Cole Palmer Is Back, Delightful Doué & Real Madrid Cooking 

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1:27Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Alex Aljo, Micah Richardson, me, Gary Lineker. We'll discuss the FIFA Club World Cup shortly, but we want to start today by paying our tribute and respect, expressing our deep sadness at the devastating loss of Diogo Jota, a talented, clearly likeable young man who has been taken from his family and friends far too prematurely. Two weeks after his wedding day, he leaves behind his wife and three young children after a hideous car crash that also resulted in the death of his brother Andre, who was also a footballer playing in Portugal.

2:04Alan Shearer:Diogo came to the Premier League after a successful spell on loan to Porto. He played 67 times for Wolves before moving to Liverpool. He became a fan favourite as well as being loved in the Anfield dressing room. He played 49 times for his national team, Portugal, scoring 14 goals. The outpouring of love, affection and despair in the footballing world and beyond has been profoundly moving. An utterly heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts go out to his wife, children, friends and the Liverpool Football Club family. How fragile we are, Alan.

2:38Gary Lineker:I don't know where to start, Gaz. I mean, I knew him as a footballer. I didn't know him as a person, as a human being. but the outpouring of love and affection towards him tells you who and what he was as that person because it has been remarkable. I mean, when I first heard the news on Thursday morning, I was sat having a coffee and it was one of those where my phone clicked and it was like, this can't be real. I mean, you can only imagine, I mean, the hurt and the pain that all his family are going through. I'm going through it but I didn't know him as a person so you can only imagine as I said how much the hurt is to his poor family so yeah we're all lost for words and it's a huge loss to football and to the world because obviously with the words that everyone has tried to say and tried to get over in some ways as hard as it has been he was an incredible person as well so yeah we send him our very best wishes and condolences to his family.

3:46Devastating, isn't it? Absolutely devastating. When I saw the news like you, Alan, I was sort of, I was a little bit in shock, you know? You know, when you read something and you think, oh, that can't be real. And I got the news really early, come up on my phone. And sometimes, you know, there's the stories that go around and you don't know who's reporting it, what to believe. And I was just, this can't be real. This surely can't be real. And then as the day went on, other journalists started reporting it. And I was just, I was lost for words. I even shed a tear. That's how bad it was. Like you, Al.

4:22I don't know him. Obviously, we're involved in the football family. But it feels so real, you know? It feels like I was a part of his life in some way, which was a weird feeling. And I would like to echo the sentiments that you did, Al. just the devastation and the condolences to his family and friends, because this is, for me, a hard one to take way too young. Yeah, exactly the same when I woke up and saw the news. Like you both just said, I just couldn't believe it. And I actually did interview him many, many times, including my first ever interviewer in Portuguese when I was so nervous about it.

5:05and he couldn't have been kinder to me. He was so lovely, like a real, real gentleman, a really calming presence, just a lovely, lovely man. And my heart breaks for his family, seeing those images. His poor wife, his poor mother, father, friends. Saw Ruben Neves the next day. He was a broken man, and Jean Cancelo as well. And I know it's normal in Portugal and Spain. They have the funeral immediately after, but they must just still be in complete shock. And I know in England we have time, a bit more time to process, don't we, before the funeral. But I don't know, maybe not better. Of course, it's not better.

5:42But to be in total shock, they're probably not even noticing what's going on around them at this stage.

5:48Alan Shearer:What's the reaction been like out there, Alex? Because obviously you're around footballers at the moment. Yeah, well, we had Roberto Martinez with us throughout the tournament. He was going to be with us here in New York as well. but he flew home for the funeral. Understandably, of course, that's where they want to be. They're supporting everyone, Jota's family and Ruben Neves and Joao Canzella obviously played in that game. Inzaghi gave them the choice. Trent, in similar position as well, gave them the choice and they decided to play. Pedro Neto decided to play as well and maybe for those 90 minutes, you can focus on the game but with the minute silence we had, with the photo of the two brothers up on the screens, I don't know how they can then go and play football.

6:32It must have been a huge, huge struggle for all of his friends out here.

6:35Gary Lineker:It just doesn't seem fair or right that you're going on a car journey and that car journey never ends. It's just like unimaginable hurt and pain for everyone connected with him. I mean, it's just not fair. That's the way it feels. It's not right and it's not fair. And one of those things that any other day he'd have just flown back, flown home you know you just think these sliding doors moments had he not got in that car but you know we're now just taking from this it's like life is so fragile none of us know what's around the corner and you just have to try and appreciate each moment but it's just so tragic and heartbreaking

7:15Alan Shearer:I thought it was quite moving and lovely to see that both Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe as well both in their goal celebrations. I think Mbappe made the signal of 20 and Dembele played the FIFA game because Diogo was such a keen FIFA and apparently very good FIFA player. So it was a nice touch from them, wasn't it?

7:37Gary Lineker:I think that tells you how everyone is trying to process it all around the world. It's not only just football, but it's hit everyone. You can see the reaction on social media from here, there and everywhere. And I think that is a mark of the respect that, not the footballer, but the man who Diogo was.

8:00Alan Shearer:And also, I think there's a sense of how such big stars footballers are now globally. I was having a conversation about this, this very subject with Alistair Campbell from our sister podcast, The Rest Is Politics. And he was saying that it's interesting to see that footballers are almost like the rock stars of yesteryear now. huge global fame for the superstars. And news of something like that does travel right around the world when probably that would not necessarily have been the case. And I suppose social media has a large part to play in that. I think Liverpool, as they always do in these circumstances, have handled everything with great dignity.

8:42Alan Shearer:And the fact that they're going to obviously pay the last two years of his contract, you would expect it's the right thing to do and you would expect them to do that. But it's still a nice touch, nevertheless. And how do those players now go back for pre-season and start focusing on a new Premier League season? Because it probably just seems so futile to them now. Of course, they want to carry on and they'll do it for Jota because that's what he'd want them to do. But impossibly difficult. So hard for them. It really is. Once again, our sincerest condolences go to the whole family and all those that are very close to Diogo Jota.

9:21Alan Shearer:Rest in peace. Right. We're still going to talk about some football. It's always a difficult bridge, isn't it, to go from something as serious as that to something, to be perfectly frank, is pretty trivial, really, when you put these things into perspective. But nevertheless, Chelsea made it through. Let's start with them against Palmeiras. Were you at that one, Alex? I wasn't, but I was watching it. I was at the other quarterfinal that day in Orlando, the Al-Halal. Yes, that's right. But yeah, I watched it later that evening. Good performance from Chelsea. Good to see Cole Palmer finally back on the score sheet.

9:55That would give him a lot of confidence. And Jao Pedro came on and looked brilliant. He slotted straight in. And interesting to see what Mareska is going to do now for the semi because Liam De Lappe is suspended. And Nicholas Jackson, obviously an option to start. But I think Jao Pedro might start. And he actually begun his career at Fluminense before he went to Watford. So that's an interesting little storyline there. But yeah, obviously happy for Chelsea there. I'm sure you're devastated. You have Palmeiras, Gary.

10:27Gary Lineker:I think that's another clever signing from Chelsea. I think he's a really good player, João Pedro. He had one or two issues at Brighton, but I think that's a clever signing. And with them going to be fighting on so many fronts next season, they can't have enough players. I know they've got a lot anyway, but they've bought a load more haven't they they're going to have to offload something aren't they they're going to have to sell

10:52Alan Shearer:well it looks like Madweki might go to Arsenal we'll perhaps discuss Arsenal's moves in the transfer market a little bit later they have Jamie Gittins now as well he's coming from Borussia Dortmund he's with the team but he can't play because obviously he was registered with Borussia Dortmund for this tournament but he is part of the squad and Esteval is going to be a Chelsea player scoring against them I think that was kind of perfect scoring, proving that he's a top, top player, but not scoring the winning goal to knock them out. Because that could be a bit awkward. It's quite amusing. I don't know whether you saw the interview at the end of the game with Cole Palmer.

11:28He was asked what he said to Esteval when he hugged him. He said, well, I just said to him, you know, we're looking forward to seeing you. He went, but I don't think he understood a word I said. I mean, he's got, there's something about Cole Palmer, isn't there? And he's, I mean, you used to think, oh, maybe he's a bit dim or something, but he's actually not. He's quite, he's clever, you know. Very clever. And he comes across very likable and he's so matter of fact in his answers that he actually speaks as he thinks almost. I think he knows what he's doing. I think he's very witty. He's like Grealish where they pretend they're stupid, but they're really not.

12:07They know exactly what they're doing. And I think Cole Palmer is exactly the same. Go ahead, Al. What I like is he's that person off camera as well. So you see these interviews and sometimes you think the players play up to the cameras a bit and then do it on purpose. And it's like, come on, just give us a good interview. But he's exactly like that with his teammates and managers. So that's just him. That's what Cole Palmer's like. Can we talk about him as a player for just a moment? And I know you said he scored finally just before Alex. But, you know, people talk about a bad season. He still scored 15 Premier League goals last season, didn't he?

12:42And he went through that spell. But the way he took his goal... That first touch turn. Palmer, lovely turn. Cole Palmer setting himself up and getting the goal for Chelsea. Like, I'm thinking to myself, this guy is different level. The awareness. Forget all the technique. We've talked about his technique so much. but his awareness to take it on the turn like that then take the extra touch because you thought is he going to get away his shot a little bit earlier and then he waits and then he bends it he's just what a player he is i mean in terms of that you're looking at the world cup throwing it forward and i know he's not being amazing for england because there's so many jude or is it going to be Foden.

13:33But Cole Palmer, now we've got to start thinking, do we build the team around him? Bellingham could play regardless because he could play a little bit deeper. But Cole Palmer, he's ridiculous. What a talent he is.

13:45Alan Shearer:Totally agree with that. And at the other end of the picture, a player that's, I think you can see gradual progress. I think he was a little bit raw in his early days, is Colwell.

13:56Gary Lineker:The breather is temporary. Paulinho, Maurizio. Oh, brilliant. Again, Caldwell had to be there, needed to be there for his team. I think he's improving. And, you know, it's obviously an area of the team with England that's very important while we're on that particular subject. Unfortunately, he's going to miss this semi-final for suspension,

14:18Alan Shearer:as is De Lapp and the Rhys-James injury as well. So they're going to be without. But, I mean, if anyone should cope, it's Chelsea because the squad's enormous.

14:28Gary Lineker:Yeah, they're never going to get any sympathy from anyone about suspensions or injuries. I mean, the thing is, we were saying Nicholas Jackson needs a bit of backup. So they get the lap and then they get João Pedro and even Esteval could probably play anywhere he wants. I mean, so, I mean, they do spend some money. And just on Colwell, I was going to say, he's such a likeable player as well. he um he was wearing the captain's armband the other day I think it was a Benfica game and I interviewed him and I said oh you've got the armband on and he went yeah I've no idea why the manager gave it to me and I and this was off camera and I said don't say that and he said oh yeah that'd be throwing you under the bus a bit wouldn't it I was like yeah don't say that say um it's an honor came through the academy anyway ask him I was like oh you've got the captain's armband on he was like yes it's an absolute honor came through the academy means so much to me so you basically just killed him.

15:24Yeah, maybe we don't put this out actually. What you've done here is game out of trouble and then throw him under the bus. I don't think he'll mine. I think he was just being modest. I think he was just being modest. He's a lovely guy. I just think that's probably the case.

15:43Alan Shearer:Let's take a break and discuss the other three quarter finals when we come back. Hi everyone, Millie Bright and Rachel Daly here from the Restless Football Daily Brightness. With the women's Euros underway, we want to tell you how we'll be covering the Euros and all the games this summer and also what it means to have a little bit of daily brightness in your life. For those of you that don't know, myself and Millie were part of the England team that lifted the Euros in 2022 and we'll be giving all insights and detailed information about what life is like in camp and what the girls may be experiencing this summer.

16:12We will be discussing all the big stories that come out of this summer's tournament and we'll be cheering on England as they look to defend their title. we'll also talk about our lives outside of the game and what we get up to whether it's DIY time on the golf course highs and lows of football and the challenges that we face and things that we are eternally grateful for it's going to be an incredibly exciting summer and we'd love you to join us and come along the journey with us just search The Restless Football Daily Brightness wherever you get your podcasts don't forget to subscribe and also follow us on Instagram and TikTok

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18:10Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alex Aljo, Alan Shearer, Micah Richardson, me, Gary Lineker. Alex, I'm just saying, you look like you're in a bar there. I know. A little club or a night club or something. I'm in my room, but there's some nice glasses behind me there. I'm not sure about the yellow colour, but yeah, New York City, off to the Yankees later. And then obviously both semi-finals. Are you doing this opening throw of the pitch? I haven't been asked. Because they did that out there, don't they? It's only 9 o 'clock where you are.

18:44Gary Lineker:There's still plenty of time. Yeah, first pitch is 1.40. So yeah, that's later today. And yeah, looking forward to the semis and final out here. Should be great. Another restaurant recommendation. Go to Tao in New York City. Yes, I had that booked for yesterday. We went somewhere else in the end. Oh, you've got to go to Tao. It is jumping. Okay, place to be. Okay, can you get me a table, Micah, this time? I'm not sure about that. Actually, get me one. There's a mammo in New York as well. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's just down the road, yeah. Just in case. You might even buy you a drink. Don't be ridiculous.

19:16Gary Lineker:That'd be nice. That'd be nice. Anything to make it. Funnier things have happened. I went to Wimbledon the other day. Oh, sure! I just want to thank... I'm in the Royal Box. Felt quite posh, but I just want to thank Wimbledon for inviting me. It was lovely. I took my youngest, Angus, and we sat next to Anthony Joshua and it was Eddie Hearn. We had a laugh. Can I just say... of great tennis. You was looking marvellous. Well, Micah, he was looking marvellous until you looked to his left and saw Anthony Joshua. Can I just tell you one thing, right? So I'm sitting in the seats next to Anthony and he's obviously huge and his legs, and his legs, and the only way he sits, because there wasn't enough room, was he had his legs kind of wide open like this.

20:04And I was forced for like seven hours, whatever it was, to put my legs to think, got to the stage where I was getting cramped in my inside thigh so badly that the game was going on and I wanted to shout, but I never had the balls at any point to tell him, will you fucking move your legs a little bit? Give me some room. Absolutely true. That's so funny. He's a lovely, lovely guy and we had a laugh with him and Eddie. They were great company for the afternoon. Angus is a good lucky boy as well though isn't he Angus was lucky cool he was

20:39Gary Lineker:he's got his mum's looks obviously his mum's looks did you say you said what here he goes here he goes he's trying again no yeah no he definitely got his dad's looks for sure on to on to back to the football I should say PSG by Munich I really enjoyed that game and I think maybe because it's in Atlanta and they had the roof fun, obviously, Alex, and it's cooler in there. I think you said you were there once and it was and you could see there was much bigger intensity in that game than perhaps some of the ones that have been played in the murderously high heat. Yeah, I love that stadium so much.

21:19It was actually cold in there when I worked the game earlier in the tournament because they whack the air conditioning on. So it's a very different feel. Big crowd as well. Just feels so, so bad for Jamal Musiala.

21:32Alan Shearer:Oh, it's a horrible injury, wasn't it? Just so awful. He'd just come back as well, hadn't he, from the last injury and then that happens. And I feel for Donnarumma as well. I know it was maybe a stupid thing to do, but total mistake. And you could see how genuinely devastated he was. Oh, yeah. It's heartbreak, wasn't it? As well. Yeah. Well, no one wants to inflict that kind of damage on a fellow footballer. No, not at all. Regardless of the competitivity. No, really sad. But, you know, the news coming out is I think he's broken the fibula and ligament damage on two ligaments. and they were talking about four or five months.