Rooney Reacts: Liverpool-Man City DRAMA & Romero sent off AGAIN!

9 Feb 2026 · 33 min · 17 chapters

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The Wayne Rooney Show - Episode Summary

Episode Title

Rooney Reacts: Liverpool-Man City DRAMA & Romero sent off AGAIN!

Podcast Overview In this episode of *The Wayne Rooney Show*, Premier League legend Wayne Rooney, alongside presenter Kelly Somers and comedian Kae Kurd, discusses the thrilling encounter between Manchester City and Liverpool, which ended with a 2-1 victory for City. The conversation delves into the controversial moments of the match, including a disallowed goal and a penalty that led to heated debates about officiating in football.

Key Discussions

  1. Match Recap: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
  2. Match Outcome: Manchester City won 2-1 against Liverpool.
  3. Key Moments:
  4. Controversial disallowed goal for Liverpool.
  5. Haaland's winning penalty.
  6. VAR's involvement in the disallowed goal led to discussions about "anti-football."
  1. VAR and Controversial Decisions
  2. Disallowed Goal:
  3. Rooney expressed sympathy for Liverpool's situation but noted that VAR decisions can detract from the excitement of the game.
  4. BBC Football Issues Correspondent Dale Johnson explained the rationale behind the disallowed goal and the red card for Slobber Sly (Liverpool).
  5. The consensus among the hosts was that while the rules were followed, the application of common sense was lacking in the decision-making process.
  • Penalty Awarded to Manchester City:
  • Discussion on whether Alisson's foul justified the penalty.
  • Wayne suggested the penalty was deserved given the circumstances, with Kae echoing his sentiments.
  1. Implications for the Teams
  2. Liverpool:
  3. Wayne questioned what the loss means for Liverpool’s season and the mounting pressure on manager Arne Slot.
  4. Discussion on Liverpool's struggle for a Champions League spot.
  • Manchester City:
  • The win intensifies the pressure on Arsenal in the title race.
  • Rooney noted that Haaland’s performance could boost his confidence after scoring under pressure.
  1. Cristian Romero's Red Card
  2. Discussion on Spurs' Captain:
  3. Cristian Romero received his second red card of the season during a match against Manchester United.
  4. Rooney sympathized with Spurs manager Thomas Frank, highlighting the challenges faced by Frank and the team's current poor form.
  5. The implications of Romero's red card on team dynamics and morale were discussed, including how it affects his leadership role.
  1. Michael Carrick and Manchester United
  2. Carrick's Rising Influence:
  3. Rooney praised Carrick’s management style and the positive buzz at Manchester United.
  4. Discussions on whether Carrick could become the permanent manager based on his current success.
  5. The importance of stability and continuity within the team was emphasized.

Key Takeaways

  • The impact of VAR decisions on the emotional landscape of football matches can overshadow the actual game.
  • Leadership on the pitch is critical, and players must balance passion and responsibility.
  • Manchester United under Carrick is showing potential for improvement, mirroring Rooney’s own experiences as a player.
  • The title race remains competitive, and the pressure on teams can shift dramatically based on single matches.

Closing Remarks Rooney encourages listeners to stay tuned for further insights in upcoming episodes, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of each match in shaping the season ahead.

---

*The Wayne Rooney Show is available on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, and BBC Sounds.*

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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Liverpool vs. Man City Game Analysis

1:18 to 2:28

Wayne analyzes the dynamics and key moments of the Liverpool vs. Man City match.

“I think that win, what that'll do to City and Haaland to get this goal, that'll put a bit more pressure on Arsenal, I think.”

Referee Decisions and VAR Controversies

2:28 to 4:19

Discussion on the controversial VAR decisions and their impact on the game.

Discussion with Dale Johnson on VAR

4:19 to 6:10

Dale Johnson explains the VAR decision regarding the red card and disallowed goal.

“I feel really bad for him because he's now got a three game ban And I guess, Wayne, both teams are just left unhappy and that's probably why it feels even more wrong.”

Midfield Dynamics and Team Performances

6:10 to 8:25

Wayne discusses the performance of both teams' midfielders and key players.

“because I just do not see how, even though football will hate it, fans will hate it about the spirit of the game, I just don't see how the VAR could leave it alone when Slobber Sly could have stopped the goal.”

Penalty Decisions and Goalkeeping Errors

8:25 to 10:09

Analysis of the penalty awarded to Manchester City and goalkeeping decisions.

“to actually miss a game when they'd probably prefer it wouldn't they so and what about if that I've lost a Premier League title on goal difference so that goal I was literally about to say that.”

Haaland's Performance and Pressure in the Match

10:09 to 14:01

Discussion on Haaland's penalty kick and overall performance under pressure.

“Wayne, I'm interested in what the Match of the Day office were saying at that point, because you'd had a goalkeeper and a forward in there.”

Penalty Pressure and Relief

14:01 to 15:10

Discussion on the pressure of taking penalties and the resulting relief.

“the pressure and taking a penalty around.”

The Impact of Form on Strikers

15:10 to 16:40

Exploring how a striker's confidence affects their performance and impact on the team.

“And they can push on and try and close that gap with Arsenal now.”

Title Race Excitement

16:40 to 17:45

Analysis of the implications of recent matches on the title race between Arsenal and City.

“I think the whole team knew that before the game, we had the feeling that it would be over if we didn't win.”

Liverpool's Struggles This Season

18:21 to 20:40

Discussion on Liverpool's current season struggles and the pressure on their manager.

“Do you think they're looking at other results and stuff and going 100 % 100 % yeah And they'll be looking at the fixtures coming up and starting to work out how many points do you feel they'll win or City will win.”
Show all 17 chapters

Romero's Disciplinary Issues

20:40 to 23:12

Examination of Christian Romero's red card issues and their implications for Tottenham.

“Arnie Slott's job might be that he has to finish the Champions League places.”

Captaincy and Responsibility

23:12 to 26:18

Exploring how captaincy affects player mentality and game performance.

“He looks like he's aged 10 years, 60 speed at Tottenham, and that's what that Tottenham job has done to him in a short period of time.”

Tottenham's Relegation Battle Talk

26:18 to 28:00

Analyzing Tottenham's current position in the league and potential for relegation.

“I think it's seven games Tottenham haven't won in the last seven games.”

Managerial Decisions and Team Spirit

28:00 to 29:08

Wayne discusses the need for timely managerial changes and the importance of team spirit after setbacks.

“So there was one positive to get from him there.”

Michael Carrick's Impact on Manchester United

29:08 to 30:32

Wayne shares his thoughts on Michael Carrick's coaching style and its positive effects on Manchester United.

“don't worry, we don't ever do a podcast without talking about Man United, especially when they've won.”

Comparing Managers and Historical Precedents

30:32 to 32:35

Discussion around the qualifications of current managers and comparisons with historical figures in coaching.

“And I think the biggest test is going to be when we've got more games, when you're not playing one game a week and you're going to need to tinker with the side a little bit more.”

Personal Connection and Football Relationships

32:35 to 33:51

Wayne reflects on his personal connection with fellow players and the balance between friendship and football.

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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Dale Johnson:This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

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1:18Kelly Somers:I think that win, what that'll do to City and Haaland to get this goal, that'll put a bit more pressure on Arsenal, I think.

1:24Kae Kurd:I'm not even a Liverpool fan, but I looked at that and was like the whole thing's just anti-football.

1:29Kelly Somers:I feel for Thomas Frank at the minute because he looks tired. He looks like he's aged 10 years at speed at Tottenham. And that's what that Tottenham job has done.

1:38Kae Kurd:I think we need Wayne to give Ryan Cherky some pointers on how to actually score a goal from the halfway line. It was like watching the Kirling at the Winter Olympics. OK,

1:51Wayne Rooney:well, there is only one place we can start this week's Wayne Rooney show off with. Quiet game at Anfield on Sunday, Wayne. You watched that in the Match of the Day studios. It had pretty much everything, didn't it?

2:03Kelly Somers:Yeah, no, I thought it was a great game. I thought maybe not the quality in which we've seen over the last few years in the Manchester Liverpool game, but I thought City starts the game really well. First half with a better team by quite a long way, I thought. And then second half, Liverpool come out with a lot of energy, a lot of intensity and took the game to City. and he deservedly went 1-0 up great strike from Sobisla again and then obviously a great finish to the to the game I think Bernardo Silva was everywhere during the game thought really good it's a goal and Haaland with the penalty and then the madness at the end of

2:49Kae Kurd:what was going on there man

2:51Kelly Somers:he was checking for a penalty for Liverpool as well weren't he and then Cherky shoots and Haaland gets pulled back then he pulls Somersley back and goal gets disallowed and a free kick and a red card so yeah it's I think I suppose in the rules it's the right decision but I think I've seen Pepe talking about it after the game a bit of common sense probably would have been better but it would have been interesting to see if it was 1-1 because that would have caused massive issues problems I think

3:26Kae Kurd:100 % but I think that's taking the fun out of the game VAR getting involved when they don't need to why are you interfering with that? I don't think it benefits anybody for you to interfere there and give Sabo Salah a red card I'm not even a Liverpool fan but I looked at that and was like the whole thing is just anti-football there was no fun about it that had the potential to be one of the best footballing moments of the season and it's just been ruined

3:55Kelly Somers:it was easier just to give the goal and see the game let them kick off and the referee finish the game but they have gone by the rules but again I'm sure everyone at Liverpool City probably around the country wouldn't have minded if they let the goal stand

4:11Wayne Rooney:I just thought it was made even more interesting by the fact that Harland and St-Bosler are really good mates as well aren't they? It must be horrible going in that situation that Harland said at the end didn't he? I feel really bad for him because he's now got a three game ban And I guess, Wayne, both teams are just left unhappy and that's probably why it feels even more wrong.

4:29Kelly Somers:Yeah, well, I think for Haaland, because obviously when it was a foot race, Haaland, you could clearly see he was going to win the race and he had to tap it and he would have just tapped it and got a second goal. So, yeah, I think, listen, it's an odd moment on which you'd never really see. So I suppose that's why everyone's going to be talking about it and questioning the decision here. To be fair to the officials, I know I've had the gold officials all season. They have gone by the rules and I suppose they've got the right decision, but a bit of common sense would have been nice for once.

5:04Wayne Rooney:When we first came on here, we were debating because Harlan did say that as far as I was going to get a three-game ban, we think it's just a one-game ban. In fact, let's bring in Dale Johnson now, the BBC Football Issues correspondent, because he can help us, hopefully, Dale, clear it all up. Firstly, is it just a one-game ban? Come on, help us, Dale.

5:22Dale Johnson:Yeah, it's just a one-game ban for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. So it just misses midweek.

5:28Wayne Rooney:All right, now do the hard bit and decipher all the rest of it, please, will you?

5:32Dale Johnson:Yeah, so the important thing is really you've got to separate the two incidents. I think the reason why it seems so confusing and unjust to people is because the initial pullback from Haaland when he was going to go through to score is what people will look at and say, well, it was going to be a goal. But you've then got to separate that to the second part, which is Slobbersly was about to slide in and stop the ball going into the net. And he couldn't do that because he was pulled back by Haaland. So in essence, Manchester City would have scored a goal because Haaland had committed a foul. And really, I called it live when it happened that this was going to end up with a disallowed goal on the red card.

6:12Dale Johnson:because I just do not see how, even though football will hate it, fans will hate it about the spirit of the game, I just don't see how the VAR could leave it alone when Slobber Sly could have stopped the goal. So all that's happened here is the VAR has taken it back to the original decision, which would have happened because if Slobber Sly would have cleared it off the line, the referee would have pulled back the advantage and shown the red card. So what has actually happened is what would have happened if Haaland hadn't pulled back his opponent.

6:42Kae Kurd:I get what you're saying, but if you're going to send somebody off for a goal-scoring opportunity, the ball's gone in the back of the net, isn't it? It's the second part, I know. But would it have gone in the back of the net without the foul?

6:52Dale Johnson:That's the question. It did go in the back of the net because of the foul. So that's the question.

6:56Kae Kurd:Yeah, I know, I know, I know. But it just doesn't feel right. Do you know what I mean, Dale? Yeah, the rules have got in the way of the beauty of the game.

7:02Dale Johnson:I think it's also because, I think, because the end of the game was so dramatic and the Ruffles were pushing up and it was like, this was going to be the perfect ending to a game which was totally crazy in the last 10 to 15 minutes. It would have been like the icing on the cake for the match. And because it was stripped away, I think that's what really people don't like. And it just feels, it makes people feel like it's anti-football, even though really I don't think it is in this specific case.

7:32Kelly Somers:It's definitely the right decision in the end, but it's just obviously, it's frustrating. in it and once you look at the rules you don't understand why it's given but it just takes all the passion I think I prefer it not to have VAR because I think it's terrible, I think it gets good decisions, of course it does but when it gets big decisions wrong in this case it hasn't but when it gets big decisions wrong then I just think it's there to get decisions right and ultimately it needs to be doing that more than what it is in my opinion

8:05Kae Kurd:but I just think like it's the last minute of the game football's meant to be about fun and happiness just like everybody just wants to go home like let the goals stand let's all get out of there

8:17Dale Johnson:Think of it this way Slobber Sly can't play in midweek now where I can't remember if Liverpool are playing midweek but would their opponents want Slobber Sly to actually miss a game when they'd probably prefer it wouldn't they so and what about if that

8:31Kelly Somers:I've lost a Premier League title on goal difference so that goal I was literally about to say that. That goal might make a big difference.

8:37Dale Johnson:That one goal could be important to Liverpool as well in terms of that conceded goal could make a difference to them. So it works on both sides in terms of that.

8:45Kae Kurd:I think we need Wayne to give Ryan Cherky some pointers on how to actually score a goal from the halfway line because if he just put some welly behind it, right, if he just hit that with a bit of intent, none of this would be happening. It was just the slowest ball going over the line.

9:01Kelly Somers:We were saying in the year, Joe, I was saying in the year when we watched the game, it's like watching the Kirling, the Winter Olympics.

9:11Kelly Somers:Yeah. It's so true. I was rolling in that slow. But no, it was a good moment and it was a fun moment and it's obviously being taken away from us.

9:26Wayne Rooney:Whatever happens, we're still going to be talking about it though, aren't we? When people say we've been robbed of one of the best moments of the season. We haven't because we've still got to see it, just in a slightly different way. Dale, before we let you go, because there's so much to get into with this game, I just wanted to ask you about the Manchester City penalty as well for Alisson's foul on Mateus Nunes. The ball appeared to be heading out. Well, it was. Did you view that as a penalty?

9:48Dale Johnson:Yeah, I think it's a tough one because it's clearly that the penalty has been played for, hasn't it? Because he knows that the keeper is coming, so he's using the keeper coming out. But the bottom line is the keeper has come out in a way where he's collided with the attacker. So I think that's one of those penalties where it's not really going to cause that much controversy, even though the player certainly knows what he's trying to win in that situation.

10:11Wayne Rooney:Wayne, I'm interested in what the Match of the Day office were saying at that point, because you'd had a goalkeeper and a forward in there.

10:17Kelly Somers:It's a penalty, in my opinion, definitely. I think Alisson is an experienced keeper, great goalkeeper. I just made the wrong decision. He's come out and nowhere near the ball and takes the attacker out. so it's a clear penalty. We had it years ago with Paul Robinson when we played Blackburn, Chicharito, very similar. And I think the ball was still in play when Alisson, even though Silva's not going to get, was Silva.

10:43Dale Johnson:And Nunes.

10:44Kelly Somers:Even though he's not going to get there to keep the ball in play, but the ball's still in play when Alisson takes him out. So 100 % penalty from my point of view.

10:52Wayne Rooney:Dale, thank you for joining us. I imagine it's been a busy evening and I imagine everyone from the BBC has pretty much been ringing you saying, can you explain that one to us?

10:58Dale Johnson:It's certainly a busy evening now, that's correct.

Read the full transcript

11:02Wayne Rooney:We'll let you go. Thank you for joining us. It probably won't be the last time we'll speak to you this season. Great, thanks very much. Let's discuss the game as a whole, Wayne. And the first half, you said before that Manchester City were by far the better team. What did you think wasn't working for Liverpool in the opening in 45?

11:16Kelly Somers:I think they were really struggling in midfield to get to grips with City. And Semenyol coming in off the line, Silva. City were getting into really good positions in behind the midfield and causing big problems and even Haaland I think Haaland had a different game today to what he normally would I think he created three or four really good chances for City as well he obviously gets an assist in the second half and a goal but yeah he was a different performance he went at his best but he was a bit more creative and trying to set his teammates up than maybe I've seen them in the past. So, yeah, it was...

11:57Kelly Somers:And then Liverpool towards second half were fantastic and really, you know, overpowered City, if you like. And Man City were... And they've done that this season, the second half of games, they tired a lot. And they found it difficult in the second half of games. And they've done well to obviously come back and win the game. But I thought Liverpool deserved more at the game with the performance in the second half.

12:21Kae Kurd:Were you a little bit disappointed with Liverpool's front line? Or do you think Donnarumma and Man City were just insane today?

12:29Kelly Somers:Yeah, no, I thought the front line second half, I thought, were good. Some really good moves from Liverpool. Donnarumma obviously made an unbelievable save towards the end from McAllister as well. I thought Mark Gaye was really good today as well. So, yeah, I think there was a bit of both, really. I thought City defensively hung it, dug in there. which allowed him to go and get something and win the game. But yeah, I thought the Liverpool attack and play his second half certainly opened City up at times. It was just some last-minute blocks from Guy and saves from Donnarumma, which saved City.

13:05Wayne Rooney:Another stunning Sir Bozlai free kick as well, wasn't it? Gosh.

13:08Kelly Somers:Yeah, it was incredible because we were looking at it. The only thing I'd say there is we know we can do it. He's done it against Arsenal early on in the season and the decision to have two men in the wall, I thought was a strange one. Maybe...

13:21Kae Kurd:Ridiculous, wasn't it? I was looking at that. I was like, how did you let that... Because like you said, you've seen it happen all season. Why wouldn't you just put three or four men in a wall?

13:30Kelly Somers:Yeah, no, that's the only criticism I can say because other than that, Donald Rumer's got no chance. The way he strikes it, it's a bit like Roberto Carlos. Not as much whip on it, but it's an unstoppable free kick. Brilliant.

13:45Wayne Rooney:And just a word on, we mentioned the penalty, a word on how Arling Haaland would have been feeling stepping up to take that penalty? Because there was a lot of pressure on it and he's perhaps not been in the form that we know that he can find.

13:59Kelly Somers:Yeah, he'll be used to that though, the pressure and taking a penalty around. Again, I'd done it for Everton a few years back. You're nervous with every penalty because you just don't want to miss. You don't want to miss the penalty. It was a really good penalty as well to open his body up and go that corner. He needed the right amount of pace on it to beat Alisson because he obviously went the right way. So it was pressure, but you can see the relief after he scored it. You can see the celebration. Obviously, he gets a yellow card for it, but the relief that he has scored, I think it's his first goal at Anfield as well.

14:38Kelly Somers:So that will have been on his mind as well. So no, it was a very good penalty, I felt.

14:43Wayne Rooney:He enjoyed it, didn't he, Kay? You could tell he enjoyed the celebrations for that goal and at full-time as well.

14:47Kae Kurd:Yeah, you started to see him smile again. I think throughout the game, he looked a bit frustrated at points. But it just goes to show, for a lot of strikers and stuff, you just need that little goal that gets you back to being yourself again. And he looks so much happier. He was joking around with Mark Gahey at the end and stuff as well. A bit of personality about him again. So I think it's good for City. And they can push on and try and close that gap with Arsenal now.

15:16Kelly Somers:I think what it shows, it shows that when you have a little bit of dip in form and your confidence goes a little bit, it affects everyone. So, you know, you look at Haaland, one of the best strikers in the world, and just a little bit of loss of confidence in front of goal, it does affect anyone. And so just for him to stand up and take that penalty and score, and no doubt now that he'll go on another run. the worrying thing is is for Arsenal now obviously a good gap but I think that win what that'll do to City and Haaland to get this goal that'll put a bit more pressure on Arsenal I think

15:54Kae Kurd:Wayne you didn't have a lot of goal droughts but you see when like you had a period where you weren't scoring did it affect anything outside of the pitch as well so like in your daily life were you just a bit more frustrated and annoyed at certain things yeah no

16:07Kelly Somers:you obviously you can almost do too much and overanalyse things as well and you're trying more difficult you want to show you're a good player still to be honest so you're trying harder passes or you're trying to score from 30 yards and stuff like that where the main thing really is just to keep everything simple and get in front of the goal and hope that you get the opportunity to score but yeah I think you probably do over-analyse everything outside the pitch I don't think you you know it affects you that much you're probably a little bit quieter but that's it

16:50Wayne Rooney:Clay how do you think this leaves the title race because as neutrals it certainly makes it exciting doesn't it and the fact that Arsenal still have to go to the Etihad too

16:59Kae Kurd:I think this is this is massive for City and I think if they'd have lost this I think Arsenal would have been a lot more confident about

17:07Wayne Rooney:Ronaldo Silva said it, didn't he? He said post-match. He said post-match. I think the whole team knew that before the game, we had the feeling that it would be over if we didn't win.

17:17Kae Kurd:Yeah, absolutely. But I think, do you know what? It's still pretty early. I think, what is it now? Six-point gap? I don't think that's massive. And I think all it takes is a couple results not to go your way and it can be really detrimental. But the way Arsenal are playing, I think that loss against United was a bit of a wake-up call for them. And they've gone and it spurred them on a little bit more. But I think having City hot on their tails is only good for the league. And it's going to be a much better title racer. Because I don't want to see it wrapped up and done by February. Still a lot of games.

17:51Wayne Rooney:There's the former manager and him coming out, isn't it? There's a lot.

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18:50Kelly Somers:can have is huge because I remember when we were in title races and if you played the Saturday or you played earlier and you win and then you see the gap at nine points just by coming back to six and the way it's happened as well because obviously the people going a goal up, you're thinking if this stays at nine points then what a boost that is for but then City coming back you waste energy watching it 100 % so I'm sure Arteta will be just telling his players to focus on their job what they have to do because you can get caught up in it and look at other people's results and I don't think that's a good thing

19:34Kae Kurd:Do you think that's going on with the Arsenal lads right now? Do you think they're looking at other results and stuff and going 100 %

19:40Kelly Somers:100 % yeah And they'll be looking at the fixtures coming up and starting to work out how many points do you feel they'll win or City will win. You get caught up in it all and in the end, all that matters really is if you win your games.

19:56Wayne Rooney:What does this all mean for Liverpool, Wayne? Sixth and four points behind Chelsea. I'm sure you'll be very quick to point out there are also five behind Man United in that battle for the top four of those European places. Where does it leave them? I'm going to say it before you guys were about the fact that United were ahead

20:12Kelly Somers:I didn't realise it was five points

20:14Kae Kurd:Yeah they're lacking behind Wayne I know Oh you made me almost go and double check

20:19Wayne Rooney:of course you knew

20:22Kae Kurd:Normality is being restored Arsenal and United getting better and then Liverpool going back down it's amazing

20:28Kelly Somers:No I think for Liverpool the whole season really has been a concern for Liverpool and as obviously I've pointed out on here many times but yeah I thought I actually thought second half they were brilliant today they have been good in certain games and not picked up the results so yeah I think it just brings a little bit more pressure on Arnie Slotter as I imagine and now they've got a battle on to try and make a Champions League play so yeah I think there'll be pressure coming on Arnie Slotter at the end I don't think Liverpool will change anything now but So in the summer, it'll be really interesting depending on where.

21:10Kelly Somers:Arnie Slott's job might be that he has to finish the Champions League places. So that brings a little pressure on them.

21:18Kae Kurd:Fifth will probably get you Champions League. And I reckon they can get fifth. But yeah, if he doesn't get Champions League, he's gone. Shabby on Lonzo is already booking.

21:28Wayne Rooney:Stop this. I'm sure you're his agent every week.

21:31Kae Kurd:He is. He's looking around houses in the North West and he's trying to see if his old gaff is still there. Trust me.

21:40Wayne Rooney:Right, that's a debate for another day. Let's move on to one of the other big talking points from the weekend. Tottenham captain Christian Romero was sent off for the second time this season. Of course, you guys will have seen this one because it came in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. We will come on to that, guys. But his disciplinary record hasn't been great, Wayne. He's had six red cards since he joined Spurs. He's the first player to be sent off twice this season. There's so many stats kind of going against him, but given everything, the backdrop of everything going on at Spurs, how detrimental was that?

22:11Wayne Rooney:And how would you feel as his teammate or his manager?

22:14Kelly Somers:I actually think it was a little bit harsh, the Red Card's S team. And I can see why it's been given. But I think he's gone with a sad foot and I think it's a little bit harsh, but I can see why it's been given. yeah I think for players I've played against or played with players I was like that as well sometimes you lose your head at times and and I think he's done that throughout his time at Tottenham I think what doesn't help obviously is his comments in the week before about the lack of players Tottenham having so yeah he's clearly speaks his mind as well but unfortunately Unfortunately, you've got to go and back that up with performances when you're vocal like that, and I don't think he's done that.

23:03Kelly Somers:So, yeah, I think all it's got to do is bring more pressure on Thomas Frank. I think, which I feel for Thomas Frank at the minute because he looks tired. He looks like he's aged 10 years, 60 speed at Tottenham, and that's what that Tottenham job has done to him in a short period of time. So I hope they stick with him because he's a fantastic manager, but I think it's going to be very difficult for them to do that. And you don't need your captain going out, getting sent off on a regular basis or being as vocal as he was this week.

23:40Kae Kurd:It's just petulance, isn't it? It's like, I don't know. I think if I saw my club captain doing that, I'd be devastated. Because do you know what? We talk about how important leaders are in the dressing room in modern football and how there's a lack of leaders and whatever. You don't want your leaders going out there and doing that. What are lads like Xavi Simmonds and the younger lads in that squad meant to look up to if that's your captain?

24:05Kelly Somers:Yeah, but I think that happens. And sometimes you're the captain for that reason. You know, how many times we've seen Alan Shearer, we've seen Roy Keane as captain of football clubs, myself, Stephen Gerrard, going and getting sent off in big games.

24:22Kae Kurd:Yeah, but they backed it up on the pitch.

24:24Kelly Somers:Yeah, no, but for making silly decisions. So that's just part of the game. And sometimes, you know, that enthusiasm, that drive to go and win boils over at times. And unfortunately, that's the case. You look at Zidane, the World Cup finals, last ever game. You know, imagine how he felt after that game when he lost that and stuff like that. And what his teammates felt them when he lost that. So it happens. I think it's part of the game and you just hope that he'll learn from it and try and improve on his disability records.

24:58Wayne Rooney:Wayne, does it change your mentality when you are captain? So did you play slightly differently when you were captain? Because I guess you still want to be the same player, but you have that added responsibility. Did you change at all?

25:12Kelly Somers:Yeah, you'd try not to. I think normally, you know, when I become captain, I was a little bit older and I have matured. on the pitch as well. So, yeah, I think you think about the game a little bit more and you're thinking when you're young, you're just playing and you're thinking about trying to score goals or tie and help team win games where when you're a bit older and you do become captain, you're trying to be an example for your teammates, but also you're that link between the manager and your teammates as well. So you're sort of in between position of teammates and manager. So you just need to get that balance right.

25:52Kelly Somers:But I don't think it changes you that much on the pitch.

25:55Kae Kurd:I think, though, he's put his club into such a bad position right now because this is his second sending off, I think, of the season. So now he's getting a four-game ban. And they're potentially in a relegation battle now as well.

26:10Wayne Rooney:That was my next question to Wayne. Do you think that Thomas Frank's looking over his shoulder? or are they in a relegation battle?

26:16Kelly Somers:Yeah, you'd have to say they are. They're couldn't form. West Ham have been in good form. Forrest are in and out. They pick up results here and there. I think it's seven games Tottenham haven't won in the last seven games. So they have to be, I think. They can't think that they're not in a relegation battle where they are. So yeah, I think they'll definitely be looking over the shoulder.

26:41Kae Kurd:It's so ridiculous as well for a club like Tottenham to be in that position. They're the ninth richest club in the world. They've got one of the best stadiums in the world. They've got a brilliant training ground, but the fans don't care about any of that. Like, who cares if, like, Beyonce's playing at your stadium if you can't win a couple of football games?

26:58Wayne Rooney:I went and watched her there. She was very good.

27:00Kae Kurd:But I'm saying, like, because the talk from the board and stuff is, oh, look at what we've done, etc., etc. But that doesn't mean anything when you can't win football games and win trophies. I think the frustration from the fans is it's boiling over obviously because of results, but I don't think they know who to blame.

27:20Kelly Somers:Now that Daniel Levy's gone, who did he blame on the board or is it the managers, is it the players? so and I think that's why for Thomas Frank he's probably getting more than he would have normally if Daniel Levy was still there for instance so yeah so that's why I feel for him and ultimately Tottenham are not the players are not have not been good enough so I think they're the ones you have to look at

27:49Kae Kurd:If I'm putting my two pence in I think Thomas Frank needed to go a lot earlier in the season I I think I know they always say give managers a time I think we're giving managers too much time at the moment I think some managers you could tell after about three or four games you're out of depth here this club is way too big for you thanks but this isn't going to go any further and I think the Tottenham board should have made that decision a while back

28:17Kelly Somers:No I still think he's a fantastic manager and what he's done at Brentford shows that and sometimes clubs suit you sometimes it doesn't but for Thomas Frank now I think he's he's just got to keep going and try and get the lads to pick up more points and hope and hope for the best in the summer I think whereas now if Tottenham would be looking if they do that rhythm who did he bring in do they have a positive effect on the team on the pitch so I'm sure they'll be looking at all different scenarios and trying to go with the best decision

28:52Kae Kurd:There's a Portuguese manager that's that's free if they want it

28:57Wayne Rooney:The one thing Thomas Frank did say post-match was that he was pretty pleased at the spirit that they showed because obviously they went behind or they went down to 10 men quite early on. So there was one positive to get from him there. But from a Manchester United point of view, don't worry, we don't ever do a podcast without talking about Man United, especially when they've won. What did you make of it, Wayne? Because the calls for Michael Carrick to get the job are only getting louder.

29:19Kelly Somers:Yeah, and he's been incredible. I think the biggest thing I could say is I'm enjoying watching Man United play and there's a buzz around the football club which hasn't been for a long, long time so it's I think that's a huge pat on the back for Michael for all his coaches he's brought in because and I was at the what game was it? The previous game the Fulham game and it just suits him it suits Michael when you look down and look out and he's stood there he's got a calmness about him he's making the right decisions the right changes at the right time and obviously they've won the first the four games so we just hope he keeps the performance up keeps getting results and and almost forces Man United to make decisions to give him the job but yeah as I said there's a long way to go in the season and if he could make Champions League football for next season and stay in them positions and look you never know City aren't that far away in second place so you've just got to keep going game by game and hope and if he does that and stays in a position where he is now in the league I think it would be very difficult for the Man Utd bosses not to give them the job

30:39Kae Kurd:I think you're quite right the only thing that I'm weary of, because I see a lot of people online saying Michael Carrick can't get the job, Michael Carrick can't get the job I think Michael Carrick 100 % get the job And I think what he's shown here by bringing in people like Steve Holland is he's maybe looked at areas where he might be a little deficient and he's been able to plug those gaps with that knowledge around him, with the coaches that he's brought in. And I think the biggest test is going to be when we've got more games, when you're not playing one game a week and you're going to need to tinker with the side a little bit more.

31:16Kae Kurd:But I think right now he's doing everything he can do. And it's so important to get a run of games where you're winning because it brings that belief back where it's like, oh, we're Man United. And it brings that sort of feeling back when clubs come to Old Trafford and they're scared of playing them. And I think that's what Michael's bringing back. And if you could bridge that psychological gap beforehand, there's no reason why he shouldn't be manager. Who did Zidane manage before he managed Real Madrid? Who did Arteta manage before he managed Arsenal? Who did Pep manage before he managed Barcelona?

31:50Kae Kurd:I think there's precedent there. And bringing in a big name like Luis Enrique, who's to say that's not going to end him in tears anyway? He couldn't handle the pressure from the Barcelona fans when he was there. So, you know, I think, yeah, he can show he's doing the job already and he's doing it, so you might as well let him do it.

32:10Kelly Somers:Yeah, I think it comes from the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer job. and I think Oli's getting disrespected so much with people saying it didn't work out with Oli so you can't go Michael Michael's a different character to Oli and a different manager to Oli and Oli actually when we look back and look at how everyone's done since Alex Ferguson was manager Oli was probably one of the better ones at what he'd done and you know he got to be open league final obviously lost that on penalties I think he finished second played some good stuff at times so it was just the way it ended with Oli so yeah I think Michael is you know he's a calming influence on everyone and he'll just be doing his job and I'm sure he'd love the job at the end of the season if that's the case but I think he'll he'll just go about his business quietly let the players take all the applauded when it's gone well and if it's not gone well then I'm sure he'll step in and try and take that pressure off the players so at the minute the way he started and the job he's doing is fantastic so hopefully that can continue I feel like

33:27Wayne Rooney:I ask you every week but have you been able to speak to him at all exchanged any texts you don't have to divulge too much yeah

33:32Kelly Somers:no obviously spoke to him obviously our two lads played as well yesterday in the same team so yeah spoke to him and he's just it's more bad just as friends really bad than football so yeah no he's no it's because when you're Man United the last thing you need is your friend's phone and going on about football when he's probably been at it all day and he wants to get away from it so yeah no he's I think he's in a good place to me

34:04Wayne Rooney:OK that is where we will end the show then thank you as always watching and listening. We'll be back on Friday. You can watch the Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC Sport YouTube and iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds.

34:20Wayne Rooney:Five live sports.

34:22Dale Johnson:The Six Nations. Rugby's greatest championship. What a day of the Six Nations it's been. Live commentary of every match on BBC Sounds. And I think he has the try. Just a stunning score. One of the all-time great tries. The Rugby Uniweekly podcast will be daily throughout the tournament with all the best insight and analysis and the biggest names in the game. The Six Nations.

34:44Kelly Somers:Listen on BBC Sounds.

34:49Dale Johnson:We focus on the part of the internet that most people don't know about. It's called the dark web. Undercover in the furthest corners of the dark web, US special agents are on a mission to locate and rescue children from abuse.

35:05Wayne Rooney:Move in now.

35:06Dale Johnson:Police! From the BBC World Service, World of Secrets, the darkest web follows their shocking investigations. Listen on bbc.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

From the publisher

Wayne Rooney is back alongside Kelly Somers and Kae Kurd to react to the incredible late drama in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, with Wayne giving his verdict on the controversial disallowed goal, while Kae explains why he believes the decision was “anti-football”. BBC Football Issues Correspondent Dale Johnson joins the show to clarify exactly why the referee ruled the goal out and why City’s match-winning penalty was awarded.

They also assess what the result means for the Premier League title race, and whether Arsenal might now be starting to feel the pressure. Wayne also questions what the defeat could mean for Liverpool's season and the added pressure on Arne Slot.

Following Cristian Romero’s latest red card: is he the right man to lead the side? Wayne explains why he feels sympathy for Thomas Frank too.   And Wayne and Kae discuss whether Michael Carrick is edging closer to becoming permanent head coach, with Wayne revealing why he’s deliberately avoiding talking football when he speaks to Carrick on the phone right now.

You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds.

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