In short
Debate on whether Mikel Arteta has “failed” at Arsenal after Arsenal vs Man City ended 1-1, with criticism of negative tactics, set-piece reliance, and benching key players (Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze). They also discuss Pep Guardiola’s cautious approach, modern football becoming more defensive, and broader football talk including Rashford’s attitude, goalkeeper errors in Man United vs Chelsea (2-1), and Sunderland’s exciting promotion form. They end with a “top 5 midfielders” tease and a quiz segment.
Guest backgrounds
The episode features three recurring football personalities (hosts) who speak from playing experience, including one who identifies as a former goalkeeper and discusses keeper-specific training/mentality; another is a long-time Man United supporter; the third is a Bolton fan.
Key claims
Arteta is stabilizing Arsenal but hasn’t made “statements” in big home games; both Arteta and Pep can be overly cautious; Rashford’s body language/late arrivals show poor mentality despite talent; Chelsea’s goalkeeper mistakes reflect poor squad planning.
Notable examples
Arsenal vs Man City 1-1; Arsenal benching Saka and Eze; Man United vs Chelsea 2-1 with an early goalkeeper red card; Rashford scoring two vs Newcastle/Barcelona; Sunderland’s attacking resurgence; references to Liverpool/Man United big-game performances.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOReactions to Recent Football Matches
0:04 to 0:26
The hosts discuss recent football matches and their implications for fan favorites.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Reactions to Recent Football Matches
1:12 to 2:26
The hosts discuss recent football matches and their implications for fan favorites.
Analyzing Arsenal's Performance Against City
2:26 to 8:16
A deep dive into Arsenal's strategies and performance in their match against Manchester City.
“The internet at the minute is going into absolute meltdown.”
Comparing Management Styles of Arteta and Guardiola
8:16 to 12:26
Discussion on the differences in coaching approaches between Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola.
“That was a perfect timing from going and putting one down on them.”
Shifts in Football Strategy and Styles
12:26 to 14:01
Hosts reflect on the evolving tactics in football and their impact on game dynamics.
“to know and read and understand where you are as a squad.”
Arteta's Strategic Approach
14:01 to 16:49
Discussing Arteta's impact and decisions at Arsenal.
“I don't know did the lads want to leave?”
Prince Harry and Joe Marlow
16:50 to 17:44
Brief mention of Prince Harry's appearance on Joe Marlow's show.
“It's like the eye of that thing from Lord of the Rings.”
Analyzing the Chelsea vs United Match
17:45 to 20:07
Breaking down the significant moments of the United-Chelsea game.
“I don't know what he's thinking because he's still got to get into the box.”
The Role of Goalkeepers
20:08 to 23:15
Exploring the unique pressures and strategies of goalkeepers in football.
“I was just very reactive when we played.”
Consequences of Red Cards
23:16 to 27:23
Discussing the emotional and team dynamics after a player is sent off.
“a keeper like even if I've like even if someone like David James is retired and I've done a few drills If I'm just booting half-hollies for him to catch straight at his chest, I don't quite get it straight at him.”
Show all 25 chapters
Refereeing and Player Reactions
27:24 to 28:00
Examining the role of referees and player reactions to controversial decisions.
Referee Decisions and Tactical Changes
28:00 to 29:50
Discussion about the impact of referee decisions and tactical changes in football matches.
“The player knows he's not 100 % I think that's an excuse I think he's fine Really?”
Sunderland's Revival and New Trends in Football
29:50 to 31:20
Analyzing Sunderland's performance and the changing dynamics in football.
“he was annoyed coming off of course he was he always tells you a story when you were talking earlier I'm jumping about a bit here because things come into my head as we're talking.”
Personal Experiences and Rivalries
31:20 to 32:50
Sharing personal anecdotes related to Sunderland and rivalries in football.
“certain clubs I think when you're a football fan that pretty much everyone has soft spots for.”
Assessing Ollie Watkins' Finishing
32:50 to 34:39
Discussion on Ollie Watkins' finishing skills and comparisons to top forwards.
“Yeah, me and Scores in there looking up at the ball like this.”
Rashford's Attitude and Performance
34:39 to 39:44
Debating Rashford's attitude, performance, and potential as a player.
“that's where he's at you've got the top forwards he's in the category below that This iPad in front of me is absolutely going into meltdown here.”
The Importance of Self-Awareness in Football
39:44 to 42:00
Discussing the significance of self-awareness for professional football players.
“So he needs to understand, he needs to be self-aware.”
Gaming and Team Camaraderie
42:00 to 45:49
The hosts discuss the impact of gaming on team bonding, referencing Wayne Rooney's comments about a video game.
“But literally, you'd literally know what time you've got, but unless you're in traffic, you ring up.”
Quiz Time Begins
45:50 to 47:58
The conversation shifts to quizzes, with hosts joking and posing trivia questions related to food and drink.
“What is the most consumed fruit in the world?”
Top Midfielders Discussion
47:59 to 52:38
The hosts dive into a debate about their top five midfielders, including various opinions and analyses of current players.
“Yeah, he doesn't do that a lot, though, does he?”
Midfield Preferences and Styles
52:39 to 54:48
The conversation continues as the hosts discuss their preferences for different types of midfielders and their unique playing styles.
“No, Rice, can I just say, he is, for me, the classic box-to-box midfielder.”
Analyzing Players and Their Roles
54:49 to 56:00
The hosts analyze individual players' abilities and roles within the team structure, emphasizing the importance of intellect in midfield play.
“I just think technically, I like watching technical players.”
Top Midfielders Discussion
56:00 to 58:16
The hosts discuss their top midfielders, focusing on skills and impact.
“Is he looking at his penis when he's doing this?”
Injury Impact on Performance
58:16 to 1:01:47
Discussion on how injuries affect player performance and recovery.
“He was out for nine months, so I don't think it was like him nine months.”
Personal Anecdotes from Players
1:01:47 to 1:06:01
Hosts share personal stories about experiences in football and comedy.
“I mean, they are gods and they're big Celtic fans.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+. It's like Chubby in the S1. one.
0:32Anybody in the mood for comedy? I thought it was just crazy. Welcome to the good, the bad and the football. And after a mad busy week, a brilliant week if you're a football fan. And by the way, thank you so much for all the responses you gave us to the first episode. We're absolutely overwhelmed and buzzing with that. But before we get into it, chaps, how's your week been?
0:58Nicky:Not too bad, actually. Short week. Went very quickly after our first podcast. Went down so well. Watched a bit of football. Some good football for a change this weekend. So excited to talk about that. Salford won. Salford. A good week for all of us, really. United, Salford, Bolton. Bingo. Beating Wigan 4-1 after a decade. A decade. Do you know what? I'm a Bolton fan. I didn't even realise that myself. No, it's my day, isn't it? 11 years since we beat Wigan. but what a victory is that a big rivalry in Bolton Wigan it is I think it's it's one I used to like going out around Wigan and Wigan Pier back in the day and we all love a pie but there's this I think it's not even just football it's just this I think it's always when you've got towns next to each other yeah Magnet and Liverpool kind of thing there's always that rivalry but before we get into the football properly I've got to say lovely jumper that's nice I came in I thought we were chatting I thought there's no moment here I can get in with this mum's knitted it for me that's gorgeous lovely that necklace and I've noticed your gear last week very nice I've gone similar today I've gone over shirt over the t-shirt very nice we're smart lads haven't we we're smart right I think the first thing to get stuck into and there's loads to talk about today is got to be Arsenal City.
2:271-1. The internet at the minute is going into absolute meltdown. Weirdly, I'm seeing a lot of stuff calling Arteta out on his tactics. And then I'm seeing a lot of stuff, people calling Pep out on how he's played. And you look at Pep, arguably one of the best managers around the last, what, 40, 50 years, maybe. Arteta, regardless, I think he's done... I know he's had a lot of money spent at Arsenal, but he's done a good job. He's got a great squad at the minute. But what do you want to start with? Do you want to start with Arsenal or do you want to start with City? Let's go start with Arsenal.
3:11Nicky:It's his favourite team. Right. Start with Arsenal. There we go then. Start with Arsenal. What do you think about... Firstly, everyone's saying he hasn't started his strongest team. everyone was mourning about Saka and Ezra being on the bench Yeah it was a very negative team I thought he's almost gone back 20 years to and I know he's been in England a long time but it feels like we've almost brought an English mentality to him if you know what I mean be cautious at first be safe and try and get through the game against a city team that is not this isn't a pop guard the other team anyways it is but again he's probably the same thing as well he's 10 10 years he's been here we've almost served him into an English coach watching yesterday do you know I mean I heard I heard actually heard we I know we're talking about ourselves by here it's someone quote peps management style the other day is Sam Allardyce ask well I think you could say that about both of them yeah if they'd have been two English coaches I say would have been going saying worst coaches ever the worst talent style of football we've ever seen but because it was them to to get away with it a little bit don't I think we've asked us I think this comes so close to winning that title he's always gonna get labeled a failure until he actually does if you look at the bigger picture over the last 10 years you know Arsenal wasn't until he went obviously been nowhere near winning it really it's always been City or you know Man United Liverpool but yesterday was very much like Skoldy said it was just like no one wanted to make any mistakes a big thing for me was the two lads on the bench I think Saka and Eze I mean they're two of the best players in the Premier League at the minute and to have them both on the bench and what you would say is one of your main rivals for the title I don't think City will win the title but it's going to be between City, Liverpool and Arsenal I thought it was weird it was a really strange one Saka had been out a long time but at some point he probably wouldn't have been alright but at some point Arsenal have got to win a big game.
5:19If they're going to win the Premier League, I just don't see them... They're not brave enough, they're not. At home as well, especially. I always think, at the start of the season, if you're going to win a league, win your home games, especially against the big teams. Now, look, if you go away from home, and there's tough places, go there's Liverpool and these type of places, and if you draw them, yeah, great, you accept that. But that home game yesterday, it was a massive chance to make a statement. I don't think Arsenal have been great. and I felt even around the stadium with the team he picked it was just so negative it felt like I'm just going to pick the biggest team I've got and try and get through the game probably winning by set pieces which when you talk about Sam Allardyce and these English coaches it's exactly what they try and do but you're talking about a top club now who you can't really get away with stuff and they're leaving the better players out you said the ESS I know what's it called the older guard isn't fit and Eze's come to this club and he's thinking look it's going to be tough for me to get in this team especially with the likes of Oldergar playing who's a very good player and that's my type of position and he's not playing and Eze's not playing but it was like pick the biggest team so it's four centre-halves he's got across the back four
6:33Nicky:Over the last few years City were unbeatable but now they are beatable against a good team and Arsenal are a very good team very good squad that was the time the Chugas go out and say I'm going to win this game and put a statement down because Liverpool are looking like a team that are going to win the league the way they're playing. They're winning games when they're playing Brad Bad, which is a sign of a good team that's going to win the Premier League. But yesterday, for me, would have been like, let's go and put a marker down now and beat. Because even though City aren't at the top and not the best they've been over the years, there's still Man City and it's still Pep Guardiola and that is a fear factor for some people.
7:05Nicky:And I think if they'd have gone out yesterday, Arsenal put a marker down, it would have said something for the manager and the players. They've already lost to Liverpool, drawn against City. psychologically how's that now like in the team as the manager are you thinking I know it's we're really early doors into the season but are you going well that's that that's dumb it's not quite that yet is it but I think I think even from watching Arsenal you've not seen the performance when you think they're going to win the league even at United when they won they were bang average weren't they and you see that yesterday you see the performance against Liverpool and I always think there's early parts of the season where you see a performance I remember last year Liverpool came to Man United beating three now I know it's not the biggest United have got all the problems but I thought wow that's a team that can win the league and it's a statement as well it's a statement and you don't judge the leagues now you'll judge it in January but literally you've got to put statements down against your big rivals you've got to aren't you even when we was winning it you've got to make sure you know you're going to be main rivals towards March, April, May when it comes into it but if you don't put a statement down especially when you're playing against a City team that I know weren't in the level they have been for 10 years.
8:17Nicky:That was a perfect timing from going and putting one down on them. I think when you were talking about the game and how it was and how it kind of fell flat, watching it on the telly, I looked at the Arsenal fans before the kick-off. It's ramp-packed. They're all up for it. And I thought to myself, oh, here we go. They're going to absolutely mull us it here. and then as the game started you could see the fans it just like slowly dropped the temperature and everything else you go in I think this season all the so-called big games have come unstuck they've become boring all the big get man United City is boring the game last week was it was boring a lot of big games had not been good games nothing good getting football it's like they're all too scared to go and get beat like Scaldi said and you know you will get beat if they'd have gone out yesterday and I right go at it and got beat 1-0 I'm sure the reaction from the Arsenal fans after the game when they get interviewed it wouldn't be the same as what it is now now it's all negative negative we're not gonna do anything we're not getting over the next hurdle I think that's our biggest challenge now he's done really well for that football club he's put him in a really good position albeit it's been backed but the next thing now he's got to get over that final hurdle and really really go for that league and yeah you know I think we've turned two of our best managers from abroad into almost like English coaches.
9:38Do you think it's because of the pressure in the modern game as well that they're playing a lot tighter and they just don't want to lose a game because they're worried about the owners? That's where I think the English mentality comes into a little bit. I think the last few years, especially the bigger teams, when you're watching your Barcelona's, your PSG's, they go for it.
9:58Nicky:Yeah, and it's always 4-3. They absolutely go for it and try and win the game. And that yesterday, which you expect from Pep Guardiol as teams and Mikel Arteta's teams both brilliant coaches but you expect them right come on let's have a goal let's make it end to end and let's just see the best team win I think more so with Arteta I think Pep's cautious about his team that he's got at the minute and he's well aware that they're not the level that he'd want them to be but I don't get the way Arteta's doing it because he's got all the players that he's got to his he wanted in the shop in the summer the problem has got the best squad in the league I think when you look at them on paper Arsenal I think Liverpool is the best squad I think Liverpool is well they feel they're going to walk it yeah I think it could be a procession is that because obviously they've got a great squad but does Isak signing sort of cherry on top of the cake Isak votes I just think they go for the squad they go for the neck even when they're playing bad they find a way of winning it and I remember when obviously going back to when we played you didn't score said it in the first episode, we didn't play well every week.
11:02Nicky:It wasn't like it was on the dream team, where it was cargo balls or something like that. We had played crap sometimes, but you still find a way. Someone would come up, Aruda would get you a goal, or Bex would get you a free kick, or Coley would sneak one in. Someone's nick a goal, and when you go off, and you go, it was crap today, but we just got three points. I think the worrying thing as a football fan is when you look at what Pep did during that game, when he came to the Premier League and he started, you know, this playing it out from the back. And all the coaches go, we're going to do that.
11:34We're going to copy that. What I don't want to see now is everyone going, stick five at the back, close up shot. Yeah, you're right, Paddy. It feels like the football's changing again. It feels like it's come full circle, hasn't it? And we're going back to Arsenal want to win games by set pieces. Yeah. It doesn't. Imagine if it was Sam Allardyce, as we said before, doing that. He'd be getting hammered.
11:53Nicky:But I also think, and I'm talking about Pep because obviously squad isn't what he wants, it's also a good coach to understand that you're not at the level to go and do what you could do three years ago he's realised that, so we were talking about Amarin last week about how his failure to change is going to be detrimental to him I think with Pep, he's understood that he's not got the squad of the players that he used to have to go and play, he's not got a De Bruyne that's going to change the game for you, Foden's coming back into it but he's still got a bit to go, obviously the forward scoring goes left, right, centre, but the rest of them Roger's not back on his top form just yet he will do but he's not, I think that's a really good thing to have as a manager to know and read and understand where you are as a squad.
12:30Nicky:And it's gone away from home. If you said something before, go to Arsenal and get a point, would you do it? He'd do it. But the one for me is the home team who wants to go in where Premier League has to go out and win a game. Do you actually think Pep wants to play that way? I don't think that happened naturally yesterday. I think he'd still want his team to dominate possession and do that. They just got forced into it and I don't think they're as good. I've been over the past few years. I think Rodri's, I was going to say I miss him, but he's playing but he's not quite still where he should be and rightly so because he's been out for so long once he gets alright once you bring John Storms into the team who unfortunately does seem to have too many injuries at this point but again it does make your team a better team it was I say keep going to it it was like watching England 20 years ago they couldn't keep possession they were booting it out of the way weren't they get it out that's not Pep Guardo that's not Manchester City but I even think he said afterwards I didn't want to play like that they just forced us to play like that now when you say that about Arsenal they forced us to play that way you'd automatically think oh they were good at Arsenal they were brilliant they were creating chances but they weren't it was a strange game it was weird like just sat watching it on the couch seeing City sit back almost trying to protect a 1-0 lead where you're going this is bonkers then as you're saying oofing it out from the back where I'm going what's going you need to change Pep's name I think should we give him an English name Paul Peter Guardiola yesterday it took us 10 years to turn him English and Michael Arteta Pete Guardiola Michael Arteta Nick Arteta we talk about the game going full circle and the game changing it does feel like it is changing when these top managers are going more direct talking about set pieces I don't think he's purposely doing that I don't think that's the way Why would you suddenly change all your staff around you though why?
14:32Did he have much choice? I don't know did the lads want to leave? I don't know that's the only thing isn't it I used to like the geezer sat at the side of him he looked like Keegan Kevin Keegan I used to think it was Kevin Keegan all the time I don't know his name no I don't know his name either apparently someone he respected was in South America I always thought it was Kevin Keegan
14:53Nicky:I think with him though we were talking about his negativity yesterday but you look at what he did so he went from a number two with Pep into one of the biggest clubs in the country and helped stabilise it so what is it you want as a football club, do you want someone to just come in i.e. a Mourinho, stay there two years win you something then leave or do you want someone to come in stable the ship, get the foundations right and build slowly that way which is what he's done and I think Scoles is dead right, he's now got to go and win or he's got to win the Premier League, let's be honest. But what he's done for that football club has stabilised it and all the stuff you don't see or we don't see as fans.
15:30Nicky:From what I've heard, Academy's in an unbelievable position. The young players are coming through. The recruitment's very, very good. It's everything what Man United isn't at the minute. And if you look at that, I would prefer to get a manager in that can do that and stabilise a club for four or five years and then go and win it than have someone come in for one year, two years, win something, mess the whole club up leave so I think Arsenal fans I've got to be careful what they wish for yeah there's no doubt he's done a brilliant job and took him as Nicky rightly says there but that only lasts for so long with fans and players you've been asked for now is it six seven years now he's got he's done all that for me he's had that time to build it the club how he wants it to look like he wants yeah and he'd be very powerful in that football club him now he'll be a A lot of the stuff that will happen, I'll have a big say in it, I would imagine.
16:21Nicky:So now he has got to go on, hasn't he? And he's got a lovely head of a... Beautiful. Oh, I do. You know, sometimes when he's talking... I just look at his hair. Yeah, I do. Yeah. And I think his hair style is similar to his tactics. He never changes it. Never changes it. Legawed. Because if I had that hair style, I'd be like Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen. I'm like, come on. Come on Arteta Enjoy that Enjoy that lovely thatch Right Let's Really perk in the buzz Let's perk up that Chat with Ursula City Get on to something I'm sure is close To your two's hearts This week on Joe Marlow We'll see you now We had Prince Harry An actual Prince of England Was on Did it go to plan Sort of Kind of None of the plan Panned out Chuckle vision Chuckle chuckle vision Chuckle vision Down down Front and back?
17:18No, the back's a disgrace. It's like the eye of that thing from Lord of the Rings. The eye of Sauron? Yeah, that's what it's like.
17:25Nicky:You pitched at this as a couples therapy thing. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm hurt. That's all I'm saying. Washing machines live longer with... Calgon. Yeah! Prince Harry on Joe Marlow Will See You Now is out now. Watch it on YouTube or Spotify or listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.
17:48Nicky:2-1, United-Chelsea. Big win, eh? Big win was needed as well, wasn't it? Yeah. Firstly, Sanchez. Let's talk about that. Was it three minutes, four minutes in? I don't know what he's thinking. I don't know what he's thinking because he's still got to get into the box. He's still got to beat the keeper and he's still had two defenders running next to him. I just think it's madness what he's done. And everyone has moments of madness, don't get me wrong. but from that point on, the game was over. That was it done and up until the second red card. But it was a bit of luck that Amarin and Man United needed.
18:26Nicky:They needed that result. If that result wouldn't have happened the other day, the media would have come down like you wouldn't believe, like a ton of bricks. It would have got heavier and heavier over the next few games but that was a result that we needed and they got it. The thing for me, being a paid-up member of the goalkeepers union, As we know, we're not wired up right. But within the first few... That challenge for me is pissing down. If that had been at 90 minutes, I can almost forgive it. But literally, the game's just started. And as well, what you said, he's that far out. I'm going...
19:08We're almost... I had to adjust my eyes. I'm like, what's he doing out there? Why has he come out that far? Do you know why Chelsea get what they deserve though? They needed a goalkeeper in the summer, they didn't get one. And it was clear. And a few clubs have done the same, Man United are exactly the same.
19:24Nicky:But do you know something, do you know like you spoke about last week, Paddy, goalkeepers are a total different animal, the way they train, but they are the most intense of all the squad, the keepers are. The way they dissect all the way they've game, they know every single penny they take on which side they go, they'll have it on the water bottle. I can't understand why a keeper, that experience, and particularly a keeper who, like I say, they dig into everything when it comes to free kicks, penalties, who's going to be taking this, what side is he going, why don't you just wait until he gets in the box and then foul him?
19:53Nicky:Then you don't get sent off. It's a penalty and you're still on the pitch. I know that's not real time and that's not what I would do as an erratic midfielder or defender, but keepers are so deep into their way of playing and training. I think I find that a bit weird as well he doesn't know the rules if he waits until he gets in the box and then smashes him it's a booking a penalty, not a red card Do you know what, a goalkeeper's becoming more and more important isn't it to a team if you're looking at the big teams now look at the difference in the calmness and the relaxed nature of Don and Romerat that's what I'm saying, yeah in that big cauldron and they're talking about nine, six foot three players every corner went to him yeah yeah and that's not by fluke it's not by chance yeah but it's just brilliant been in the right place if you watched him he was so focused every time he's bouncing every time the corner because you're now down to it but you are every time bang bang bang bang yeah so you saw it be the center midfielder used to run like the quarterback in front of american football it is a lot of it the way the play starts is always from the goalkeeper now even the center back passes it to the keeper for him to start off i just find it and again i'm not saying i would have done that because I'm not that deep in thinking about around the game.
21:08Nicky:I was just very reactive when we played. But keepers nowadays, I'm surprised that I didn't weigh it up and let him get in the box and then foul him. Because they are in, like you say, when I've spoken to a lot of keepers,
21:22their squad is a squad within a squad. They sort of train separate. They have their own things they do. They have loads of them as well these days, like three or four. They've got their own little team, haven't they?
21:32Nicky:They have about five for the warm-up, don't they? But with that in mind, with a mistake like that, would the manager, as a player, and I'm pretty sure you two have had it with Sir Alex, where he's give you the beans in the change rooms after a game, will they do that with a keeper? How do you... If you hammer a keeper... Again, that's all about management, knowing the mentality of the player, really, the character of the player, more than anything. but we're talking about goalkeeper so i mean you can't really get into their heads can you he should get a bollock in for that i remember going back to keep us at the warm-ups you know when they've got like four or five in a warm-up yeah nowadays yeah so back in the day the subs used to always warm the keepers up i forget with pete's michael member i did it for years ah and you'd be you'd be on the right and scores have been left you have to cross the ball in and if you missed it by a millimeter it'd be fro you f-ing this you f-ing that i'm gonna and kill you and you're like 16 17 shaking like this you're going off the pitch like a nervous wreck and the next week it's like you two are on the bench and you think i'll be on the bench
22:44it used to be another player if you're in the squad is like 19 is one of you's always missed out yeah it was me quite a bit when i was younger so i used to go out and walk yeah you're fucking frightened to death yeah yeah it was all about it he's going mental everything's got to be perfect and he's fucking bollocking you
22:59Nicky:and there's crowding the cocky little sob from Middleton and he's trying to chip him and then he can't chip any keeper to chase you on the treading ground. Try and chip Pete, he would absolutely kill you wouldn't he yeah and I didn't care mate you're still on your fucking line you're right in the drills as well when it comes to a keeper like even if I've like even if someone like David James is retired and I've done a few drills If I'm just booting half-hollies for him to catch straight at his chest, I don't quite get it straight at him. The look he gives me. Yeah, it's disgusting, isn't it? I'm like, all right, hang on.
23:36I feel like it's him. We'll move a bit. That's your job. You know what I mean? It's time to come straight to you. When you're in a team and you've got a teammate sent off as quick as that, what's the mood like after? Do you speak to him as well? Would the players go to San Francisco and go, what were you doing?
23:52Nicky:has it he's not meant it and i'm pretty sure he he should be the first one to go lads i'm really sorry i fucked up because if he's not then you get your back up but everyone's gonna make mistakes it's just it ruined what would have been a really good game i think yeah you know from a neutral's point of view it would have been a lot better game if you know if he stays on the pitch but i don't think we'd be consoling him though what do we think you're thinking you'd be thinking is that what you're asking you've one of them ones you'd be like deep down that's why we're you two because obviously, sorry to bring it up, 1998, two consecutive games, he got sent off.
24:23Arsenal and Barcelona. Yeah, they weren't big games. They weren't big games.
24:26Nicky:How were the team winning? That was in three days. That was in Spakers three days. That was a Wednesday and a Saturday. Oh, did you feel? Do you feel like you've let everyone down? No, because the Barcelona one, I took one for the team because there was only about ten minutes left and Pete's nowhere to be seen. And the ball's coming to the ball. The goalkeeper's getting some pelts. today I've gone like that with me and to stop it going obviously penalty sending off so I'm walking around I'm at the far end so I'm walking around thinking over they're all gonna pack me on the back well done it's great teammate the manager bollock me find me and they score the penalty so it's a waste of time but with that one it wasn't that bad and even the one before the Arsenal one if I remember correctly it was a second yellow and it was a sliding tackle they was going through one on one and so they weren't like stupid it wasn't like the keeper of the day it was just two two really stupid but it's not nice yeah I was when I ever done the worst one ever I've done was Chelsea remember then it's one this wise I used to try and my wind up all the time Dennis did and he was a nightmare on the pitch he was horrible horrible on the pitch good fella off good fella good fella off the pitch yeah good fella off the pitch but on it hated him he probably ate me and neat he pinched me balls on the floor kick me in the head and then pinch the balls and I'm thinking what's going on here so the referee didn't do it in so I had to stick up for myself as your dad would say so I need him in the head and then I get sent off and I go in and we was getting beat 1-0 and it's a true story and it happens you sat there you can hear everything in the changing room you can hear everything especially in the older stadiums I used to hear a cheer and it's 2-0 a cheer it's 3-0 and I'm going further further down and a cheer 4-0 I'm thinking when the manager comes in here I am dead and to be fair he was fine with me but yeah it's not a nice feeling when you feel like you let your teammates down with it, but it's just the red mist comes up.
26:18Yeah, do you know what? You don't really speak. You don't really, you won't bring it up, would you? No. Because you know the person who's sent off is fucking raging. Yeah. He feels bad. Yeah. You never, there's never, it's never really spoken. He might take the piss a couple of days later, and it's all calmed down a bit. But at that time, it's so emotional, you're fucking devastated. I did it at Liverpool, didn't I?
26:35Nicky:Yeah. I got sent off at Liverpool, and like Nicky said, I'm in the dressing room, oh, fuck, I'm going to get killed. I might get killed. But luckily enough for me, John O'Shea scored the winner brilliant yeah I love John O'Shea got me out the shit yeah that's what they're just different emotions that might be jobs coming in bollock it's bullet you forget it off I don't I don't even like a raw he was like a kick captain who would tell you exactly what he thought I don't know ever I ever come in I'm gonna go anyone begins on off because you've all done it you've all yeah you know it could happen to you yeah and do you know what you used to get a fine for getting some of these wages that's why you just said that about barcelona is that what it was yeah i got four weeks i got a month in three days me months waiting i was going home to my ex-wife going i've got no money this week who's paying the mortgage isn't it with that in mind casemiro obviously stupid yeah not even more stupid watching it even more stupid when he gets an offer and he's going like no no it sounds a bit weird coming from me and him because we've done some stupid things getting booked twice and stuff but when you're playing against 10 men as well the only thing I'd say though is it really a yellow card what he's done oh your second one yeah oh it's just most cheap I think that's more real a yellow card than the first one I mean the first one was a yellow card yeah I get the feeling now that once you've got one yellow card if you do one more you get the yellow card whatever it is it's not that right but it is in the modern game as you know now it's literally it's just stupid absolutely stupid giving the referee even the thought of he can send him off it's stupid against 10 men when you play against 10 men the other team you know he's gonna level you know he's gonna let the referee wants to level it up when he sends someone off that's because the referee they're only doing the job anybody thought when he's i had to send the keeper i've heard before i don't want it but i've got it that's the real i imagine yeah so he's thinking now any time I get a chance I'll level it up and he did that but they give him an opportunity to do it it's stupid Mureska's getting a bit of heat because obviously he went to 10-10 and then he's getting because he's going well now's your chance he basically as soon as that happened he went get all defenders on let's defend for 90 minutes it's like Italian mentality let's defend let's defend it's impossible it's impossible to defend for 90 minutes I don't care what anyone says I think he went too early changing three attacking players especially Cole Palmer well obviously he weren't at it and he was saying he weren't feeling the best but then he's told the manager I'm okay to play so whose fault is that?
29:08Is it the manager? Is it the player? The player knows he's not 100 % I think that's an excuse I think he's fine
29:13Nicky:Really? If you say you're okay you're not saying you're not okay in 20 minutes he's okay and that's an excuse he took him off because he thought I need to get on with defenders on and legs on Cole's more of a player obviously a player with the ball he's not the best defender and he's done that in that tallying mentality where we're going to get behind the ball we're going to get 10 men behind the ball and we're going to hope for a free kick or a corner kick or something like that so you think Palmer was alright Morescu's gone get him off and he's gone I could see he was a bit unwell yeah he's done that with my opinion his water's off shook his headlight to him and threw his gloves off you don't do that he was fine he was annoyed coming off of course he was he always tells you a story when you were talking earlier I'm jumping about a bit here because things come into my head as we're talking.
29:59When you were talking about Pep and Arteta and that sort of negative style of play, what we saw last weekend, I tell you, team, I'm loving watching at the minute. Sunderland. Yeah. I'm really enjoying them. I know it's not what we've got on the thing today, but I just wanted to speak to you both about that because what I love about it, again, as a fan of the game, there was becoming a bit of a trend of teams coming up, going straight back down. We know who the mid-table teams are. We know who's going to more or less win the league. It was getting a bit samey, but I really like how they started.
Read the full transcript
30:37I watched them against Villa, and I was like, oh, yeah, exciting. Going for it. Yeah, like you said, the three clubs that were coming up were going straight back down. That had to change. It just had to. I think this year looks like the first sign. It's going to change. you've got to admire what Sunderland has done they've brought a lot of players in but they've brought young energetic players into it and it's breath of fresh look I've not seen loads of them and I've watched probably the last 20 minutes and they had 10 minutes there as well for a long time so it's great seeing that Burnley with Scott Parker as well they've picked up points
31:11Nicky:Sunderland have jumped a couple of leagues as well haven't they they were right down there 2 or 3 years ago oh they've got the crowd as well certain clubs I think when you're a football fan that pretty much everyone has soft spots for. I think Sunderland is one of them clubs. The fans are brilliant. I know, obviously, Newcastle fans. Yeah, yeah. But I just, I don't know. I just, I really enjoy watching them at the minute and I think it's exciting and they're going for it and they're not doing that. Let's try and... I've got a bad memory of Sunderland. I don't like Sunderland. Why? What memory is it?
31:50Nicky:What memory? Is this football related or just a night out? No, it's football related. Of course it is. We're on a football club.
32:02When we played Sunderland last game of the season, when City were playing QPR in the league, we beat Sunderland. That was when you were waiting for the result, weren't you? Waiting for the result, the 2-1 down. We'd finish our game, so you'd think it's all over. What happens, what happens, Aguero scores, and Sunderland fans are going mad. I even remember the manager saying after us we'll fucking come back here we'll send these down honestly because it was that bad it was that bad yeah so I hope they go back down I'm only kidding I'm only kidding I've just changed my mind within five minutes it's great we've got to have these teams I've got to have this staff and come up get down
32:42Nicky:Fulham I've watched Fulham lately Fulham are a proper team Fulham there's a lot of good teams they're really good I like Bournemouth yeah let's say like powerful quick and you think it's good you mean looking at a bit value for money there are a lot of good season tickets out there can go and buy and watch some good attacking football and Fulham again might say out Sunderland Fulham I watched them do a day they look like a proper football team I like that manager yeah I like the manager you remember going playing there it was always a tough place to go and play horrible horrible little tight little players landed the Giants that's the biggest team I've ever played Booba Diop, remember him?
33:15Nicky:Fucking massive, man. It was like a basketball team. Yeah, me and Scores in there looking up at the ball like this. I remember when they were building it and the back end was open, the wind. It was the worst place to play. They played at QPR for a bit, didn't they? Yeah. I remember playing against them now and that's where I thought, fuck. Yeah. Fucking NBA team. They're all like that now, though. All players like that. We want Salford now. Yeah, the monsters. They're at League Two. They're all giants. Talking about that Sunderland game, but again, a bit off topic, but just quickly, what's happening at Villa?
33:46when you look at do you know they've lost very good players haven't they yeah they have but you look at some like Ollie Watkins do you see the chance? yeah what a chance there's something not quite right with him I don't think he's ever been a brilliant finisher anyway he works brilliant for his team mates he gets in good positions but the amount of time I see him choose the wrong finish I think that's between him and your top class centre forwards but I switched on and I saw that he has got to score it reminded me remember of when Harry Redknapp went mad at Darren Bent years ago my wife would have scored it felt like that it was that much of a challenge I don't know look I like him and I do talk of him come to United one point wasn't there Man United should have bought him but I just think it's that last bit of real quality that he misses without being
34:38Nicky:disrespectful to him that's where he's at you've got the top forwards he's in the category below that This iPad in front of me is absolutely going into meltdown here. They're changing the subject because I'm going all over the show myself. It's not on here, but it was, but I'm still going to ask you about it. When you said about Newcastle, let's talk about Barcelona and Rashford. Now, for me, Rashford's one of those players, and you two know far better than me on this, but sometimes you look at a player, and I used to get this a little bit with Michael Owen, where I kind of feel as though, and again, I'm going to get pelters here, but they don't love football.
35:20I look at Rashford. We know what happened at United, but to me, I'll go, and he's gone to Villa, starts scoring goals again. Then he's gone to Barcelona, and you're going, wow, this is... And he scores the two goals, by the way. Amazing. but I just don't feel as though he's in love with the game I know exactly what you mean I feel the same way about him there's no doubt the talent that kid has got is ridiculous he's shown that in a big game that second goal was brilliant I really struggle to feel happy for him do you know what I mean? to feel pleased for him mainly because of his attitude and his attitude at United the time he was leaving I thought it was a disgrace at United, not trying basically, which I think, look if you fell out with a manager then okay but remember you've got teammates you're playing with you've got a massive 80 ,000 there, whatever it is every single week that you you have to put a bit of effort forward, the amount of times I saw him at Man United walking like, because he wants to leave, I thought his old demeanour was a disgrace I think he actually quit on Manchester United and once you quit once you'll quit again and even thinking that Newcastle Barcelona again there were signs of him just not wanting to run back and not wanting to work for his team again he won't get away with that with Barcelona for long there's absolutely no chance.
36:58He's already been dropped he was late last night that was it yeah last night Someone else is late today as well. Someone else is late today. Come on. Waiting in for the interior designer. Good job, Andy Flick's not here. You'll be gone. Listen. Listen. I have the utmost respect for you two, and I know what you two were like as players and as people, and I'm absolutely devastated today today, because I thought, if I don't get in 10 or 15 minutes early for these, you two will be giving me murder, and it's already happening. And I'd like to say I was on time. just putting it out there, but we were talking about the Yard 75.
37:35I was bang on time today. I made it. What time do we have to be?
37:39Nicky:Quarter past 10 was the call time. You didn't read your sheet either, did you? 10.45. 10.45, I had. Get me Rashford's agent on the road. 10.45, then you. Never mind. For me, Marcus, I think I've got a soft spot for Marcus because I just have. I did have. I know you did have, but I have. And he has made a lot of mistakes. There's no getting away from it. He's not made it easy for himself. I think some people are different in the way they project the body language. I think Marcus' body language is bad. And then sometimes that really looks like he don't give a toss. Do you know what I mean? He's got a real like, oh.
38:20Nicky:I know him because even when he scores. It's the body language when he's walking back. Yeah, but for me, yeah, and I might be wrong, but for me, I've known Scully since he was 11, my mate since he was 11, and I know his body language is totally different because that's his natural persona, how he holds himself and how he walks, how he runs, how he grits his teeth if someone's going wrong or go and tackle someone. Marcus doesn't have that. He's a totally different person. And yeah, again, sometimes he looks like he can't be arsed or he can't be bothered running. But I think a lot of it is the way he projects his body language.
38:49Nicky:I genuinely do, and that's my honest opinion. That's not a cop-out because I know him or I like him. That's how I honestly feel. But the talent that he's got, if he can somehow stop being a dick and not turn up late and not doing stupid things and understanding that his body language doesn't look great or understand that he's got to change might not be natural and Scoley said about managers earlier sometimes you go on a football pitch it's like going on a stage as an actor you've got to put Mark Hughes Mark Hughes was the quietest unassuming person off a football pitch you'll ever see go on a football pitch or go on a stage he is he's an animal a complete and Marcus If I could sit down with Marcus and speak to him one-on-one, that's what I'd say to him.
39:30Nicky:Be aware, Marcus, that your body language looks crap. You think, right, I've gone to Barcelona. He's not starting brilliantly. He's not really scored a goal. Then all of a sudden, Newcastle away. Massive Champions League game. He scores two goals. He wins them the game. Then I think, right, I'm in now. Yeah. And the fucking next game. Yeah. He doesn't get up in time. Exactly. That's what I was thinking. We're coming on this show today. But is that him or people around him? It's him. He can blame anybody you want. He can save people around him. It's him. So he needs to understand, he needs to be self-aware.
40:03Nicky:He's not a baby no more. He's 27, 28. He's not a kid. He needs to be self-aware about some of the stuff he does and how he projects himself. I thought he was going to come on his show today and go, what about Marcus? What about that goal? I told you it was this. And then he goes and doesn't turn up. He's late for the game. How can you sleep in these days? I don't know. Your phone, fucking alarm, whatever. How do you sleep in? Yeah. I'm up at half four every day. I don't know how you sleep in. that's what I mean it's incredible well that's a bit of a problem I thought you were taking it to the next level I didn't want to be late I didn't want to be late for our talk show our podcast to be honest with you mate
40:39you think about you know you've got a manager he's done it he's did it with someone else didn't he with Rafinha didn't he the week before you know I've got a manager I'd be setting my alarm an hour before I'd be leaving I'd be getting there an hour before I should do but also as well for me if I'm playing for Barcelona I don't I've set an alarm I'm up I'm excited I've got hard on I'm out the door opening it with my penis I'm playing for Barcelona for God's sake you know what I mean
41:05Nicky:well that's what I'm trying to say but with that I'm thinking after the Champions League I don't know and I'd love to sit down and chat with him and have someone like you chit chat to him because he's got that talent he could still be one of the best players in the world he's definitely got a talent to be them two goals but he'll never have the mentality no he'll never have mentality but even them two goals everyone will talk about the second one but the first one, that's a header like, sheer risk. It's away from him, it's away from him, and he's back in, and he's six foot two, six foot three.
41:34Nicky:He can do that. So much ability and little stupid bits of his life. Kill it for him. He's of an age now. He can't go blaming other people. If you can't get out of bed for your game, it's on you, you don't care. But we was never late, because you'd be late with traffic and you'd ring forward and you'd go, I'm waiting for my interior designs to come, that's why I'm late or something like that. That Paddy did this morning. But literally... Hey, Redesign. I drink, Greg. Come on, into Redesign. Oh, he's changed. He's changed. I don't know. You money, lads. But literally, you'd literally know what time you've got, but unless you're in traffic, you ring up.
42:13Nicky:So that's on him. Right, okay. Well, that's that sorted. Right, now, slightly different tangent. Was it Wayne Rooney? he said recently on his podcast a big part of United's success, and I'm quoting the man himself, was playing together on an army game called Socom on the PSPs so all the glory is at United were down to Socom. What is Socom by the way? I've heard of Cod, Call of Duty and I've heard of Balfour. What are they all Socom? I never really played any of these games it was more of the younger lads in the group PSPs so calm from what a year because I can hear them all fucking shouting down the back of the bus it's some kind of shooting game war game we don't know it's all it's okay that amazes me what on the balls oh because the books for me is cards cards time well it was I think with a manager but I do remember the manager used to go down say shut the fuck up and I think you know because they're all shown each other he's in the generator room is in a generator I mean, fucking shoot him.
43:22Fuck, so we're on our way to fucking Arsenal, are you? What's wrong with you? In the generator? Yeah, that's what he's in the generator. Put a proximity mind down, for God's sake. Yeah, it's fucking... I'll throw a grenade. Fucking hell. And sometimes it's quite funny, because they are having the right go at each other at the back. I suppose there is a bit of camaraderie about it, and it's a team game as well. It's all right if you're sat at home online with your mates, but not on the team buzz going to a game.
43:50Nicky:I don't get the bus. I get the night time in your room. That's what I'm saying. They used to meet up after your meal on the Friday night. They used to go to the room. I understand that because it's only the modern day of us doing a quiz. We used to have a quiz every night. A lot of quiz. Brilliant. I'll tell you, it got to a point where people are throwing stuff at each other. Not speaking, walking out of the room in a bit real mood. Most of the time it was Keeney and the gaffer. But literally, yeah. So I get why I did it. But I wouldn't put it down, I wouldn't say it's the biggest part of the United's success.
44:21Who was in the SOCOM? Waza, Rio, John O'Shea. Wes, Wes have been in it. Wes, Wes all day long. Yeah, he loves... Was Fletch getting involved in that? Carers probably get involved in it, I think, yeah. I wouldn't have thought he'd get involved. Just like that younger group. Right, OK. Yeah. I don't think they wouldn't have done it if Roy was there. Fucking no chance.
44:46Nicky:I think Roy would have stood up and shot him properly He'd have thrown a free... Do you fancy joining in? Yeah, fuck off We need an extra lad at the back with a sniper rifle Hey, going back to quizzes, Nicky's brilliant I'm the best at quizzes What's your favourite subject, Nick? Food and drink It's fucking unbelievable The best guesser ever Have you got a quiz for us? Oh, fuck's sake I'm just going to throw a question at him then I love being a quiz off. I won't know the answer, but you'll fucking guess it. I used to run the quizzes at Soccer Aid back in the day. Did you really? And it got, like you say, it got a bit tasty.
45:26Right, OK. Food and drink.
45:28Nicky:If you're football, I'm rubbish at football. Food and drink. Food and drink. Just talk amongst yourselves a minute. Food and drink. Here we are. What's he got? John Peters. John Peters. He's got some abuse in there. Welcome to the good, the bad and football. And the food. And drink. and drink. Right, here we are. New audience, this. A new audience. Delia will be on next week. Here we go. Right. I'm going to give you one here. Pardon?
45:56What is the most consumed fruit in the world?
46:02Nicky:By volume or? Well, people who buy it and eat it. But not the amount of fruit, the people who buy it. Oh, Jesus Christ. You'll see what you mean. I mean, it's just a question, isn't it? most people eat bananas or oranges tomatoes
46:23fuck me they've not put the answers on
46:28What a quiz master it is Who does a quiz Who doesn't give you the fucking answers You're going to have to Google it
46:35Nicky:I thought it was a trick question Tomatoes are fruit I think I know the answer to this Because they've not given us the answers What's the main ingredient in guacamole Avocado He knows his food Well that went down like a lead balloon paddy I could have got into that then but I can see us looking at us over there. We're going to take the overlap on for a Christmas quiz anyway. We'll take them on. Oh, we did that Christmas quiz, didn't we? I did the Christmas quiz. We did it, didn't we? It was Wrighty and Roy against Cara and Gaz. Competitive. And I'm thinking, oh, that's a nice bit of fun, the overlap.
47:18Yeah, oh, it's evil. or they proper get into it.
47:23Nicky:We'll take them on, we'll put a challenge out for them. We'll beat them. We're all over that. We'll beat them three. We're all over that. We've been tasked with coming up with our top five midfielders. Now, where I've made a mistake straight out the bat, I've gone Premier League. I didn't realise it was world football. European. Right, European. No, world-wise, probably Brazil. So I've gone Premier League and I'm basing this on purely eights and sixes. Yeah. Oh, don't give me the numbers. I'm not, no, but I'm not, I'm not. You're not a ten fan then, no. I'm not bringing the sellers of the world into it.
48:00Yeah. Wingers. Yes. Oh, exactly not, no. Right, okay, right. So I'm going number five. I had two for number five, really. Liverpool, I will go in McAllister. and Gravenberch but I'm gone Gravenberch because obviously he's playing at the minute and I've gone in I've put here bargain from Bayern Munich what did he get him 30 million or something like that he weren't he weren't he weren't playing for them was he elegant on the ball dribbling running off the ball goals assists I mean come on Yeah, I know he's good in the day. Yeah, he doesn't do that a lot, though, does he? Two goals to assist already.
48:53Yeah, he's a deep line, but he's two goals to assist already. Is he really? Yeah.
48:58Nicky:Yeah, I like him. I won't put him up there at the minute. I won't put him in there at the minute. I won't put him in top of that. You've got to do more than one game, Paddy. Come on. What we're talking about now. This is... See, all right, I might have been 40 seconds late today, but I read the read. 40 seconds. I read the brief and we're on about no this season so you can't argue no five games in it's got to be in there hasn't it we're on about the air and now aren't we that's fucked up my list that's what I'm saying well too busy brushing up on food I need a bit of football I was going Paul Scholes Paul Scholes Gerrard Keane Robson go on then right so that's number five Number five.
49:44You've got two, which you weren't allowed to do anyway. Well, I've got two again. Oh, fucking hell. Right, four. You've got 14 names. Can I say it all? Rodri. Yours are all the same style, aren't they, like them? Ball winning midfield players. I was told up to you, which is right. Yeah, exactly. I know, obviously, Rodri's come back off injury, but Ballon d 'Or. He's still the best for me. He's there, isn't he? I think he's still the best for me.
50:13I know this is going to be a little bit controversial because I've just said about where they play and everything else, and I know this lad drifts out, but Eze. Or is it Eze or Eze? It doesn't look Eze. But he's not a central midfield player, is he? I don't think he is. Number 10, isn't he? Number 10 to the left-hand side a bit, yeah. Plays off the left, doesn't he? He plays anywhere but in the middle of the pitch for central midfield. I did just say I knew this was controversial after everything I've just said Right, who were that? Were that three? Yeah Two, Bruno Fernandes No I don't have him as a central midfield player No, I don't
51:02Nicky:He's a central midfield player for me but I don't think he's up there I think he's better than them Not at the minute where we are now he's playing as a six, isn't he? Four even. Averaging. Oh, don't give me all them stats, Paddy. They don't do now for them. You're right. You've not locked in the stats. No, no, no. You're not going to be a big deal. No, no, no. Listen, I'm just telling you, we had Gary Megson as our manager at bottom. He used to come out with stats after the game when we'd get armoured 5-0. I used to think, fuck me, we're Real Madrid. So I'm going down to Megson. you're not having him in your top five current what he's done at United Gary Megson was the manager of Bolton the ginger Mourinho that's what I'm saying he'd come out after games and be like wow we're fantastic he was a good player, he was alright Gary Megson I would go around at sub for United against Bolton and he was obviously talking to one of his players and as I went on he said you are the second best looking ginger person in the Premier League I said to you yeah oh for fuck's sake he was ugly as well wasn't he and I was behind him behind him oh god right come on who else right I can't believe did you have Gary Mexon in that then no I can't believe you've not got Bruno you're not having Bruno I think he's a brilliant footballer but just not for me a midfield my style of central midfielders as you'll see in a minute a difference to yours right and again I'll know I'm my whole argument's fallen down here Cole Palmer I know I know don't say it can you add the five best number tens next week don't say it he's already done his list I know he's done his list I know but let me tell you everyone oh he's brilliant now I took the time out to really think about that and as I was thinking about it I thought I've shot myself in the foot with my own argument right at the get go your research is very good it's just for the wrong position there we go to be fair I've not really gone as deep as you there let's get your two's top fives pick it apart I don't see the point of doing the top five you only play with three maximum anyway so I've got three I'd go right now I would definitely go obviously Bellingham's not been playing a lot because he's been injured but I think you'd be very foolish not to put him in a three Bellingham for me Bellingham Rice and Oh, he's in my list.
53:35Nicky:Well, you know, I've said it now. Oh, he's in my list. Paddy, who isn't on your list? No, Rice, can I just say, he is, for me, the classic box-to-box midfielder. Yeah, I think he ties it all up as well. And if he's in my team, I'm looking, I'm going, yes. He's not Scores' kind of player, though. Oh, Declan Rice? I think he's got a lot of ability. I think he takes too many touches of football. He does all the stud rolling as well. on the little stud road to make yourself look good and it doesn't achieve anything. He has got the... Every attribute to be a top box-to-box midfielder, as you say, doesn't use it.
54:14For me, if you're playing a game and he's in the team, it just makes you feel better, I think, as a player. Anyway, you two give me a shout. I know he's going to do it. He's going to get you. You two give me a shout
54:25Nicky:and you stop talking and I can get back to my midfielders. I can't believe he's not having him I'd play a box actually I'd play Deccan Rice I'd play Scott McTominay after what he did last year I'd play Pedre who you absolutely love don't you Barcelona Barcelona lad and Bellingham that'd be my box I'd play two and a two that'd be my four right again you've gone European I was told it were Premier League but it's alright I'm going to get abused for mine five here we go mine are all like oh by the way sorry I'm putting five in I absolutely love Modric and I know he's passed it a little bit I love Modric if you're talking two or three years ago you're talking Modric's you're talking Tony Cruz you're talking Kevin De Bruyne we're talking Premier League this season but it's not right no you weren't no we're not talking Premier League it wasn't the iPad lads go on go on mine are different mine are like I hate saying sixes eights tens and all that shit but they are more like controlling players we'll say yeah so Frankie de Jong Barcelona owner.
55:28I just think technically, I like watching technical players. I'd have him as number five. I thought he was brilliant against Newcastle last week. McAllister, again. I thought he was brilliant last year for Liverpool. Saw him close up in the game, Old Trafford, as I mentioned before. He was brilliant, controlled everything. I don't think he's had a great start to this season. Are you playing him over Gravenberch then? different you need to play together do what I mean he has to be his legs and you know it's fun enough when we talk I I do it we talk we always talk about get legs in midfield but mine aren't really legs the more brains if you know I mean I don't think it's a victory for bread everyone I'm guilty of it myself say oh you need legs in there you need legs yeah but at some point you need someone with the brain as well and actually can play the position and play football well yeah So I'll have McAllister number four.
56:23Is he looking at his penis when he's doing this? You keep going like that, what are you doing? Where have you got them written? I really like these players, that's why. I'd say who else I'm having. I'm like, what's he looking at down there? Yeah, honestly, that's why they're there. I really like them. Number three, Vitinha, PSG. Right. He was sensational for PSG, I should have got to play for in the Champions League in the World Club Cup I know they got beaten in the final I think all mine are like clever players they're not bread they're not if they come to England you'd probably say no he can't play in England he can't run I mean that's how we'd probably destroy this do you know in a similar way it's probably happened to Kobe Mane you know if he was in Spain if he was in Barcelona if he was in PSG if he'd be playing in these teams he's technically he's brilliant and he's got a brain now we're all saying oh he can't run so what you have a brain that's clever enough to get you through games and control games a little bit like an old-school like Perla yes yeah yeah again he'd have been one if you're talking a few years ago it definitely been one yeah so what was that even me third boy but the top three I couldn't really separate the second one because I mentioned Pedro that's we have had to go for Rodri yeah ballon door two years ago was it not sure yeah again it's not so this season well but he's had that horrific injure he was by far the best midfielder that year when he was well which is why he won the balladay controlled everything and i think that's probably why city is struggling a little bit at this minute to keep the ball he's not quite up to speed physically i think he wants he gets right i think they'll go back to that after a bad injury like that are you can you ever get back to where
58:07Nicky:you were yeah yes right okay now modern with all of the the physiotherapy and the recovery and Nowadays, it's unbelievable what they do. They get back quick. I still think he's off. I always remember a physio saying to me, and this probably doesn't make sense for a long-term injury, he said, the amount of time you've been out, it will take you that amount of time again to get back to where you are, where you should be properly now. He was out for nine months, so I don't think it was like him nine months. But I do think there is a little bit of truth in that. And he's key to the way Pep Guard and all his teams play.
58:43There's no doubt about it. he does it for Spain as well. So again, another controlling midfield player who does everything. And number one's Pedro. I thought, look, and I know people, I put that on Instagram the other day, and everyone's saying, where have you been for three years? You've not seen him. I don't really watch Spanish, I don't see Spanish football. I don't watch lots of it. When I was a player, when we was a player, Saturday night after a game, go on and watch Barcelona because it's on Sky. Sunday night, watch Real Madrid. I used to fucking love Spanish football. It was brilliant.
59:12and it's what he did on Saturday, Sunday night, because you couldn't go out and drink that much. And the players back then as well. Oh, the players, the teams, you're thinking of teams. Yeah, Galacticos. And then I watched Pedri the night, and I thought, wow. Yeah, Xavi won it, exactly like Xavi Iniesta. He's like Xavi Iniesta in one. He could beat a man. And again, we're not talking about legs, we're talking about the brain of a footballer. The way sometimes he's in tight situations, the way he gets out of it by a little one-two or a little drop of a shoulder. the technique was brilliant and I thought the best thing about it was Newcastle brought it back to 2-1 8 minutes left of injury time I thought, here we go this will be tasty he had the ball for about 7 minutes of the mate he just took complete control of the game again I thought it was brilliant When you're playing in a game how much of what the crowd are shouting do you actually hear?
1:00:08When you sub you hear fucking all around
1:00:10Nicky:I think when you're in a game, you hear a little bit before him. Ginger fat bastard. Fucking everything. Running down a ton of... You don't really in a game, though, do you? Unless you're having a shitter. No. I remember, this is a true story, I played at Newcastle, had a shocking start to my career at Newcastle, and I went on loan for six months to Birmingham, and then I went back, and I remember in pre-season playing Villarreal because Diego Fulham was playing for them, so I come on at half time got booed on by all the fans booed on scored two goals I got subbed booed off and I think I'm the only person to get booed on and off and I got man of the match you got subbed got subbed subbed yeah by who who was it Glen Roder the manager it was a pre-season game so we knew I was only playing 45 when you're saying booed on and booed off similar thing I remember when I first we'd just done Phoenix Knights and it would kind of, no take me out, this is like real early days.
1:01:12Paddy, I love that program. I love that program. I love that program. Like literally back then, it was all right. Not a lot of people knew it unless you were into it. And I got a boot for a corporate, right? And it was at Celtic. And it was, was it, were they called the Lisbon Lions? Yes. They won it in 60, whatever. 67. And I was booted. They were celebrating Lisbon Lions and they covered the entire pitching tables. It was a massive event and they booked two acts, me and Simple Minds, right? I'm on after Simple Minds, right? Now, Simple Minds up there. So they're another Simple Minds. They are gods up there, right?
1:01:57I mean, they are gods and they're big Celtic fans. It's like... So I'm stood in the tunnel waiting to go on Jim Kerr's up on stage Don't you He's got his foot up on the monitor Hey, hey, hey, hey Ooh They're fucking They're going mad for him He's like Mic drop Set's finished Everyone's up, fucking Celtic fans Then it dies down Bloke walks on stage stage compter, he goes, after that, he goes, anybody in the mood for comedy? Fucking silence. Was he Welsh? No need. No need. He went, anyone in the mood for comedy? Silence. Paddy McGuinness, right? Walked from the tunnel, the stage was on the centre spot, walked through everyone in complete silence, got on stage, one of them would pull it, Mike, feedback.
1:03:04back. I went, hello. One voice right at the back of the pitch went, fuck off you English.
1:03:19How's that? I went, lovely. Lovely. Walked on to silence. Walked on to silence. What a treat. And I remember a couple of days after my agent at the time rang me up and went, hey we're having murders with these Celtic they're not paying you I went fucking leave it I went leave it just leave it let's just write that one off but anyhow that was my one but I tell you what you would do here the fans in the sticks if you're in the net you eat your I know because last soccer head I would pick four balls out of the back of that Tevez Tevez yeah I was constantly bending over picking it up I always remember one song I always remember one song got full of my head I think Gazza spoke about this if the Nevels can play for England so can I it's fucking hilarious honestly I always feel so the keeper's though knowing they get the ball
1:04:11Nicky:especially in the small I watch a lot of League 2 now with Salford so small stadiums and our keeper he's only just turned 18 and his grown men abusing him knowing they get the ball take the goal kick and they go oh yeah he's 18 you're shit I'm thinking I'm thinking a bit older them in the chatty I'm thinking my son's 18 if that was my son I'd be jumping in the away end fighting them all it's a disaster it is horrible but it is funny how you can pick it out like that weirdly when you're on the pitch I remember I think it was the second or third soccer I'd ever played in and the crowd at soccer aid they're actually louder than a regular football because they're all the kids and they've got the governor sellers and it's like it's mad how loud it is and I was playing it right back and Jamie Carrico's just inside of me there and he's fucking shouting at me like that and I'm going, I can't fucking know.
1:05:13And Ronaldinho was running towards me and I'm like, it's Ronaldinho. And I'm like, and he's going, fucking guessing him. What's wrong with you? I'm like, it's Ronaldinho for fuck's sake. What do you want off me? Shire pulling out a fucking cricket bat and hitting him round the head. I watched a dating show for God's sake. But yeah, it surprised me how little you can hear someone playing at the side of you when it's that loud. But you can pick out them insults. Yeah, it's just abuse, isn't it? Yeah. Go to Liverpool away.
1:05:52Nicky:And it's tight Liverpool as well, isn't it? Oh yeah, the Warburg. Warburg and Leeds away. The drive. and the bus to Leeds drive the bus we've got a tag do you still have kids on their shoulders throwing bottles kids on their dad's shoulders throwing bottles at the bus amazing isn't he going your kid's six keep that it was horrible wasn't it oh nasty if you're warming up would you would you sooner warm up in front of Leeds fans or Liverpool fans Liverpool Leeds are worse are they oh yeah back in the day when we used to play there Liverpool it's a bit closer isn't it there's a little bit of room at Leeds at Liverpool who you are, fucking touchline.
1:06:29You're there. Well, you saw it the other night. You couldn't see me anything, didn't you? Yeah. How close they are that fella went mad at him, mate. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks for joining us on The Good, The Bad and The Football. We'll be with you every Monday from six o 'clock on YouTube, Apple and Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Share it with your friends, your family. Get everyone involved. And if you can, give us a five-star review. What are we fucking Uber?
1:07:03We'll be right back.
From the publisher
Paul, Nicky and Paddy are back for episode 2 of The Good, The Bad & The Football. They pick over Arsenal and Man City’s 1-1 draw and ask some big questions: is Arteta a failure until he wins a major trophy? Have two of the Premier League’s most famous foreign coaches gone full English? And what has happened to the Kevin Keegan lookalike who used to sit next to Pep?
The lads show some love towards Sunderland, Fulham and Barcelona star Pedri, but there’s not so much for Chelsea, Marcus Rashford nor Ollie Watkins. We learn why warming up with Peter Schmeichel wasn’t for the faint-hearted and Scholesey gives his take on Wayne Rooney’s claim that gaming played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s success.
There’s also a chat about the worst football chants, the top 5 midfielders currently playing, an unplanned food quiz and Paddy recalls one of the worst gigs of his career.
If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk.
Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpod
Instagram: @goodbadfootballpod
X/Twitter: @goodbadftblpod
TikTok: goodbadfootballpod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices