Transcript
Killian Ginnity: Hello, hello, hello. That's really kind of become my little catchphrase for introing. This is a Not A Pundit podcast. As always, we are back for kind of a season wrap up, really. Like we've been kind of off kilter the last couple of weeks. And i think ultimately it's down to the season has been sewn up for so long.
Killian Ginnity: Connor, how are we doing?
Conor Glennon: i think I think you summed it up perfectly. it's been I don't really remember a time or a season that's been kind of so... The end's been just so meh. Before the Liverpool fans come at me, it's not it's it's not just because they won the league. I mean, it doesn't help. But it's ah yeah, you're right. it's just It's kind of been nailed on for the last couple of weeks, what's going on. But Newcastle pushing for Champions League.
Conor Glennon: I know we said a couple of weeks back, i I didn't want us to get it. But now that we're really in the hunt, it's hard not to want it. But I do think it's going to. destroy our league chances next year because that's what happened the first time and unless we can bring in players but there's enough moaning for an intro how are you doing now
Nate: I'm good. I'm hanging in there for the Europa League final so we can win our third trophy in three years. Keep the run going.
Conor Glennon: that desperation derby
Nate: Keep the run going. you know Three trophies in three years. I'm just hanging in for that. To be honest, lads, I haven't been the most active in the football world recently.
Conor Glennon: I don't know i don't know if if trophies are on the horizon for right our our friend Killian over there. Playoffs are going decently for you.
Killian Ginnity: We are doing very well. We best um we bet Coventry, who obviously have had like a meteoric rise under like Lampard. like When he took over, they were relegation contenders and to get in the playoffs. Incredible.
Killian Ginnity: and They've been on the ascendancy. They've seemed to get better rather than kind of like tapering off. um and we bet them 2-1 with 25% of the possession away from home.
Conor Glennon: You love to see it.
Killian Ginnity: like Like, here or not, our football manager, though.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: So, like, if we can do that, ah like, grind out a result like that, considering we ended the season badly,
Conor Glennon: Mockball.
Killian Ginnity: i am I'm quietly confident and I think ah we have a very, very good chance to get promoted. i am
Conor Glennon: you think Do you think ofing if you do come up
Killian Ginnity: Bristain look very strong though.
Conor Glennon: ah Well, did yeah, they do look strong. Like it's the the playoffs are always nasty. They're amazing to watch as a, you know, ah yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Neutral.
Conor Glennon: ah But do you think if you go up, you've the room currently with that group of players, so you're obviously, you'd obviously bring in a few players, but do you think you could stay up or do you think like the last two seasons, the three that go up, go back down?
Killian Ginnity: um realistically I think we'd go back down um just because i
Conor Glennon: Like, well down or like kind of touch and go. You could...
Killian Ginnity: i think i think we'd be um Ipswichy like I think ah it it could be um like as as you as you said ah in the ah season preview that we did 8 months ago 9 months ago
Conor Glennon: Okay.
Killian Ginnity: which is insane, and that it'd be kind of like
Killian Ginnity: 17th is the position. It's going to be one place, maybe either side of that, but like 17th is the position to go for.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: And I think Sunderland would be very much down that kind of route. um Because...
Killian Ginnity: Burnley... I could see... going straight back down... again as well... like... they kind of seem... to be that kind of... trying to play... a too nice of football... now...
Killian Ginnity: saying that... that's what Sunderland... tries to do as well... but I think... we're... able to kind of grind out... kind of results... like... look at that...
Conor Glennon: But that's important. like we we Yeah, we joke about the 25%, but like that's big Sam football. That's what keeps you in the Premier League, look.
Killian Ginnity: well... it's not that we... played Big Sam football... we didn't play ugly... But what we were able to do was let them overplayed themselves. They showed their hand and then we go, okay, okay, okay, okay there's a gap goal.
Killian Ginnity: And like Mayenda, who's only 20, like you should look up his first goal or the, the yeah, that their first goal and um his first goal. and And it was just bloody brilliant. Like he just capitalized on a mistake really, really well and managed to like have really, really good composure.
Killian Ginnity: And then big Dan Ballard, if we don't go up, we can't, we're not going to be able to keep them. Even if we do go up, we'll struggle to keep them 20 clearances by him alone.
Conor Glennon: That's outrageous.
Killian Ginnity: Um, ridiculous. Um, so yeah, like we have enough things about us that I think we can have an entertaining season in the Premier League if we get there.
Conor Glennon: Well, having the Derby back is is enough entertainment for me.
Killian Ginnity: Um,
Nate: eating Do you think Sunderland could be approaching a dangerous situation now in terms of like, you've got a very young squad, and you know, going up into the Premier League, how do you think they play that? Do they have to get in more experience?
Conor Glennon: or ge or do you get fleeced in the summer?
Nate: Is it?
Conor Glennon: Or do those young players end up going somewhere else?
Killian Ginnity: I think um if we go up, I think they'll stay for the season. um Just because I think they'll actually get better deals for themselves by having a a year in the Premier League.
Killian Ginnity: and But na you're right, we are coming up to a very dangerous point where if we don't go up, we will lose a lot of key players and we then have to replace them and that's kind of ah a big worry.
Killian Ginnity: um we And it's a worry in the sense that it's going to just delay the project another year or two rather than like, I don't think it's going to stop us from getting there.
Conor Glennon: Thank
Killian Ginnity: But I think we are kind of in it approaching a situation like Norwich did meette under Daniel Farke of um being at the top end of the championship consistently. I think if we don't go up next year, we're going to be probably win it or at least top two automatic promotion ah but not good enough to stay in the Premier League and which is kind of like
Conor Glennon: Which is a horrible place to be in because like you can see Gary Lineker talking about it with Leicester. When you're stuck in that kind of situation, you kind of half miss being in the championship because at least you win games in that.
Conor Glennon: you know Yeah, well, 100%.
Killian Ginnity: but it's a better position better to be in that position than luton
Conor Glennon: That drop-off, that shocked me, to be honest.
Killian Ginnity: like Well, it didn't shock me. Something was there before. These things can happen. They're a lot more realistic to happening than any of us really want to admit.
Killian Ginnity: But more importantly, ah They didn't have the facilities, the squad or the finances to maintain what they did.
Killian Ginnity: They had an incredible season to get promoted the Premier League. And that's all it was. They did an incredible to be competitive in the Premier League.
Nate: is
Conor Glennon: Because they they're they're about as much as you could hope for as a team that's come up in terms of if you're going to be in that dogfight. Like, they pushed it far, you know?
Nate: Killeen, you're the best to answer this in terms of like, so like obviously, you know, Burnley, they play expansive style, Sunderland, they play expansive style. So the teams going up out of the championship are playing really good football.
Nate: Is that not the dangerous part when you do go up, though, is, like, you want to have that pragmatic style of play, like, to stay in the Premier League if that if that's the long-term goal? it's like, are you better off harbouring that in the Championship and then moving up with that type of style, like, play style?
Nate: Or are you all for playing expansive football and then, you know...
Killian Ginnity: I'm all for playing expansive football because if you try and play the other way in the championship, you're getting yourself into a dogfight. um It's like if you ah try and fight with pigs, they'll drag you down to the mud and beat you with experience and...
Conor Glennon: You have some redneck sayings, my man.
Killian Ginnity: ah
Nate: what What's the solution then? like How do teams like Sunderland and Burnley stay in the Premier League then? Because there is that gap. It's like What I would say personally, how I'd say it if I had a team in the championship, I'd want to build with built up with pragmatic players and then add in that bit of flair where I feel like the championship currently is very top heavy of like, no, our team's full of flair, you know?
Nate: And I think that's probably where they're struggling with the gap
Conor Glennon: I never really thought about that to be honest, it's a good point.
Killian Ginnity: I think i think that it's it is a good point, but I think it kind of doesn't cover... like the to to be in a championship team that's gunning for promotion, youre you are competing transfers-wise with the recently promoted teams of the Premier League.
Killian Ginnity: like You are not financially, but like ability-wise, and you're trying to get...
Conor Glennon: Player resources resources available, like, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: and Yeah, and players now that are a little bit more technical are the ones that are going to get you promoted by quality. Like, look at Enzo Lefie for Sunderland.
Killian Ginnity: If we were playing Aladice ball, he's not going to come to us. So, like, you have to play that to get up and... whatever about abandoning your morals, um you have to be pragmatic enough to be able to adapt.
Killian Ginnity: And I think, yes, there is ah there is a call for maybe teams, ah like so like exactly like Sutherland did in the first leg of the playoff, to to show that right we can play the down and dogged and dirty.
Conor Glennon: Thank you.
Killian Ginnity: We can play without the ball. Come at us and we'll be able to withstand it. um I think the likes of Burnley and Sheffield and all haven't really necessarily shown off that they can do that.
Killian Ginnity: um ah But
Killian Ginnity: I think it's it's to say that we you should be playing they kind of back foot lower teams type of football.
Nate: um I'm not um not really saying that.
Killian Ginnity: I think it's just a little bit kind of underrating the rest of the league.
Nate: I'm more saying like recruiting the championship like you're going to go up and have to fight to stay up. you know like I think one of the issues that I have with Burnley personally, and I think I'll say it, I think they were delusional when they went up, is you go from dominating in the championship to playing like your likes of Birmingham or whatever, and you're dominating them, to then having to play with team against like your Brentfords and whatever.
Nate: who who stay up in the Premier League, but they're the ones getting dominated by your cities, your Liverpools. So, like, that's that's the gap, if that makes sense. You go, dominating...
Conor Glennon: Yeah, no, I get you. it's in you you need to You've got you know plan A is your your championship plan, but you almost need to have one eye on plan B if you do get brought up.
Killian Ginnity: and Oh, yeah.
Nate: like I genuinely see the only like the only way for teams to to stay in the Premier League. And I think it's why we'll see, and I think you'll see Leeds take that adoption more than, say, your Sunderland if they go up and whoever else, is you have to become the Brentfords over time because that's what get that's what makes you stay in the league, in my opinion.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, no, like, that is a really good point. And and ah and in fairness, I think um ownerships and managements now are going to be a lot more aware of that after seeing Southampton.
Conor Glennon: Well, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Like, I think, under Russell Mare...
Nate: Actually, yes, the perfect analogy. analogy
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, because, like, they stayed for too long on the idealism. And...
Conor Glennon: That just soured to the to the to the core.
Killian Ginnity: they They paid the price. They paid the price for it.
Conor Glennon: like
Killian Ginnity: Like...
Nate: I don't think you can have an idolism though, like coming up out the championship, if that makes sense. like but Like, say you're, like, say um Nottingham Forest who are doing great this season, yeah?
Nate: It's like their play style from when they first went up to now has developed, but they still had to default on that that play style when they came up. And I just think if I'm Sunderland coming up or Burnley or Leeds, it's like,
Nate: mission number one is stay in the league like you know and then you build on it where I feel like if Sunderland do go up they're sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of we've curated this great squad it's just can they can they be there the the ones that keep them up you know
Conor Glennon: Well, it is funny that it is cruel and you know it's across all the leagues, Wrexham will have it now, that they're up in the championship. like The calibre of player to get you into the championship versus the calibre of player to keep you in the championship are very different. you know like and and And I think there is going to be people in in the Maccams that don't survive the summer because, yes, they're great championship players, but if they go up can like there there is a level difference like a dramatic level difference
Nate: Like, Cillian, would you be happy in the summer to trim some of the perceived future talents for more experienced lower Premier League players that you know have the bottle to stay up?
Killian Ginnity: I'm more than happy to lose any of the players because that's the model. um That's the model that we've adopted and we've decided on. and
Conor Glennon: When you say that's the model as in ruthless but kind of successful,
Nate: but
Killian Ginnity: Well, look, look, look.
Nate: that model goes out the window now though because that model that model was for the championship that model I disagree i don't think that model can survive in the Premier League i really don't so I think it's
Killian Ginnity: It doesn't. It doesn't. Not with this ownership. Not with this ownership. but
Killian Ginnity: no but No, but this is the thing is with this ownership and this um setup that we're doing, like they're willing to take that chance and willing to take their licks on that.
Killian Ginnity: Like they're more than willing to accept going straight back down um and sticking to the way that they want to do things.
Conor Glennon: But that's such a pessimistic way to to look at things.
Nate: Yes. i
Conor Glennon: like isn' in like You cannot tell me, like I know you are a Sunderland fan, but i mean you're the majority of Sunderland fans, you cannot think are like, oh yeah, we'd be happy if we play their system and we go straight back down. Come come on
Nate: But also, that's what Southampton and Burley have done in the past, is they what their quote-unquote plans are, and you get to the big time and you're like, this isn't the same.
Killian Ginnity: I didn't that people would be happy about it.
Nate: And I think the issue that I see with Sunderland now is you've got to bring experience big time, and I think... in terms of say what St Hampton have done.
Nate: Like, remember St Hampton signed Walker Peters and all of us were like, that's an unbelievable signing.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Nate: It's like, you need a squad them signings.
Conor Glennon: But it's also, I think, you know, we a few weeks back, maybe a few months back, we kind of said, there's plenty of teams in the Premier League that you could not define the type of football that they play. But the reason that they managed to survive year on year they play the opponent in front of them each week and they they adapt.
Conor Glennon: You know, and I think there is Burnley, for example, who were rigid in the in the way that they were playing. Let's take out the kind of, organizational point of it their actual tactics they were so rigid that that's what cost them their premier league status you know you cannot be one you cannot be a one-way team in the premier league anymore
Nate: But also, Sunderland, they're big enough of a club to stay in the Premier League and build on it. like
Conor Glennon: i agree
Nate: That's a fact of the matter, in my opinion, is the fan base, the club, is big enough to stay in the Premier League and build it. And I think it's better for the Premier League if they're in the Premier League. But... that has to be done in a strategic way and I think it's all well and good going in the Championship.
Nate: We want to buy young players and build this expansive style of play and this that. But like let's just get the club into the Premier League and build and then six years, but four or five years down the line, that can become your club ego's.
Killian Ginnity: See, the the difference with Sunderland versus Southampton or any of them is Sunderland would be more pragmatic on the playing end of things than they would be on the buying.
Killian Ginnity: But what Sunderland have been doing is they've been spending within their means and so and getting these underrated players on clever deals rather than spending big money.
Conor Glennon: but like incentive deals and stuff.
Killian Ginnity: So, like, we... Exactly, yeah. So like sell-on fees, all that kind of stuff. Like if we get promoted, we have to we have to sign Enzo Le Fay, which ideal for the Premier League.
Killian Ginnity: Like I think he's a player that will only be better. Like I've had arguments with Sunland fans about this. He's been playing out on the left in the championship and I think he needs to play out on the left and championship because he doesn't have the physicality to play to the centre.
Killian Ginnity: But he would have the physicality to play in the centre in the Premier League. Like, it's you know, that kind of way where the championship doesn't give you that room to breathe. Premier League gives you a little bit more.
Killian Ginnity: Liga gives you a load more.
Conor Glennon: Well, the the the champion the the championship is relentless in terms of, you know, the fixture list, but also like,
Killian Ginnity: Serie A gives you loads more.
Conor Glennon: that the that that's the one thing that i kind of sometimes struggle to understand when the championship teams come up they're used to so many games and you to survive that season and to thrive in those seasons you need to have such squad depth but when they get up to the premier league yes like they have all this depth of players but they it's the level within the squad you know
Nate: Yeah, it's about quality. Like, if if I'm Sunderland this summer, I'm going to be honest, I'm trying to raid Leicester.
Conor Glennon: that's I thought that too.
Nate: That's where am.
Conor Glennon: i taught that i like
Nate: That's where I am now.
Conor Glennon: like they're used to They're used to that level.
Nate: I'm trying to get...
Conor Glennon: you know Yeah.
Nate: you've got You've got proven players in there that we know can play high-level Premier League football. Honestly, I'm taking Vardy on a year contract.
Conor Glennon: I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to it.
Nate: I am.
Killian Ginnity: one
Nate: I'm trying to get in Diddy.
Killian Ginnity: Vardy, wouldn't say no to.
Nate: I'm trying to get in Diddy. I'm trying to get face at the back. Like, these are players that you need coupled with also veterans, I think. Like...
Conor Glennon: And you could pick them up relatively cheap.
Nate: Like, honestly...
Killian Ginnity: Like, Vardy is one i would I would take because it would be very i' be obvious of what he'd be coming in for. One season, back up.
Conor Glennon: I wouldn't even say backup, mate. I'd say he's the kind of guy you'd you' play him for 60 minutes, 70 minutes, ah as many games as his legs will allow.
Killian Ginnity: But hes he's there he's there to so supplement the strikers that are already there. Like, he's not there to replace one.
Nate: if If your strikers are good enough to play Premier League football.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: They have...
Nate: like like no Like, I think the big...
Conor Glennon: because you Because you don't know until you get there, though. like We can...
Killian Ginnity: i think I think between the two of them, they have 30 goals and assists in the championship. One of them being a 20-year-old, like just turned 20.
Nate: ah what I wouldn't... I wouldn't touch Ipswich's squad. I think Thierry Hong... To be honest...
Conor Glennon: Southampton didn't prove anything this year either.
Nate: Ipswich is the carbon model, in my opinion, of what, like, youth could do wrong, like, in my opinion. i did I think they've shown you what not to do, is trust the youth and, you know, full-on youth squad, basically.
Killian Ginnity: Oh, yeah, yeah.
Nate: Like, that's not 100%.
Conor Glennon: but Well, you you need you need a mix. you need You need young lads who are trying to prove themselves, but you also need old boys who know what's going on.
Nate: But... more
Killian Ginnity: See, the only thing is our manager is a former head of youth development.
Nate: and
Killian Ginnity: So he's actually not that used to handling older players. So i think I think our experienced players and our older players that we sign are going to be 27, which I think is old enough to have the experience that you need.
Conor Glennon: That's a problem.
Conor Glennon: But then the only problem with that, man, is, and I've seen this in Newcastle, where we went through those years of not being allowed to sign anyone over 26. Like, it goes against you. You need some old heads in there.
Nate: 100 more. We're not even saying all heads. like A couple of 30-year-olds in there. like you know I think the perfect one was when Palace signed Cahill from Chelsea. it's like he you know He's not a top-level player, but he brought stability at the back, in my opinion.
Nate: like You look at your Crystal Palace a couple of years back. Their defence, what was the average age? Bournemouth a couple years back. What was the average age? think
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: i think
Killian Ginnity: Like in fairness, I think one of the things with Sunderland going up to the Premier League, if we do get up there, is it's a position that this ownership and this lee ah football leadership model hasn't had an opportunity to be at.
Killian Ginnity: at Sunderland so like they've done things in a way where they have had to be thinking about sustainability and growth so it'd be very interesting to see you if they open up the checkbook like if we get it up we have to spend 25 million on Le Fay but also to see like what kind of changes they're willing to make to the system and but There's plenty changing happening with plenty of clubs at at the minute before we go into our full season review, which I know is slightly early, but it's all done and set in stone.
Killian Ginnity: get over yourself.
Nate: Actually, do you know one player that just came to my head who I'd sign if I was on?
Killian Ginnity: um
Conor Glennon: Me.
Killian Ginnity: Who?
Nate: Gavin Bizzouna.
Conor Glennon: Oh, great show.
Killian Ginnity: No.
Nate: I would sign him going up into the... He's had a tough time with injuries, bought he's a Premier League goalkeeper.
Killian Ginnity: you See, we have a goalkeeper that's 25 years old. If I was going to be signing a goalkeeper, I'd be signing Kepa.
Conor Glennon: We're going to get Cuevin Keller. You can take Nick Pope. Deal done.
Killian Ginnity: Nick Pope, it'd be ideal for something like that kind of a ah player. Like but years ago with Burnley when they had Tom Heaton and Nick Pope. It's just like, we need that kind of a backup.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, that yin and yang.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, somebody that's good enough, that's good enough, but then you also have a backup that's also good enough. um Or Birmingham years ago with Hart and Butland.
Conor Glennon: Can I just say, lads, if us discussing Sonnerdon for 20-odd minutes doesn't sum up how bad this last few weeks of football has been...
Nate: yeah
Killian Ginnity: yeah
Killian Ginnity: Before we get on to that, Nate, there's been big news out of Paris and we don't meet mean Saint-Germain.
Nate: yeah Paris FC have they're quite rich now just like their neighbours you could literally throw a stone from one stadium to the other and and looks like there's going a bit of competition and in Ligue 1 from now on
Conor Glennon: so So how rich are these lads now? Because obviously we know PSG are you know sovereign wealth fund owned, have all the resources on earth. Are or they are they poor rich or rich rich?
Killian Ginnity: They're richer. They are on paper richer than PSG. Like, well, the family that has the majority of them, I believe I'm right in saying it, is the Iron Vault.
Conor Glennon: Surely not.
Nate: I know, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah. And they own.
Conor Glennon: The Louis Vuitton crew.
Killian Ginnity: Exactly.
Nate: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: And like, they're the one that family is always on the richest people lists. They'll always be like Musk, Bezos. And who is that?
Nate: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: That's them.
Conor Glennon: The fella that basically did up Notre Dame.
Nate: but like That's the thing is, they're now owned, the majority owned by them.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: Bahrain have a 25% share in the club and Red Bull have a share in the club, which, you know, even if Red Bull don't bring the money, they'll certainly bring the market in.
Nate: And think,
Conor Glennon: and And everything else with it.
Killian Ginnity: I can literally smell the Euros from here.
Nate: like, are we going to see our first Louis Vuitton football kit? No.
Killian Ginnity: imagine that would be amazing
Conor Glennon: I didn't even make the connection on that. That would be so sick.
Killian Ginnity: like i I can't wait until they sign Olivier Giroud and finally put him on catwalk Batman has been born to go on the catwalk we've been waiting for it decades or this and it's going to happen um i think it's going to be exciting um they haven't been in Liga in like 46 years or something stupid I think I saw
Nate: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: to Do France have the stupid PSR type thing going on or can they just go out and buy whoever they want?
Killian Ginnity: France's money is so bad right now that the league has asked the clubs to not account for um TV rights and are asking owners to put in the money to balance the books.
Killian Ginnity: So they're so far away from PSR, they're literally begging owners to throw money at them.
Conor Glennon: Oh, sorry, this is the... This was... DAZN couldn't get the deal done, wasn't it?
Killian Ginnity: Exactly.
Conor Glennon: Ah, yes, okay.
Killian Ginnity: oh The zone, I believe, that the whole deal crumbled. It's like it was done and then it was not done and then it's gone. So they basically don't have a way to really watch the league officially, I don't think.
Nate: Well, they're they're sort of hurting from their own success recently, if that makes sense, in terms of, you know, they had their Messies, they had their Namers, and obviously that would bring the value of the league up and spending and this and that. And now when those those assets leave the league, it's like who's going to front up the money for if if the attractions aren't there?
Conor Glennon: Is it also though like that they can't...
Killian Ginnity: almost like leagues should be a so self-sustaining.
Conor Glennon: Oh, don't get...
Nate: Oh, man.
Conor Glennon: lads, I am not...
Nate: But I will say, if Paris FC are going to become a force now, that is going to bring more money into the league because it becomes a better spectacle.
Conor Glennon: I am not going down. I'm not taking the bait on this.
Nate: If there's two Paris clubs who are spending heavily and, you know, bringing in big players, it's...
Killian Ginnity: But I do think that it's going to be really good for the league. And I think part that's partly down to both Lyon and Marseille being borderline basket cases over the last decade.
Killian Ginnity: True bad, bad ownership and bad money.
Conor Glennon: Don't say the word sustainability, I swear to God.
Killian Ginnity: yeah no Ultimately, that is what it goes back back to. I'm not saying that they should be having PSO rules or ros or and like that. We're not getting into that. But...
Killian Ginnity: they they are an example of why these rules may exist in other leagues. And I think they've the league has become so dependent on PSG to prop them up with superstars. And Nate, as you're saying, like these having the money to be able to splash and draw in more names is going to bring the league back from the brink as far as I'm concerned.
Nate: my issue is though like who are your Messi and Neymars in this day and age ah like
Killian Ginnity: i I don't think they go that far. i think, like, i think they would they would be very clever to go get a Pogba. I think if they go for French icons.
Nate: but Kylian we're were're in the world where Ousmane Dembele a French player is on Ballon d'Or form at PSG and no one gives a crap you know what I mean
Conor Glennon: what is it See, this whole thing with the TV deal, when you say they're victims their own success, I think part of it is it's a glorified Scotland league in the fact that, you know that or a Bundesliga, where after 10 years in a row, the same team bloody winning it all the time, people are fed up with it. And I think that plays its part.
Nate: Well, I think...
Killian Ginnity: There's that, but I also think Dembele in particular, Nate, is the fact that like 120 million odd was spent on him and it took him seven years later to hit the kind of form that he should have.
Nate: he like he's literally on Ballon d'Or for him you know like like he these I'm pretty sure he's the favourite from the Ballon d'Or right now like I think that's mental that that's not even bringing in a fraction of hype even like even Champions League nights everything's about the medium out this, the medium out that which is fair enough like the kid's going to be on ground but no one like the hype just doesn't seem to be there for the players
Killian Ginnity: Oh, he's he's been been incredible, but like,
Conor Glennon: Or Ryan as he likes to go by.
Killian Ginnity: I do think part of the part of that is also down to its PSG. They have all of the money. And from not the nicest way of getting it.
Killian Ginnity: Versus like.
Conor Glennon: i don't think the nicest way of getting it, I don't think it matters. i don't think people care.
Killian Ginnity: i think it does I think it does when you pair it.
Nate: ah no like I care
Killian Ginnity: I think it does. but Yeah, well but i think I think it matters as well. Like, as Nate was saying, when you've won 10 leagues in a row, when the only competition is you're really competing for is the Champions League, I think people kind of go, meh.
Nate: well that's the thing is when they're in the Champions League I'm like I'd rather they didn't win you know like that's how I am it's like all that money getting pumped into the club were there like if they're going up against the team I'm like I'd rather they didn't win the Champions League
Conor Glennon: Well, yeah, I'd be happy if they never win the Champions League. I will absolutely agree on that.
Killian Ginnity: and then went And then when you pair that up against to a homegrown 17-year-old on ridiculous form, I think the general public has a, or the football-faring public, will go for the kind of easier-to-like story than not.
Conor Glennon: I like them competing in it, but I don't want win
Nate: I...
Killian Ginnity: and Plus, I think, well yeah, La Mignamale is becoming a brand now.
Nate: Quickly, very quickly.
Killian Ginnity: Like, yeah.
Nate: And like I don't think even on this podcast we've talked about him enough, like how good that kid actually is at football. like He's 70...
Killian Ginnity: Ridiculous.
Nate: seventy
Conor Glennon: Well, at 17 years old, playing 100 games, like, that is, like, Wayne Rooney was one of the greatest young players you'd ever see.
Killian Ginnity: It's stupid.
Conor Glennon: At 17, doubt he even had 25 games.
Nate: The crazy thing is, 100 games yet, like, his form has been so consistent. Like...
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Nate: do And...
Killian Ginnity: And he's won Euro's.
Conor Glennon: He's won everything, man.
Nate: Like...
Conor Glennon: He's, like, literally...
Nate: You know, I'm very careful to use the word, like, messy this, messy that. But when you watch him score a goal, it's very messy-esque. Like, it just is. Like, there's no other ways about it. Like... You know...
Killian Ginnity: He was he was held and bathed by Messi, so maybe he got
Conor Glennon: Yeah, that famous picture here.
Nate: Like... I think we all have that memories of La Liga, like, what, back in, what, 2012, where it would be the El Clasico, and it's like, or even Messi, like, remember watching them against, like, your eyebrows or whatever, just on a Saturday night, and it's like, where do you pull that goal out of?
Nate: you know? Like, and then that's the type of feeling I'm getting watching Le Mane and Mal, where I...
Conor Glennon: yeah
Nate: and this is the worrying part for football is i don't, I don't have any other affiliations to any other players in the same way as like, the medium is like you like that kick go all the way, but there's very other, there's very other few other players that I'm like with that.
Conor Glennon: I just...
Conor Glennon: My fear with Laminya Mal and Sardi could have crushed me, but it just makes me... I'm in agreement with everything you're saying, but my biggest fear for that kid is he turns into Neymar.
Nate: I don't think so. I think, i think, he's securing that he came through Barcelona. I think that's his saving grace.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Nate: is like It's the same way Messi is like, he'll be there now for for a decade. Close.
Conor Glennon: He's got that Lamacy kind of inbuilt in him, yeah.
Nate: Do you know what mean? like And he will be the biggest thing in football if he continues. like Full stop. and
Killian Ginnity: Like he will do to Mbappe what Mbappe did to the likes of a Neymar and the likes of a Messi, whereas that kind of like, yes, Mbappe will win a good few Ballon d'Ors, probably back to back, but Lamin-Nymal would be so tight on his heels and people get bored of Mbappe and they're yeah, well, okay, yeah, but look what Lamin is doing.
Killian Ginnity: Look what he's...
Nate: Well, we need Mbappe to step up now. like Give us the show that Messi and Ronaldo did. you know like that That's what we need. is like We need Mbappe on world-class form.
Nate: We need Lameda Mahal on world-class form and just battle the best. Listen, if La Liga can produce that, like so in my opinion, they're producing more than the Premier League this season.
Conor Glennon: but like I
Nate: That's all I'll say.
Conor Glennon: like i i don't have i think I've said it before in the pod, but I don't like Mbappe as a player, but i'm I still want him to play the best he can because when he's on his top form, he's an incredible to watch.
Conor Glennon: you know like and I do think we've got so used to having Messi and Ronaldo for so long that Like you said, Nate, like there isn't that many players out there that are that level, and especially not playing in similar leagues.
Conor Glennon: And, you know, like to.
Nate: even remotely close to that level, like, you know what mean, like, like, Laminio Mala's nowhere near Messi and Ronaldo, but, like, no one's remotely near Laminio Mala at this point, in my opinion, at least in terms of, like, what he can be, like, Mbappe, since he's gone to Real Madrid, as, you know what i mean, like, it hasn't been good, and Vinicius Jr., like, where's he been this season, like,
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: No, but he could be.
Conor Glennon: It'll be interesting to see you what, you know, if if I think it's a here we go from Fabrizio with Jabby Alonso to Real Madrid. It'll be interesting to see what he can do with Mbappe.
Killian Ginnity: And how Madrid will react to Don Carlo going to Rio de Janeiro and just living out his days smoking cigars.
Conor Glennon: what do you What do you think of that move? and Like both Don Carlo moving on to Brazil and Jabby coming in?
Nate: and Listen, Caroline's like, he's top five manager of all time. Like, easy.
Conor Glennon: I'd say top even three.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: Easy. Like, what he's done in the game has been unreal. And I think at the age he is and how iterations of football he's gone through to still be that good with that Real Madrid side for as long as he was is unreal.
Killian Ginnity: Was it 2005 that he won the Champions League with AC Milan?
Nate: He thinks I...
Killian Ginnity: Or 2007? Yeah,
Conor Glennon: It was around that Istanbul era.
Killian Ginnity: yeah yeah it was either side of Istanbul. And like when you consider the players that were playing then, the styles of players that were playing then, the teams that were big then that aren't now, or the teams that are small then that are big ah big now, like Leipzig didn't exist.
Killian Ginnity: Um... And for him, nearly 20 years later, to still be winning Champions Leagues.
Nate: Oh, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: like
Nate: like When you think about though...
Killian Ginnity: and but and the And the thing is, with different teams as well, multiple times, it's insane.
Nate: Oh, 100%. But like he was at the pinnacle of football around that period when he won the Champions League with AC. And even with what he did with Chelsea to a certain extent.
Nate: And then like there wasn't...
Killian Ginnity: And Bayern.
Nate: And Bayern...
Killian Ginnity: And PSG.
Nate: PSG, but there was that dip where he went to fucking Everton or whatever, and it's
Conor Glennon: How that happened, I still don't know.
Nate: like, four so fact that is is still but then the fact that he still came back and done that with Real Madrid, I think it's such a testament, because like not many managers, i don't think, go through generations of football, and he did.
Killian Ginnity: It's Napoli time. Faye Roba though.
Conor Glennon: Well, he's so adaptable, but he what what's interesting about him is he has his own way, and you know and any of his ex-players will say that, that he's kind of uncompromising in that, but He's found a way to stay with the times, but stay to stay true to who he is and how he plays. And that's not easy, you know.
Killian Ginnity: I think he's deserve fully deserved, if this is his retirement, he fully deserves it. But the fact that he, his ah holiday in Liverpool, the fact that he can do that and come back to the likes of Madrid and do what he's done and still maintain that ah respect from the players, we might not see him for another five years.
Killian Ginnity: But we might see him again at the top level. He's just incredible.
Nate: Well, you might want to work up.
Killian Ginnity: When it comes to shabby,
Nate: wouldn't put a pass though.
Killian Ginnity: ah he yeah, like if anybody's going to do it And with Xabi, I can see it with Madrid going either or way, just because when you have a character like Carlo Ancelotti, your big stars aren't as big of a star under his...
Conor Glennon: Because he's Carlo Ancelotti, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: and And he has that eyebrow.
Conor Glennon: do it
Killian Ginnity: um Whereas how the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. is going to react to Shabby, don't know. It'll be interesting to see if he can put that stamp on because my worry would be is that they try to see him more as it like a mate or a peer.
Conor Glennon: the only thing The only thing I'll say to that, though, is when you look at the managers that Javi has played under, he's played for Pep, he's played for Carlo, he's played for Jose, he's played for Rafa Benitez.
Killian Ginnity: He didn't play for Pep.
Conor Glennon: He did. Bayern.
Killian Ginnity: Oh, yeah. I forgot he was at Bayern.
Conor Glennon: Yeah. Like, he's been around, man.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: he Like, even if he got a fucking nugget off each of them, you know?
Killian Ginnity: Now, I think he has the ability. I don't know if he has the authority. And that would be my only concern for him.
Nate: Listen, I...
Killian Ginnity: Because there seems to be something bubbling under there with Madrid. And when you look at Mbappe not performing that way, i can see him starting to lash out at some point.
Nate: Listen, i'm I've always been more of a Madrid bully than a Barca bully, but in terms of Madrid, you need to be careful because they've literally made a Galactico team, and the thing when you make Galactico teams is you need a Galactico manager, and that's the danger is...
Conor Glennon: Yeah. Fair.
Nate: he's going to have to manage like stupid amount of egos in that dressing room. And like listen, I think we can all agree that Madrid have gone about their business in the last couple years insanely.
Nate: They're the kings of free deals and they've managed to build the Galactico side. And it's like, yes, Xavi's Alonso is probably the best manager right now for them that's available, but...
Nate: Like, do you just have to go and try and pinch a Galactico manager that you know...
Conor Glennon: Well, like, Zizou is, you know, that would have been... Like, I think... Look, I i think Alonso will work out. I also think he'll have the respect from being an icon in that Spanish team.
Conor Glennon: You know, one of the best players of his generation and his position. When you see him still fizzing balls on the training pitch, like, I think he he'll have the respect more through doing than talking and and what he's accomplished in the game.
Conor Glennon: just... i just
Nate: i i dis i I think he's going to struggle with the period of time that it's been since he's retired to when to where he is now.
Nate: I think, as Killian said, it's going feel a bit more bit too matey, I think, in that dressing room. And listen, that could either work or not. I don't know. But for me, the man, I would have got Jurgen Klopp. That's who I would have went for if I was...
Conor Glennon: he would have done it? totally agree he'd be perfect for it but do you think he would have done it?
Nate: There's rumours that he's looking to get back in the managerial game.
Killian Ginnity: Would it have made financial sense, though?
Nate: i would i would have mix i would have explored I would have explored it.
Conor Glennon: Well, he'd be what? He'd be 10 mil a year? 12 maybe?
Killian Ginnity: Not just that. I'm sure that Red Bull wouldn't let him go for for nothing in that role.
Nate: I mean, like, Madrid have money, like...
Killian Ginnity: Or to have the money, but like why you spend it on him when you can get somebody else that you like and not have to pay him?
Nate: I just... and
Conor Glennon: the one the one The one thing would all do with all...
Nate: i
Conor Glennon: I totally agree with you. Madrid's ability to do business has been incredible. But they never really release how much they've spent on and like the sign-on fees. like I'd love to know what Trent's getting as a sign-on fee.
Nate: well it'd be huge but it'd be nowhere near the transfer fee plus the wages that they would have like you know what mean i just think like if you're gonna make such an unreal team that you know who knows how long the lifespan might be to decide but like don't don't chance it by having a and manager that might be inexperienced that's
Conor Glennon: Well, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: it's yeah it's it's It's a good point, but we are very rapidly approaching the end of this, so we do have to get on to the Premier League and our league in review. As briefly mentioned earlier, we, nearly nine months ago, gave some predictions, um some that were absolutely top-notch, some that berated Rory McIlroy's lack of ability to be able to win things.
Nate: god
Conor Glennon: I honest to God when i when I listened back I fucking cringed when I heard that I was like oh you idiot of course like oh oh
Killian Ginnity: Connor literally blessed, um like, I think McElroy should be sending you money for his, because, like, Connor literally said the words, can't remember who it was, was it Arsenal?
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, I think it was Arsenal.
Conor Glennon: yeah i said I basically said that I said Arsenal are like Rory McIlroy where there's certain athletes that You need a killer instinct to be to the next level.
Killian Ginnity: Don't have. Yes.
Conor Glennon: And he doesn't have it anymore. And neither do Arsenal. And the man goes on and does the bloody grand slam. oh Sorry, Roars.
Killian Ginnity: i mean He's only been waiting 12 years for that to happen and all it took was you. so very So very selfish of you to hope is to sit on that and make him sit or wait for so long.
Conor Glennon: Commentator's curse.
Killian Ginnity: um So generally, I think um on the relegation side, we were pretty good. and I did say that Southampton would be rooted to the bottom. got that right.
Killian Ginnity: I also predicted that Forrest might get relegated. Less right.
Conor Glennon: That went well.
Killian Ginnity: um But I think overall we did say Leicester, Southampton and um Ipswich would go down.
Conor Glennon: Ape switch.
Conor Glennon: i will I will admit I did say Forrest would be relegated as well. So...
Killian Ginnity: At least he didn't say that they'd be a calamity.
Killian Ginnity: i like I got that like so wrong. Not just position. I predicted them to fall apart.
Conor Glennon: you you were You were speaking Darby into existence. and
Killian Ginnity: ah ah Although, when you see the owner on the pitch on the last day, if only the league ran for another six months. um But, Nate's prediction of Fulham going down didn't work out for you, Nate.
Nate: No, like, I don't think it was the worst call on the planet. and
Conor Glennon: It was rogue. Yeah.
Nate: Was it? Like,
Conor Glennon: I don't know, man. Like, Fulham are one of those ones that...
Nate: they're legends, like, you know, it's not they're, Forrest, they're going to go down and then, you know, come top six, like.
Killian Ginnity: Nobody saw that coming. Nobody.
Nate: Yeah, but like, but like,
Conor Glennon: No, they didn't even... Chris Wood didn't even see it coming, like...
Nate: Listen, it might be sninker, but like i don't I don't think it was the worst guess ever.
Killian Ginnity: Um, and then we did our top sixes. So looking at the actual table with two games to go, um, at the time of recording, uh,
Killian Ginnity: i think it's pretty I think we're all pretty much in where our positions are going to be ah and around right. right Nate, very crystal ball-y, predicted that a City was going to drop off.
Killian Ginnity: You did say that Arsenal are going to win. we'll We'll forgive you for that. and But you said that ah City was going to drop off this season, and i don't think even you could have predicted the level of drop-off, but that was a good call.
Conor Glennon: i think I think he said the the charges were going to weigh on them. um The squad was aging.
Killian Ginnity: bit of spotted yeah
Conor Glennon: and
Nate: Fucking hell, them chargers have gone quiet. Back at the stage. I'm not fucking out. haven't heard about that. Where's that been?
Conor Glennon: what What charges?
Nate: Jesus Christ.
Conor Glennon: What are you talking about?
Nate: forgot about them until he just brought them up.
Killian Ginnity: Considering how much they dominated the first half of this season, it is suspicious.
Nate: Fucking hell.
Killian Ginnity: So, if Aston Villa get top six, that would be good for them. um I said ah did say that Tottenham wouldn't get top six.
Killian Ginnity: That was my prediction.
Conor Glennon: I mean, no one thought they'd finish, what what are they now, 17th?
Killian Ginnity: At the time of recording, which is bonkers.
Conor Glennon: Dear God. Like, the fact that it's a 16th, 17th of United and Tottenham, like, i i'm I'm not even ah dancing on the grave. It's just sad.
Conor Glennon: Like, it's like, how the hell do two clubs that big drop off that much?
Nate: Listen, lads, everyone needs an off year, you know.
Killian Ginnity: i
Nate: We just weren't beaten in Europe, but that's what we sacrificed, you know.
Killian Ginnity: You sound like the same Pats fan from that viral video. Ah, we're just resting for this season. We'll be back next year.
Nate: we yeah and We are, we are, we are, we are. We'll be back. Don't worry. well be We'll be playing Champions League football next year. Don't you worry about that.
Conor Glennon: I think my top six went Newcastle, then Man Utd.
Killian Ginnity: Well...
Conor Glennon: So going sixth to first, I'm not that much of a lunatic. It was Newcastle, Man Utd, Tottenham, and then Arsenal, Liverpool, City. So it's not terrible.
Conor Glennon: I mean...
Nate: Lads, if Spurs beat United in the Europa League final, I might be hard to track down for a couple of weeks.
Killian Ginnity: No.
Nate: That's all going to say.
Conor Glennon: I mean, i i i what I'm wishing into existence, boys, and i honest to God, I think it would be the best mic drop moment in Premier League, is if Ange wins and leaves, just leaves Spurs, yeah, it would be sensational.
Nate: All right.
Killian Ginnity: oh
Nate: All right.
Killian Ginnity: but by By his olden volition.
Nate: a
Nate: Oh, my God. I scrubbed the hand. Yeah. Lads, if Spurs win, just don't contact me for a couple of weeks. You just carry on.
Killian Ginnity: Well, in fairness, that was your only good call.
Nate: just...
Killian Ginnity: Well, not your only good call, but one of your...
Conor Glennon: Tell it out really is.
Killian Ginnity: the One of your United calls that was worth anything was you said that you would go to the end of the Europa League and you got that right. You predicted them to finish top three, though, so...
Conor Glennon: Did any of us say Liverpool for the title?
Killian Ginnity: No, I think myself and Nate actually had a five minute period of just kind of talking about how bad Liverpool were going to be.
Nate: Yeah, we went in on 4K this year. like Although, Killian, let's double down right here.
Conor Glennon: one One thing actually that did stick out to me when I was listening back to it was we were saying how ah so many players had decided not to go to Liverpool. And I'd love to know how many of those players are regretting that now.
Nate: It just proves how shit this season was.
Killian Ginnity: ah I kind of do enjoy the fact that this season feels like it's it's another Asterix season.
Nate: Honestly, I think this might be...
Killian Ginnity: The second Asterix season ah of the last 10 years, the other one being the last time Liverpool won the league.
Conor Glennon: The COVID copier.
Nate: It might turn, like... COVID was the worst season, but like other than that, it might be the worst Premier League season in decade, I'd say.
Nate: i'd I'd happily say that.
Conor Glennon: The only, see, the only reason I'm saying it's it's not because it's like the likes of, you know, Villa, Forest, i even, you know, i don't think there's,
Nate: I'd happily say that.
Nate: but But you saying that is the reason why the season was so bad.
Conor Glennon: As in you mean I'm clutching on the straws like?
Nate: Like, genuinely, the football this season has been atrocious. Like, the match-ups have been atrocious. Like, I will take it to my deathbed. This has been the worst time in Egan a decade.
Conor Glennon: That's only because Liverpool won it you bitter bastard you...
Nate: oh oh No, no, no. Genuinely, it's nothing to do with Liverpool.
Killian Ginnity: ah The season has on paper, like if you look at the table, if you look at some of the results, it has everything that makes you go, wow, that's going to be so memorable. And I find myself not excited by more much of it.
Killian Ginnity: So I wouldn't say it's the worst season, but I don't think it's a season that I'm going to be looking back on too fondly. I don't think it's going to be an ecstatic season.
Conor Glennon: can we just Can we just say how ridiculous it is, though, that a team could finish 16th and 17th in the league and get Champions League football? Like...
Nate: Hey, we're unbeaten in Europe. hope That's the pale.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, like I am sorry.
Nate: Yeah. Yeah.
Conor Glennon: On that point, I saw a stat earlier on and I was like, i just i i have to i have to bring this up. You can shove your European success where Amarim doesn't want to go.
Conor Glennon: um Ruber Amarim's Premier League record at United, 25 games, 6 wins, 6 draws, 13 defeats. Any other manager gets the boot.
Nate: yeah
Nate: Read out the Europa League stats there for me as well, please.
Conor Glennon: Hush, hush now.
Nate: All I'm saying is, if we win in Bilbao in eight days or whatever, you know, Invincibles, they say, Invincibles.
Conor Glennon: When is the final, actually? Yeah.
Nate: Eight days, I think.
Conor Glennon: Wow.
Nate: 24, 24, think. Nah. I don't know I'm going to do for you.
Conor Glennon: You heading over?
Killian Ginnity: I've seen hotel rooms online for 12 grand.
Nate: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: Stop.
Nate: No, I'm not.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: I'm not paying for it.
Killian Ginnity: Pounds.
Conor Glennon: we'll get ah We'll get a room each, though
Nate: with
Killian Ginnity: Buy a place. Yeah, like I think generally none of us kind of cover ourselves in glory on our predictions. ah like um I did predict Newcastle would get, think, top four top three.
Killian Ginnity: i was...
Conor Glennon: You so it was definitely said top four. I don't know where you put him, but...
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, i was I was definitely more optimistic than you were. um One of the things that we did go in on on the pod was Chelsea and their signings and that wasn't going to work again.
Killian Ginnity: In their defense, they kind of brought it around. wasn't a good season for them, but they finished reasonably well.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, they finished strong. like I mean, ah I'm curious as to in a few months time when we're predicting next season, I'm definitely going to have to do a bit more homework this time.
Killian Ginnity: I think this is where we, yeah I think we were overly cynical and underly cynical. I think we were optimistic about some things and not optimistic enough about others.
Killian Ginnity: um So, we'll do the same again next year?
Nate: Wait, can I?
Conor Glennon: can can i just Can I just ask one question, boys, before we close out?
Nate: asked me and
Killian Ginnity: ah but
Conor Glennon: Do we think it's time for Arteta to be moved on?
Nate: No.
Conor Glennon: He's been there five years.
Nate: But he's still doing well. Like, you know what mean? Like,
Conor Glennon: But, like...
Killian Ginnity: you're not Who are you going to get who you're going to get that's going to do any better?
Nate: yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Realistically.
Conor Glennon: It's just one of those... like ah like it's it's not I don't even know if I know the answer myself and what I'm thinking with it. It's just more... five years like Gary Neville went down on him and was harsh on him and going, like it's it's a huge success to be at a club and not win anything for five years in the Premier League. and That's not a compliment. you know and i mean like he's he's That's a pointed, veiled attack. but like It just does beg the question... like is that is I'm not saying any like a manager could bring them further, but like does it get to a point where you're like, is that as much as he can bring this squad?
Conor Glennon: like Have we reached the max of what he can do?
Nate: i I can't wait to see Twitter on the Europa League final because that's going to a dark day for Arsenal, whatever the result is. But either United win three out three trophies in three seasons with would not great, like not great seasons across the board or a Spurs win a trophy. So Arsenal can't win.
Nate: and Listen, I think, I think he's fine where he is. I think he will win something eventually. and
Conor Glennon: If you're an Arsenal fan, would you keep him?
Nate: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: What about you, Cillian? Would you keep him?
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, but more because of nobody else that's going to be any better, if you know what I mean.
Conor Glennon: I just think we're trending towards i think we're trending towards a ah higher finishing Wenger situation.
Killian Ginnity: i and It will get to a stage.
Conor Glennon: You know, where I'm...
Killian Ginnity: Well, yeah, yeah, that's that's exactly it. We'll get to a stage where more is demanded. But I think as long as he's competing for top three, whilst they wait for a manager that can push on more than he can, well, how bad off are they?
Killian Ginnity: Like, it's better to stick with him waiting for the right manager for two or three years than it would be to take a risk on somebody and and and end up dropping down.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, and become a Man United.
Nate: can i Can I bring one one thing up real quick?
Killian Ginnity: um Like, Hmm.
Conor Glennon: Go for it.
Nate: Do you join me in saying that it's a disgrace that there's a European being final on a Wednesday night?
Conor Glennon: Absolutely, I completely agree. it's it's so Someone at work said it to me earlier, they were like, oh, the final's a Wednesday, and I was just like, surely you're wrong.
Nate: I'm going to have to take a couple of days off work to go on the piss now.
Conor Glennon: Like, that's, come on.
Nate: That's a disgrace.
Conor Glennon: Like, it like it even ah i did like a Thursday is still muck, but fucking Wednesday for a final. like
Nate: I reckon the pubs are going to be terrible.
Killian Ginnity: when When it's one them smaller European cups, though, you know, one of the less important ones, yeah.
Nate: Oh, yeah. We need something like that.
Conor Glennon: Well, if they put the bloody playoffs on a Saturday and they can't put the Europa final Wednesday, like...
Nate: Well, when's... like Why can't they put it on a Saturday?
Conor Glennon: I don't get it.
Nate: Even, say, the rugby, what they do is like they're equivalent to the Europa League. They'll play it on a Friday night and they'll play the Champions League on a Saturday night.
Conor Glennon: which Which would, be like, that is great, like, you know.
Nate: I'd make a super weekend. Super weekend. Like, ah, it's a shame.
Killian Ginnity: just Just on, saw a stat the other day, just on your Arteta shout, Connor, before we finish. um Four teams have occupied the top position in the Premier League this year.
Killian Ginnity: Arsenal wasn't one of them.
Conor Glennon: Really, they never went number one.
Killian Ginnity: No, I think it was City but very early on, Liverpool, Forest, and I think Brighton.
Conor Glennon: Forest had it, I think it was. Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: No, United.
Conor Glennon: United weren't...
Killian Ginnity: United were at something really early on.
Conor Glennon: What was it? Like, first game of the season or something?
Conor Glennon: Jesus.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: Wait, what?
Conor Glennon: That's kind of mad.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, Arsenal were never in position one this season, um which i I find hilarious.
Conor Glennon: But this is what I mean. Like, if you're a fan, like, I'd be getting fed up of...
Nate: and
Conor Glennon: Because don't forget all the... kind of woo-woo that comes with Arteta. And as we all saw in the All or Nothing documentary, like a lot of bullshit comes with him.
Conor Glennon: And if five years in, you're not bringing success. Like I know we've said before in the pod and I will stick by it. Like what Wenger was able to do for so long and so consistently and keep Arsenal in in that position was incredible.
Conor Glennon: And maybe we'll look back on Arteta in time with that lens too. But I think in the moment, it's just not good enough.
Nate: Imagine hauling them speakers out onto the training pitch just to come second. Fuck, you know.
Conor Glennon: but That's what I mean, like, as in you can't be doing all that crap and not win.
Nate: Yeah, okay.
Killian Ginnity: You can pick pockets, but you can't pick the end of this episode because it's coming here and now. Gentlemen, thank you very much. We're not doing awards this year. We're all too cynical and old.
Nate: Doesn't deserve it this year.
Killian Ginnity: So we will be taking a bit of a breather from the Premier League. and It may not be officially over yet, but it's over for us. This has been the Not part A Puddle Podcast, and we'll chat to you soon.
Conor Glennon: Bye-bye.
