In short
Debate over Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United press comments and tactics, plus Chelsea’s managerial situation after Enzo Maresca’s exit, and the Premier League title race.
Guests
Wayne Rooney (former Man United player/manager; speaking from Barbados) and Kay (co-host).
Key claims
Amorim’s quotes are “strange/confusing” and too authoritative given results and the squad’s perceived lack of quality; he’s not Pep Guardiola/Jürgen Klopp and shouldn’t speak like he is. Rooney argues Amorim’s approach is overly risk-averse (e.g., back-fives, late substitutions lacking attacking intent). They also discuss whether Amorim is trying to shift blame and how owners’ involvement limits managers.
Notable examples
Man United 1-0 draw at Leeds; criticism of Wolves/Newcastle performances; Amorim’s “18 months” remarks; Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Man City with Enzo Fernández’s late equaliser; Chelsea’s five-manager turnover since 2022. Chelsea’s likely replacement: Liam Rosenior (Strasbourg head coach; praised for coaching detail; worked with Rooney at Derby).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VODiscussion on Ruben Amorim's Comments
0:36 to 2:21
Wayne discusses Amorim's press conference remarks regarding his role at Manchester United.
“We have a huge selection of concrete and mortar mixes.”
Confusion Over Managerial Authority
2:21 to 4:08
Exploring the confusion surrounding Amorim's statements about his managerial authority and responsibilities.
“Because, Wayne, it's almost like Ruben Amram knew we were back recording on Sunday night.”
Squad Quality Concerns
4:08 to 5:36
A conversation about the quality of the Manchester United squad and the challenges faced by Amorim.
“And I think ever since Jason Wilcox has come in, Barada's probably given him a set of promises that Wilcox isn't acting on.”
Criticism and Accountability
5:36 to 7:18
Discussion on the need for accountability within the club and the expectations from Amorim.
“Well, there was another thing as well where he was saying, like, oh, if you're not, if you can't handle the Gary Nevels of this world, then you shouldn't be at this club.”
The Pressures of Management
7:18 to 9:06
Exploring the pressures faced by Amorim and how they impact his communication with the media.
“The people above him, they're his bosses.”
Game Tactics and Substitutions
9:06 to 12:34
Analyzing Amorim's tactical decisions and substitutions during matches.
“Bruno was brilliant and Buma was brilliant when they haven't been Bruno's been very good but when they haven't been good enough then what are we meant to do?”
Recent Performances and Concerns
12:34 to 14:01
A review of Manchester United's recent performances and strategic failures.
“I actually didn't mind the Leeds performance because I thought there was a lot of fight.”
Analyzing Current Manchester United Performances
14:01 to 14:40
Wayne discusses recent disappointing performances by Manchester United.
“The best managers, they coach and manage throughout the 90 minutes.”
Frustrations with Manchester United's Tactics
14:41 to 16:56
Wayne expresses frustration over the tactical decisions and squad performance of Manchester United.
“Because you said you didn't mind Leeds but the two performances before that did concern you.”
Ruben Amarin's Comments and Managerial Impact
19:15 to 21:32
Discussion on Ruben Amarin's comments and their implications for Manchester United.
“I don't think he probably said that, but I think people are looking at stuff.”
Show all 16 chapters
Chelsea's Managerial Turmoil
21:33 to 24:25
Wayne analyzes the recent managerial changes at Chelsea, discussing the implications.
“is it becoming a really tricky club to manage?”
Liam Rosenior: A Potential Successor
24:26 to 28:00
Wayne shares insights on Liam Rosenior as a candidate for Chelsea's managerial role.
“What would you say his main strength side having worked with him?”
The Future of English Managers
28:00 to 30:46
Discussion on the potential of English managers like Liam Rossini in top clubs.
“He's done his work to try and get to that job.”
Ownership and Management Dynamics
30:46 to 32:36
Exploration of the relationship between club ownership and management, and its impact on performance.
“Which club at the moment, are there any clubs at the moment that are getting that balance right?”
Analyzing the Title Race
32:36 to 35:15
Insights into the current Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City.
“And I think with the amount of money that's coming into the Premier League, this is only going to get worse and worse.”
Upcoming Matches and Family Ties
35:15 to 36:26
Discussion about upcoming matches and personal connections to the game.
“Just as an off-topic, quickly, can I just say quickly as well how much I think Rhys James has been doing well this season?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Save big money on your next painting project at Menards. Pristine interior paint and primer in one is Dutch Boy's best hiding and most durable paint. It delivers a smooth, elegant finish while providing maximum scuff, stain and mark resistance. Save big money on Dutch Boy paints and get your painting project started today. Plus, check out our weekly flyer on Menards.com for more great deals happening this week. Save big money at Menards. Save big money on everything for your next project when you shop at Menards. We have a huge selection of concrete and mortar mixes.
0:42From setting a post or pouring a walkway to installing concrete block or natural stone. We've got the mix you need in stock today. View our entire selection of concrete mixes and supplies in store and on Menards.com. Plus, check out the weekly flyer for more great deals happening now.
1:07He is not Pep Guardioli. He's not Jürgen Klopp. He hasn't got that history or that background, so I don't think he should be speaking with that authority in what he is. getting criticised for not being very good. And we see it, everyone sees it, so you can't hide it. When they haven't been good enough, then what are we meant to do? Like, lie to the public? I think he's more than capable of going into Chelsea and doing a great job. It'd be great to see him get that opportunity because I think he'd be very good. When we logged on to this call, I was intrigued as to where Wayne was going to be, what the backdrop was going to be, because, Wayne, you're actually still in Barbados, aren't you?
1:48Yeah, I'm actually in my bedroom, so it's hard to get the curtains closed as much. The kids are downstairs. You might hear a bit of shouting from them, but, yeah, no, it's been lovely. The weather, the first two days weren't great, but it's been good. That's exactly what we all want to hear, isn't it, Kay? When we're freezing back here in the UK. We're minus four over here, so at least someone's enjoying the weather. Yeah, I hope everyone had a nice Christmas listening to this. I hope you guys did as well. But let's get straight into the football because there's been a lot going on since we were last with you.
2:19But also this weekend as well. Let's start with Manchester United. Because, Wayne, it's almost like Ruben Amram knew we were back recording on Sunday night. And he's had a bit to say in his press conference, hasn't he? Of course, Manchester United drew 1-0 at Leeds. And at the end of the press conference, he was asked about the board and if they had confidence in him. And some of his quotes are quite interesting. He said, I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach. that's clear I know my name isn't too cool Conte it's not Mourinho but I'm the manager and it's going to be like that this for 18 months or when the board decides to change what did you make of the comments it's strange interesting and I think his choice of words is very um I don't know decisive and confusing um because if you're a manager or head coach I don't know what his title is as a head coach I think and I think he speaks with a confidence and a authority that he knows he's going to be there and he's going to remain the manager and that's the only reason I can assume he speaks with that belief because the last two games have been not been very good and so yeah I think yeah it's quite confusing I'm confused with the words he said.
3:35I think that level of confusion can come because obviously it is his second language. So there's always going to be like some things lost in translation, I think, when he's trying to get what he wants out. But I also think that if he's saying he came to this club to become a manager, he should have brought that up when he got signed in the first place because a lot was made when he first got the appointment that he was going to become Man United's head coach rather than manager. It was like a lot was made of it. And secondly, I think what's happened here is he's been appointed by Omar Barada. And I think ever since Jason Wilcox has come in, Barada's probably given him a set of promises that Wilcox isn't acting on.
4:17And I think one of the stipulations was that, I think it was in the last press conference, where they said that they're not going to be buying players based on this system. They're just going to be buying players based on what they think is good for Manchester United. And he wants players for this system. And there was a bit in the other press conference where they were like, why is it taking you this long to adapt? And he didn't want to answer it as well. But I just think it's, he said 18 months. I've got 18 months and that's when his contract ends. I think he's trying to get himself sacked. But I think you need to earn the right.
4:52So you need to earn the right to be able to dictate exactly what happens in a football club, especially a football club like Man United. And if Guardiola comes into Manchester United, for instance, I don't think anyone would question what players he wants to bring in or the system. And I just think for Amarun, and I actually feel for him a bit because the squad is not good enough. I said this last week, the squad's not good enough, the players he's got on the bench, young academy kids it's great to see them on the bench but are they ready at this moment in time and it's very difficult to put young players onto a football pitch when the squad the team is not very good and so I feel for him a little bit but he is not Pep Guardioli he's not Jürgen Klopp he hasn't got that history or that background so I don't think he should be speaking with that authority in what he is and I just think the words he's saying are very confusing to me.
5:53Well, there was another thing as well where he was saying, like, oh, if you're not, if you can't handle the Gary Nevels of this world, then you shouldn't be at this club. And obviously he's talking about, like, you know, pundits influencing people at a club, whether it's the board, the players or whatever, the staff in general. But it's like, there's a very easy way to silence pundits and that's to win football games. Well, I could sit here and say, okay, well, Manchester United played very well against Wolves and he played very well against Newcastle. So is that what the players want to hear?
6:27Is that what the man do you want to hear? You have to be real. I'm sure if he's not going in and criticising his players for the performances, then there is something wrong. So we're saying, pundits, as I am now, we're saying what we see and it's not good enough. It's the simplest. I do feel for him. I don't think the squad is good enough. I don't think losing the players which they have for the African Cup of Nations, of course, that doesn't help. But the backup players to that are not good enough. So I just don't understand how he can come out with what he is because as a Man Utd fan, you want him to come out and say, listen, I haven't been good enough.
7:12The players haven't been good enough. The board haven't been good enough. Whatever that is, I just give some honesty. Do you think that he has a point about the hierarchy listening to noise too much? Do you think that they do? The people above him, they're his bosses. And I think whatever, how he speaks to them should stay between them until Jim Radcliffe comes out and says, yeah, he's staying here or we're going to sack him. Jim Radcliffe told the press he's got three years at the club and that gave him a lot more time. And obviously, I know people were probably saying he doesn't really mean that, but during the period in which he said it, Amirim's job seemed to be at risk and people in the media were hammering him.
7:59And that sort of subsided for a bit when Radcliffe came out with those comments. But I just think, I don't necessarily think people at the club are listening to pundits as much because if they had done, they would have sacked him ages ago. I think this is Ineos' first appointment. It took them, I think the other club that they own in Nice, I think the manager had to lose nine straight games before they sacked him. They are pinning their hopes on this because it's like the first time they've appointed a manager, so they don't want to lose face. I think there's a simple way to look at it. And if you sit down with Amara and say, have you been good enough for Manchester United?
8:45And if he gives you an honest answer, then he's going to say no. If you sit down with the players over the last two, three years, have you been good enough? They're going to say no. So they're getting criticised for not being very good. And we see it. Everyone sees it. So you can't hide it. I'm not going to sit there and say, oh, do you know what? Bruno was brilliant and Buma was brilliant when they haven't been Bruno's been very good but when they haven't been good enough then what are we meant to do? Lie to the public? Absolutely but that's the thing as well though he doesn't help himself I mean he does come out in press conferences and say yeah I'm not doing he said something in the press conference where he said oh believe me outside the pitch I am doing an amazing job it's just on the pitch I'm not doing it I don't care what you're doing in the canteen.
9:37I don't care what you're doing at Carrington. I care about what's going on on the pitch. People who are connected to the football club, they do care in terms of what happens off the pitch because Manchester United is always known to be a family club. So I think the people connected do care in what's happening off the pitch. But I don't really see that myself here that it's going great. I think it's getting better. to where it has been over the last few years and certainly on the pitch is not good enough. The thing that's really intrigued me is why he's done it now. Is it because it's obviously the January transfer window?
10:14He also mentioned or he kind of suggested in his press conference, I think it was on Friday, where he said something about there's not much dialogue. He didn't say it outright, but he suggested there isn't much dialogue about adding to the squad this month. So do you think it's a try and get more players in? Yeah, I think it's a difficult job. Bobby's going through a tough moment with the squad, with the team, with results. And you're trying to find a way. You're trying to find answers. You're trying to get more from your owners above to bring and try and help the team. So, as I said, I do feel for him because we can criticize him all we want, but I just don't think that group of players are good enough.
10:56What do you think, Kay? What is he trying to achieve? Honestly, I think with Ruben Amirim, him he's he's um he's very emotional and i think when when he's going through it he can't hide it but it was the last it was the last question in a press conference as well it wasn't at the beginning that's also what was interesting i thought no absolutely yeah and i think i think if you are trying to leave go full conte do what antonio conte did and just just go in a press conference i don't think i don't think he's trying to leave i think that's a it's a pressure which he's feeling and it's tough it's difficult it's a massive football club then I think we probably forget he's a young man he's still about 40, 41 so he's young he's still trying to learn and gain that experience as well so I think just a massive amount of pressure on him which when Man United don't win or don't play particularly well I think he tries to come out and tries to face it which fair play to him But I just don't think his choice of words filled you with confidence when the team was struggling.
12:03I think after the Wolves game, he did lose a lot of hope and confidence from the fans. And I think he's probably felt that as well going into this game at Leeds. And all of that has built up. And he's trying to sort of shift the blame in a way as well. And I think he just made it clear for us. He's like, look, I've got 18 more months. This is it, right? Yeah, I'm not leaving. Nothing's happening, but I'm not getting the players that I want. Well, I don't think he'll have 18 more months if he carries on. I think that's fair to say. I actually didn't mind the Leeds performance because I thought there was a lot of fight.
12:46Leeds away is a very difficult game, especially going out with Man United. I actually didn't mind it. It was the two performances before that, the Newcastle won the Wolves performance, they were way more of a concern to me than the lead one. Do you know what the issue is for me, Wayne? And I don't know if you agree with this. For me, sometimes when I see Ruben Amory managing, especially in the Wolves game, or there was a few games before that as well, it's just so risk-averse. It's just so risk-averse. It's like, you know, when a substitution is happening at the 60th minute, it's a centre-back.
13:24I don't understand the centre-back one, but if I was a centre-back playing for him then you wouldn't be happy but he seems he does every game doesn't he and I've actually got no answer to give you why Yeah but no but my point is he's so risk-averse it feels like today when you saw Daniel Farker put on forwards and they're trying to chase the game it's like I know we didn't necessarily have forwards he brought Xerxes on for Leni Jouro for once which I was surprised about but it's like that's the sort of intent you expect to manage Manchester United manages to be going into at a football match. If you're down, you put on four forwards.
14:02The best managers, they coach and manage throughout the 90 minutes. So, we could all sit there and say, I'm going to play this system, I'm going to play this player in this position. But actually, the best managers are the ones who can make decisions during the 90 minutes. And that's always been the case and who can impact the game while it's going on. and I don't think that is happening at the minute. I'm trying to be diplomatic as well. But yeah. Okay, let's try and divert it away from Ruben Amarin but sticking with Manchester United, what have you made of what's not been going right in recent performances then, Wayne?
14:41Because you said you didn't mind Leeds but the two performances before that did concern you. Yeah, I just felt the Newcastle game, the Wolves game, I felt like I was watching Manchester United play at Old Stafford like a promoted team and they're going to Old Trafford to try and get a point and that's how Man United play at home which was very concerning and I think that's where the squads are, I think we all think of Man United and you should be challenging but they're nowhere near there, the squad's not good enough and it was just it was hard to watch, it was hard to watch them sit in against Wolves and Wolves were passing around Man United's box and they're creating chances and making it difficult for them.
15:25And yeah, it was sad. Five defenders and two defensive midfielders at home. Like, I don't care what kind of squad you have, Wayne. Like, that's not acceptable. No, but listen, that's the system he keeps telling us about and what we keep seeing. But unfortunately, that system is not working. And he has tried, but he went to a back four. He's tried different things. but when he did go to the back four it looked good yeah but he went straight back to the back five so listen I think we're all frustrated we're all disappointed we're all upset as United fans what's going on I don't is it going to change I don't know I don't see it Wayne they're still in a race for a Champions League place though which maybe is more a reflection on the league and I don't want to get Kay started on that because I know he'll start saying that none of the teams are playing well maybe he's got a point but they are still in the race for a Champions League play yeah no 100 % and I think they have dug in in games but I just think we want to see them playing with a bit more flair and a bit more energy and attacking teams and I think fair play to probably Kunja and Bumo and to be fair they're probably being the two best players Mason Mount has done it okay this season as well but So the squadron's not good enough and they're not going to finish in the top four.
16:51I think where Man United are now, they're not going to finish top four. I think that's clear.
17:00They're stuck in there. They're hanging in there, but I don't think that'll stay there for long. I don't know. I mean, I don't think we're making a Champions League sport just purely because I think the players at the club want to attack, but they're playing with a handbrake on. They're being told to, they're not playing to their strengths as a team. I mean, you look at players like Lissandro Martinez. He's a defender that wants to play on the front foot. He's not a defender that wants to sit on the edge of his box and stay compact. Yeah, no, no. I disagree. I just think a lot of the players are not good enough to be competing for the top four.
17:38So I know what you're saying. I just don't think a lot of them players are good enough to compete in the top four. And I've seen a picture a few days ago when Tenard won the FA Cup and there weren't many players left from that. So there has been a big turnaround of players coming in and players leaving. And I think that's where questions need to be asked as well. So I just don't think they're good enough.
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19:13how do you think the Amarim thing now plays out how do you think the club will respond or will just move on because it feels like with Manchester United it's hard to just move on because this is going to rumble on I think they've given them a lot of power and how we speak and I think that's confidence and arrogance which in a good way for Ruben Amarim he has but you need to be able to backlew it's almost like a young Mourinho when he went into Chelsea when you speak with that confidence and arrogance but you have to back it up and unfortunately we're not seeing that so that's when the questions will come and is it right to change the manager again and start something new I don't know it's been happening the last 10 years and no one seems to get it right.
19:58It's interesting that all this has happened on the same kind of week where Chelsea have parted company with Enzo Maresca so before we talk about their one all draw at Manchester City I just wondered what your take was on what's happened at Stamford Bridgeway I think it was coming I think since what was the Evan game when he spoke about not being the worst 48 hours and as a coach as a manager you'll have them days where that happens and you'll have disagreements with the board which I'm sure was the case and I think when he come out and said that I think everyone seen what was going to happen to him but I just think over the last certainly the season in which we spoke about I think probably six weeks two months ago the rotation of the squad there was no consistency in it and that's why I think Chelsea were getting the results they were getting they looked amazing I covered the game against Barcelona and they were incredible and then you see them in the next game and they look terrible so I think that was always going to come I was going to say it doesn't bode well that he told the club that he was talking to Man City?
21:09Reportedly, yeah. That's never a good saying, is it? I don't think he probably said that, but I think people are looking at stuff. But I just, you can see things happening and think his whole demeanor over the last few weeks and I think everyone could see that was going to happen. Yeah, Chelsea, K, have had five managers since the Todd Bowley-Clear Lake Consortium took charge in 2022. is it becoming a really tricky club to manage? Like it feels like this next appointment is going to be really important. I think under the previous regime at Chelsea, it worked really well. I think the club was a lot better run than it is now.
21:49And I think it takes a certain type of individual to be able to go into that club. And it takes a certain type of manager to go into a certain club where they go, listen, you're not in charge of any sort of signings. you're not allowed to have your say on that. Here's the players that you've been given, make it work. And I think it doesn't work for a lot of people. I think any manager wants to have their own players. They've got their own set of ideas that they want implemented into a team. And if you're just told, here's a bunch of youngsters, make it work, it's not really going to bode well.
22:24And I do think with Chelsea, I don't understand what a hierarchy wants. He's got them trophies. He delivered trophies for them. It's like, what do you want? Do you just want somebody to stay quiet and get on with the job that you've given them? Yeah, well, he's got some fantastic players and has been successful. But I think at the end of the day, you can't question your bosses the way you did. And I think that's ultimately, you know when you go into a job, what is expected of you and how far you can go, what players you can bring in. You understand that. And I think maybe because he won them trophies, maybe he's tried to push for a bit more and knock out the answers he wanted.
23:11Well, at the time of recording, Chelsea don't have a replacement for Enzo Mareska. But someone that you know very well, Wayne, Liam Rossini, is the overwhelming favourite takeover at Chelsea. He is, of course, currently head coach of Strasbourg, which is kind of part of the same ownership model that owned Chelsea too. I just wondered what your thoughts were on what he's like as a person and a coach who's been with him at Derby? I think he's more than capable of going into Chelsea and doing a great job. Liam was so important for me, firstly, when I went into Derby as manager because I'd never coached.
23:48I was doing my badges at the time and I'd never coached. Liam was incredible in his coaching ability. I was more of the manager than dealing with players. and everything. So I learnt a lot from him from that point of view and then I think he's done a great job at Hull. When he went there just unfortunately missed out on the playoffs and then he's doing a great job now and I think he'd be a great fit and I think people don't young English managers don't really get that chance and he's gone and he's worked and he's put the work in and it'd be great to see him get that opportunity because I think he'd be really good.
24:26What would you say his main strength side having worked with him? Details. Details of, you know, coaching and how he works and his work ethic is incredible. So I think, I don't think there'd be any issue with dealing with, you know, top players from that point to you. But I just think his detail is top and he deserves it. I know people might question it. People might think, oh, he's, because Liam Rossini wasn't me as a football player. He had a great career, but never played at top level to that extent in terms of Champions League. But what he is, is I think he's a top, top coach and hopefully the Premier League gets to see them.
25:13He's also taken some really bold jobs, hasn't he, as well? Like going to Hull and now going abroad to Strasbourg as well. It kind of shows that he seems pretty brave and he's got a variety of tools that he's probably learned during that time. Yeah, no, 100%. It's not easy to go anywhere abroad to work and take a job, and he's done that. For whatever reason, he got sacked from Hull from finishing, I think it was one point, outside the playoffs, which I thought he'd done a really good job. But yeah, he's taken chances, and hopefully that pays off, because I think Liam is as good a coach, and I'm being truthful on this, as I've ever worked with.
25:59Really? Yeah, no, I think his detail, his how he approaches day-to-day, he's as good as I've worked with. Yeah, he's an incredible speaker as well. The way, I know we've spoken about Amrim and you've said before he's very good in press conferences. I know that isn't the whole thing, but the way he speaks and the way he just seems so eloquent as well. Surely that must really help when getting your message across to the players. Yeah, but he's also got a side which you don't want to cross him as well. I think that's important as well. I think if he goes in there, he won't disappoint. He's been waiting for an opportunity like this.
26:46I'd be so pleased if he gets that job because he'll have earned it and he's not just getting given it for any reason he will have earned it and I'd be so pleased for him I think it helps him to an extent as well that Strasburg are managed by the same owners yeah of course I think so there's obviously a relationship there but if he wasn't good enough then he wouldn't be looking at him so Dave's seeing He knows what he's going into. Yeah, yeah. So he knows what he's going into and he'll have them relationships. But I think on the flip side to that is Chelsea will know to the detail what job he's doing and how he's doing it.
27:28And that's why they're looking at him. I'm also loving whatever is going on. Your kids are having the best holiday ever in Barbea. I know. And they're all crying down the stairs. It's fine. It's the sign of a good holiday, I think. Although, yeah. I just wanted to point out in case anyone could hear it when they were listening to this. Just in terms of this move for him, is this the right move for him, do you think? Because you said he's been waiting for an opportunity, but it's tough and it's a big job. Yeah, but then if you don't take it now, then you're never going to take it. I think he's done his apprenticeship.
28:02He's done his work to try and get to that job. But so he'll have no doubts in his mind that he's capable of doing that job. And hopefully, you know, very soon, hopefully we hear that he is the manager. Because for young English coaches as well, I think it's massive. I think that's massive. You know, we don't really see English managers at big clubs. So he'll be leading the way for that for us. Well, I mean, it is great for English managers. but I just think he's the strongest name that's been attributed to the job. But I just think in a wider sense, there's such a lack of good quality managers out there.
Read the full transcript
28:45I think it's a real opportunity for somebody like Liam Rossini to come and make a name for himself. He's done everything he can to put himself in the best position. And I don't see an outstanding candidate to go in other than him, to be honest. So just hope. Let's wait and see. I also wonder, Kay, if like he's an English manager. I know it was the same with Will Still, wasn't it? There was like a bit of intrigue about him because he was an English manager abroad, young manager, a bit different because we know a bit more about Liam Rossini because he played kind of for Fulham and stuff in this country.
29:17But I think sometimes when they're not here and we haven't seen them the whole way through, we can kind of be a bit like, oh, well, what have they done? But as Wayne said, he's heard firsthand. He's actually done a lot. I know he was at Hull and Derby. No, absolutely. No, absolutely. But I do think sometimes we don't give English managers the respect even when we do know them. The championship isn't an easy league to manage. And I think you've seen other clubs take a risk on managers that have done that. I mean, Vincent Kompany is a prime example. Look what he did in the championship. Bayern Munich took a massive risk in appointing him and look where they are now.
29:57Yeah, but going back to Ruben Amarone, and obviously he's done well in Portugal, but we're seeing young foreign managers coming into the English game and we don't really question, he's a bit young, how can he manage a big club? But then when it's a young English manager, we seem to keep hearing these questions. So I think, go and take it, man. Go and lead the way for us. Yeah. Yeah, it's exciting, isn't it? Wish him the very best of luck if he does get that job. I know his dad, Leroy as well, and he's a brilliant guy too. Just on the subject, I think it's quite topical, isn't it, with Maresca's situation, the Amorim quotes tonight as well.
30:38There's a lot of talk of how involved ownerships are getting with managers and Wayne, you've been a manager, you've been a player as well. It seems like it's a tricky balance. Which club at the moment, are there any clubs at the moment that are getting that balance right? Everton, I think. I think the new ownership at Everton have come in and they've hired an experienced manager in David Moyes who knows the club, knows how the club likes to be running. I really do have been a few times and I think they're getting everything steady and back to where we feel they need to be. But I always think for any manager, you go into a job, you know what is required, you know what your boundaries are, you know how far you can push to a certain extent.
31:29So I think when a manager comes out and is debating or questioning the ownership publicly, you're never going to win. These own a football club, it's their club. So managers know what they're getting themselves into and there's probably a line you shouldn't cross. Look, the thing is, with the amount of money coming into the sport, it's only going to get worse. I think like owners aren't buying football clubs because they're diehard fans of the club. I mean, in certain instances, maybe that's the case. But do you think Todd Bowley managed, sorry, took over at Chelsea because he thought Dan Petrescu and those guys were getting great memories.
32:13Dennis Wise and him like, no, they're getting into it for money. And I think the more money is involved, you're going to see a lot more overreach from the owners. There's an increase in Americanization of these sports. And I think you look at sports like the NFL, the owners are everything. They get onto the pitch when the trophy's being handed out at the end of the season. The captain doesn't take it. It's the owner that takes it. And I think with the amount of money that's coming into the Premier League, this is only going to get worse and worse. You're going to get to a stage where I think head coaches aren't going to be given any sort of powers bar coaching the team.
32:53Yeah, it's all, now it's all based on data. And so when you're scouting players, you're looking at players, you have to go through a process of all the data and how he looks on a computer screen rather than in real life. And I think that's the reality and that's where it is. And that's what owners are looking at in the long run. if we look at this, this data works and that's what they're looking at and some clubs have done it very well, some not so well, but I think the days of managers and coaches getting on a plane and going to look at players and come back to the owners saying, I really like this player, I want to sign this player, then I think they're gone.
33:37Well, life post-Maresca for Chelsea, didn't get off to too bad a start, did it? A one-all draw at the Etihad, they'd have probably taken that given the way the game was going. Enzo Fernandes with a really late equaliser up in Manchester. As a result, it means that the title race is Arsenal top, 48 points from 20 games. City and Aston Villa are second and third. They've got 42 points from 20 matches. Where does this leave it, Wayne? Two teams, I think. City and Arsenal will fight off the league title. Villa fans, I said they're on matches. Villa fans had a goal at me for saying they're on the title race.
34:12I don't think they are. I think it's between City and Arsenal. I think Arsenal will have too much, but I'm really interested to see what happens towards the end of the season if City are still within this distance of them. Yeah, I think it's Arsenal's to lose, isn't it? Yeah, it is. City just had so many chances against Chelsea and it just felt like in the past they would have taken those chances. I don't know. Yeah, you have difficult games and sometimes you can dominate the game and not win. and when you lose like for Chelsea when you lose a manager there does seem to be a togetherness which comes and Chelsea dug in and got the results in the end and great result but I think City will they'll be there at the end of the season as much as pains me to say I think they will be right on Arsenal's tail and if Arsenal slip up I think they will potentially trying to take over, but it's them too for me.
35:16Just as an off-topic, quickly, can I just say quickly as well how much I think Rhys James has been doing well this season? He's been playing in midfield at some instances and he's been absolutely incredible and I hope he stays fit for the World Cup because it doesn't look like Trent Alexander-Arnold's getting on that plane. But yeah, I think I've got really high hopes for Rhys James at the World Cup. Yeah, what a player. He was brilliant today as well. Okay then, And that's why we'll leave it when you can get back to your holiday now. Have you still got a few more days in this up? Yeah, a few more, yeah.
35:45So I'm just going to have to go and deal with these kids downstairs now. Are you back in time, though, to see Macclesfield Crystal Palace? Because your brother is, of course, Macclesfield manager. Yeah, I'm doing a game for BBC. So I'll be there side of the pitch. That's a brilliant tie for them, isn't it? Yeah, no, it was brilliant. I think Man United were the next number out. Oh, really? They are out of it. There's like four or six teams left. But no, great tie for Maxfield. They're doing great. So it'd be really good to be there and obviously support my brother and hope they can win and get in the fourth round.
36:21Whatever you do, get your thermals out because trust me, it's cold, but it's going to feel even colder coming from Barbados to this. It is freezing over here. We'll leave it there. We're going to be back on Friday with a special Q &A episode and a reminder that you can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC Sport YouTube and BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds.
36:435 Live Sports WSL Our referee for this afternoon blows her whistle and we are underway That's the opening goal and she is able to just pick her spot This way past the best goalkeeper in the division BBC Women's Football Weekly The latest news, insights and analysis from across the women's game Lucy Bruns, welcome back What one lioness do you think would make the best rugby player. Me? Listen. With the BBC Sounds app. Turn your tax refund into a new bathroom at Menards. Make this the year you check that project off the list. Upgrade your bathroom with Max. With more than 1 ,000 showers, bathtubs, and surrounds, you're sure to find exactly what you need to add luxury and style to your bathroom.
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From the publisher
Wayne, Kelly and Kae dig into Ruben Amorim’s post-match comments after the 1–1 draw at Leeds. Wayne shares why he found them to be confusing: is Amorim speaking with too much authority, or is the criticism unfair given the state of the squad?
Wayne questions the criticism that he and other Manchester United legends are too harsh on the team, and admits he’s written off United’s Champions League hopes this season. The panel also debate whether Amorim gets too emotional after defeats, if he’ll see out the end of his contract, and Wayne explains what made him so disappointed with United’s recent display against Wolves.
With Liam Rosenior rumoured to be in line for the Chelsea job, Wayne explains what sets his former assistant manager apart as a coach and why he’s backing him to do well at Stamford Bridge, while the panel discuss the broader aspect of a young English coach being given a rare opportunity at a top Premier League club. Wayne also shares his thoughts on Enzo Maresca’s exit and owner interference in football clubs, and there’s a chat on the title race after Manchester City were held by Chelsea.
You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds.
