeah. Arsenal only won that because they had to try and get a goal. Did they win it, though? 1-1? I can't put it. 1-1. 1-1, love that. Did they win it though?

47:20Ian Wright: Yeah, but did they win it though? Thank you so much. Brilliant. Did they win it though? Thank you.

47:25Gary Neville: We've gone controversial, really.

47:26Paul Scholes: That's a good shout. I think that's a good shout. Ryder's gone all emotional. It's emotional. Emotional. I'm knocking you for that. I like that. That's part of your personality. Thank you. Cheers.

47:42Gary Neville: Roberto, have you got the best midfield in the world? Bruno Fernandes, Vittina and Bernardo Silva. and Joao Neves Joao Neves who plays right back he played him right back and did he last game

47:52Jill Scott: no that's I think tactically you need to find solutions I think obviously when you've got so many midfielders what we did with Joao Neves and he did it with Paris Saint-Germain off the ball would be a right back from the ball he would be inside and then he plays in his role

48:05Gary Neville: I needed you as a coach Roberto that would have been sure England manager but have you I mean have you got the best do you feel like you've got the best midfielder in the world talk us through each of them individually let's start with Bruno because obviously he gets spoken about so much his numbers are off the scale

48:21Jill Scott: I think it's very unfairly assessed I would say at United? yes because I think if we are very objective to be the captain of Manchester United in the last 3-4 years I bet it's been incredibly tough at every level and what I appreciate from him is never heights never heights and I'm not going to value if he makes the right pass the right execution but whatever happens in any action he's back he's back he's back and he's the one that is he's a leader he's a leader and the way he's very emotional but in a very respected way by his teammates when the teammates see Bruno upset they react they know that that's something it's not like an emotional player that he just has emotion for emotion

49:07Paul Scholes: he's always available he always plays he always takes always available always

49:10Gary Neville: I give him credit for that he plays could you make it one second on that emotional point there because in this country if you're emotional you're a whinger aren't you? It's the British culture if you're doing this on the pitch you're whinging you see it as leadership obviously

49:24Jill Scott: No, no any emotion this emotion is for a reason and I think that's the difference with other emotions there are players that are emotional because of the way they cope with it that's completely different I think that can affect other players when Bruno reacts emotionally it's because something's not right and it's almost a message to somebody he looks after every player He would never, ever let anyone down. But what I appreciate is the consistency. Last season was the player with the biggest amount of minutes in Europe. If you're the captain of Manchester United in a tooth period, it's difficult to be available all the time and always being there.

50:05Jill Scott: And I think that's what Bruno has.

50:07Roy Keane: He never shies away.

50:08Jill Scott: Never, never.

50:10Roy Keane: Even when the game's not going great for him, he's always giving the ball, I'll try and make something happen.

50:14Jill Scott: Always. And he took the difficult job. So he will be the player that is almost going to be executing the difficult pass, the final pass. He's going to get in the final third. Tactically, very intelligent. Without a doubt, we've got players that are going to be managers. Bruno Fernandes is one. Bernardo Silva is another one. This intelligence, football intelligence.

50:32Gary Neville: Hang on there, because on the tactical intelligence, that's something that he wouldn't get appreciated for at United. Because the thought is at Old Trafford that he runs everywhere. Yeah, yeah. But you're saying about tactical intelligence. Does he play more disciplined for Portugal than you see him at United, maybe?

50:46Jill Scott: I do. I do. Just because it becomes a little bit easier with Portugal because you've got captains everywhere and you've got players that are top players in their clubs. But he's a player that is constantly making decisions. He assesses where the opposition is, where the space is, how can you affect the game. That is something that is in his nature. And he will adjust and adapt. but in the national team it's a little bit easier because normally you play against teams that are lower in your ranking, so probably you are more in control than the opposition. It's when you play in those games that you are at the same level that it could be the same than in the Premier League.

51:31Gary Neville: Bernardo Silva, I mean, to be fair, I think I said a few weeks ago, commentating on Bernardo Silva, every time I watch Bernardo Silva I always feel like he's almost like the player's player, the player that everybody in the league will admire. I think you heard a little bit about that when you were a player. I think people just admired you from everywhere. How would you say it? I mean, it's incredible. I mean, he's almost defending. He's attacking. He's everywhere.

51:54Jill Scott: Yeah, for me, it's the example when we speak about what the Portuguese footballer should be, is Bernardo Silva. And when I say that, it's because he's a tactical guy. He wants information. He wants to know where the space is. He can play inside. He knows how to play inside. He knows how to play on the outside. It's not a quick player, but it's so intelligent how to drag you out. And then technically it's a gift. It's left-footed, but you can use both. But then it's a competitor. And this is what I found that is incredible in the Portuguese culture, is you've got this mixture in the same player.

52:27Jill Scott: Normally we used to have the players that were very tactical, and they were always the ones that they want to be creative, and then you had the competitor. But to have both, and this is Bernardo Silva, when you've got somebody, if you want a reliable job, it's Bernardo Silva. If you want to mark the biggest guy in the box, it's Bernardo Silva. If you want to appreciate where the space is going to appear, it's Bernardo Silva. If you want to attack inside, you're going to use it with Bernardo. If you want to attack in the outside, you're going to use Bernardo. It's this intelligent guy that then has got incredible standards.

52:59Jill Scott: When you speak with teammates, they all appreciate what he is.

53:02Paul Scholes: You have no worries about his physicality and even in the World Cup, his football intelligence covers his lack of physicality, shall we say, in terms of running speed. He's not the quickest. He's a bit like scores. You could focus sometimes on a player, stuff he's not good at, but don't take away from what he's brilliant at. Do you think his intelligence covers kind of all of that, really? Totally. When to move, where to get.

53:24Jill Scott: Totally. The perfect player. If we start as coaches, as the perfect player, the perfect player doesn't exist. There's no other player that can do everything that is quick in transitions, that can control the ball, that is intelligent. It doesn't. But I think is the strength of that player good enough to control the game or to affect the game? And that's where Bernardo is super strong. He can dictate and he can affect the game with these qualities. That's true that in international football, if you say, okay, if you want to be a world champion, you have to play eight games. Can you cope with eight games, with that physicality?

54:04Jill Scott: That's something that you have to manage during the tournament. It's when a squad comes into it then. Yeah, and you can manage everything. But in terms of being able to affect the game with your strength and qualities, without a doubt. I think you can see that

54:18Roy Keane: because Pep respects him so much because obviously he's so strict on his kind of structure. But with Silva, you do sometimes see him drop beside Rodri and then he'll go higher. I think he's so trusted, but Pep isn't a big fan of that.

54:33Jill Scott: Yeah, but I think he goes everywhere because there is an instruction. I think what he does

54:38Roy Keane: I think he he gets his teammates out of trouble sometimes

54:41Jill Scott: do you know what I mean

54:42Roy Keane: there might be areas in the pitch where it's 2v2 he sprints over and Bs that much even when Sinai had a difficult spell last year

54:50Paul Scholes: he came out and he was critical players but not overboard and he's produced a couple of obviously you said he affects games that's what the top players do he does

54:59Jill Scott: and he's prepared to do the things that nobody sees that not many players a player would sprint if he's going to get on the ball and he's going to have a shot on target but to have a sprint to cover somebody that is... I remember the game against Man United when United were playing a back five and the white player was a bit of an issue and Bernardo probably was the one covering most of the time that. And you appreciate it so much from a tactical point of view because that's the will of the player wanting to solve something that it could become an issue. It's nothing that he was given as a role.

55:30Jill Scott: And that's intelligence that he has. But then Bitinha, when you got these role models in Portuguese football, it happens that Bitinha now is looking to Bernardo Silva and is looking to Bruno Fernandes. Then Joao Neves is looking into those sort of profiles and that's so contagious. And that's something that probably you need to take in consideration as well when you put the squad, you don't call the best 26 players. You don't. You call the best, the 26 that they make the best team. And all these aspects come into play.

56:01Gary Neville: Stick to Football is brought to you by Arn Clothing. Talk to us about Cristiano. How do you manage, firstly, 41 years? I mean, it's a phenomenon. I mean, what he's achieved is absolutely off the scale. But this is something that was brought up at the end. If you did want a high press, that might not be something you can do. So how do you manage the fact that if you want to play different tactically, how do you fit him in? How do you manage him as a sort of character and a personality?

56:29Jill Scott: I think, obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal, and I think in the world of football, is a topic of the elevator, isn't it? You come into the elevator, you speak about the weather and everybody has an opinion about Cristiano Ronaldo. I had a situation where I was in a taxi. The taxi driver said, oh, you're going to Porto. I said, oh, how is it going? Oh, good. He said, last game, how did he do? Yeah, we drew against Spain. He said, yeah, you see, with Ronaldo, how are you going to win a game? He said, no, we won in penalty. He said, you see, the experience of Ronaldo. And he said, that's exactly it.

57:04Jill Scott: When the team wins, it's the experience of Ronaldo. When you lose, how can you play with Ronaldo? No, for me, it's very simple. It's very simple. He gets, as a national coach, you have to create the most competitive environment. And it's the environment that he tells you who should play. You would never force anybody to play. You wouldn't make a decision that he goes against having the stronger team on the pitch. The measurement of a player in the national team, we always look at the player. What is the quality that he brings? That's number one. And that's something that needs to be outstanding in one quality.

57:38Jill Scott: The second one is the experience. Sometimes you want a player without experience because you're going to do something that could be really risky. But in Cristiano's case, he's played five World Cups. He's played five European championships. He's got 226 appearances. Nobody has the experience that he has. And then is the third block, that this is the most important. That is the attitude. The attitude, it changes. These two don't change. But this one, it could be good, bad, a moment of disappointment, a good moment of form. Cristiano, since I arrived in 2023, has been exemplary. He's been a captain that is an example for everybody.

58:18Jill Scott: And his attitude has been... So for me, this has been very clear. Then on the football side, Cristiano now is not a Cristiano of the first spell at Manchester United. that he's not a winger, he's a player that needs to be very disciplined. Number nine, he's our finisher. He needs to be ready to make those runes in between the defensive line and becoming special in the box. He scored 25 goals in the last 30 games. So the comment of Cristiano is not Cristiano as the player that we all remember, the player that we saw Real Madrid or United. No, the player now that has got an incredible attitude, incredible appetite to help the younger players.

58:57Jill Scott: I think his feeling in the national team is not more, what can I win? It's more about, how can I leave a mark here? It's more the legacy. And his attitude is measured every day. And probably he's got more scrutiny than other players, because everybody has an opinion. So for me, it's been super, super decisive. A striker that scores the 25 and 30 is exactly what we want. the discipline, the work, the winning mentality that he brought into the training environment. He's been a great leader and a great captain.

59:32Gary Neville: You said you've got eight games to win a ton. Is it conceivable that he can play all eight games at 41?

59:39Jill Scott: That's an interesting, and I'm going to answer with an example that I had with Vincent Kompany. When we arrived in 2018, we were considering Canvini after two years at Man City, never played three games in a week. Never. For two years. Because it was a difficult period. And we sat down with the medical staff and everybody controls the data. I said, look, data-wise, he cannot play three games every three days. He can. He can. The last two years never happened. Okay, well, but his leadership is important. Let's see how we're going to manage him. We'll control it. He comes to the camp. We've got three friendlies.

1:00:19Jill Scott: He gets injured in the first game. we're playing friendly the doctor says look he's missing the first three games the first group phase games is gonna is gonna be out so now you need to make a decision of do or bring a player that is not gonna play the first three games and hoping that you're gonna qualify and then you can get him so I will always remember I had a conversation with Vincent I said Vinny from a medical point of view you're out of the World Cup I said, yes, but there are two World Cups, the group phase and the rest, and I'll be ready for the rest. And it was so convincing that I couldn't say no because of what it brings.

1:01:04Jill Scott: So we played the first three games. The third game, it comes on in the last 30 minutes. And then it played every single game, 90 minutes. And we're talking about Japan, Brazil, France, and England. There is no scientific explanation how that happened. And what is it? It's elite brains. When you've got a purpose, you can get it. If you say to me, can you do that over 10 months? No, 100 % no. Can you do it for a short period of time? Yes. Absolutely, yes. When you've got that elite brain of executing your purpose. And based on that, Cristiano has got that elitist.

1:01:46Ian Wright: I'm frightened of Portugal.

1:01:48Jill Scott: No, you know, in big tournaments, everything is small details. There's a moment of magic, a bad decision, a penalty shootout. But you...

1:01:58Paul Scholes: If you do have to leave him out one of the games, what makes these great players is they want to play. Yes. So when I hear people going, oh, he's OK, he will be upset, won't he? These players, that's what makes them play until he's 41 years of age. Exactly. And these guys want to play in every game and have every training session. So there will be them hurdles they get over, of course. And I'm sure he won't be the only one. These top players don't like being left out.

1:02:21Jill Scott: Absolutely. And I think it's happened already. We had, I think, in the European Championship, it was a really tough period. And then all of a sudden, as you know, in international football, you're always with the mood of at the end of the season, you're changing the club or what's happening in the next campaign. And I remember we had a camp in the game against Scotland, that the second game he was on the bench. And his reaction was to come on second half and score two goals to win the game. And that's what earns him the opportunity to be important again. And nobody, I hope that nobody, will be happy to be on the bench.

1:03:01Jill Scott: Maybe a young player that he wants to come in and it's the first time, but you need a competitive environment and you need players that would give anything to play. But then with respect to the colleagues, because you've got 26 players, only 11 start. I think it's different now. I do feel that the game has changed immensely in the last 10 years. Before, it was all about the starting 11. It's like, can I make the starting 11 or not? Now, you've got five subs. The last Euros. The subs were the difference in the last Euros.

1:03:29Paul Scholes: The finishes, sort of with Spain, all the teams, yeah.

1:03:32Jill Scott: Our Nations League, the five players that they finish, it's almost that the team always managed to finish stronger than it started. So the five substitutions give us a strong level. and I think that's the modern game and I think many players now they don't see themselves as out of the starting 11 they see them, okay I'm going to finish the game

1:03:51Paul Scholes: and it changes the mindset That would be the difference I think obviously to the World Cup players off the bench coming on with the right attitude obviously not being upset I've been left out or whatever we saw that in the Euros

1:04:03Jill Scott: I think now we're talking about a player that obviously the players that they are 30s, late 30s they come from a different generation Now, the younger players, they come up with these five subs. They know that there are players that they play 30 minutes, players that play 60, and players that play 90. Very rarely now, more, I think on club level football, more and more, the fitness, not everybody can train the same.

1:04:26Paul Scholes: And they know they're coming on, Roberto. Some of these top players know they're going to come on. The manager's not going to make any changes, as you said, the challenges, the conditions. So I think they're watching. I think some players, years ago, would be sitting on the bench, they'd be daydreaming, wouldn't they? Yes. They'd be like, I probably won't even get on. But no, lads are going, you'd definitely be going on. You better come on and obviously affect the game.

1:04:44Jill Scott: I think that's changed a lot. And I think the work that is done at the clubs and the academies, they already grow up with that mentality. I think it's different. It's totally, totally different. But it is the difference in a national team is to have 26 players that they are committed. The moment that after playing two games you get only 11 players committed, you're not going to go far.

1:05:04Roy Keane: In an ideal world, you're probably better off winning them the first two games, aren't you? So you qualify straight away. and you can maybe give them a little bit of a rest and maybe be in the play No, but I don't like that, Paul

1:05:16Jill Scott: I'll tell you why I'm very clear with this I think 48 teams is right I think the more teams that you get in a World Cup the more that everybody can have the dream of playing a World Cup and being there but what I don't like is that there are three teams out of four that they qualify in eight out of 12 groups what happens and it's happened twice to me that you go to the third game already qualified and what you're looking at is can I rest the players can I look where the next game will be? I remember we played in the Euros, we were playing Finland, we were already qualified. If we were drawing or losing, Denmark were out.

1:05:49Jill Scott: If we were winning, Denmark were in. We won because we wanted to win. I don't believe in going into our game and not wanting to win because then you can't pick and choose. You just lose in another aspect. We won, Denmark qualifies and it gets to the semifinals and we were out in the quarterfinals. In the World Cup 2018, 18, we play against England, both qualified, knowing that whoever wins is going to play against Brazil. So I don't think the format works. I think it should be the other way around. Eight first places, like the Champions League, they miss one game. They go to the next one. And then everybody else got an extra game.

1:06:28Jill Scott: That means you go to the third game and you've got no time to think, is it good to rotate, to get a draw? No, you have to win. Why? because if you win, you are first, and then you don't play the next game. And here, everybody can get an extra time of recovery. So I think the format needs to adjust. But it's very difficult when you're in a World Cup to almost manage that side. You need to be very consistent. Obviously, you believe in every player that you selected. You need to try to win every game. Even though, from the outside, I remember in 2018, we got heavily criticized by winning the third game against England because we had to play Brazil.

1:07:07Roy Keane: You can't just give people a chance to be like you played in the World Cup because if you win it, everybody wins the World Cup. Nobody remembers who played the other. But sometimes there is that pressure of if you can rest, we'll give you a game in the World Cup. But it is about winning, isn't it?

1:07:22Jill Scott: Of course, it is about winning. And when you play in a World Cup, you're not going to play half-hearted. You play in a World Cup to make your family proud.

1:07:30Paul Scholes: It is.

1:07:31Jill Scott: And now you're talking about the teams that they arrived to the final is eight games you know the amount of changes that they are normally from this first starting 11 to the eighth starting 11 in a short period of time so you cannot have difference into the groups the players need to be all ready for Roberto

1:07:47Gary Neville: to finish off the Portugal section yes we've got our Microsoft co-pilot round where don't you start giggling Jill

1:07:58Roy Keane: we have a quiz we have a little quiz

1:08:00Gary Neville: we have some questions as well so I'm going to have to get up to start with. It's for all of us. Bruno Fernandes' stats this season. Bruno Fernandes has six goals and 12 assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season. What is his best position? The options I'm going to give you is, obviously we saw him play under Ruben Armourou in a midfield two, Deepo, where he was a bit more restricted. We see him now play as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1. Or is he better in a midfield three? Where would you say, in order of 1-2-3, would you prioritise where he should play?

1:08:35Jill Scott: It reminds me a lot, Bruno, when Kevin De Bruyne, because it was very similar. There are players that they don't play in positions. You cannot just say to a player like this, you are this position. Because they need to adjust where the space is in relation to the opposition. Sometimes you play and they have man mark. The opposition will stop them and we'll go man mark. So you cannot just limit. You can trust these players to find their space. What Bruno needs to be is close enough to make the final pass.

1:09:02Gary Neville: So higher up the pitch, basically.

1:09:04Jill Scott: However it will be. If you play against Spain, it will be in a position number 10. But if you play against a lower block, there will be somebody there and there will be lower marking. Then it'll have to drop a little bit and maybe having a longer attack. So I think the context of the game will tell you where the player should be.

1:09:20Gary Neville: But he has to be close enough to the final third. He has to be. What were you thinking when you were watching for United and he was sat deep with Casemiro for all those matches?

1:09:28Jill Scott: No, I could understand what the coach was trying to do because obviously if you're playing in a 3-4-3, that you've got two wide players plus the two 10s, plus a number nine, you've got five players that they are in front, being able to get the ball from the centre-halves. But it is depending on what you're looking for. I think at that time the coach was looking for somebody that he could have longer possession, that he would get probably that ball from the centre-halves, somebody that he could have that personality to almost build up the play. For us in the Nashville team, we like him on the final pass, on the shot from distance.

1:10:00Jill Scott: that efficiency like the expected goal needs to be really really high when Bruno plays

1:10:05Gary Neville: I think his expected goals is I think nearly nine I mean 12 assists his numbers are phenomenal aren't they

1:10:12Jill Scott: incredible and he's into that the way he sees the game and he's got that capacity of in front of an open goal he will give the assist he gets more joy out of an assist rather than a goal and that's a gift

1:10:25Roy Keane: the same as Ronaldo

1:10:28Jill Scott: but of course No, no, no. Cristiano, I think his career has gone through phases where he wanted to be the top goal scorer. He wanted to win certain aspects individually. I think now it's changed. I think he would... I remember a game against Turkey in the Euros. It's 1v1 with the keeper. And he scored zero goals in that tournament. And it was a little bit of a noise. He just squared it to Bruno Fernandes to score. a clear assist the power that that assist had in the dressing room was stronger than scoring the goal by Amal and now he's in that moment they speak about the 1 ,000 goals he's not bothered about 1 ,000 goals and he feels what's the difference for me scoring 1 ,050 or 950 I'm the same player and now it's become a bit different in the final third I think he appreciates that he attracts two players he opens a space so he can make better decisions when and when not to but it's true that it's changed this is not the player at 25, 26 that he had to be driven to be a player that he's got more goals than appearances for Real Madrid he never changed

1:11:40Paul Scholes: not on his contract

1:11:42Jill Scott: well that's the contracts obviously that doesn't help when the goal pays you more than an assist that's a goal bonus

1:11:51Gary Neville: Stick to Football is brought to you by Arm Clothing is the treatment of Oliver Glasner harsh? Or treatment? I'll start with you.

1:12:03Ian Wright: No, I don't think it's harsh. I think the Palace fans have got every right to feel like they do. But at the same time, we are talking about a manager who's given them their greatest day ever. But he's joined the Crystal Palace side that do what Crystal Palace do. Steve Parrish, they sell players. And that's what happens. I think he's got the, obviously, Elise going, Eze going, Mark Gay going. And then the players that's coming, obviously, he's not replaced them. And he said, that's it, he's done. hopefully what's the solution well I think well obviously you know he's going to leave at the end of the season I think you want to I think you shouldn't do any if you could don't do no more interviews because the interviews he's doing all it seems to do is upset Palace fans do you know what

1:12:39Paul Scholes: stretching is in soccer when you look at other sports you know when a coach mentions he's leaving no it's football soccer well listen but rugby league I know the sports the coach is leaving it's fucking acceptable when a manager's leaving a soccer team and he's gone everyone and they lose a few games get rid of him he doesn't want to be here but other sports seems to be accepting you just want him to

1:12:56Ian Wright: Ideally, Roy, just have a good finish. Of course. Ease out. And he deserves it. It's a shame the way it's ended because he's brought Palace to a bit of success. But I'm not going to dig the Palace fans out for it because Palace fans for years have had to see players leave, go somewhere else and be successful. Now they've seen a manager, don't want to be there neither.

1:13:13Gary Neville: Jamie Carragher said Liverpool's win at Forest was one of the biggest robberies in Premier League history. And there's a guy who knows about robberies.

1:13:28Gary Neville: which game do you feel you were most robbed in Roberto I'll start with you I've got a clear one

1:13:34Jill Scott: yeah I do I do we were in Stamford Bridge Wigan against Chelsea and it was a last minute I think it was Juan Mata he scored it and it was Fernando Torres that had his his it wasn't the elbow but it was the full hand on Aliyah Hapsi's face in the corner and obviously in VAR today it would have been disallowed 100 % but the fact that he was away from home last minute and he meant a win that I remember that

1:14:05Ian Wright: I tell you can I tell you remember that cup when his cup final we had when Naeem scored from the halfway yeah yeah that hurts now

1:14:15Paul Scholes: that was brilliant

1:14:16Ian Wright: what a finish I love that

1:14:18Roy Keane: What about the FA Cup against Arsenal? It was my fault that we probably lost it because I missed the penalty, but we hammered them. Who? Arsenal. Oh, yeah. Cardiff. Cardiff, yeah. I missed three, good chances. I didn't see... And the penalty and the penalty. Rude. Rude. I missed some chances, yeah. We hammered them, honestly. The amateurs. Yeah, I know. I feel like we got robbed of a whole league title because we were like, I think we were second to Chelsea and then Covid hit and we're halfway through the season and they just give Chelsea the title.

1:14:46Paul Scholes: They did.

1:14:48Roy Keane: Yeah, but I think we had a game and we'd had tougher games to begin with.

1:14:53Paul Scholes: Did you not get a bronze medal for it? You love your bronze medal. It looks gold in the sunshine.

1:15:01Roy Keane: It doesn't matter. Even at the end of the season.

1:15:06Gary Neville: You'll remember this, and it's not probably a robbery, but do you remember the goal that Chelsea beat us at Old Trafford in 2010 when Carlo Ancelotti, I think it was the manager, I think it was 2010 they won the league. and they scored a goal at Old Trafford that Drogba scored, and it was offside. Or was it Diego Costa? I can't remember, but there was a goal that was... I played in the game, yeah. And you played in the game. And if that goal hadn't been conceded, we'd have won the league title. Wow. The Porto game was a sore one. Oh, the Porto was a sore one. That was robbery, wasn't it?

1:15:34Roy Keane: Phil giving away an offside. No, he was offside. Not a team game. Oh, no. I scored one. I was given offside. I wasn't offside. Oh, that's right, Scorzi. Yeah. That's when Mourinho went down the line, At Old Trafford, that wasn't it? Yeah, Scogs, he was well on side, yeah. I thought you... I lost two, no, I had two, one or something, didn't I? I thought Scogs... No, I wasn't even close at all. Five yards.

1:15:54Gary Neville: I was never offside. No, you was Scogs, it was a little bit. It's not even on here, I'm just actually talking about celebrating. What do you think of the new phenomenon of defenders celebrating... Tackles. ...a challenge? What do you think of that? I hate it. One in the arse. I hate it. am I dying sorry who does it

1:16:16Roy Keane: the most see John the ball still didn't play he went to one of our players yeah and he celebrated

1:16:22Jill Scott: I think it's been I think there's been a coaching a coaching tool a coaching

1:16:29Gary Neville: tool so the coach is actually encouraging it

1:16:32Jill Scott: I remember obviously it's so difficult in football everything gets about the assist about the goal there is no value on that good tackle you got that moment that is important in both areas isn't it? To win a game you need to defend well. And I remember it became really strong within coaching the reaction between Buffon, Bonucci and Chiellini. I don't know if you remember when they were at Juventus and then at Italy and they were celebrating. Whatever happened in that box that was a goal.

1:17:00Roy Keane: Chiellini was big at that one.

1:17:01Jill Scott: And Bonucci and Buffon and they had this feeling that everything mattered. And then it was contagious. Anybody that got into that box it was wow we need intensity this matters. And I think I used it as well. You use that and you replay it and you create a culture of this is important to win games. And I think that's grown a little bit. And it's like giving...

1:17:22Paul Scholes: I think if it's a big block, you go, fantastic. But not... You can take it a little bit too far. I like it. I like the celebration. It's your friend Cellini last week. Roberto, what you just said

1:17:36Gary Neville: makes me change my view on it a little bit.

1:17:38Jill Scott: You know, you could be sprinting 60 metres and put a tackle that you know stopping that cross stop a chance this is a big moment I remember Everton Man United Cunha makes a run and he blocks that was having an effect in the scoreline why should you not celebrate

1:18:00Paul Scholes: 100 grand a week running back Roberto

1:18:05Gary Neville: but everybody earns the same money

1:18:07Jill Scott: it's not just him isn't it

1:18:08Gary Neville: my viewpoint to what you've just said is that players celebrate in the box whilst the game's still going on and they should be getting ready for set pieces. Totally, yeah.

1:18:14Jill Scott: Then you can take it too far.

1:18:15Gary Neville: Yeah, but actually what you've just said about the fact, I remember actually Bonucci, Chiellini, Buffon doing it. And maybe I'm changing my mind a little bit with what you've just said. Especially for a defender. For a defender, it's something that you would...

1:18:28Paul Scholes: It's something good like that, Nev, yeah. It's not really celebrating. It's not celebrating. It's not celebrating running into the crowd. They're not running into the crowd.

1:18:35Ian Wright: They're just like happy. There's a lot of that. It's this, it's like... Brilliant, I love it. You kiss Scott with the lips. Yeah, you kiss him. When he scored a goal, though. He scored a goal, though. He scored a goal, though. On the lips. On the lips, though, Gowdy. I like him a lot. Yeah, but you can see Sculls, his face weren't tight when you kissed him. Yeah, exactly. His face weren't tight. He wiped it off. He wiped it instantly.

1:18:55Roy Keane: I think you'd rather kiss you.

1:18:56Ian Wright: Nice. OK, anyway, let's move on.

1:18:59Paul Scholes: I was next in line, haven't I? Yeah, but... Right,

1:19:06Gary Neville: Newcastle have lost 17 straight games at Manchester City, which place did you hate travelling to?

1:19:12Roy Keane: The ones where you lost.

1:19:14Gary Neville: What's your worst ground? What's your most difficult ground? The Delle. The Delle was bad for a couple of years.

1:19:19Paul Scholes: I didn't like Chelsea that much as a player. Yeah, Chelsea was difficult.

1:19:22Roy Keane: But is that because you lost there?

1:19:23Paul Scholes: Chelsea was bad. I just found my own performances and had some good results, but some bad ones. They had the best record in Chelsea.

1:19:29Roy Keane: Yeah, that's what I mean. You like going to the grounds where you're going to get a win.

1:19:33Gary Neville: Roberto, where could you never win?

1:19:36Jill Scott: I think Bolton away. yeah because for Wigan that's a big derby that was the derby and I remember and that's a little bit the ups and downs in the Premier League we beat Liverpool at home obviously for Wigan that was the first time we beat Liverpool and it was switching a high next game is away at Bolton that you think and we lost 4-0 and there were grounds that probably they didn't they didn't suit our club I would say it was more a rivalry but it was a beautiful stadium it was the River stadium already it was strong yeah at the time

1:20:09Gary Neville: last question for you Roberto if you forget Portugal if you could pick another squad to go into this World Cup with that are there who would it be that's all I guess you're supposed to

1:20:20Ian Wright: answer that it's Ireland

1:20:21Paul Scholes: because Ireland beat Portugal and they wanted a group match exactly thanks Roberto

1:20:27Gary Neville: I know you're the back up game Armenia I wasn't coming up all who thinks best equipped to win it other than Portugal

1:20:34Jill Scott: so England I do think that the more that you watch it, the players that they play in the Champions League are the ones that are the most prepared in the international scene. So when you look at it, you've got the players that are more involved in the difficult games in the Champions League. So you've got France, you've got, you would say, Germany, and then Brazil and Argentina. The biggest percentage of 75%, 80 % of the players play in Europe, play in the Champions League. And those are teams that are very difficult on the day. They're very flexible. They can change many things. It's difficult to prepare games against the soft squads.

1:21:18Jill Scott: Could Brazil do what you think? Brazil would have a chance? Yes. I think you got the experience of Ancelotti. And individually, they got the quality to win any game. but the complexity is to get a team out of those individuals.

1:21:37Roy Keane: England, what about England?

1:21:38Jill Scott: Yeah, I love obviously Thomas Tuchel. He knows the English game in a way, he can give a different angle. I think Gareth Southgate has changed the dressing room of England. I remember playing against England when Gareth was starting and you saw a difference in the way he treated the England camp as a club. You could see that the players were enjoying going back to England. I don't think that was the case before. I think the pressure, it was almost a try not to get found out or not to be blamed about being in an English set-up. And England, the only thing is with England, they've been out of the league in the Nations League, so we haven't seen them playing against the top teams in the last year or so, but they are the players that they have.

1:22:25Jill Scott: They need to be considered in those seven, eight teams that anybody can win it.

1:22:29Gary Neville: I want to ask you one more question. I just thought of that while you're speaking. In your Portugal team, you've got Vettina, Bernardo Silva, Bruno, João Neves, Neto, Cristiano. You've got six or seven players there and you get them all in.

1:22:42Jill Scott: Yeah, yeah.

1:22:43Gary Neville: England have got this conundrum that we're all asking, as England fans apart from obviously, row around this table of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Rodgers. There's one more. Saka. How do you get all... Madweke. Madweke. How do you get all those players in? So if you think about particularly that number 10 role, Eze, that number 10 role. Yeah.

1:23:06Gary Neville: It's Jude, Morgan Rodgers, Phil Foden, Eze. How would you get those players in?

1:23:14Jill Scott: Yeah, I think first is how the player feels about it. Because I think if a player doesn't want it to work out, it won't work out. I think it's that block of the attitude that I was talking, it starts from that, that the player is open to make it work. The other aspect, I think, is the easiest one. I think tactically being flexible, I think, is easy now for the players. They know you can play one system on the ball, a system off the ball. You can be a little bit just adaptable. I enjoy that challenge. I enjoy when you've got outstanding quality and you need to make it fit in. But it comes from the player.

1:23:46Jill Scott: If the player doesn't want to make it work or he doesn't believe in it, that's where the big problem comes. we got it in a way that I like to create the environment to be as competitive as it can. And let's see if training can make the decision of who plays rather than, okay, I'm coming with my set idea and Scholes will play with Roy. Then you lose players around that. The moment that you are very clear in your decisions from the office, I always believe in international football, you need to be very much open-minded to change your mind until the last second when you see the last training session and a player shows something that surprises you.

1:24:26Jill Scott: And that's, over my different years in international football, that's where it becomes very strong. It's almost that, okay, wow, if you train well, you could be starting here. It's not what the coach thinks and the idea that is coming, because whatever he thinks could go in my favor or not, there's nothing I can do here. The moment that you create a really, a very competitive environment and then it's okay, well, yeah, he's in a better shape than him. I thought that he could play because of his experience, but no, he needs to start. If you start creating that, it's easier to adapt and to put them in because if you've got an idea, oh, I'm going to use it, and then the player that is outside loses faith, why is he starting when I train better?

1:25:09Jill Scott: Then it's like, okay, then you're waiting for the player to be ready when you call him up, but it doesn't work like that. It should be the other way around. but it comes from the commitment of the players and it's harder and harder for the players the scrutiny that they have the pressure that they have at the clubs to be committed to the national team is very easy in South America very easy it is almost what they do is just to get to the national team in Europe it becomes more of a choice and sometimes it gets in the middle of what I'm doing with the club and that's why it's just creating that environment is what allows players to fit in

1:25:43Gary Neville: Roberto thank you very much for coming on Stick to Football it's been a pleasure

1:25:57Gary Neville: Thanks for listening and thanks to our partners Arm Clothing. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and you won't miss an episode.

From the publisher

Welcome back to Stick to Football, brought to you by ARNE.


This week, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Jill Scott and Ian Wright dive into a title race that’s getting tighter by the week. With Arsenal and Manchester City going head to head at the top, how is Wrighty feeling heading into the run-in, and who does the team back to lift the league in May?


We look back at a huge North London Derby, as Arsenal got the better of Spurs, while Viktor Gyökeres continues his strong form. Benjamin Šeško was at it again too, coming off the bench for Manchester United as the super sub. The team break down both strikers’ impact and how crucial they could be in the final stretch of the season.


Super 6 returns ahead of another busy week of fixtures, and Gary tests the panel on the top five Premier League goalscorers from different nations with the Premier League Companion powered by Microsoft Copilot.


We’re also joined by Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez, who reflects on his squad ahead of the World Cup and discusses Cristiano Ronaldo’s role as the tournament approaches.


Gyökeres or Šeško, who are you taking? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode.


00:00 Intro

08:03 Viktor Gyökeres

19:41 Sesko and United Attack

21:49 Tottenham Relegation Worries

34:59 PL Companion by Microsoft Copilot

39:06 Super 6

51:43 Roberto Martinez and Portugal

53:11 Bruno Fernandes

01:00:08 Cristiano Ronaldo

01:17:14 Community Questions


  • This episode is sponsored by Microsoft Copilot as part of their partnership with the Premier League.  


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