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Episode 21: Nail-biting title race & other Superliga shenanigans w/ Liam Barker
362 Plays1 year ago
Welcoming back friend of the pod Liam Barker to talk about a dramatic twist in the title race with FC Nordsjælland shocking the current champions FC København in Farum; a true 3-way relegation scrap and the hunt for bronze - or should I say third place?
As ever if you want to support the show head over to Patreon and sign up for the cost of a coffee a month and come on over to the website to check out the rest of my Danish football content.
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Transcript
Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:08
Speaker
This is Danish Dynamite, the Superleaguer podcast, brought to you by footballindemark.com.
00:00:16
Speaker
Welcome to Danish Dynamike episode 21. And given we've had 28 rounds of Super League action, I'd say that's pretty good going. Before we start, a renewed thank you to everyone who's supported the show and the website by becoming a Patreon. If you haven't, it's not too late to join and you can do so for no more than a coffee a month. So head on over to patreon.com forward slash football in Denmark to sign up.
00:00:40
Speaker
On today's show, I'm delighted to be joined by a returning guest and someone who many people have asked me to bring back. He's the English face of TV3's football coverage in Denmark. It's your friend of mine, Liam Barker. Liam, welcome mate, how is life treating you? Lovely mate, great to be back. Did you say it was episode 21? Yeah, you were on episode one. Yeah, epic. You're doing something right mate.
00:01:07
Speaker
Can't believe I doubted you, can't believe I doubted you. I didn't know you did doubt me. Yeah, that was secretly right now. Wow, episode 21.
Exciting Danish Superleague Title Race
00:01:14
Speaker
Excellent. You've obviously spent the whole season covering football abroad domestically. Are you looking forward to having a break? It must be quite a grueling season doing all this travel.
00:01:25
Speaker
Yeah, I think my wife's more looking forward to it than me. You know, every single Sunday watching three Superleaguer games, it obviously takes its toll. But for me, I love it. And to be honest, maybe I would have been ready for a break if things had panned out as it looked like it was going to, you know, four or five weeks ago. I thought we were looking at a one horse race. I thought by this point Copenhagen would have ran away with it. Now we just go through the motions, look like Horsons and Lungbu were finished. But no, everything, everything still to play for. It's fantastic.
00:01:55
Speaker
What does your gut tell you about the title race? How do you think it's going to go in the next few weeks? We'll obviously get into the nuts and bolts of it, but if you had to pick a name now, who would you say? Oh, wow. Million dollar question. You know, the last Derby.
Impact of Bronboo's Derby Victory
00:02:08
Speaker
I mean, what a day that was. It's, you know, threw up the most unimaginable win for Bronboo that I'm a betting man. And if you'd have given me Bronboo and IGF double that day, you know, I wouldn't have taken it.
00:02:20
Speaker
I'd rather have kept my 10 krona. You know, and then obviously that plot thickens and the game Monday, Norcheland date, of course, on that artificial grass. They've figured out, haven't they? The perfect way to pass exactly where to put the ball, exactly where to move it. And when they've got those runners, they can obviously beat anybody. But obviously this weekend is, I think I guess we'll beat Norcheland, which is a problem because I think the Derby can go.
00:02:47
Speaker
I think it's very 50-50 the Derby. Yeah I think that before the Derby last weekend or the weekend before last the talk was just really around how much FC Copenhagen were going to win and I think that what this has shown is that Gombe do have the quality when they choose to deploy it to cause a problem and Copenhagen are definitely struggling at the moment so yeah I wouldn't be surprised if Gombe pull off another victory as strange as that might sound.
00:03:12
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, the last one in Parkham was strange because my neighbor is, he was going to the game, big FC Copenhagen fan, and he was like, today's the day we avenge that 5-0 defeat. Obviously, that happened years ago in Brunbu when they had Michael Laudrup in charge. That was the feeling. And Brunbu's press chief, he was actually, he came to say hi in the press room in Parkham before the game.
00:03:36
Speaker
just, you know, they were he was chatting to some of the guys. And then he made us he said, but you know, in football, things change. And just imagine if we were to say win three nil here today, which, of course, when my colleagues laughed, because of course, that was unimaginable that, you know, they would win. But maybe that was the problem that it was kind of a free hit. But tactically, that day, it was absolutely perfect. Everything just
00:04:03
Speaker
went for them you know the width, the system, the pressing, the doubling up on the Rami and you know you're always dangerous when you've got Valis it was just an ear perfect performance and it'll be interesting to see if they can
00:04:15
Speaker
you know, repeat that again on Sunday.
Danish Cup vs. English Cups
00:04:18
Speaker
The other competition that has been ticking along nicely in the background and that also featured a very exciting FC Copenhagen, FC Nordsland battle was the Danish Cup. And I wondered, Liam, could you sort of try and contextualise this for English football fans? Is the Cup really important? Is it something, will there be wild celebrations on the street? Is it more FA Cup or more Carabao Cup?
00:04:43
Speaker
Well, definitely more Carabao Cup. It does sort of fade into the background. I remember years ago, I think, when Oliver won the double and they won 4-2 in Parkland against Copenhagen, a full house.
00:04:58
Speaker
That felt like a signature moment, like an FA Cup Final. And it was obviously a memorable day, although winning the double. But then other times, it's always full, it's a celebration, it's a big day. But then you have the Corona game and a Cup Final in Espia with limited fans.
00:05:17
Speaker
I'm not sure how it's going to be this time, of course, Copenhagen or any, which obviously helps a lot. A new, you know, the bookmaker will say it's a one-sided final. It doesn't quite have the glitz and glamour of the FA Cup, but even the FA Cup in England has lost its glamour, hasn't it? It's all about
00:05:34
Speaker
the league system. But if I should say something, I would say the Carabao Cup, you know, it won't define the history of your football club. Given Copenhagen are playing Alborg in the final, there's a chance that Alborg could win, get into Europe and be playing in Europe from the first division if they don't survive. That would surely be the first time that's happened. Yeah. Or first time it's happened in Denmark. Yeah. I'm pretty sure it happened to Wigan in the UK. Yeah, and perhaps Middlesbrough maybe, but yeah.
00:06:03
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. It's obviously a strange one, but it's funny. I think we perhaps touched on this before in a 12 team league. You know, you get so many European spaces. It didn't make any sense for me. Yeah, there's going to be four this year. Apparently you win bronze in the Super League. Did you know that? You win bronze. You win bronze. Nobody wins bronze.
Promotion, Relegation, and Team Performances
00:06:24
Speaker
You finished third. Incredible. I quite like the medal system, you know. No, you win it and 11 don't.
00:06:33
Speaker
You get a medal for finishing third, you know the champions of the first division get nothing. The pat on the back, congratulations, you're the 13th best team in Denmark. No trophy. No trophy now. What? We've got to change that.
00:06:49
Speaker
Given there's a trophy for El Plastico, we need to rectify that. Yeah, I'm sure there isn't. Maybe they have changed something, but I remember having this debate a lot because it's infuriated. The other thing about the Cup Final is that it always takes place on a public holiday, which is normally a Thursday, right? It takes place at about 4pm in the afternoon on a Thursday, which is amazing if you're in Denmark. It's not so great if you're at work in the UK. Well, absolutely not, but it's only you, isn't it? You're the only man outside of the Kingdom of Denmark.
00:07:19
Speaker
I'm still telling people about you now. You won't believe this guy. Arsenal season ticket holder knows more about V Borg and Ranus than me. Lives in London. But I love it, mate. You keep it going. Excellent. There's going to be a team coming up next year, probably next season.
00:07:35
Speaker
They're currently second in the first division. I know we've talked about this before, but their name is spelled H-V-I-D-O-V-R-E. I'm going to challenge you to say the name. I'm going to give it my best go, and someone on Twitter can tell us we're both wrong. I just say it's Valor and our other team. Where should Michael start his career? They'll come up. All right, I'm going to give it a go. Come on. Villoa. Villoa. All right, you win.
00:08:04
Speaker
Yeah, but I do win, but I'm still completely wrong. Yeah. The only positive is, you know, they're a Shelan team. So from my selfish, geographical, lazy perspective, it's so much easier to go to their stadium than a Ulan team. So I'm quite happy that they come up. Yeah.
Recent Key Matches in the League
00:08:25
Speaker
And, you know, it'd be good to have some, some fresh blood in the league rather than just the same teams going up and down. Yeah. You know, Per Franssen is the coach.
00:08:34
Speaker
I do. Yeah, the former Bolton player. I do indeed. Let's get into some of the games that have just gone this weekend. And it would be remiss to start anywhere else than FC Nauselland 3, FC Copenhagen 2. Before the game, there was inevitably social media drama involving Campbell Grabara. Bet you couldn't see that coming. But after the Cup game, Emiliano Marcóndez had made some comments and
00:09:00
Speaker
Grabara responded on Twitter by saying, I think you need to take that headband off. The pressure is getting too much on your brain or something like that. And, you know, Marcóndez was winding up the FC Copenhagen fans a bit by stepping on the pitch. And it was all getting a bit spicy, wasn't it? Yeah, banter, don't we? Love it. We absolutely love it. But after the game, didn't they swap? Grabara gave Marcóndez the mask.
00:09:23
Speaker
Mark Andes gave Grabara his headband. I didn't see that actually. Okay, nice to know it finished peacefully. But as the game started, or even as the teams came out, I was questioning playing Peter Ankerson over Christian Sorensen. And I think Jakob Nistrup was saying that he wanted to use Jelert's pace on the left so that he could counteract Nuama. But really, that first goal by FC Nozeland
00:09:48
Speaker
Peter Ankerson was all at sea, really caught out and ended up getting hooked at half time. So firstly, do you think that there was an issue with the selection to begin with? Well, I know what you want me to say because I've seen you're pretty active on Twitter. I thought you were Christian Sorensen's agent. Well, I completely understand the new Catena the second half when he comes in. Of course, it's different attacking threat. I just think it was a bit more of a cautious approach. Ankerson is the better of the two defensively.
00:10:15
Speaker
But, yeah, obviously he didn't cover himself in glory. But, you know, what a finish from Placer, I think you would say it. What a finish. Yeah, it was a rocket, wasn't it? Yeah, and King and Hanson should have scored also. Yeah. There's been a few this season that have been kind of missive the season contenders, but I think this one is going to take it just because it's about a yard out and OK, it was on the bounce, but still to clear the crossbar in that situation. Oof. That was Ronnie Rosenthal-esque, wasn't it?
00:10:42
Speaker
Perhaps, I don't think you see the studios, do you, in the half time? No. So he was interviewed in the half time and then he smiled and said, that's why I'm a central defender. Of course, I almost came to fight him on the alternate when he sticks one in his own net. Well, exactly. And went on to get the three points. Otherwise, there was a meme. And that own goal was
00:11:04
Speaker
Obviously after a driven cross by Christian Sorensen, not that I'm saying anything, but I think the pick of the bunch was the third FC Nordsland goal. Ernest Nwama, who's just been on fire this season and he did a signature Maisie dribble through the defence and then finished on his wrong foot and at that point the game was 3-1.
00:11:23
Speaker
A really phenomenal finish. I don't think he's going to be sticking around in the league too long. But also, do you think FC Copenhagen getting a late penalty, do you think the scoreline flattered them in the end? To me, it felt like this was a fairly comprehensive Nordsland victory.
00:11:36
Speaker
Yeah, I think it was a pretty comprehensive victory. And as you talk about Noama, I mean, you know, when he's running with the ball, I mean, it's absolutely insane. He's probably faster running with the ball than without it. Went to watch him just as soon as he picks it up on the edge of the box in any game and just, you know, he just drives at players, doesn't he? Like Martin Elliott Arsenal, you just don't see that confidence in a winger anymore, you know, go in that 1v1 and just completely back himself.
00:12:02
Speaker
I mean, look on Copenhagen on their right side. Erm, that gone Selves from Benfica. When they signed him and I, analysing him a few times in the Champions League, and seeing some clips on Weiskaut, and I thought, Jesus Christ, this guy's far too good for the Super League, and he's been absolutely woeful. Everything goes through the army, or, or not, you know?
00:12:24
Speaker
close down to Rami and you've closed down both wings. Yeah, he hasn't shown, has he? And I mean, what do you make of Jordan Larson because he's another player who came in in January and has had a bit of a slow start, but is starting to make the starting line up these days. Do you think he's going to be a player who sticks around after this loan period?
00:12:42
Speaker
No, I don't know. I mean, he was pretty poor in Schalke before. On the half-turning, you can see this, you can see this potential, but it just never quite materializes, does it? I remember in Horsons earlier in the season, he had a bit of a cameo. Haraldson had a good game, I remember. I think they won 4-0, if I'm not wrong. But, no, I don't see it. I don't see the, not strong enough physically, it looks to me. It looks a bit off the pace.
00:13:09
Speaker
Yeah I'm also slightly surprised that we're not seeing more from Rooney Badaji because after the contract was signed earlier this season you thought that would be the catalyst that saw him get in the team more often but he's still just making cameos and when he does he does look dangerous so that's another one I can't really understand. Yeah I understand what he's saying but I mean because of his age he is so young so fresh
00:13:32
Speaker
You know, I used to think all those years ago, I mean, you're, you're a superhero. The reason you watched Danish football, Thomas Delaney, I was, you know, it was also not, he was saved and he never quite, he saw Pep Guardiola with Phil Foden earlier in his career. He sort of expecting, okay, now he gets a run of games, catapults himself to the next level. It does feel like it's just, cause he's not the finished product yet, is he? And I mean, if, if they were, as we predicted, eight points clear at this stage and coasting to the title, he would get more minutes.
00:14:03
Speaker
Now, unfortunately, that's not the case, is it? Exactly. And I think just to draw a line under this game, I wasn't really expecting FC Nordsland to come with the confidence they did. And as you said, the selection of Angersome, for example, some of the substitutions during the game, it struck me as Copenhagen not being at their most confident self and really kind of, what's the opposite of throwing caution to the wind, extracting caution from the rim?
00:14:30
Speaker
Yeah, but you know, as I touched on earlier, for instance, like mass beast drop in the midfield, just that controlling influence, you know, I'm not not that I'm comparing to, you know, skulls or moderate, but, you know, that player that dictates a tempo takes a sting out the game, you know, plays through pressure, just, and also the importance of that grass.
00:14:51
Speaker
Like the way they practice on it, the absolute weight of pass, nobody needs to alter their runs. Just those small, small details. Look like Brighton under Roberto D'Serbi at the moment. Those small details where...
00:15:05
Speaker
You know, it's just a simple, it's a 10 yard pass that me and you could do, but it's about the weight of it. It's the precision of it. And that allows them to move the ball exactly how they want to do it. And I think that's something that's that small detail we kind of underestimate. But again, you know, in all, when they go there Sunday, that's back to normal grass, a physical team, and they won't have it all their own way. And I expect you have to beat them, to be honest.
00:15:32
Speaker
Yeah, and as we said, Copenhagen have the Derby, so neither team have a week off this weekend. And snapping at their heels are two teams, AGF and Wieberg, who faced off this last weekend. And looking at the table, it surprised me, actually. Only two teams have scored fewer goals than AGF this season, and it's Horsens and Lungbe. So the scoreline of AGF 3, Wieberg nil was certainly a surprise. And I have to say, going into this, it felt like it was going to be quite an even game.
00:16:01
Speaker
But looking back on the head-to-head results this season, AGF had won two and drawn one of the three encounters, and of course, Julie notched up a three-nil win, Patrick Mortensen scored a penalty, you know, there's a surprise, and Madzamil Madsen with a really nice brace. Both teams now sit four points from top. Should we be seriously considering either of them as title contenders? I think, you know, it's a bit propaganda, isn't it? We're trying to create a three-horse, four-horse race. I don't believe they'll win it.
00:16:30
Speaker
But if Agieff do win, perhaps, I mean, you don't know right now, they they're fantastic. Massa, Mio Massa, as you say, is that's the guy, Silkebore Sold. He's back. He's fantastic. The same way as Bistruk, Rasmus Falk as well. You know that that Super League player that just dips the shoulder controls as that elegance about them. It's just lovely to watch. And they he's created a structure of a roster that seems to work. I mean, almost almost play with overlapping centerbacks.
00:16:58
Speaker
you know, B-Sec, Tobias Mogul, they get forward, but, you know, they get cover from Nikolai Paulson. They have energy, they have control. You can see that they do a lot of work on the training ground. And, you know, Patrick Mortensen, death and taxes. You know, he scores goals, doesn't he? And that's what you can guarantee. There's only Ivan Tony guaranteed to score from the penalty spot more than him.
AGF's Surprising Win Over Wieberg
00:17:25
Speaker
Do you think I'd still take Mortensen over Tony?
00:17:29
Speaker
It's crazy you know how it is in Aarhus. They say the city of smiles and they're certainly smiling now. They think they will win bronze. I will say they finished third but for them they will say they've won bronze. I'm not even sure that this is a manufactured title race or three horse race. I think one of these teams has a chance. They're lying in wait. They've got
00:17:51
Speaker
perhaps a chance this weekend to really stake a claim with AGF playing Nordsland. So I could see it happening. Yeah. I mean, it's not out of the question. I think this year, this is like so exciting, you know, as I touched on earlier, because you just don't know what's going to happen.
00:18:07
Speaker
You know, I expect Copenhagen to win their home games. That's one thing that I assumed was certain going into the business end of the season, then Bronbu turned up there and, well, completely ripped up that script, didn't they? Absolutely. Ben Buford, I believe it's pronounced on Twitter, suggested Mads Emil Madsen was the signing of the season across the whole Superleaguer. Would you agree with that? Oh, I'm biased though, aren't I? You know, because of my affection for Silkeborg. That's why I asked you.
00:18:34
Speaker
Yeah, I know. I mean, that's obviously what now it started off very slow, didn't it? You could tell he hadn't played a lot of football, but now he's settled. You can see the touch, the composure. You can see the quality. But I think ask me again in four games time. And what did you make of V-Borg in this game? They've given so many teams problems this season. Are they fading towards the end of the season or was this a blip?
00:19:03
Speaker
I just think they met Agieff in there on that day where, like I say, they're tactically superior and just overpowered them. Obviously people have those threats from the two wide players and, you know, they have a defensive structure against the ball that works like, you know, they like to press narrow and close off the center of the pitch against Norcheland, for instance. But I just think Agieff were just able to rough them up and impose their game on them.
00:19:30
Speaker
And as I say, you know, like those overlapping centre backs and B-Sec and Mulgo, they're often on the edge of the opposition's 18-yard box. They just create overloads and, you know, when you've got good ball players in the midfield and now that quality, you know, the link up between Dooland and Michael Anderson seems to be something that they've manufactured or, you know, improved.
00:19:52
Speaker
They look strong. They look very, very strong. Fair play to Uwe Rosler as well. He came in with AGF missing relegation by, I think it might have even been a point or so. He's injected new life into that squad. He's brought in some great signings. They look like the AGF of the season before who made it into Europe. Yes, certainly they do. Again, question marks because he was in Malmö before.
00:20:20
Speaker
And if you don't win the Swedish league with Malmo, there is going to be question marks raised because they are far superior than the rest. But he got his chance and always they're backing him. He's found his system and yeah, they look very, very strong. It's quite exciting times. It is indeed.
00:20:39
Speaker
Jack Wilshire picked the wrong season to sign up, I think, maybe. At the other end of the table, Alborg faced Horsons in yet another relegation six-pointer with Horsons beginning the game.
Relegation Battles: Alborg vs. Horsons
00:20:51
Speaker
Four points clear of safety with both Lungby and Alborg breathing down their necks.
00:20:56
Speaker
The game finished 4-0, Eunice back is the star performer but the team playing with the same confidence they've carried into the previous handful of games and their position in the table would have been far more comfortable if Lingbee hadn't also pulled off their own result as they stunned Michelin with a 2-1 victory. I thought that FC Michelin really didn't look themselves and I don't know what it is about Lingbee Stadium but
00:21:18
Speaker
Midgeland struggled there earlier in the season and you know they did this again at the weekend only two shots on target for the visitors and in the end loomby's fighting spirit was pretty evident contrast to what whatever fcm could muster yeah but i mean right now loomby there seems to be an energy there's a positivity you know that was you know we're gonna shackles off we're gonna go down fighting
00:21:42
Speaker
And the fans have answered the call and they come in with intensity. Of course, they don't have the quality of some of the other teams. And on paper, they are the 12th best team in the Danish Super League. But is there anything above that as a bonus? They've come, they're going for it. And obviously, Midjiland are. They're in need of a rebuild, aren't they? A complete revamp.
00:22:07
Speaker
But the big thing is this weekend, Loombu of Insilkabur, who haven't laced up their shoes, have they been silkabur players for a long time now? And I'm no sporting director, but when you sell all your best players and you don't replace them, I don't think that's a very good recipe for success. So looking at the fixtures, I think I fancy Loombu this weekend and then we are, then we're into, they could survive.
00:22:34
Speaker
Well, I was going to ask you, do you think either team will be safe? And maybe I can throw in a wildcard and suggest maybe both Lingbee and Alborg will be safe given
00:22:45
Speaker
Silkeborg's performances, they're officially the worst-formed team in the league, no wins in their previous eight games. Could they get sucked into this and be, you know, could it be Silkeborg and Horsons that go down, maybe? I don't think Silkeborg will go, but I mean, you say they're in the worst form, they're probably in the worst form of any league. I mean, they've been absolutely woeful. It's a complete contrast to what we were watching last year. The European football has taken its toll, as you say, on all those players have gone.
00:23:12
Speaker
and you know they believe don't they that there's worse teams than them of course there is they will not be going anywhere and all of all obviously they are they're the superior of those bottom three that we talk about
00:23:24
Speaker
And I know as much as Horsons, it is funny when Horsons pick up results with their style of play, you know, reminiscent of the famous Stoke City back in the day, winning football games with limited possession. And Horsons have always had that stigma. So if I could choose a team to go down, it would be them. I'd very much like Loombou to stay up again. That's just because of my complete shearland bias. But Olberg obviously are, you know, a famous football club. Form a cricket club. So, and they play in red and white.
00:23:55
Speaker
They all don't belong where they are and hopefully they can fix that. Yeah, I think they're finding their momentum just about at the right time. They moved Theo Sander back to the bench, took some of the heat off him. Players like Alan Souza and even Eva Fossum popped up with a goal this weekend.
00:24:13
Speaker
a throwback name to last season, someone who was, who was killing it. And yeah, missions, it was fantastic. And by the way, Alan, I still haven't forgiven him for that. I hate that. Put your foot through it. It's a golden rule. Just put your foot through it. And then if you hit the crossbar, it goes over fine. Well, the keeper saves it. I don't want to see that. Not in those high state games.
00:24:34
Speaker
This is what I said last week that I think maybe it was the double bluff that the keeper would think is such such a high stakes situation. He's not going to risk pen anchoring it here and then he does. So maybe he's outsmarted him. You know, it is a bit of a game of chess or poker or whatever you want to call it. I completely agree with you. I remember Emilio Martinez, I just heard him on a podcast, you know, the Afton Villa Argentina goalkeeper. And he had a rule before the game where he told the players
00:25:03
Speaker
As soon as I save a penalty, the next one must go down the middle. Because the other goalkeeper is under pressure. Because the stakes are so high that he will choose a side. And that's the same way for Alan Souza. The goalkeeper made the decision, I've got to dive. I've got to pick a side and hope I get it right. And then he sticks it down the middle. Hindsight. Funny old thing, isn't it?
00:25:24
Speaker
Yeah, it certainly is. But you've been in this game a little while, in the Super League of Game. Has there ever been a more exciting finish to the season in terms of, you know, we've got four teams within four points at the top of the table. We've got three teams fighting it out for relegation. There's two teams who could win the relegation group. It feels like there's action all around the table right up to the last minute. Yeah, well, that's exactly what I say when you asked me before, you know, am I ready for the break?
Season's Climax and Tight Races
00:25:54
Speaker
but not really because it's just so exciting. So just great, isn't it? You know, and there's also games Friday, Sunday, Monday, and you've got these cup games during the week. It's just constantly, constantly flowing every cliche, whatever game is a big game. But regarding, is it the most exciting?
00:26:12
Speaker
I'm not really sure, to be honest, I think it's always been exciting for me when, like now we have Norchaland, let's say, that are the most likely, other than Copenhagen, to win it. The time Norchaland won it before, the time All War won it, it's not so much Midgeland because of the whole, you know, they're not a famous historical football club. But I enjoyed when Copenhagen kind of get taught some manners, you know, because they are the big powerhouse
00:26:37
Speaker
And it's nice when a team like Old Borg, you know, pips them to the title. So I'm not, I enjoyed the time you'll man's, nor shall I run the league, but I don't, I'm not sure if maybe this is the most exciting because as you say, four, four games to go is there and four teams can win it. Yeah. So I was thinking if.
00:26:57
Speaker
Norjland won the league. Would this be the first time where we've had four seasons with four different Super League of winners?
Historical Competitiveness of the League
00:27:04
Speaker
And I thought I'd landed on a killer stat. But looking back on it, it has actually happened before. Ninety eight, ninety nine when Albor won it. Then the next season, a team who I can't pronounce, Herfel. Oh, Herfelier, but that's Hobie Koo now.
00:27:21
Speaker
OK, well, they won it the next season and then FC Copenhagen and then Bronbe. So it has happened where you've had four teams in four years, but it's pretty unusual. And I think it would be a massive sign of the strength of the Superleaguer and just how competitive it is if that were to happen. What I can tell you for sure is that if Loongby and Horsons go down, it will be the first time that both promoted teams have gone straight back down, which is a surprising one. But that is
00:27:50
Speaker
Yeah, that's quite interesting. Well, that would suggest that we're creating a golf that we see in England, for example. You know, the gap is just a little too big. But when Viola come up, they will not be going down next year. They're a good side. Yeah. Have you watched much of them this season? Yeah, bits I have. Yeah, they're a good side. They get a big crowd and they have good players. Yeah, I'm looking forward to having Raul Albentosa back in the league.
00:28:18
Speaker
He was a big presence and I'm glad he stuck around there in the first division to help them back. And he seems to be turning into a bit of a cult hero there. Oh yeah, he's Tony Adams of Islay. There's your nickname. Hey, it might happen sooner rather than later.
Upcoming Derby and Fan Absence
00:28:38
Speaker
We've touched on some of the games coming up this weekend. Obviously the big one is the Derby Sunday afternoon. You're going to that one, I believe.
00:28:44
Speaker
Yeah, I'll be at the Derby. I will be making the analysis for Onside exciting. No away fans again. Yeah. Is this the last one without the away fans? I really hope so. I went to the first Derby of the season and there were away fans there and it definitely added to the atmosphere. So yeah, it's a, it's a, we've said this before, but it's a, it's a shame not to have away fans. Hopefully this is the last time and hopefully they can find a way to,
00:29:10
Speaker
to make sure it's the last time that they play it with just one set of fans, but I'm not overly confident. No, it's a shame because we want to create this cauldron, don't we? This is what competition is, what football's about. I mean, obviously the weekend, did you see Riverbocker? I mean, I can understand why they don't have fans there. Yeah, I did see it. That's a different level. The Copenhagen Derby should have supporters from both sets of clubs there.
00:29:37
Speaker
Learn to behave yourself, go there, support your club, you know, and create an atmosphere. Put Denmark on the map so more people like you get used to these big games because it's a massive game.
00:29:47
Speaker
It's the biggest game in Scandinavia. I agree. And we've said it before, but as ever, it's the, you know, the actions of a few dozen people at most that spoil it for the thousands of away fans that normally travel. So yeah, it's a shame. And hopefully it's the last one we go again next season. Yeah, exactly. But also, you know, the percentage, obviously the argument is a bit flat because Bronbeau just won one million park without fans. But, you know, to be there with you, you know, you're supporting your team, the players.
00:30:15
Speaker
the club, the club that represent you as fans. If you can give them a better platform and you can give them the support, that should be the priority. Not throwing bottles and trying to, you know, have a fistfight with your mates. Yeah, absolutely. And a recent guest on the podcast, Matei Delac, put a tweet out the other day, talking about the recent Horsons game where they played at Alborg and said, hold my hands up, we weren't good enough on the pitch. But
00:30:40
Speaker
what i didn't appreciate was being pelted with food by the by the album fans and you know to to lose 4-0 and be getting pelted but from the stands it's just not on is it no no of course not not what you want to see is it's also the super leaguer there's a reason isn't there that all the games are at different times yes for the tv but then you can go with your family it's early on a sunday some of the games it's supposed to be it's about family in it
00:31:06
Speaker
Awesome. Well, listen, Liam, we've got lots of football still to go four rounds of action and the cup final and then the Euro playoff as well, which shouldn't be forgotten because that's going to be the depending on the winner of
Episode Wrap-up and Future Outlook
00:31:19
Speaker
the cup. It'll probably be the fourth place team playing the top team from the relegation group. So that's
00:31:24
Speaker
an extra layer of drama. I can hear the cynicism in your voice, but I quite like it. It creates another big game, doesn't it? Another game that means something. Exactly. Liam, thanks so much for your time. Thanks so much for coming back on the show, back by Popular Demand.
00:31:50
Speaker
Enjoy the last few weeks of the season. Enjoy a much deserved rest afterwards. And yeah, hopefully I will see you in the flesh in Denmark before too long. Yeah. When are you back? Any plans? I am still in negotiation phases, but I would like to try and catch one of the first few rounds in the summer. You know, when the sun's coming down, you can still wear shorts and t-shirts and yeah, that would be my ideal plan. So if I can, if I can wangle something, then you'll be the first name on my list.
00:32:18
Speaker
our Denmark's changed mate in July you need your winter coat now I'll come prepared whatever the weather good weeks in the end of the end of June that'll be it fantastic thanks so much and I'll catch you over the summer yeah take it easy mate see you