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The Rest Is Football - Episode Summary
Episode Title
English Trio Concede 28 Goals In Champions League Humbling
Hosts
- Gary Lineker
- Alan Shearer
- Micah Richards
Episode Overview In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent Champions League matches, focusing on Newcastle's embarrassing defeat to Barcelona and the varying fortunes of other English clubs in the tournament. They also touch on notable performances and the implications of these results for the Premier League teams.
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Key Discussions
Newcastle vs. Barcelona
- Match Overview: Newcastle went into the game at the Nou Camp with hopes of advancing but faced a humiliating defeat of 7-2 after an earlier 2-2 halftime score.
- Tactical Shift: Post-halftime, Hansi Flick made pivotal tactical adjustments that overwhelmed Newcastle, exposing their defensive weaknesses.
- Alan Shearer's Reaction: Shearer expressed his disappointment with Newcastle's performance and highlighted critical errors in defense that led to conceding multiple goals.
English Teams' Performance
- Progression: Liverpool and Arsenal secured comfortable wins in their matches against Galatasaray and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.
- Concerns Raised: The heavy defeats suffered by Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham raised questions about the current strength of English clubs in the Champions League.
- Premier League Fatigue: Discussion on whether the demanding Premier League schedule affects performance in European competitions, particularly in physical match-ups.
Micah Richards' Tribute
- Micah shared a touching moment where Thierry Henry paid tribute to him during a show, acknowledging Micah's impact and character in football.
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Insights and Arguments
Tactical Analysis
- The hosts dissected the tactical nuances of the matches, particularly focusing on the adjustments made by coaches like Hansi Flick and their significant impact on the game's outcome.
Physicality of the Premier League
- Alan Shearer emphasized the physical demands of the Premier League compared to other leagues, suggesting that teams may not be adequately prepared for the Champions League due to lack of rest.
Emotional Reactions
- The camaraderie and chemistry among the hosts led to humorous exchanges, particularly regarding their personal experiences and shared anecdotes related to their football careers.
VAR Controversies
- The episode also touches on broader discussions around VAR, critiquing its role in recent matches and the resultant confusion it creates within the sport.
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Key Takeaways
- Tactical Adjustments Matter: The ability of managers to adapt during matches is crucial for success.
- Premier League Fatigue: The intense schedule may hinder the performance of English clubs in European tournaments.
- Support and Solidarity: Micah’s tribute from Thierry Henry highlights the importance of camaraderie and support among players, even after their careers.
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Conclusion This episode of *The Rest Is Football* provides a candid and insightful discussion on the state of English football within the context of the Champions League. The hosts' strong opinions and personal anecdotes add depth to the analysis, making it an engaging listen for football fans.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOMicah's Emotional Moment
0:45 to 1:23
Micah shares an emotional moment involving Thierry Henry and personal challenges.
“in which only two out of the six English clubs that were in the last 16 have made it through to the quarterfinals.”
Reflection on Newcastle's Performance
1:23 to 3:19
Alan reflects on Newcastle's performance in the Champions League against Barcelona.
“So basically, you know, I've got a good relationship with Thierry and we speak a lot on the phone.”
Discussion on Premier League Teams
3:19 to 6:20
The hosts discuss the performance of English teams and the challenges they face in Europe.
“And once that fourth goal went in early in the second half, done.”
Challenges of Premier League Fatigue
6:20 to 9:25
The discussion shifts to the physical demands of the Premier League and its impact on Champions League performance.
“We have this debate, didn't we, all the time, didn't we?”
Arsenal and City's Champions League Journey
10:04 to 11:25
The hosts analyze Arsenal's and City's performances in the Champions League and key moments during their matches.
“Shall we start with the English teams that went through?”
Pep's Legacy and Future
11:25 to 14:02
The discussion concludes with a reflection on Pep Guardiola's career and the challenges he faces with Manchester City in Europe.
“I would like to see Doku on one side and Semenyo on the other side and then Haaland up front.”
The Dynamics of Knockout Competitions
14:02 to 16:49
Explore the unpredictability of knockout competitions in football.
“Well, the best team wins the Premier League.”
Real Madrid's Drive for Champions League Success
16:50 to 20:30
Discuss the motivation and historical importance of the Champions League for Real Madrid.
“Well, if they're going to do it this year, they have to do it the hard way.”
Evaluating Liverpool's Champions League Performance
20:31 to 22:24
Analyze Liverpool's recent performance in the Champions League and compare it to their league form.
“No, I wouldn't go anywhere other than those four or five you mentioned.”
Player Performances and Injuries Impacting Teams
22:25 to 24:44
Examine key player performances and the impact of injuries on team dynamics.
“Raya is the best in the Premier League, but Courtois is the best in New York.”
Show all 23 chapters
Arsenal's Quadruple Chances
28:01 to 29:22
Discussion on Arsenal's prospects in various competitions this season.
“Being the most reliable, I mean, God, four trophies.”
Cup Final Strategies
29:22 to 30:58
Deliberation on how Arsenal should approach the upcoming cup final.
“It's unlikely, but it's not inconceivable.”
Barcelona vs Arsenal Matchup
30:58 to 33:12
Examining the potential matchup between Arsenal and Barcelona in the Champions League.
“They've got their little edge on that now.”
Newcastle's Defensive Struggles
33:12 to 35:04
Analysis of Newcastle's defensive issues and their performance against Barcelona.
“Certainly, I'll score Newcastle, that's for sure.”
Upcoming Matches and Player Confidence
35:04 to 36:30
Discussion on upcoming matches and the boost in confidence for players like Alanga.
“Give the great man a hug from me, please.”
Chelsea's Recent Performance
36:30 to 37:57
Reflection on Chelsea's struggles in recent matches and team dynamics.
“I mean, it's just quite battering they got.”
Managerial Pressures and Media Interaction
37:57 to 39:28
Discussion about the pressures on managers like Ruben Amarin and how they engage with the media.
“You could see Cole Farmer wanted to make a joke or something.”
Bayern Munich's Strengths and PSG's Form
39:28 to 41:13
Examination of Bayern Munich's performance and PSG's resurgence in form.
“It looks like he's obviously, you know, in terms of coaching, really.”
Predictions for Champions League Semifinals
41:13 to 42:01
Predictions and insights on potential outcomes for the Champions League semifinals.
Champions League Predictions
42:01 to 42:51
Discussion on upcoming Champions League matches and predictions.
“That's what I'm asking so I'd probably just edge with PSG at the moment because they seem to be doing what they did last year.”
Analyzing Team Performances
42:52 to 44:34
Reflections on team performances and standout players in the Champions League.
“Atletico beat Barca over two legs in the Copa del Rey, but they won the first leg 4-0.”
AFCON Controversy
44:35 to 46:06
Debate over the controversial AFCON final result and VAR's role.
“What you don't want there is it to be 4-0 on the field.”
The Implications of VAR Decisions
46:07 to 47:39
Discussion on the broader implications of VAR decisions in football.
“To overturn a decision of that nature, that stage of the game, when it's goalless in the very, very last minute, and give a penalty, which was, I don't think it was, it certainly was an odd error, was absurd and stupid.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Woo! Can we talk about this? What did he say? We were the better team for three halves. The mighty Alan Shearer always telling me, it's about the goals, goals change game. So go on, the floor is yours, Alan.
0:12Gary Lineker:I have no defence, Micah. Very much like Newcastle. Piss me off, Wilmington. They get Man City all the time and always beat us. Four times out of five. Come on, this is a curse. He makes a worldy save every single game. Every single game. Amazing that is his job. All right, Roy.
0:39Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Michael Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. Recording this on Thursday after the week's Champions League fixtures, in which only two out of the six English clubs that were in the last 16 have made it through to the quarterfinals. Alan, you were working on Tuesday, did the City-Real Madrid game. Mike, you're doing your customary two nights for CBS. And I must say, Mike, I saw a clip this morning that moved me. Moved me. Thierry Henry waxing lyrical about our very own big mix. Tell us why. What happened, Micah? You know, it caught me off guard, though.
1:23So basically, you know, I've got a good relationship with Thierry and we speak a lot on the phone. We pretty much speak every single day about something. And obviously my dad's not been well. My brother's not been well. It's been difficult and all that sort of thing. But that's not the point he was trying to make. The point is Kasper Schmeichel was on for a few days and he had to, well, he's going through a bad injury at the moment. He's going to be out for about a year or something like that. And he's been getting a couple of daggers in the media about, or he's been told he's not going to the World Cup now.
1:55so that's why he's trying to say he's injured. But he's absolutely desperate to get back in. And he only wanted to address it once. So he come on the show a few days and said that. And then it come around to me that I had to retire early through injury. But I was totally fine with it. In my head, I'd got over it. And we spoke about certain things and whatnot. So you know the introduction? And then normally hammer me. TT took over it. And this wasn't planned. It wasn't planned.
2:23Alan Shearer:He took over. Definitely not bland, really. I swear. I just wonder whether he told everyone else but not you. No, because Kate was with Clint Dempsey as well this week. No one knew. So then he started going on saying, I'm an inspiration to him and all this sort of things. And I keep everyone happy. And like, I don't worry about myself. I worry about everyone else and all that. And I was just like, where am I supposed to go with this? I could see you slightly embarrassed, weren't you? But at the same time, it was lovely. Nice. it was amazing it was lovely obviously he didn't really mean it but honestly he caught me off guard so I was like I was ready to you know figure something waiting to say back to Kate or whatever then TT took over and I was just like oh my god where do I go now lovely nice nice touch it was very nice of Thierry to do that love it and you Al well we'll come to Newcastle shortly because we know you're a little bit because you're not
3:22Gary Lineker:getting out of the way now we'll do it later shall we
3:26Alan Shearer:Barcelona I mean I played there I don't know whether I've ever mentioned it and I love the way that they just teased with you for a game and a half and then just put the pedal down
3:37Gary Lineker:well the positives we more than matched them for a game and a half but the other half we got absolutely battered Hansi Flick did a brilliant job at half time in terms of because Newcastle went going for man for man and he just sort of got the forwards to drop a little a bit deeper centre-halves went with the forwards, which then created a space in behind. And Tonali didn't pick up his man. And once that fourth goal went in early in the second half, done. That was it, done. It was just amazing. It was watching, it was like that, thinking, oh my God, this is getting embarrassing. And yeah, it was in the end.
4:14Gary Lineker:I mean, talking about forwards of Rafinha and Lewandowski and Jamal, it's like, oh goodness me. You can't defend like that in any game of football, let alone in the Nou Camp in Barcelona. Yeah, they've got some talent.
4:29Alan Shearer:We'll go into that in more depth, but I just wanted to make a more general point. Chelsea, City and Newcastle conceded a combined 21 goals over the two legs. I wonder, this is after six teams got through to the knockout stages and I look at it and I see how the rest of Europe is. Germany have a break, Spain have a little break, Italy have a little... You know, they all do this and then we carry on. We have that mad Christmas spell, FA Cup, midweek league fixtures in that and obviously the physicality of our game and map yardage that's covered by the players is far greater. We also have a Premier League that doesn't really protect its teams prior to Champions League weeks, which I've always thought was so odd because I think it's good for the Premier League.
5:18Alan Shearer:if the English teams do well in the Champions League. So what I'm talking about there is invariably some of our teams, and it was the same this weekend, would play on Sunday. Now that doesn't happen in Europe by and large, unless there's an exception. I think Barcelona did play on Sunday this time for a specific reason. But you could not find one other side from all the teams that played on Sunday. so I wonder whether this round in particular is the one after all that where I think a lot of our players we looked a little bit off it a little bit jaded by comparison
5:55Gary Lineker:yeah okay I wouldn't argue that and I also think the standard of the Premier League as we've said this year is not anywhere near what it has been in previous years there's probably only Arsenal that have been anywhere near consistent everyone else has been down on what they normally see but you're never going to get any sympathy for that because the Premier League you've got more money than anyone else. They've got bigger, they can spend bigger than anyone else. They can have bigger squads than anyone else. So they're never going to get any sympathy from Europe about that. I'm not asking for any sympathy.
6:23Gary Lineker:I'm just making a point, really. Yeah, I get that. I get it. I understand it. We have this debate, didn't we, all the time, didn't we? Intensity matters, though. Really does. When other clubs can rest their players in the games at the weekend, because you know they're going to win their domestic league, of course it matters. And I think the Premier League is the most physical and it's the most intense by far. But I've always said I'm not too sure about the quality and you see the real quality at this part of the Champions League. And you could see it in abundance. Even, to be fair, PSG, they've stumbled a little bit.
7:01They played a lot of games. Chelsea look like their jade. They had the weekend off though, PSG. They cancelled their game. And I'm not trying to make excuses for the English because I'm not. But say you've got, say the bigger frame players, like my sort of weight. It takes you an extra day to recover. It really does. And that's not, oh, well, trying to protect this or you just, it's nothing to do with that. It's just the way your muscles and what the Premier League demands from you intensity wise, it does take an extra day to recover. So I have a little bit of sympathy for him, but Alan's completely right.
7:40When you've got the most money and you've got the biggest squad, we keep talking about the squads, then maybe they should be using the squads better.
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9:04Alan Shearer:Today's a little question for you. lads. Which goalkeeper has the most clean sheets in Champions League history? Is it A. Iker Casillas? B. Gianluigi Buffon? C. Manuel Neuer? Or D. Edwin Van der Zah?
9:24Gary Lineker:Manuel Neuer for me. You know what?
9:27Alan Shearer:I'm going to be different. I'm going to go Buffon. You're going to go Buffon? Well, Micah, that was not correct. The answer was one Manuel Neuer. And a role play. The best sides don't give things away. It should be the same with your energy. Get more than just lower rates at fuseenergy.com slash football. Use the code football, all uppercase when you sign up. Save around£200 on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football questions on the pod. Full terms and conditions at fuseenergy.com. Shall we start with the English teams that went through? Arsenal, who were fairly comfortable in the end.
10:10Alan Shearer:Obviously, they drew the first leg away from home. I watched most of that game because I gave up quite quickly on City. As soon as the red card to Bernardo Silva and a penalty, you just went, well, that's that one.
10:22Gary Lineker:City was a mad game, though. The first half was mad. The first half an hour was crazy. They had so many chances, didn't they, City? They played quite well over both legs, I thought. but Valverde went through after a minute and missed a big chance and thought whoa and then City had honestly they had three or four big big chances and Courtois made some good saves but then you're thinking oh they're going to get punished for that and then of course the handball and the sending off and it sort of did spoil it a bit to be honest and from that moment onwards it was just going to be impossible and they did alright I don't think I think they played well with 10 men and still created chances and got the goal from Haaland.
11:01Gary Lineker:It was tough enough anyway, but then once he got sent off Bernardo Silva, it was impossible. I prefer City playing that way
11:07Alan Shearer:with wide men. Haaland gets more chances. They've been playing so narrow lately. I mean, I know it's until recently it was going quite well for them, but I do prefer them playing that way. Better to watch. Yeah, I have to give a shout out to Kusinov though, because I thought Kusinov was outstanding. Every time Vinicius was going around the back, or Diaz he just got back in he read the game well I think that's his best performance in his City shirt I thought ain't Nauri did well I take your point about Doku get the ball to Doku early doors up against Trent get him going because Trent is one of those players who he knows he wants to go forward and every time Man City got the ball out to him it would create some danger I take your point about the narrow the whole thing we talked about on a couple of pods haven't we where him and Semenyo, Haaland up top, not really working.
12:02I would like to see Doku on one side and Semenyo on the other side and then Haaland up front. And then in midfield, you can go what you want depending on who you're playing against. If teams play a low block, maybe a Shirky in there and Rodri and Rinders or Rodri and Bernardo. But I actually thought City played really well.
12:22Alan Shearer:Do you think Pep will listen to this pod and go, actually, Michael, I'd say I'm definitely going to do that right now. from here on is.
12:29Gary Lineker:Still giving far too many opportunities up. I know they're playing against good players, but they're still giving far too many opportunities up in terms of defensively.
12:37Alan Shearer:In the 10 years of Pep's tenure, only one win in the Champions League. I know it's only one win, but it is a big win. It's the first ever in their history. But, you know, they're a different kind of club now than they were in the time before this particular era. So, they should have won more than that, shouldn't they?
12:54Gary Lineker:Really? I guess he'll think so. I mean, I said this the other night, is that when you look at the demands of Barcelona and Real Madrid and all of these huge clubs who are also going for that trophy and with the experience of those clubs, I mean, because of that, they're miles ahead of Man City. It'll disappoint Pep that he's only won it once because of his very high standards, but you're going in against the very, very best who have been around for so many years, particularly in that competition, and they want to win it as well, obviously. It's a tough one to win. Just a bit. Yeah, I would agree.
13:27I think he'd be disappointed in himself I always go back to the the final when Havertz scored 1-0 I think he'd be kicking himself at that one because Man City well the better team by far on the day Havertz breaks forward he scores a goal on the day anyone can win the Champions League I think what's been more inspirational is winning six Premier Leagues when he come over here and everyone said he can't play that type of way and people always ask me what would you rather win, the Premier League or the Champions League? I still believe the Premier League's harder to win because anyone can get beat.
14:03Alan Shearer:Well, the best team wins the Premier League. Correct. It's judged over a period of time. So luck doesn't really play a part. You'll have good moments of fortune and bad moments of fortune. Everybody gets a few injuries here and there. In a knockout competition, obviously you can have the element of surprise and a team that is not necessarily the best can win not only the tournament, but a match, certainly a match. and knock a great team out. And that can happen. So, of course it is, yeah. Yeah, that's what I'm judging Pep on what he's done in the league and how he's transformed football. And I don't know, I feel like sometimes he gets judged by a higher standard and we do the same with Haaland when he doesn't score because we know what he can produce.
14:49But in terms of his tenure at Man City, he's been nothing short of sensational for me.
14:55Alan Shearer:Yeah, absolutely. His record, it's incredible. It's incredible. And I love how he gets, whenever the reporters ask him anything, he looks at them with such disdain. He just goes, yeah, yeah, Pep's useless. Yeah, I know Pep's useless.
15:14Gary Lineker:He can say that when he's won so much. Exactly, it makes a big difference. Yeah, exactly, yeah. But isn't it, it's no, there's no coincidence by the way that I've seen Real Madrid a few times this season and they just seem to come alive at this stage, as do PSG, because they have to win that. That's what they're judged on. They're judged on this tournament, on the Champions League. Man City are not. And I'm not sure all the English clubs are that, but Real Madrid and Barcelona, they have to win that tournament. I was speaking to Cottoir after the game, actually, when I was at the ground in the mix zone.
15:53And he said that the Madrid players are more motivated for the Champions League rather than the league. He said these are the games that they have to win. So they just step it up, don't they?
16:07Alan Shearer:Also, you've got to remember that one or two other generally wins the league. So therefore, you know, the big difference is the Champions League. So that usurps La Liga. We talked earlier about you'd sooner win the Premier League and it's a better judge of things than who's the best team. Whereas in Spain, that's not... Obviously, they still desperately want to win La Liga, but the Champions League is the one that's different. So there's no question for me this season, both teams would give up La Liga to win the Champions League. Yeah. Even though obviously in football, it doesn't work like that.
16:42Alan Shearer:But it is of primary importance, particularly to Real Madrid, it seems. probably mainly because they've won it so often and they think it's their trophy.
16:51Gary Lineker:Well, if they're going to do it this year, they have to do it the hard way. We're playing City home and away and beating them by Munich next as well.
16:58Alan Shearer:I don't think this is the best Real Madrid team either. I mean, they've still had lots of success in this competition.
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17:05Gary Lineker:I would agree with that, but I looked at them the other night when Mbappe comes on, coming back from injury. They've got Bellingham to come back from injury. They've got a lot of players injured. at the minute. Yeah, so, yeah, I don't know. It's their competition, isn't it? It pisses me off, Real Madrid. They get Man City all the time and always beat us. Four times out of five. Honest to God.
17:29Alan Shearer:It's an odd one. You'd have thought that you'd have been more even than that. Yeah, but it was only because of Val Verdi's wonder performance in the first leg. You know, he's just a special player turned up at the right moment. And then it was always going to be tough to overturn that, wasn't it? And the red card was, that was it, wasn't it? It was like, oh God, end of the game. Watching the first bit, I thought, oh City got chances. Ah, this should probably have stuck one away. They only need one to get really in it. Yeah. Then it was like, oh, that's it then. Penalty in 10 men.
18:00Gary Lineker:No one disagreed with it, did they? They had to send them off,
18:04Alan Shearer:I think that under the laws, yeah. I mean, he did shove his arm out a little bit, didn't he?
18:09Gary Lineker:He did, yeah.
18:10Alan Shearer:He should have left it. I'm not sure. Do you think it would have gone in? I think so, probably, yeah. He's still better off actually being four down than with 11 men, I think. I don't know, but it's instinctive, isn't it? You just go, oh, and he's that little lean across. But it was unfortunate. Who's the most impressive performance? The English clubs, do you think? Liverpool bouncing back? I mean, Galatasaray I thought were awful. They didn't offer anything in that game, but at the same time, take nothing away from Liverpool. It was a much better overall performance.
18:41Gary Lineker:I think in terms of energy and attitude and all of those things, I know Anfield was rocking and it's different again on Champions League nights there. But I thought for all of those things that I've said, it was much better from Liverpool. Now, whether it was all of that and a bit of Galatasaray being really poor away from home as well, because they were, weren't they? I mean, they were a pretty weak opposition away from home. I think it was Stevie Gerrard said it after the game. he said it well where's that energy and all of that in the league games you know where was that at the weekend against Tottenham so they've got to come back and go again Liverpool on Liverpool I don't know how much that's taught us though because Galatasaray
19:23Alan Shearer:are not great they were poor yesterday and obviously Osserman was struggling he wasn't fit was he up top no they're not but I was buzzing for slot because it just quiet downs and noise a little bit I really like slot as a manager obviously he's won the league and he's had to deal with a lot of heat recently and he's been trying to tweak things and not quite getting it right and it was good he puts the Mosley back in midfield they sort of played like a four box and then two and tactically everyone knew what they was doing a little bit more had more energy but they had the protection when they needed to put Frimpong back to right back and then he went forward at the right times when you talk about energy and you mentioned Steven Gerrard, when you take Saboslai out the midfield, you're going to lose that energy because McAllister has not got the same levels.
20:15When you've got Saboslai in there, it's totally different. And when they played Spurs at the weekend, Saboslai played right back and then that's how Spurs got back into the game. And I just thought in terms of the balance and the structure of the team, it was way better.
20:30Gary Lineker:He's been brilliant this season, Saboslai, hasn't he? He's been absolutely outstanding. I was going to say, we talked about
20:36Alan Shearer:players of the season and I think my top three at present and it's still early still early would be in no particular order Bruno Declan and Saboj Lai I would say I mean I never include defenders on this Michael you know what Gabrielle I would possibly put in there as well Raya Raya Raya's been incredible now come on come on come on defenders
20:59Gary Lineker:Mike you're going too far with goalkeepers
21:01Alan Shearer:it's too much but I agree with you Raya's and yeah so fantastic he makes a worldy save every single game every single game
21:10Gary Lineker:amazing that is his job alright Roy he's turned into Roy Keane no but come on some of the saves that he makes they're not normal
21:24Alan Shearer:he's incredibly athletic isn't he and agile yeah proper agile yeah anyone else prayer of the year top 5, 6 as soon as you've got throwing goalkeepers and you know it's not been a great season.
21:37Gary Lineker:No, I wouldn't go anywhere other than those four or five you mentioned. Gabriel chuck in there as well. Harland, if he scores number 10 by the end of the season and wins the league with Man City, you never know.
21:49Alan Shearer:No, you don't know. I mean, he could definitely do that and start turning it on again. I think I said that a week or two ago that he could come into the equation. Him scoring the other night as well might just release something. Might be the time to start capturing him again in our fantasy teams.
22:06Gary Lineker:We'd had the discussion about it's very different when you're playing with a partner up front than it is on your own. And it's no coincidence that he gets the goal when he's back on his own again.
22:16Alan Shearer:And had chances as well, near misses. Yep, exactly. Is Courtois the best? Or a Raya? By far. Oh, you've just mentioned Raya. No, no, no. Raya is the best in the Premier League, but Courtois is the best in New York.
22:30Gary Lineker:He made some good saves the other night as well, didn't he? Every game, He makes incredible saves. You're like, how was he doing it?
22:39Alan Shearer:Yeah. He's one of the reasons that Real Madrid have been so good in this competition. You remember the final against Liverpool in Paris? Yes! Oh, my word. He won that. He won that for them. I mean, absolutely. Liverpool would, I thought, the better side.
22:55Gary Lineker:And that big save last week from Nico O 'Reilly, you know, and he stuck a leg out. I mean, that might have been very different if that goes in, what is it 3-1 so different but even that save was outstanding so you're all pally with Courtois Thibaut
23:08Alan Shearer:we had a little chat after the game you know when's he coming on the pod then Michael when's he coming on the pod I presume you asked him you know what I didn't ask him but I'll give him a text I'll give him a text don't worry about that I missed some of the Newcastle Barcelona game last night Alan because I was doing an interview with James Milner
23:31Gary Lineker:I hope you missed the second half.
23:33Alan Shearer:It was the second half I missed, yes. Unfortunately. I would have enjoyed that. So, yeah, I was interviewing James Milner for the podcast coming on. Later today, I'm going to be interviewing John Terry. Oh, wow. Brilliant. On Monday, I'm doing Jamie Vardy. So, at least one of us is doing a bit of graffiti. Love it, guys.
23:54Gary Lineker:How nice is James Milner? What a lovely guy, yeah?
23:57Alan Shearer:A lovely guy. and yeah he was really good and you both played with him of course of which I asked him about so that was so when's that coming out? next Friday not this Friday coming the following Friday so yeah he was great James he was here for quite a long time oh he come to your house did you do a bit of cooking? well I was cooking anyway but not because of that I was cooking because it was it's football and footy sorry honey food and football food and football and footy what the fuck yeah what the fuck all the F's that came out weird didn't it football and footy could he give him a little sneak peek about what was it about obviously I know what it was about but did you go into any I don't know whether you know he says he's messaged you quite frequently about something about Teary Henry's shirt yeah but save that for I'll get your reaction to his side of events after it goes out Micah but I must say he loved you both he had a lot of love for both of you feelings mutual he said how lazy he was how it was pre-season training and all that he said so you know you both got a little bit of stick but a lot of love not quite as much love as Jerry gave you Micah it did remind me of it let's take a break there because I've no idea where we are this episode is brought to you by Microsoft's 365 co-pilot guys where would we be without our teammates who's your favourite
25:44Gary Lineker:team mate mine would have to be Teddy Sheringham guys with England just one of those partnerships that worked that clicked for you Micah Pablo Zabaleta
25:52Alan Shearer:by any chance I don't know he was going to say that I would have to pick Joe Hart just on the pitch. If I made a mistake, I just knew he had my back. I'm sure you kept him very busy. I would probably go probably Peter Beardsley, who I had amazing partnership with, with England. I think I was about a goal again when he played. Well, Microsoft 365 Copilot is that level of support off the pitch. It's your AI assistant for work built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 apps you use, helping you quickly write, analyse, create and summarise. Learn more at microsoft.com slash m365copilot.
26:39Alan Shearer:This episode is brought to you by Whoop. In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday. And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury, it's just fatigue creeping in. Off the pitch, everyday life stacks up to work, travel, late nights, early starts. Whoop helps you see how sleep, recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time. It's like a health scout working quietly in the background. No screen, no constant pings, just deeper insight into your health when you actually need it. Whoop makes it easier to see what's helping you stay well and what's taking more out of you.
27:19Alan Shearer:So you can build habits that actually last.
27:21Gary Lineker:It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run. Consistency beats intensity every time.
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27:58Alan Shearer:Welcome back to the rest of this football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richards and me, Gary Lineker, discussing the Champions League games and well, Arsenal just carry on, you know, very solid, very reliable, difficult to score against still in all four competitions you know we've seen teams in the recent history haven't we with City and Liverpool both you know had outside chances of a quadruple it's it's obviously still highly unlikely but they've got a cup final up the other weekend the Carabao Cup against City obviously so it's tough but if they win that then you look ahead and you go it's possible they're comfortably clearing out in the Premier League very very strong favourites to win that really good chance in the FA Cup obviously and now they're in the quarter finals of the Champions League where they'll face Sporting and they'll be strong favourites to go through in that is it conceivable?
29:00Gary Lineker:The noise will get a lot louder if they win on Sunday clearly but I think without doubt them and Bayern Munich and the Champions League have been for me the outstanding in teams this season for different reasons in terms of goals and tough to beat and everything else. Being the most reliable, I mean, God, four trophies. Goodness me. I know. I don't think they'll do it. Well, no, I don't. No, nor do I. It's unlikely, but it's not inconceivable. But for them to be actually being talked about as if there's a chance, then that tells you how good they've been this season. I also can win the Champions League without doubt.
29:38They can, yeah. I think there's going to be another twist in the league.
29:41Gary Lineker:You hoping or you think? No, no, I think there will be because I think Arsenal have got a lot of games and obviously they've got extra games with the Champions League. I think a lot's going to rest on the cup final this weekend and that could go any way. I think from Man City's point of view, they'll take a lot of confidence from Real Madrid. With 10 men to play like that, I thought was outstanding. But it's just whether Arsenal think, okay, let's go for the Champions League. Let's concentrate on the league. Because I think they can win both of them. Do you think you can do that, Mike?
30:15Alan Shearer:Yeah, I do. Do you think you can have a conversation before the Carabao Cup final and go, right, let's just focus? It doesn't really work like that, does it? This is a cup final. You're going to go all out to win it because the momentum and the impact that that victory would have, I mean, also takes a little bit of the heat off because they've not won, what is it, five years since they won anything? so it takes the heat off and then if you go into it and think well you know we'll play a second string a little bit and we'll focus make sure we win the league and then you don't win that game and then all of a sudden momentum lose it a bit I don't know you make some valid points and you're totally right Arsenal are not going to approach the game and thinking we'll play a second string team not at all but Arsenal might not be in this you know when you look at the league and the Premier League Man City being off we talked about Chelsea we talked about Liverpool Man United have come back stronger now this is an opportunity for them to capitalise on two big trophies I look at the Champions League and the way Arsenal play defensively and I said it a couple of weeks ago they can win it they would be one of my favourite they've got a better chance to win that because defensively and they'll always nick a goal with the Premier League I thought it'd be closer now and I thought it would just go to the Man City game.
31:37They've got their little edge on that now. So if you're looking at what Arsenal's route to potential final of the Champions League, you take it all day and then you're thinking you've got that little buffer in the Premier League. I'd be looking at the League Cup thinking, yes, it's a trophy. We all want a trophy, but it's not the biggest of the trophies. So if they were to lose that, I wouldn't be losing sleep over it because they're in a perfect position position now to win two humongous trophies.
32:09Alan Shearer:Likely semi-final, isn't it? I would think Barcelona versus Arsenal. That game, Arsenal would beat Barcelona. Of course they could. If Barcelona play that high line, and we've talked about it, then Arsenal will absolutely batter them. If they take it back five yards, Barcelona could absolutely batter Arsenal. You know? They could. do you think Arsenal have got the players that can capitalise on that highlight to get behind Martinelli 100 % shout Martinelli Martinelli would absolutely love to play against that without doubt even Jokeres Jokeres he's not the quickest but he's a strong runner if he won all his goals before when he was in that sport that's what he used to do that's what he used to do so I think if they played at Highline against Arsenal Arsenal are absolutely battering.
33:05Gary Lineker:Well, they will play it. Yeah, they're not going to change now, are they, Barcelona? No. That's the way they play, that's who they are. They're trying to outscore what he's got in his squad, yeah.
33:13Alan Shearer:Certainly, I'll score Newcastle, that's for sure. Can we talk about this? Because he was giving it, he was, we were the better team for three halves. This guy, the mighty Alan Shearer always telling me, well, it's not about, it's about the goals, goals, goals change, so go on, since there were so many goals in this game the floor is yours Alan
33:36Gary Lineker:I have no defence Mike very much like Newcastle
33:44Gary Lineker:God defensively Newcastle were hopeless I mean that's been their season that summed their season up last I mean they go to Chelsea and we play Barcelona at home I didn't expect us to go there and win I didn't expect that to happen to us I mean it was just terrible at the back so many errors Even the set piece they scored from was like, come on, you can't concede goals like that. So it was really, really disappointing. As good as the first game was at home, as good as parts of the first half were where Newcastle put them under pressure. But you can't expect to win any game of football defending like that, let alone against some world-class players.
34:25Newcastle could take heart from that, though. Until they started making the silly errors, I thought that was really good I thought that was outstanding in fact and Alanga to get a couple of goals obviously being struggling in the Premier League come to the Champions League that'll do him the world of good with his confidence but I was watching Newcastle thinking yes I like what I'm seeing here there was aggressive there was there was pace in the team they knew exactly what they were tactically they got it spot on up until the mistakes and if you go to Barcelona you make mistakes you get punished but I come away thinking fair play Newcastle you know you give it a right
35:03Gary Lineker:good go I think all will be forgotten on Sunday afternoon if they beat Sunderland I'm going to that game Alan you are yes I've never been to
35:14Alan Shearer:what do they call it Time Weird Derby is that what they call it yeah I thought so I've announced it about 400 times over my years so yeah looking forward to that I'm going to have a little foodie trip up in the lovely in the north east and taking taking a you're coming to see you're coming to see you're coming to see you're coming to see you're coming to see high noon at St James' Park I love it guys love it I'm looking forward to it I'm sorry you're not going to be there with because you're working on it I'm doing PLP
35:40Gary Lineker:I'm doing match of the day Saturday and I'm doing PLP on Sunday for that thing double bubble double header double bubble yeah hey guess who I'm working with on Sunday who Ian Wright Wright Wright Ian Wright Wright are you doing the are you doing the cup final Doing the cup final with Wrighty and Jamie Redknapp.
36:04Alan Shearer:Ah, brilliant. Ah, nice one. Love it. Yeah. Give the great man a hug from me, please.
36:11Gary Lineker:He might have sobered up from last weekend. Oh, he was at your bash,
36:16Alan Shearer:wasn't he?
36:16Gary Lineker:Yeah, he was, yeah. Did you beat him at golf, Al? No, he was my partner, so we won the golf, me and Wrighty beat the young boys, yeah. So, yeah. Well done. It's always good
36:26Alan Shearer:to get a victory. Elsewhere, PSG coming into a bit of form, Bayern Munich looked really strong. We saw Chelsea go out. What do we think of Chelsea? I mean, it's just quite battering they got. Yeah. Since I said Chelsea were cooking, mate, they've gone backwards. I was going to say, you were going, listen, the oracle is speaking here. And since then, I was going to raise that point, Michael, but you got in ahead of me. No, but trust me, stick with it. I can see it. Well, they stick with him, weren't they? Because it's too early. You never know with Chelsea. That's the thing. You don't know what they're thinking.
37:02Alan Shearer:Because with some strange little things and perhaps a little bit of an inexperience in the sense you've got the huddle thing in the halfway line, which he says is nothing to him. The referee thing the other day was so bizarre. It was bizarre, wasn't it? So bizarre for both. I mean, the ref should have just got that. Can you explain that to me though, guys? I can't explain that. No, no, no. But you're very good at these sort of things. So we know they do the huddle. Nothing wrong with the huddle. whether you like it or not. A lot of teams have done the huddle. A lot of teams do a huddle. But why was the referee there?
37:35Why was the referee actually in between the huddle? No one's actually giving me an explanation. I'm thinking, why is he there?
37:42Gary Lineker:My guess is that he has tried to prevent it from it going ahead. And they've just thought, oh, Sada, we're going to do it anyway and we're going to get you in it. Whereas he stood there thinking they will not get me in the middle of it. They might just do it a few yards either way. And that's my guess.
37:57Alan Shearer:I actually thought it was quite funny. I mean, it was bizarre. But was it Tierney? And he was in the middle there. You could see Cole Farmer wanted to make a joke or something. And it just kind of carried on this huddle. I mean, I know lots of people have been speaking about him. I just thought it was just weird.
38:18Gary Lineker:I know it's difficult and it's easy to say after games, but the noise is loud enough. you don't need to give anything back in terms of the referee in the middle and then the words are we need to respect the ball and then it was like I don't know what it was 7-2 down or something like that with three minutes to go and you're giving a piece of paper to Garnaccio and it's like that just brings noise on yourself doesn't it? That's what I thought as well On the football club it's just unnecessary noise that you're creating
38:51Alan Shearer:no problem with a huddle I suspect, Alan, the reason he did that note thing at the end is that, right, we don't give up. We're still playing seriously. But I agree with you. People are going to look at that and go, what are you doing? Yeah. What are you doing? Stick to the coaching, which obviously you can see the patterns of play and this sort of thing. Stick to that. Don't overdo your press conferences. Don't try to come over. Just answer it a little bit. What did I tell you? Be more like Michael Carrick and less like Ruben Amarin in terms of the way you speak in your press conference, etc. I mean, he's young.
39:29Alan Shearer:He's an experienced manager. It looks like he's obviously, you know, in terms of coaching, really. You've seen it, Micah. And, you know, he's got a talent. There's no question about that. But sometimes help yourself a little bit. Just bring it, yeah. A bit of self-awareness. A bit of self-awareness. But what did I tell you? I remember when we first did the pod and I said, he's being naive with the media. He's speaking too much. And I said that from a protection point of thing, because they're going to hang on absolutely every word. And now, look, now that you have a few bad results, now everything becomes even bigger.
40:10And that was the worry. You can tell he's got it. Coaching-wise, definitely. He's not helped by having to have to bring players off after 60 minutes all the time to protect them and all that sort of stuff with the sports science. That's not helping the situation. However, I just think he needs to understand that the media are not there to help you, you know? They're not. They're looking for an angle. They're looking for a story and that's their job. And rightly so, because that's what everyone's got their opinion on football and he's just giving them a little bit too much
40:44Alan Shearer:at the moment. A defeat too for Spurs but at least they well a win for Spurs I should say really second leg to beat Atletico. Little bit of green shoots of possible something a few other players coming back from injury so I'm a little bit more hopeful that Spurs will stay up than I was last week but you know big game against Forest coming up as well. I think a word on Bayern Munich they've been really good in this competition. Did you see Harry Kane second guy in those verses a penalty brilliant finish the second goal
41:17Gary Lineker:wow the foot I was like blimey footwork yeah quick wasn't it and he pings it into the top corner what a goal what a player magnificent what a player they'll take some stopping by Munich
41:27Alan Shearer:in this don't know yet though guys PSG are coming into form as well though aren't they a delight they did last season so it could be that's a semi-final did you watch them in the Bundesliga a couple of weeks ago against Dortmund and it was it wasn't great they were outscored everyone like PSG and all that sort of thing like Barcelona defensively I'm not 100 % sure yet they play Real Madrid next as well don't they Real Madrid what a game that is
41:56Gary Lineker:yeah PSG
41:58Alan Shearer:I'm like you Micah
41:59Gary Lineker:I think they're so strong in most positions but I still have doubts defensively
42:03Alan Shearer:yeah correct yeah who's going to get to the sammys then before we go PSG play Liverpool who's winning that one hmm I think it's tight I think at the under current form I don't know First leg will be PSG are at home first so they have to go back to Liverpool and Anfield Same as last year wasn't it Same as last year that was extraordinary wasn't it and Donnarumma was unbelievable wasn't he kept them away so you know Liverpool have been a bit hit and miss this season though so Who's your four to get through then? That's what I'm asking so I'd probably just edge with PSG at the moment because they seem to be doing what they did last year.
42:46Alan Shearer:I would have Bayern Munich to edge Real Madrid, which is probably stupid. I think that's really tough to call. Atletico Madrid, Barca. Atletico beat Barca over two legs in the Copa del Rey, but they won the first leg 4-0. Barca won the second leg 3-0. So I suspect in this competition though where I think Barcelona should edge that and then you have to go ahead of Sporting Lisbon so you'd have semi-final of Barcelona Arsenal.
43:22Gary Lineker:Yeah my four would be Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal and Barca. What about you Micah come on. I'm just looking at that second leg at Anfield I know Liverpool have not been great that's the only I think it's a 50-50 game or maybe 55 to PSG just because they're coming to a bit of form. So yeah, I'd probably just edge. If you ask me right now, I'd go PSG, but the second leg at Anfield is going to be tasty. Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Every time I go against Real Madrid, they go through. So I'm going Real Madrid.
44:00Alan Shearer:Obviously Arsenal. I just think there's something about Vincent Kompany's baggy trousers that... Have you seen them? I've seen them. How big does he want them? I'm going to text him, actually. I mean, what a season he's having, on and off the pitch. He was never a fashionista, I know that much. Well, he can carry it off, I think. He can do what he wants when he's winning leagues in Germany, mate. Yeah.
44:27Gary Lineker:For Amazon, we're doing Sporting Arsenal on the Tuesday. And then the following Tuesday, we're doing that Liverpool PSG game at Anfield. That could be set up.
44:36Alan Shearer:What you don't want there is it to be 4-0 on the field. Although it could be a Barca night. Well, that's true. 3-0 behind. So it's going to be exciting. I mean, once it gets to the quarterfinal stage, the Champions League, there's nothing quite like it. Obviously, it was a shame that Bodo Glint capitulated a bit against Sporting Lisbon. Not so good away from home as at home, but they gave us a little bit of something this season. Before we go, have you seen the AFCON who turned over the final result? A real shame, I think, for African football that something like that should happen. Bizarre, really, that they suddenly decided Morocco won 3-0 because of the scenes that happened.
45:23Alan Shearer:Senegal are going to appeal and you can understand that. I think it, I don't know.
45:29Gary Lineker:After eight weeks.
45:30Alan Shearer:Yeah, eight weeks. And do you know whose fault all this was? I mean, yes, the players shouldn't have responded like they did and there was trouble in the crowd and all that. But what started this? A really, really, really bad VAR intervention. If they hadn't have got involved with that, they didn't need to. It was to overturn and give a penalty on field. None of this would have happened. So, you know, I'm not blaming VAR for the player's response. I'm blaming VAR for creating this situation that was a possibility. It was stupid. How could they not even see that? To overturn a decision of that nature, that stage of the game, when it's goalless in the very, very last minute, and give a penalty, which was, I don't think it was, it certainly was an odd error, was absurd and stupid.
46:28Alan Shearer:And all the players will pay the price. Senegal players thought they eventually won it. Yes, they shouldn't have gone off the pitch. Mane got them back out. So it's not like they, you know, they didn't carry on the game at some point. They, you know, eventually common sense prevailed on that. I just, I don't know. It's such a shame. I don't think, I mean, bloody VAR. I talked to James Milne yesterday. He was quite interested on VAR. Hates it. He said vast majority of players don't like it.
46:57Gary Lineker:Totally understand that. But to get that decision after eight weeks is just, that's absurd as well.
47:03Alan Shearer:So what are they going to do? Knock on their doors and ask for their medals back? Medals back, yeah. What do you think, Micah? I can't even take it seriously. It's just laughable, isn't it? Like Alan's like, if you're going to do it, you know, do it after it, everything calmed down and made the decision. But to do it now, not a chance. I wouldn't be giving my medal back. Not a chance. That stayed in my trophy cabinet. I think both teams will be claiming they've won it. I think forever. Senegal have won it. Come on. It's a shame for African football because they put on a really good tournament.
47:37Alan Shearer:The final was amazing. The stadium was great. We were there. And it was a joyous occasion. And it was spoiled by that. And it was all because of bloody VAR. Yeah, but then it goes bigger than that. Because then everyone's talking about, oh, this could already happen in AFCORN. Exactly. Exactly my point. picture and that's the most frustrating thing it's opened up a can of worms now for everyone to have a go yeah it pissed me off it's such a the champions we all saw it out of our own eyes it's as simple as that and they were the better team to be honest overall not that means necessary winning football but what an odd decision what an odd strange night that was but yeah bloody vr okay let's call it a day there goodbye from me goodbye from me
48:24Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me
From the publisher
Newcastle went to the Nou Camp with realistic hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals but in a game that was 2-2 until the stroke of half-time Barcelona went through the gears and ended up embarrassing the Toon Army 7-2 on the night. What did Hansi Flick do at the break to outwit Eddie Howe?
Elsewhere, Liverpool and Arsenal progressed with comfortable wins over Galatasaray and Leverkusen but with Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all being on the end of heavy defeats should we be concerned about the strength of the top English teams or is this just evidence that the European heavyweights save themselves for nights like these?
Plus, Micah reveals what it was like to be on the receiving end of a touching tribute from none other than Thierry Henry
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