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Daily Manchester City: Liverpool Crossover - The game watched All Around the World, and will the Klopp v Pep rivalry Live Forever?
6 Plays9 days ago
Episode 77 - Jools and Keelin welcome Louie from the Daily Liverpool team to preview Sunday's meeting between the Premier League Champions and the potential title winners-to-be. We also reminisce over the Pep v Klopp rivalrly and iconic moments in it, discuss Liverpool's excellent season and of course, whether City can stop red hot Mo Salah
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Transcript
Introduction to Episode 77
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to episode 77 of the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. The only network giving you exclusive news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League, women's and fantasy football, every club, every day.
Guest Introduction
00:00:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm Jules Jordan-Probatt and I'm delighted to be joined by North Island's finest, Keelan McNamara. Hi Keelan.
00:00:30
Keelin
No one's ever said that, but I appreciate it. It's great to be back.
00:00:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's got to be a first for everything, right?
Special Crossover Announcement
00:00:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's not all we're joined by as we have a very special episode inbound looking ahead to this weekend's massive fixture, crossover with the lovely Louis Easton from the Daily Liverpool team. So I'd like
00:00:47
Louie Easton
Oh, that is lovely. Look at these intros that we're getting today, Keelan. Thank you very much for having me. It's pleasure to be here. And yeah, big, big weekend ahead.
Manchester City's Challenging Season
00:00:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Definitely. and Two of the world's greatest clubs do battle on Sunday. Zarni Slott's league lead in Liverpool travelled to the Etihad for the latest instalment of the Premier League's greatest rivalry of the last decade, Manchester City versus Liverpool.
00:01:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
The positions both clubs find themselves are slightly different than the usual this year, however. Of course, Pep Guardiola's side have endured what can only be described as a torrid campaign, getting kerbstomped out of the Champions League in midweek to the Kings of Europa Real Madrid.
00:01:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mbappe, of course, stealing the show with a hat-trick there. you had you had a bit of a musical rendition for that didn't you louis
00:01:31
Louie Easton
A, B, It's easy as one, two, three.
00:01:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, that'll do.
00:01:36
Keelin
The deal we have to put with him
00:01:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
a
00:01:36
Louie Easton
Yeah, that'll do.
00:01:37
Louie Easton
Let's move on swiftly from that.
00:01:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Losing to Spurs in the Carabao Cup and now find themselves hanging on to fourth position in the Premier League. In an incredibly tight top-half, City are just five points clear of ninth place Aston Villa.
Liverpool's Stellar Performance
00:01:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
The same cannot be said for the Reds. Liverpool have been imperious this season, topping the Champions League group stage comfortably through to the Carabao Cup final in around a month's time and, of course, sitting very pretty at the top of the Premier League.
00:02:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eight points ahead of perennial challenges Arsenal, albeit having played a game more. There have been so many iconic battles between these two juggernauts of the gate of the game over the past few years. The Champions League quarterfinal in 2018 and FA Cup semis in 2022, where Liverpool succeeded.
00:02:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
with many of the vital Premier League clashes going the way of City, such as the Leroy Sane-inspired in 2017, or the 4-1 win at Anfield in 2021, or the crucial 2-1 win in 2019, with John Stones remarkably clearing it off the line to end Liverpool's unbeaten streak and ultimately pip the Reds to the title.
City-Liverpool Rivalry and Historical Context
00:02:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So firstly, will come to you Keelan. Just how special have these matches with Liverpool been over the years?
00:02:42
Keelin
Yeah, listen, I mean, the City-Liverpool fixture, I think, has really been the game to elevate the Premier League over the last five, six or so years. and Historically, it would have been Man United-Arsenal, United-Liverpool, Chelsea-Arsenal, those kind of games.
00:02:58
Keelin
But Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp really took up the mantle and they pushed each other to be exceptionally good. Maybe standards that we'll never see replicated ever again in the league.
00:03:10
Keelin
and Yeah, it's it's a very, very special fixture. It's one we've enjoyed a lot and one that we always look forward to. And funny enough, earlier in the season when the Liverpool boys were kind enough to host us, we spoke about how important the game was to us and how much it means to all of us.
00:03:26
Keelin
And I don't think that's ever going to change. It's always been a great game and hopefully we'll be able to enjoy it as a great game for many more years to come.
00:03:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I'll ask you something similar, Louis.
Guardiola vs Klopp: A Legendary Rivalry
00:03:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Could you describe the Pep-Clopp rivalry and how massive it was from your perspective?
00:03:42
Louie Easton
Yeah, I mean, the... Pep and Klopp rivalry will definitely live forever in all of our memories. It's just, it was just unbelievable to watch every single time that those two teams faced off. And, you know, that 2-1 loss that you mentioned with the John Stones goal line clearance, I know as a Liverpool fan, it...
00:04:00
Louie Easton
obviously broke my heart at the end of the season with the one point separating the two teams. But that match just epitomized how unbelievable that rivalry was. mean, it was the epitome of everything football should be.
00:04:12
Louie Easton
You know, ta two tacticians, geniuses in Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, two of the Premier League's best managers in the last sort of 10, 15 years. And it was just riveting to watch every single time.
00:04:29
Louie Easton
And I don't think we'll see a rivalry like that for quite a long time. And it's crazy that that Liverpool team only ever won one Premier League title with Jurgen Klopp.
00:04:40
Louie Easton
But when you have two gladiators like that facing off twice a season, it's a real treat. And and the Champions League clashes as well.
00:04:52
Louie Easton
ah ah my Amazing.
00:04:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Liverpool would have only only got away with one Premier League title in that era, any other era, and it would have undoubtedly been more.
Mutual Growth Through Rivalry
00:05:02
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:05:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
this this this like you Like you said, Keelan, the standards of both clubs was unprecedented. And not only that, the quality of the football was insane too, right?
00:05:13
Keelin
Oh yeah, was without a doubt. I mean, I've always said, you know, people talk about how great the City team was, but every Batman needs a Joker and every hero needs a villain and vice versa.
00:05:26
Keelin
And City would never have been as good as they were without Liverpool. And I like to think Liverpool wouldn't have been as great as they were without City. Every team needs another team to make them better.
00:05:33
Louie Easton
Hmm. Yeah.
00:05:36
Keelin
And I don't want to be overdramatic with it, but I think a piece of pet left when Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool because you can tell the relationship between the two and how much they enjoyed battling each other.
00:05:44
Louie Easton
yeah
00:05:50
Keelin
you know ive I don't think I've ever seen two rival managers as friendly and jovial with each other as Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp were, even though they were the highest pressure games in the league every season for about four or five years.
00:06:03
Keelin
And I think that speaks to the respect and the admiration that certainly Guardiola and Klopp have each for each other. But I also think City and Liverpool fans have grown to have for each other. Obviously, Liverpool fans bricked our bus. I still haven't forgotten about that.
00:06:19
Keelin
but I do think there's a genuine respect there because both teams pushed each other to such rarefied air that I don't think any other team could have done that.
00:06:30
Keelin
And like Louis said, and he couldn't I couldn't have said it any better, i think it's a rivalry that will go down in the annals as one of the great rivalries. You know, Mourinho-Ferguson, Mourinho-Wenger, those type of rivalries.
00:06:44
Keelin
Guardiola-Clopp is very much towards the top of that list.
00:06:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:06:48
Louie Easton
And I also think they are the two greatest teams in Premier League history at the same time. i mean, we've seen it. One point separating them on two separate occasions. That just doesn't happen in other eras.
00:07:01
Louie Easton
But it speaks levels about how... historic that time of football to be a fan of one of those two teams in the Premier League, like stressing out on the last day of the season like I did when Gundogan won you guys the league after being 2-0 down against Villa. he's It's just unbelievable. The only other example I can think of is the Aguero one in 2012. But other than that, it's in the Premier League era, at least there's not been anything quite like it
00:07:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Manchester United, obviously with their 13 Premier League titles, never once had a points total that rivaled any of these like outrageous 98, 99, 100 that City and Liverpool kept churning out for a good couple of seasons because that was what it took.
00:07:42
Louie Easton
No.
00:07:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we're saying that the Premier League was obviously a much stronger product team-wide.
Liverpool's New Management Era
00:07:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
at that in that era as well with all the money that had come in over the previous decade or two so yeah i think both the liverpool side under clop and obviously uh city's four-peat side could rival any team in english football history not just the premier league But of course, we're now in the Arnie Slott era.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And despite recent draws, recent tough draws away to Villa and Everton and the huge shock of exiting the FA Cup to Plymouth, this has inarguably been a better start to life than anyone could have expected with someone as influential as Jurgen Klopp leaving.
Mo Salah's Rock Star Season
00:08:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
What exactly has made you so good this season then, Louis? What has changed or improved?
00:08:33
Louie Easton
Well, I mean, Mo Salah this season has been almost like a rock and roll star for Liverpool fans. it's just he's He's just gone levels beyond everything else and the sort of cultural impact he's had on the football team.
00:08:47
Louie Easton
in the Premier League at the moment is ridiculous. I mean, he's just broken another one. It seems like every time he does something, it's another record broken. And now he's going for that 20 goals, 20 assists thing that Henri did back in the day. He's already got...
00:09:05
Louie Easton
what was it, 15 assists this season and 24 goals in the Premier League, but across all competitions, 49 goals or assists.
00:09:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:14
Louie Easton
And it's February. that I mean, that is just... It's just unheard of. And the only player to get more goals and assists in a single season... in this Well, sorry, goals and assists in a match and and across the season has been Lionel Messi.
00:09:31
Louie Easton
So... it's it's crazy what he's doing.
Liverpool's Recent Form Concerns
00:09:36
Louie Easton
I mean, obviously, recent form hasn't been great. I hope the title doesn't slide away from us. and We have to take the rest of the season little by little, and this Manchester City match is going to be pivotal to the rest of the season because this is the sort of game that you look at for a real confidence boost.
00:09:53
Louie Easton
You know, that draw against Villa cost us dearly. The one against Everton as well, that Tarkovsky goal at the end breaking our hearts, it's...
00:10:03
Louie Easton
It's really demoralizing, is that a word? Demotivating as a fan. Because we've seen bottle jobs happen in recent seasons. I i don't want to become the next one. But, you know, across the entire season, if you'd asked me, if you told me before the season that we'd be...
00:10:23
Louie Easton
potentially five points clear if Arsenal win before we play you guys, I would have bitten your hand off for it. it was It's just, it's crazy that he's done all of this in his first season and the sort of midfield transition we've had, know, Gravenberg,
00:10:41
Louie Easton
Who would have thought he'd have this good a season?
Midfield Transformation and Gravenberg's Role
00:10:43
Louie Easton
McAllister's been ridiculously consistent. Samoslai, I know he had a difficult match last time out, but he's really been vital for us in that midfield. So I think really all it is is the midfield change. You know, just a couple of tinkers put Samoslai bit further forward.
00:11:00
Louie Easton
we probably should have got zuba mendy but we've coped with that really well and a sort of defensive switch as well you know leaving more players back uh making robertson and trent into more traditional uh fullbacks and suddenly we are a force to be reckoned with i can't believe we've done so well in the champions league group stage as well yeah i it's been a brilliant season and
00:11:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and you you touched on Ryan Gravenberg there. And for me, that seems to be the biggest difference from this season to last season. He's one of only three players that have played every Premier League game for Liverpool this season, which shows how important he is under Arne Slott.
00:11:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I said at the start of the season I didn't think he'd have the pauser for that kind of position to dominate in the Premier League and I was very wrong.
00:11:46
Louie Easton
Hmm.
00:11:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is technically up there, of course physically he's an absolute beast and he is running the show.
00:11:49
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:11:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
perhaps I just cannot believe the player that I'm seeing. He he looks as good as as good as anyone in the world in that position overnight, overnight it seems.
00:11:59
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:12:02
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:12:05
Louie Easton
Yeah, it does seem that way. Whenever it's an open game, he just completely dictates the midfield. When it's a bit more of a compact defence or a team that likes to play out of the back and you know play this sort of cagey football, I think he struggles a little bit.
00:12:20
Louie Easton
But, you know, he has completely revolutionised our midfield. And to be here now and say we're not favourites is ludicrous. I mean, will Liverpool win the league? Definitely, maybe, but it's it's it's like anything can happen at this point, and we're going to see that on Sunday.
00:12:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Was that a City reference?
00:12:41
Louie Easton
was What was Water City reference?
00:12:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
The Oasis album?
00:12:45
Keelin
Well,
00:12:46
Louie Easton
yeah
City's Struggles and Injury Woes
00:12:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:12:47
Louie Easton
I said to be here now as well, didn't I?
00:12:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
have On that lovely Oasis note, we will take a short break and when we come back, we'll delve more into the match itself.
00:13:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. We talked a bit about what this game has meant to both sides over the years and why Liverpool are so good this season.
00:13:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'll come to you now, Keelan. What do City have to do in the next few months and maybe possibly beyond to ensure they can compete with Liverpool and potentially Arsenal again next season and regain that Premier League crown?
00:13:58
Keelin
Well, first of all, showing up would be a good start. I mean, I'm not going to get into a rant about Real Madrid because that would take up the entirety the episode and that's not what we're here for. But, I mean, they just have to start showing some more solidity. You know, they've completely slid away in the last couple of games. It's been really, really perfect.
00:14:17
Keelin
you know, just no organisation whatsoever. They've completely imploded. the midfield has no legs whatsoever. It's just...
00:14:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
The midfield's half the world away from the from the forward line, isn't it?
00:14:26
Keelin
It
00:14:28
Louie Easton
Ha ha ha ha ha!
00:14:38
Keelin
You know, they keep telling me to stop crying my heart out, but I can't.
00:14:41
Louie Easton
oh yeah, they write themselves now, don't they?
00:14:43
Keelin
It's just It's just, you know, we used to play supersonic football and now we're just standing still
00:14:50
Louie Easton
I mean, so some might say Rodri has been the...
00:14:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Standing still, like the importance of being idle.
00:14:55
Louie Easton
Yeah, okay.
00:14:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Little niche one there.
00:14:58
Louie Easton
Okay, this...
00:14:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Little niche one there.
00:14:59
Louie Easton
No, no, no, I got it, I got it, I got it.
00:15:05
Keelin
No, just, I mean, to have any chance, I'm not even thinking about this weekend, but next season. i mean, I saw reports today that about seven or eight senior players are expected to leave in the summer. And it's the likes of Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish, and the beat goes on from there.
00:15:23
Keelin
i mean, this team needs major open heart surgery. And I am serious. It needs major, major surgery. And you have to try and find players that are better than these players and who can replicate what these players have done at their peak, and that's not easy to do.
00:15:39
Keelin
I mean, how do you replace Kevin De Bruyne for a start? Because no midfielder in this team can play a through ball, for God's sake. No midfielder has the vision or the ability to play the pass that Kevin De Bruyne does.
00:15:51
Keelin
No midfielder is two-footed like Kevin De Bruyne is. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I mean, John Stones is like an Alfa Romeo, as I compared him to Jack. He's great when he when he works, but when he doesn't work, he's on the shelf most of the season.
00:16:06
Keelin
And, I mean, there's just too many problems to mention, you know? I don't know where we went so badly wrong. But, I mean, we are very, very far from the Peaches, and it is a steep hill to climb.
00:16:21
Louie Easton
What's the situation with John
Guardiola's Tactical Criticism
00:16:23
Louie Easton
Stones, by the way? Because didn't he go off injured?
00:16:36
Louie Easton
Yeah, that is true.
00:16:37
Keelin
and yeah And the problem is just you know so much of our defence has been injured at the same time.
00:16:44
Keelin
We're relying on old legs in midfield, and Holland has really been the only reason we're still in the Champions League race. But the other problem I have as well is, and I'll hand this back over to Jules in a second, especially against Real Madrid. I mean, the coaching was shocking. I mean, I don't know what the hell Pep was thinking.
00:17:05
Keelin
Like, Savino, your most dangerous wide player, is being played as a 10 through the middle. Omar Marmouche is being played out wide, and Foden's being played as a false 9. I mean, yes, I can blame the players, and I can blame them for giving up and being poor.
00:17:19
Keelin
Questions have to be asked of the coaching as well, because once again, blew it almost like a champagne supernova.
00:17:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just had to get one one more in at the end there.
00:17:29
Louie Easton
Yeah, I knew it was coming.
00:17:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, so how important is it for and City to bounce back from that heartbreak with with a statement performance here? It could really kind of change the perspective of the end of the season, Keelan.
00:17:43
Keelin
It could definitely. I mean, the title's been gone since the first half of the season, so don't even think of any hopes about that.
City vs Liverpool: Match Preview
00:17:52
Keelin
But I think the ability to sort of dent Liverpool with any kind of win, I think would be a statement that at least there is something to salvage. Yeah.
00:18:02
Keelin
You know, I'm not i' not getting my hopes up because this Liverpool team are very, very good all over the pitch. In fact, except for their absence of a proper number nine, I think Liverpool are better in every single area of the pitch than City, top to bottom.
00:18:14
Louie Easton
Mm-hmm.
00:18:17
Keelin
So, I mean, a statement win would be great, but I don't see where it comes from.
00:18:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And from a Liverpool perspective, what what are yours and the club's feelings going into this one? I imagine it's the most confident you've been coming to the Etihad in years.
00:18:31
Louie Easton
I mean, you could you could say that just because of the sort of blip that Manchester City have had all season. and However, our recent form hasn't been great either. And, you know, the last time I can remember us beating Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was, what, when we when we won 4-1 in, like, Pellegrini days or something? Something like that?
00:18:54
Louie Easton
Firmino's first goal was that match, or I think, but... I mean, in the Premier League at least, I think that was the last time. i i just i just i just don't see where this momentum could come from if we were to suddenly get the form back magically overnight. Because the way that we played against Destin Villa, we had absolutely no answer to the way that they were playing. with that is Because as soon as they beat our counter press, you know they were causing proper problems for us. And you know in the
00:19:26
Louie Easton
slots and In Slott's first season, we've had a lot less of the ball. And we sort of rely on taking our chances when we get them. And yeah, we did score two goals against Aston Villa, but we had a lot more chances than that. And, you know, one of our goals came from Villa mistake at the back when Jota just had the ball passed to him.
00:19:48
Louie Easton
so you know We need to take our chances a lot more. And you know Darwin Nunez, that miss. I mean, let's just say he'll definitely cast no shadow over Jota and Diaz for that one.
00:19:55
Keelin
Thank you.
00:20:00
Louie Easton
Some might say even cost us the match. But I i just i just think you know we spent all that money a number nine. And you said that you lack and that we lack a number nine. He is meant to be that number nine.
00:20:11
Louie Easton
But he hasn't been scoring. And we brought him in four goals that he hasn't been giving us. So... you know what do you what What do we do with that? Jota's only started two games since his injury and he has he didn't play the full 90 against Villa, so assuming he'll probably start against Manchester City. and When he does play, he is unbelievable with his finishing. He's clinical, he really gets in defenders' faces, but he has got a bit of a mean streak in him. you know He's a bit...
00:20:45
Louie Easton
I don't want to say the S-house word on here, but he is one of them. And, you know, that dive, that dive against Wolves. I mean, what? what's Why?
00:20:56
Louie Easton
what What was he doing? We could have scored and he dived. So, yeah, I think we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal. Soboslaib really lacks that sort of goal scorer's instinct.
00:21:09
Louie Easton
And we need to take more chances. But, you know it It will be a fantastic match because I think Arna Slott will not underestimate Manchester City, despite your recent form.
00:21:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:21:20
Louie Easton
man And you you destroyed Newcastle the other day. Let's not forget that. Omar Mahmouche scoring that hat trick. He's definitely one to be worried about.
00:21:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and we'll get on to Momush and his other Egyptian underling later on. so what are the ways you think you can hurt Manchester City then, Louis?
00:21:41
Louie Easton
I think the midfield battle will be quite an interesting one just because I think we have more legs in midfield at the moment. and And, you know, if we can win that battle, we can really cause some problems.
00:21:54
Louie Easton
I just think, you know, we can definitely create chances. I think McAllister and Gravenberg are just... irreplaceable at the moment. and Their consistency every single game has been unbelievable. And, you know, McAllister especially, he won't be scared of the big occasion.
00:22:11
Louie Easton
He'll be throwing himself into tackles. And he scored last season. Was it last season or earlier this season? The penalty that he scored against Man City. So he he he loves the big occasion. He also scored against Real Madrid.
00:22:22
Louie Easton
I think our big miss will be Cody Gakpo because... He loves he loves the big occasion as well. He scored as well earlier in the season, both against Manchester City and Real Madrid.
00:22:33
Louie Easton
So i he'll he willll be a miss. I'd like to see Luis Diaz have a good game again because he hasn't scored a proper goal in about 10 games.
00:22:43
Louie Easton
He scored that weird one that came off his hip against Wolves. I think the individual battles all over the pitch could be very interesting. But I think it will just be the Salah factor.
00:22:58
Louie Easton
Because he he he can hurt a team at any moment in the match. you know if it just if if the opposite If he gets a half chance, he'll make it into a full chance. so That's how good he is at moment. He had a fantastic game against Aston Villa.
00:23:11
Louie Easton
And I think he will be the big sort of catalyst in our attack when it comes to hurting Manchester City. He's done it loads of times before. Who's to say he can't do it again?
00:23:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and any defence would probably feel that worry going up against him in the form he's in currently. Keelan, I won't ask you to predict the team because with Pep, no one can ever know truly.
00:23:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
But how do you expect the great Baldwin to approach this game and to stop Salah? How?
00:23:38
Keelin
them
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
How? How?
00:23:42
Keelin
I mean, knowing Guardiola, there's every chance Ederson might start in midfield. Like you said, it depends on what Pep's smoking on that day. So we we literally don't know.
00:23:53
Keelin
if it was up to me, though, I have a pretty good idea of the way I'd line it up. I think, i mean, John Stones is out till next season, probably. So you've kind of got to hope Ruben Diaz is better than that horror show against Real Madrid.
00:24:09
Keelin
line them up with Kusinov, maybe in the middle, bring in Ake and Vardial as the fullbacks. I'd maybe do something like that. But Louis made a great point. This is all about the midfield battle.
00:24:20
Keelin
And if Liverpool keep getting the ball to Salah, Salah is going to score and Salah is going to keep scoring. And we just aren't going to have an answer to it. It really is that simple. That being said, if City's midfield somehow actually starts working again, City can absolutely hurt Liverpool.
00:24:37
Keelin
The attacking players are there.
00:24:39
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:24:39
Keelin
My problem is the supply line, because you have Ryan Gravenberg, who's been the best defensive midfielder in the league this season, probably. You have Alexis McAllister, who's probably in the team this season as well.
00:24:51
Keelin
And then you've got Dominic Saboslai, who seems to enjoy playing against City as well. And Nico Gonzalez didn't fill me with the most confidence with his game against Madrid, so I don't think he can hold this midfielder together on his own.
00:25:04
Keelin
And I swear to God, I will fire Mateo Kovacic into the solar system if he starts another game, which he probably will. So I just, I don't, I don't see it in my mind.
00:25:12
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:25:15
Keelin
i don't see where this sitting midfield outperforms Liverpool's midfield. I do think, If you can get the ball out wide to Omar Marmouche and Savinho, I do think they can have Liverpool's fullbacks on toast because Savinho is brilliant at committing the fullback and getting past him.
00:25:33
Keelin
We've seen Omar Marmouche do it as well. And I think Trent... is very defensively susceptible, as we know. So I think Marmouche could have a very good game if he starts out wide.
00:25:44
Keelin
And obviously Erling Haaland can turn on a sixpence and make a half chance into a full chance. I'm just so worried about that Liverpool attack because I don't even care who Liverpool start through the middle.
00:25:57
Keelin
I know Sal is probably going to cook Josco Vardial. And that's not on Vardial. Vardial's been really good this year. But this might be the most dangerous version of Mo Salah we've ever seen.
00:26:07
Keelin
and this this Mo Salah beats any fallback on planet Earth.
00:26:07
Louie Easton
Yeah, yeah.
00:26:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Haaland might not even be fit for
Strategic Match Concerns for City
00:26:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
it. That's the worrying thing.
00:26:15
Keelin
Exactly.
00:26:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then...
00:26:16
Louie Easton
it's
00:26:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
then
00:26:17
Louie Easton
Sorry, the thing is with Salah, though, it's not his dribbling that's the that's the worry for the fullback because, you know, he had he lost he loses the ball so often when he comes in off the right-hand side, but it's the positions he finds himself in to receive the ball.
00:26:35
Keelin
Yeah. Yeah.
00:26:35
Louie Easton
So it's not necessarily just the fullback, but it's the centre-backs. Like, they have to be switched on 100% the time. If they're not, he'll punish them. So it's it you have to have the most experienced, ready players for going up against Mo Salah.
00:26:45
Keelin
yeah
00:26:51
Louie Easton
We've seen it time and time again this season. he is just He just finds a way to score.
00:26:57
Keelin
It's something actually him and Diogo Jada both do really, really well.
00:26:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:01
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:27:02
Keelin
They operate amazingly in between the lines and in those sort of half spaces. One minute they're there, the other minute they're not.
00:27:08
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:27:10
Keelin
And most defenders just cannot keep track of the movement. The movement is something different completely.
00:27:13
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:27:16
Louie Easton
yeah
00:27:16
Keelin
and You know, Louis just made a brilliant point there. if City's entire defense is not switched on, which it probably isn't going to be, they're in so much trouble because this Salah in previous seasons has gotten chances missed one, missed two.
00:27:32
Keelin
Salah's taken nearly every big chance he's had this season. And if you gift him a chance, he is going to put it away beyond the no illusion. that I'm assuming Diogo Jota might start as well.
00:27:44
Keelin
He's equally as lethal.
00:27:44
Louie Easton
Yeah, he he was he was taken off he was taken off against Aston Villa, so i do he will definitely play. Whether he'll start or not, that's a different thing, but I else i just don't i don't see Darwin Nunez starting, especially since Arnaz Slott criticised Darwin Nunez's attitude after the match.
00:28:04
Keelin
Yeah.
00:28:05
Louie Easton
He said he was two down after his miss. Yeah. And he's a ruthless manager. You know what Dutch managers are like. They're just absolutely ruthless. And they will they will punish you for the smallest things. So I i do think Jota will probably be starting. I'd be surprised if he wasn't.
00:28:23
Louie Easton
And again, it's it's hard to slot. I also think, weirdly, that this could be a game for James McAtee. like in terms of giving them the opportunity to come through the ranks and it does seem like if if you come through the you don't think so because I've i've seen it yeah but I
00:28:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nah, I don't think so.
00:28:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's not going to start him. He's not going to start him.
00:28:42
Keelin
He should, but he won't.
00:28:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, McAtee deserves a start, sure, but Pep hasn't trusted him in the big games. Pep's barely trusted him at all, to be honest.
00:28:52
Louie Easton
That's crazy to me. It just seems like the sort of game that is built for for the players to prove a point, the ones with a chip on their shoulder, to really come and try and make a difference.
00:28:54
Keelin
That's
00:29:04
Louie Easton
It does it seems right.
00:29:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's probably the only position in the pitch. City have still got lots of depth, though. So it's very difficult when you have just just spent big money on Marmouche and Phil Foden's obviously not going to get dropped.
00:29:12
Louie Easton
Hmm.
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Savinho's been City's most consistent forward this season. So it's just a case of where does he go? he's not he's not He's not got the defensive capabilities or the size to play and know like a pivot, in my opinion.
00:29:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
and he has to be one of the forward guys. and And yeah, he's just got a lot of quality in the way.
00:29:32
Louie Easton
Not like a Bernardo Silva sort of position then.
00:29:36
Keelin
If it was me, sorry, if it was me, just to say this really quickly, if it was me, my midfield three is Nico, Foden and McAtee, because at least you have the energy and McAtee has a point to prove.
00:29:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe.
Potential Solutions for City's Midfield Issues
00:29:48
Keelin
And frankly, i don't care if it's Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Kovacic or whoever else you mentioned, all three of those players have been trashed this season. They have underperformed in every single game they have played.
00:30:00
Keelin
I would rather James McAtee goes out and underperforms and gets overrun because at least he will try and at least he gets the chance that he deserves. Every single other central midfielder has let the midfield down.
00:30:09
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:30:12
Keelin
McAtee deserves a shot at it.
00:30:14
Louie Easton
What about the the experience of De Bruyne? I know, obviously, he didn't play against Real Madrid. He was on the bench. But would you not consider him?
00:30:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
but all I don't think he's fully fit. i don't think he's been fully i't I don't think he's been fully fit even since he's been back, to be honest. Every time he has an interview, he says how much pain he's in playing.
00:30:28
Louie Easton
Hmm.
00:30:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think i think we're really coming to the end now.
00:30:31
Louie Easton
Hmm.
00:30:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's been forced to too quickly back a few times in a row over the last couple of years. And think it's starting to catch up with him now, Keelan. Do you think?
00:30:41
Keelin
Yeah, and unfortunately, I think Jules is right, because if this was even 80% De Bruyne, he's better than any other midfielder that's fit at the moment. The problem is, again, like Jules said, every single game De Bruyne plays now, and it's so heartbreaking to watch.
00:30:58
Keelin
He's wincing, he looks like he's in pain, and it looks like it's a real struggle for him to do what he normally does. And, I mean, if he's fit 100%, you start him against Liverpool because he's a man for the big occasion.
00:31:12
Keelin
But i'm I'm starting to get worried now about De Bruyne's health because every interview we see, it's like, I'm in pain. I'm playing through this. I'm playing through this. And you have to wonder what the real story is there because clearly something isn't right.
00:31:27
Louie Easton
Yeah, it's a real shame because i he he makes it into my all-time Premier League eleven
00:31:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:31:32
Keelin
Oh, yeah. and my Obviously we're biased, but I 100% agree with you.
00:31:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:31:34
Louie Easton
yeah
00:31:36
Louie Easton
No, as ah as an as a neutral, for other obviously Gerrard gets him for me. That's my bias. But for me, it's Gerrard, probably Scholes and De Bruyne, midfield three for me, in the all-time Premier League XI.
00:31:50
Louie Easton
They're just De Bruyne. If you look at his goal catalogue, it's just great. And his passing, is I don't think anyone rivals him.
00:31:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's just as general as...
00:31:57
Keelin
I know this
00:31:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's just as everything. Like, he is just a fantastic...
00:32:00
Louie Easton
Yeah, he does give you everything.
00:32:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
When he wants to defend, he's even good at that, you know, because he's big as well and he's got good reading of the game. Yeah, I wouldn't say he's the world's best tackler, but when he has duels, he's pretty good in them normally, or or he was when he was a bit younger and a bit fitter.
00:32:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, on the ball, he's unparalleled.
00:32:17
Keelin
and know sorry I know this isn't the episode we're doing, but Gerrard would be an amazing box-to-box six with De Bruyne and Skulls as the eighth.
00:32:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
there't There's a bit...
00:32:26
Keelin
That would be unreal.
00:32:27
Louie Easton
Can you imagine? That would just be ridiculous.
00:32:30
Keelin
Oh.
00:32:31
Louie Easton
Three
Podcast Break
00:32:31
Louie Easton
different generations there as well.
00:32:33
Keelin
Yeah.
00:32:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, I'll let people ruminate over the that intergenerational midfield while we go for another short ad break and when we come back we'll talk a bit more about both Egyptians and and how happy Louis would be if Liverpool did the double over City this year.
00:32:36
Keelin
wow.
00:32:45
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:33:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the manchester Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network.
Score Predictions and Salah's Record Chase
00:33:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we've analysed a lot about how we think the game is going to play out.
00:33:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Haven't had score predictions from either you yet, so let's kick off this third and final segment with that. And then we'll go a bit more into who we think is going to win the game. So I'll go i'll go to Keelan first because Lewy looks in pain as I ask him that question.
00:33:45
Louie Easton
Uh...
00:33:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Keelan, you're going to back the boys.
00:33:53
Keelin
Yeah, I think this is a 3-1 Liverpool. That's how I see this going. and I just think the midfield battle is going to be way too much. And I think, I mean, obviously it's the easiest bet in the world. Salah is going to get at least one.
00:34:07
Keelin
and I think it's probably going to be Salah, Diogo Jota and then Ryan Grauvenberg, which I think gets a goal as well.
00:34:15
Louie Easton
Wow.
00:34:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Louis?
00:34:18
Louie Easton
I hate these so much. I'm a bit of a pessimist, so I prepare myself for disappointment, so therefore when it happens, I'm less upset.
00:34:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
No wonder why you two are getting along so well.
00:34:31
Louie Easton
To me, a draw is as good as a loss, so so'll I'll probably say 1-0 just because it's at the Etihad. I think if it's at Anfield, we win, but... Going to the Etihad is always... I mean, City fans wait for this match all season.
00:34:46
Louie Easton
So that will be a pretty boiling point atmosphere there. So I'm going to say 1-0. Hopefully Seller gets another one so he can run away with that golden boot.
00:34:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and you were right. It was 2015, the last time Liverpool won a Premier League game at the Etihad, and that was under Manuel Pellegrini as well, which feels quite bizarre, right?
00:35:04
Keelin
Thank you.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think you've what you've won you've won a few at Anfield in that time as well.
00:35:08
Louie Easton
Yeah, it's crazy.
00:35:12
Louie Easton
Well, we won in the Champions League because of the... Was it the Oxlade Chamberlain? that That was out there, I think.
00:35:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:35:20
Louie Easton
I could be wrong. yeah no yeah so Yeah, that was crazy.
00:35:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
no you yeah yeah i think you won both I think you won both legs in that tie.
00:35:27
Louie Easton
what What a night. Jeez.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've obviously talked a bit about Mo Salah, but you mentioned specifically about him chasing that Henri goals and assists total. he's yeah He's going for the all-time record goal contributions in the Premier League, at least in a 38-game season.
00:35:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
He probably could do it in a 42-game season too.
00:35:46
Louie Easton
Thank
00:35:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
That record is Alan Shearer with 47, but 38-game season, it's mentioned, Henri, with goals assists in Erling Haaland, in his inaugural campaign, scored that record 36 goals and added eight assists as well, which a lot a lot lot not a lot of people thought he did. So he also is sharing that record.
00:36:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you expect him to surpass that? and And quickly, just how important is he to Liverpool Football Club, Louis?
00:36:17
Louie Easton
Oh, he is. He's paramount to us. I think there are so many games you can look at across this season where you think, yes, Salah won us that match. Will he get that record? I don't know, because 12 games, I know it sounds like a lot, but for an assist in majority of those games, you're asking a lot. Goals, I mean, he gets them all the time.
00:36:38
Louie Easton
He gets almost a goal or match at this point. Yeah.
00:36:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he needs six. He needs six more goal contributions to break the record.
00:36:44
Louie Easton
oh Oh, six more goal contributions to break that record. I thought it was just going for assists for the end of, to to catch the 20.
00:36:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, he could also break that all-time assist record too.
00:36:53
Louie Easton
Because I...
00:36:56
Louie Easton
Yes, because that's shared that shared but with Henry and De Bruyne, I believe, the 20 assists in one season.
00:36:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he could he could get everything.
00:37:04
Louie Easton
So I don't think he'll do that. But for the goal contributions, I think he does. but The form that he's on. And, you know, even when we don't win, he's still like with the Everton and Villa ones, he got a goal and an assist in both of those games.
00:37:20
Louie Easton
I don't think people realise how insane that is. his numbers have been for us this season he is just paramount know he's instrumental in every match that we play he how he gives you that confidence that means that you can go into each game thinking that you'll win he's yeah I think he deserves the Ballon d'Or I think I'd like to know from you actually do you think he deserves the Ballon d'Or
00:37:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It probably depends on what you end the season with, right? If if if you win the Champions League, it's probably nailed on.
00:37:50
Louie Easton
yeah I suppose
00:37:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
But obviously then you've got to look at the start of next season. and if he if he leaves the club and goes elsewhere and doesn't play top, you know, he could, Saudi is what a lot of people are talking, he's not going to win it if he goes there, but yeah, to directly answer the question, he has been the best footballer in the world over the last 12 months, I think, yeah.
00:38:11
Louie Easton
yeah brilliant
00:38:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Keelan?
00:38:13
Keelin
I second that, by the way.
00:38:13
Louie Easton
i'm
00:38:14
Keelin
I do agree. I think Sal has been untouchable.
00:38:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So, Keelan, we'll come to you now. and City of their own Egyptian king, Omar Mamouche, truly electrified the Premier League in his last game in the competition. As you mentioned, Louis, he got that hat-trick in the first half against Newcastle to devastating effect.
00:38:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
How vital is he going to be causing danger and creating opportunities? This would undoubtedly be the perfect stage for him to truly arrive.
00:38:42
Louie Easton
Bye.
00:38:48
Keelin
I think what we saw with Marmush, although it's a very small sample size, is when he has a number nine to play off of, he's unbelievably dangerous. You know, playing out sort of slightly in that left wing position.
00:39:01
Keelin
he he was so yeah mean he He tore Newcastle apart single-handedly. I mean, we so we all saw that with our own eyes. I don't know what he'd be like as and as the number nine as the focal point. I don't think he would be as good or as effective.
00:39:15
Keelin
But if, fingers crossed, Erling Haaland's fit, then I think Marmouche will be incredibly dangerous and difficult to stop. And especially if Trent starts on the right-hand side, I think Marmouche would have a very good game.
00:39:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think that that's the key. but a Both those things are the key.
00:39:30
Louie Easton
Yeah, and Bradley went off injured in the last game and Slott said he's 99.9% sure immediately after the match that he wouldn't be able to play against Manchester City or even Newcastle and they have to assess him.
00:39:45
Louie Easton
So Trent's nailed on for Sunday.
00:39:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's is being kind of rushed back as well from injury himself, isn't he?
00:39:51
Louie Easton
No, no, no. He's had time to be integrated back into the team. And he started against Villa, taken off at like 60 minutes in. And he scored against Villa as well. So, yeah.
00:40:02
Louie Easton
And I thought he had a brilliant game, to be honest, defensively, as well as an attack. But, you know, it's a different challenge taking on Omar Mahmouche, as we've seen from Newcastle's experience.
00:40:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. So and I just want to ask you both this question. At this point of the campaign, what would constitute a good
Season Aims and Arsenal's Impact
00:40:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
season? What would you both be happy with come June?
00:40:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'll start with you, Louis.
00:40:29
Louie Easton
Well, if you asked me this before the season, I would have said...
00:40:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not, but I'm not.
00:40:33
Louie Easton
i know, but I would have said top four, Champions League quarterfinal, and maybe one of the two cups. At the moment, we're top of the league, five points clear, and it seems like it would be a bad season if we didn't win the league now, being this far clear with this many games to go.
00:40:51
Louie Easton
i don't think it's a bad season in particular but i think we have to win at least one or or at least you know have it go to the final day or get to the semi-finals of the champions league and probably win the carabao cup now considering the fact that we are the better team than newcastle so i think what final day at least one of the 30 finals the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup that for me is a good season and that's me being pessimistic obviously I want all three
00:41:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
if Just before you answer the City perspective, Keelan, would it be a bottle for Liverpool not to win the Premier League at this at this point?
00:41:34
Louie Easton
yeah yeah it would be
00:41:34
Keelin
respectfully to Louis, yes it would be. And it would be it would be as bad as any of the Arsenal bottles in my opinion as well. Mostly because of the advantage and mostly because for God's sake, not Arsenal.
00:41:46
Keelin
Any other team that Arsenal
00:41:46
Louie Easton
Yes, that's what I'm thinking.
00:41:48
Louie Easton
That's what's motivating me more about this league as well. It's like, yes, it would be amazing if we've won it. We've won it recently and that was an amazing feeling. But God, I do not want Arsenal fans to have the last laugh. that would just The noise pollution on social media would be unbearable.
00:42:05
Keelin
like I respect Liverpool as a football club, so I can more than live with them winning the league, but I cannot live with Arsenal winning it. I will not have that. Louis, you've helped us out before.
00:42:16
Keelin
we will we'll try and support you as well. Don't let North London win this.
00:42:21
Louie Easton
I do not. I do not.
00:42:21
Keelin
Don't bother
00:42:23
Louie Easton
I really don't want that. You know, the fact that they haven't really won anything under Arteta is reassuring at the moment. So if they won the Premier League for the first time since the Invincible, I don't i don't want to speak that into existence, but we've done it now.
00:42:42
Louie Easton
We just need to pray it doesn't happen.
00:42:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I love that the only thing that can bond Liverpool and City fans is a mutual hatred of Arsenal.
00:42:48
Louie Easton
ha ha.
00:42:52
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:42:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Keelan, I know I've asked you this before, but obviously football moves so fast and now City are out of the Champions League. that That was always the the shiny carrot that could have turned it all around.
00:43:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
What does City need to do now for this to not be a complete, absolute travesty?
00:43:12
Keelin
I think winning the FA Cup and finishing third is an acceptable salvage from this season. Missing any of that is a disgrace, quite frankly, because you spend all this money in January, you don't plan for Rodri being injured, anything short of that, and the sword falls on your own head.
00:43:32
Keelin
If you can win the f FA Cup and you can finish third and get Champions League football, that's acceptable to me based on the standards of our own club.
00:43:39
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:43:42
Louie Easton
if like If I could just chip in quickly, I just want to say that's absolutely achievable for Manchester City because here's a stat for you. Since Christmas, only Liverpool and Arsenal have won more points in the Premier League than Manchester City.
00:43:54
Louie Easton
In their eight games beforehand, City picked up only four points. So there's been some sort of shift since Christmas in favour of Manchester City.
00:44:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think there has.
00:44:02
Louie Easton
And you know when you have when you if you can pick put up a performance like you did against Newcastle, then I don't see why a team capable of doing that can't... play in cha in the Champions League. that's I mean, you're more than good enough and you have got the momentum now, I think, especially since now you don't have to focus on European football. So you're on the same wavelength as Nottingham Forest.
00:44:25
Louie Easton
And you can, well, I don't want to say you can underestimate Plymouth in the next round because we did that and we got punished by it. So, but, you know, if as it stands, I think Manchester City can focus on the Premier League. And when you have distractions out of the way, i know Forest te do as well. I know that some of the other clubs in that sort of region the Premier League do.
00:44:49
Louie Easton
But I just think, i I almost think it's a failure if you don't get to the Champions League by, even by the standards that you've put out this season.
00:44:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah, no, it would be, especially at this point where City still have it in their own hands. Like you say, there's no European football as a distraction. I don't know if I'd use that word because City should always expect to be competing at the latter stages of every tournament with the with the wage bill and the quality in the team.
00:45:13
Louie Easton
Yeah. It's me coping with the FA Cup as well against Plymouth.
00:45:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. But yeah, City absolutely, possibly one of the favourites for the FA Cup, you'd have to say, with you with you being defeated.
00:45:24
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:45:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, finishing top four, consolidating, big big open heart surgery, like you said, Keelan.
00:45:31
Louie Easton
Arsenal are out as well.
00:45:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
so and yeah And then go again next year. He can't win every year. Four in a row just took everything out of these players. The treble season already took everything out of these players.
00:45:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
To squeeze one more year and get that English record of four titles in a row, I think that was clearly the straw that broke the camel's back.
City's Post-Treble Struggles and Pep's Influence
00:45:53
Keelin
Yeah, was. And I think even there were sources within City that said they were surprised that they won the fourth in a row because they didn't think that team was capable of it.
00:46:04
Keelin
But I think the hangover from the treble winning team has properly hit now. And Louis, you'll remember this. Was it two seasons ago, club maybe Klopp's second last season, whenever it was, and the midfield ran out of legs.
00:46:18
Keelin
Henderson, Fabinho, and so on and so forth.
00:46:20
Louie Easton
Yeah, yeah, Fabinho was awful that year.
00:46:21
Keelin
That's what's happened to us. That's what's happened to us. We've had our hangover now.
00:46:25
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:46:27
Keelin
And Klopp performed a brilliant job of preparing the team for Arnaz Slott. And now Guardiola faces that challenge this summer. I think a successful season for City is this.
00:46:39
Keelin
You win the FA Cup. You finish in the top three. Arsenal don't win the league. And then you can scrap the season and say, you know what, we move, we go on the next year. Because we'll always have the argument that Rodri was out. And with Rodri, a lot of those draws and losses do become wins.
00:46:56
Keelin
But I think when we get Rodri back, and if we can replace the players that we're going to lose, kind of leave we can kind of forgive the season we've had. But anything short of that is a failure.
00:47:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I totally agree.
00:47:08
Louie Easton
Would you take getting to the final of the f FA Cup? Or do you think you have to win?
00:47:11
Keelin
No, you have to win it.
00:47:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, do you have to win it, yeah.
00:47:12
Louie Easton
Yeah,
00:47:14
Keelin
Finishing second isn't an option. It's win it or it's a failure.
00:47:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you can't...
00:47:19
Louie Easton
I was very annoyed when you lost it to Man United last season. That that was awful.
00:47:22
Keelin
Ugh, how do you think we felt?
00:47:24
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:47:26
Keelin
Ugh!
00:47:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, this team still has too much quality in it to go trophy-less for the whole season. that that With one of the greatest managers, if not the greatest manager of all time as well. you can't You can't waste Pep's final years.
00:47:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Although he's done a lot of it himself, of course. But you've got to you've got to be racking up the the silverware towards the end of what has been an extraordinary career.
00:47:45
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:47:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, oh
00:47:50
Louie Easton
I've got another interesting stat about this game, actually. if you and Sorry, it's just I've seen this and I think it really deserves the airtime.
00:47:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
no, no, that's fine.
Liverpool's Potential Double Over City
00:47:57
Louie Easton
Liverpool have achieved the Premier League double over the reigning champions six times previously. That's more than any other side in the competition's history. That's against Blackburn, Man United 0-1, 0-2, 0-9, 13-14 and Chelsea 2010 and 11.
00:48:09
Louie Easton
thirteen fourteen and chelsea in two thousand and ten and eleven But yeah, obviously the Etihad factor is going to be dangerous.
00:48:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
how special would it be to win the Premier League and do the double over over the Champions, Man City, in the process?
00:48:25
Louie Easton
I mean, to be honest, I'd be happy if we won the league and and didn't do the title. I just want the league at this point. But it would be extra special if we finally won at the Etihad for the first time in almost 10 years.
00:48:40
Louie Easton
We actually did the double overview in that season as well. And that's the oh that's one of only two times we've done the double overview. The other being in 2005-06, one that most of your fans weren't probably weren't fans at that point.
00:48:52
Louie Easton
So that's...
00:48:53
Keelin
or Bowen.
00:48:53
Louie Easton
a Or Bourne, yeah, or Bourne. But if we can win, i think I will have total confidence that we can win the league.
00:49:04
Louie Easton
But obviously the most important game that we still have to play in the Premier League and left to go in this season is Arsenal. And that's towards the very latter stages of the season. So that will be almost like a cup final.
00:49:19
Louie Easton
Yeah. this is This is probably the one that comes second, close second, definitely.
00:49:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And inversely, Keelan, I know you've said Arsenal are obviously top of the hit list, but how how painful would it be to surrender the title the way that City have and then Liverpool do the double, which obviously hasn't been done for a large amount of years?
00:49:42
Louie Easton
cruel question.
00:49:42
Keelin
tell To tell you the God's honest truth, as bad as this sounds, this whole season has been horrifying, you know. Game after game after game, losing games you should be winning, putting in sub-par performances.
00:49:56
Keelin
To tell you the truth, I don't really care about losing to a better team. You know, if Liverpool win, they win. They've been the best team in the league this season, and I have no problem saying that.
00:50:08
Keelin
What bothers me more is that City are this bad rather than how good Liverpool are. we It should be us in Liverpool competing for this league again. it shouldn't be Arsenal in Liverpool, or at the very least, it should be a three-horse race.
00:50:22
Keelin
The fact that we've let ourselves get in this position where we're talking about being embarrassed by having the double done over us, that's purr. and we should never be in this position again the fact that we're debating how embarrassing it's going to be if liverpool do at least double over us we need to have a serious sit down at the end of the season and evaluate where this whole thing's gone wrong and this arrogance can never be allowed to be repeated again
00:50:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Definitely. And surely with Rodri back next season, it will it will be a three-horse race, you'd imagine, because he can't keep his team with this quality down for too long.
00:50:55
Louie Easton
Yeah.
00:51:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that'll about do it for today's crossover episode. Make sure you stay tuned for all the coverage we'll be putting out covering this massive game and much more as the season starts to get into crunch time. Thank you to Louis from the Daily Liverpool team and thanks to Keela McNamara as always too.
00:51:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Thank you all so much for listening. I've been Jules Jordan-Probert. We've been the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.