WATCH LIVE | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW! MatchDay Live

so the stage is set inside the aturn stadium cannot wait the pressure is on Manchester city is this their night of European glory of the treble to be considered one of the really good good team you have to win the Europe and we did it into the gap for Bernardo Silva what a ball that is by kill so there are teams that win the Champions after one or two seasons disappear this is what they have to Avid [Applause] it Kevin deer Ry tries it scores rodri with an absolute Peach right now I think Manchester City above everybody else now we have the first but I don't want that one Champions League disappear and neither do we pep we definitely don't welcome to Match Day Live welcome to a very special Match Day Live City are looking to regain their Champions League title which of course was won unfortunately by Real Madrid last time but we're here in the studio for a very special UCL League phase draw and it's with great pleasure to say I'm joined by two absolute Legends Michael Brown and Na and new at n how we feeling yeah feeling good man yourself yeah I'm good I'm good I mean we just saw the VT there brownie at the start of the show and the competition's had so many great memories for so many clubs and so many stuff but I mean for us it's just lovely to see and hopefully we can go all the way this year that was the memory wasn't it we want to try and get there wherever possible again format's going to be a little bit different how does that affect it but I tell you something nobody wants to play Manchester City and that tells you how far the club have come um special nights and hopefully it's going to be a real successful campaign yeah we will explain the format to you guys watching very very soon it has all changed um Na are you confident of city um regaining the Champions League uh I'm confident they can do it I think as Michael said though like this new system of a pause there though native no set up now I'm supremely confident this team can beat absolutely anyone but it's going to be interesting this year with the new setup to see how it all pans out in the end but if City you're in one of those say top two positions in that overall League wouldn't be surprised if it went all the way yeah I mean the new format is going to be explained very very shortly which I keep saying good luck yeah it's an interesting one but I think it's going to be very good let's talk about other teams in the in the thing as part of the new format I don't want to spoil it too much but we can draw we will draw against two pop one teams um which is special in itself for a league phase draw um who are the key threats in the well I think we're all we've all gone we all asked a question about Real Madrid for certain I think that's just a given because of the history in the tournament but pop one scares me a little bit do you know in regards to if if you draw the two the pot ones away from home how does it affect you can get some you know some some good ones um that visit you as well um Bayern Munich I think for certain I think they going to be interesting with Vincent company how they're going to take on um but yeah I think the champions leagues that's what it is it's the Pinnacle isn't it we're all um we're all interested to see what type of draw it is and I think you need a bit of look along the way as well yeah absolutely you do I think as You' mentioned there with the pop one teams you sort of feel nervous about them because you know they're almost as good as say City are and to be getting some of those tough way fixtures would would be a tricky in itself but then also you're playing two teams from part two part three part four as well and because it's so new like how many points gets you into the top eight you know what I mean like is it going to be you need to be perfect or is it a case of say you can drop some points but I think one thing's for certain with this team all they want to do is win yeah all they want to do is win indeed listen we've got some very very special guests joining us on the wall for us um and as you can see We've Got Big Steve we've got alian and we've got weight Big Steve will'll come to you first na was n't too confident according to brownie um I want I want some confidence from you to start up better tongue and cheek yeah no I'm looking forward to it um I feel like um we was really unlucky last season um we got to put it right this season and like brownie said I don't think there's anybody in that uh draw that wants to face Manchester City so I'm really excited I'm a little unsure about the new former I'm sure you guys are going to explain it to us but um yeah I'm looking forward to it I'm ready to go I mean me and na have actually got an explainer for you come still to come and Ali I mean have you had a chance to look at the the new format um in detail we know how good you are across all City channels and incredible each I like the shirt behind you as well by the way there's a certain shirt behind which is signed by a certain someone isn't it it it is signed by um the man who G gave City their only Champions League win of course in Istanbul Roger very kindly signed that for me when I clocked the 500 game up against West Ham back in May I mean the thing about this this draw and the thing about the competition is that uh uef were trying to get rid of those dead rubber games that you often get in a group stage and as a consequence they've come up with this new format where they hoping that games will be interesting all the way to the last match and of course because everyone's playing for league placings so that they get either an automatic route through uh or they have to go into the playoff system the theory is that um you'll end up getting better matches all the way through the competition I mean City been so good in the group stage that normally by game five they're dead rubers so that's that's basically the premise behind it they they want it to be exciting all the way to the last minute of the last game we'll see whether or not it works yeah well hopefully we'll have it wrapped up by the last game wait we'll come to you now a man you know one of our members at the studio very very well and you spent some time with him join the trophy tour of Beijing am all right yeah enjoyed it and uh me and my song Amos [Laughter] yeah class what a guy you know it nice to see him because you see like when we do these shows we're obviously in the studio and you forget how far and wide say the videos and stuff go so when I'm on a different continent altogether and get a chance to see someone who I've seen on that wall and watches the show absolutely amazing honestly what was that experience like for you in Beijing I mean look at the wall behind him yeah I'm looking I've I've worn a couple of those shirts that he's got up on his wall but I think it's for me it's fantastic you know what I mean to get a chance to travel around the world and to be able to like share what it is to be City with fans from all around because the idea is not every fan can get to Manchester so for the club to be able to take myself and others and trophies out to those people like you see how much it means to them when once you arrive because again you know it's a life-changing moment I'm disappointed with big Steve's collection here I thought you had a few shirts thought you were like number one fan not a shirt unbelievable we' muted him we've muted him what say he hasn't got you can't even speak back move on no we have to hear from him we'll see if we can sort that out right big Steve we can hear you now um what's the reason because we all agree actually listen there's not enough space on these walls for all the trophies we okay listen you're looking great in blue as well um who who do you think um are the key threats from your side um Steve from from a fans perspective who are you most looking to avoid from that pop one do you know what I don't I don't want to avoid anyone I I just feel like we've got to bring it on you know I'm a little bit sick of going to Real Madrid every now and then it's uh I could do it somewhere nice I need a t on my head so anywhere warm will do but um I'm just interested to see this new format and get these um eight games out the way and see how it out um I'm just looking forward to new really you know what it's like I'm sick of shaket lives Madrid at a minute somewhere new it's very very excited for supporters listen let's not keep everybody waiting let's run straight away and play the explainer so you everyone watching at home can understand exactly how the league phase draw is going to go n the UEFA Champions League has changed this year it's now referred to as the league phase draw fancy fancy well she would get to explain it so every Club will now be guaranteed a minimum of eight League stage games against eight different opponents four of the games will be at home and four of them will be away okay okay interesting the teams are still in pots though and you can draw two from each okay so city as a pot one team will face two other pot one teams that's Bayern Madrid PSG inter Dortmund leig and Barcelona that's a big big big amount of clubs no team can play aside from their own League though at this stage but you can draw a maximum of two teams from one country okay that makes sense so far so let me carry on then so the top eight sides in the league will qualify all automatically for The Knockout stages while the teams finishing in 9th to 24th Place will compete in a two-legged playoff to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition do you mean to tell me the team that finishes 24th in the league phase could still go on to win the Champions League that's exactly what I mean so if you're in with a Chance why not go for it well I'm ready for this should we get into it let's get into it my friend naam that was Sensational clear as mud me and you mate if you don't know how the league phase works now you do because of me and Native all right wait we' just heard from uh from n explaining everything so so well um the team that finishes 24th can still potentially go on to win the Champions League from a fans perspective that makes things so much more exciting doesn't it yes true I'd say we could play Jona in the finals well that's an early prediction Ali Jona in the final do you fancy that yeah you know what Jona have had all their best players Cherry Picked including of course svino who's only on loan anyway um it'd be great if that would happen I mean the reality is that that when everybody's asked who who is the main threat you're always gonna say Real Madrid but the reality is that I I quite like one or two of the teams in terms of their strength I think Atletico Madrid's uh recruitment has been very very good of course Alvarez is going to be a major player for them and they seem to have a decent depth to them as well as well uh yeah Jona I think they they've struggled a little bit um this season but after the incredible season they had last anything is a bonus going going in from here on in and uh yeah I'd be lovely to draw Jona but I think big steeve said it really it'd be nice to draw teams that we haven't faced before uh I mean ironically the only time that that that we've ever met inter was in the final so maybe maybe enter in the I suppose they don't call it the group stage anymore that this early stage uh will be quite interesting a repeat of the final uh and I said last season we draw Real Madrid in the quarterfinal stake I've got absolutely no doubt that we'll draw them in this draw as well well listen Real Madrid brownie Real Madrid at the etad you want to run it back and would would you fancy our chances you've got fanciers at home all day long and what a game I I say bring it on because do you know with the amount of games that you have got if the worst was to happen it's not one of those you have to avoid the sides now so much and it's like a a group state where you've got last 16 you going straight in so you got a bit of time to recover to to to get yourself going but still that would be the game I really feel City the players would really relish to get involved and to show how good we are um so yeah bring it on why not I mean you can go on can't you that's why we're so blessed with this with this type of draw the system and as said big Steve wants a nice trip away somewhere so we have to find a different we'll see how long it takes for uh for Big Steve to to tell us that he'll be booking his flights because he'll be there no matter what um a man who played last time in the Champions League the last time we won it his last Champions League game for us is now back at the club IL Kai gundan um I think every single Manchester City supporter has been talking about this man for weeks on end and we've we've seen him come back we've seen him get an assist with the Oasis return we think made look it's really really good times for the club but what an addition he is yeah absolutely incredible I think when you saw the sadness that was around the club when he left um a year ago to be able to bring him back on a free transfer with him talking about how much he loves the club like I felt like I was an alternate universe when a week ago he was saying how like you know it's such a privilege to come back you know he's leaving Barcelona that should be the other way around you know for most of our lifetime you don't leave barcel to go to City and have a step up but instead that's the reality of the moment and I think for him to be a new signing that knows it all to have that reception from the crowd and to know that he wants to make a difference as well this is a former Club Captain coming back a year later it's a very unique situation but I'm delighted I was sat with a few early on in the week last week and it the tour came up and it looked like it was going to happen I was thinking surely not and it it sort of escalated very very quickly it was obviously it was going to be on and then that weight that buildup I think everybody was getting excited because it's not only what he brings on the pitch it's off the pitch the leadership um the way he conducts himself and um a real leader and I think what pep has there as well is someone who can portray what he wants the brains of the operation and and it's continued down and I think I think every city supporter wondered what they were going to get when when he first come in the building uh didn't start that well but then ultimately what he was involved in going forward was just incredible and he'd be delighted to be back he'll want to contribute and I think he'll have a different mindset again about helping the club yeah more long term than him as a a personal selfish View and I think that's what we might be really getting the benefit of this time I imagine it does so so much for the dressing room as well bringing a player back I mean there's some new players there as well but they'll be fully aware native of of what he's achieved in sky blue and and how good of a player is 100% like you know this is one of the best role models that say a young player can have for example someone that has done it all and won it all you know what I mean and I think for him coming back as well I think as Michael said it will be slightly different to a year ago you know even though he's capable of probably playing in every single game because he's a fraction older you'll probably perceiving things in a slight different way maybe coming back is more of a long-term thing maybe there's going to be some coaching in there as well so for him to come back and to understand he's got to view that he's got to look and say this would be a type of surroundings Club under that under that that coaching team that Banner to learn this is where it starts 100% so I think it' be great for him I think obviously some people might miss out game time wise but essentially if there's someone to wait behind you know this is one of the best ever for City now Ali you've commentated so many games for for Manchester City and um ilai gundan being about 510 FG 510 B and hopefully 510 more um explain to me what it feels like to see him back in in sky blue and and hopefully loads of special moments again well it means an awful lot and I think um and pep said it himself in his in his press conference uh just after he signed he said you know ordinarily he wouldn't sign a 33 year old it would not be something that he would uh countenance but he he looks at ilkai gundan differently to any other player because influence on the field influence off the field I mean we talk about players scoring important goals and and and there are many of them but IL Kai's two goals against United in the FA Cup Final in the second leg of the treble the two against Aston Villa the season before and and many many others you're talking about a guy who is unique um there are players who you know make good runs who find spaces uh who make that kind of ghosting effect at the far post that nobody seems to pick up but I don't think anyone does it much better than IL Kai gundan he did it for Germany as well in the euros and he's just a special guy and I think I'd be very very surprised if he isn't part of the captaincy team I know there's be three or four that the players vote for I'd be very surprised if if he isn't back in that role again even though he's only been back you know 10 days now yeah I think we're all just super super happy to see him back and big Steve I have to ask you you're at the EAD at the weekend that reception when he came onto the pitch even when he went out to warm up it was special wasn't it feel like um there's a little buzz around the at weekend just having him there and I think all this Panic about maybe being a bit light in Midfield with rodri being injured I think that's gone away now I think um knowing that ilai is in the building what he brings to the table experience that old ahead and the fact that he's been there before he loves the club and he's been around it and knows it I think everyone's relaxed and it was quite a good atmosphere at weekend and it felt a bit like that treble season at the beginning when it was a real Buzz around the place and I'm hoping that can continue now and keep it going and but grundin coming back is uh signing and wait I have to ask you as well you were watching the game um from from many miles away what was the atmosphere around there and and how did it feel to see to see ilai back in at city as well uh for me it's more emotional way uh off Peach feelings because uh during the past decade we have seen many times of departure uh Sergio joart leny David Silva so when I say G comeback just uh tears dropping down because we can bring our old Legends back to our club and fat for us again that kind of feeling is just uh amazing so uh when I say say hey come on to the beach uh nothing to describe just uh we ask more trophies that's is all yeah absolutely listen I think it's only right that was a lovely way to put it as well I think it's only right that we get everybody involved here because we've asked our Legends and we've asked our guests for their predictions for the Champions League so we've got a little graphic to show you um based on what you guys are seeing we we'll come to we'll talk about the head shots in a minute in particular yours Big Steve um but brownie biggest threat I mean it's it's unanimous across everybody and I think it's one that not many people like I'm more interested in the head shot what's going on there could have made it a little bit better would it like a bit but I think we've been stitched up there FG Real Madrid the biggest threats um I think it makes sense doesn't it the mbappe factor the Bellingham Factor mbappe soon as he goes in the build I think that changes everything I don't know if you agree N I think um that was the signing of the summer everybody looking at it and saying wow how's that going to affect with obviously a team who've always been successful without him and now you add him to it I mean where they going to match up how they're going to play that could cause them a few problems um as you've seen in other clubs when they had too much sort of quality not enough maybe work ethic that's the one thing I would say um but ultimately they are the ones to watch they seem to just find a way in this tournament the manager and the players now um and and rightly so they've earned the right where do we see PSG in all of this after they've lost mbappe they're of course a pop one side yeah so speaking with Julian Lon who covers them and he's a PSG supporter and as you'll tell you Paris born and Brad like he feels even though they've lost the star power he feels they're a better Collective I get that so there'll be a different sort of challenge for some people and to be honest I was half thinking about them for as a surprise package as such because I think a lot of people will be down on them because their big stars aren't there anymore but again they're more of like a really good side now in the Champions League who will work harder together it's never about an individual it's how they're going to react though isn't it it's whether they're going to have enough I just that's the the uncertainties around them for me still when we asked on these the to to give an opinion I still think there's a there's a balance that it could be slightly off still it's it's the it's the perfect it's like the mirror image of the Real Madrid one we've seen Real Madrid win the Champions League so many times in recent years and then they add someone who can get them out of jail again you know what I mean at times it can be imperfect but now maybe mbappe is going to do something whereas now for PSG it's not about the individuals you know it's the collectiv so it's almost like picky poison as such and speaking of collectives you've put your um surprise package of Bayern Leverkusen and obviously they had an incredible season last year in Europe including up until the final yes um but this is the Champions League now you still put them down as a surprise surprise package started the season very well again um they keep winning do you see them doing really really well in this I I see them potentially doing well yeah I think the fact that you know already this season they've had two late wins and stuff and it's not to say that you want to rely upon that but it's a style of play which they have which would suit playing in the Champions League I think the movement of their players the comfort that they play in and the fact that you know they are capable of beating any team around can they continue it though do you know like for such an unbelievable run have they got that do you think can they that consistency to do it I think that's going to be point in a in a knockout I think for me do you know which partt they're in are they in they're in two they're in two okay being in two I'd fancy their chances against other teams in two and i' fan them quite heavily to beat teams in three and four so as a consequence I see them making it to knockout rounds in the top eight that's how I see it might be a bit of a surprise for some but they're good enough to to we can talk about all as well is is the draw which we're going to see we're going to have to be asked again we're doing that before you see who you're going to come up against the home and aways are going to be key as well but um earned they going well they have the draw is is well it's getting underway I mean there's Ronaldo there there's bof on there Cristiano Ronaldo that is when it starts we'll be reacting live to it right here let's talk about the surprise packages that um big Steven Al have said they they're unanimous with it um first things first big Steve should we address the uh the head shot you happy with that one did you send that send that one in yourself well I think me and Ali have been stitched up right there I don't know about Brownie and Ne but yeah uh someone needs a quiet word there I think I like the way that they're looking at each other as well on it it's it's brilliant Atletico Madrid ali um both of you and Steve have agreed that they they potentially will be the surprise packages I'm I'm Senter Julian Alvarez reason for that well yeah and I also think Connor Gallagher's a good signing as well and they've got a fantastic spine to their team that they've had for a long time now uh with of course oblak who's a a fantastic goalkeeper behind it all and then you've got the reliable players like Griezmann and uh Koke in Midfield um you know that they've just seem to have every base covered for me they're always one of those teams who uh you rarely beat easily you know you even when City met them a couple of years back it was a one- nil over two legs it was a couple of very fiercly fought matches um they've got that consistency in the back room and the coaching and so on um It's a Wonderful Arena to play your football they play in a fantastic atmosphere in their new stadium whole package makes them a danger it was Dortmund that knocked them out last season um of course Dortmund ended up getting to the final so they just to me seem to have the right balance and remember they got to those two finals against Real Madrid not that long ago uh and since then they've added a bit more experience with the likes of asqueta who's always reliable and they've got lond who played for Spain and won the the Euros with rodri so it's just that balance and the debt that they've got that make me believe that Atletico are the surprise package I could have said one of the English teames uh I I do think Liverpool are going to be awkward and and Arsenal well how many games did they lose in total last season period so you know English teams are always going to be a danger but if if you pin me to to the MK I'd say definitely Atletico Madrid is the biggest surprise package just ahead of Leverkusen I think you look at the legs now that they've got they'll be hard to beat won't they they'll be really aggressive in the Press tough they've got a little streak we know that they've got that as well so feel like it just give him a bit of an edge but the whether the qualities at the highest end to go win the Champions League that's something different but they're certainly you're going to know you're in a game against them I mean the interesting thing is which n explained so so well is at 24th Place still doesn't get knocked out of the Champions League they get another opportunity it means that they'll play more games and I think it's like 17 I think if they reach the final a number was mentioned and wait I want to come to you we want to speak about players players to potentially watch in the Champions League we' seen the likes of yamal wi has predicted mosala is there anyone else from other teams that you think is going to stand out in the tournament this year the Serio yeah it's a smart choice I mean it's a smart choice um he's been brilliant hasn't he so far what have you liked so much about him yes uh his dribble and uh his technique and uh uh I'd like to say how far he can go comparing with Maurice so that's uh wonderful to say he play and uh hope he can um make so many threats to the opponent I mean funny enough it Riad mahrez actually wrote a tweet about that um saying wait a minute say this is essentially a regen of him so I'm glad that Riad supported him and wait who do you think team-wise apart from Manchester City are going to be the surprise teams in in this year's tournament to do well uh Bingham and and sorry the teams so like the club yeah yeah oh Real Madrid yeah I think it's just a safe bet isn't it and I hope every single one of you are wrong um Big Steve let's let's go back to that talk about um Savio shall we I mean what a start he's had it looks like he's been a part of this team for many many years already yeah really exciting player great to see him get on the front foot and go out the full back straight away and um I feel like he's going to be a massive addition I feel like pep sweeped it a little bit this year I feel like over the past few seasons the Wingers have been been encouraged to sort of come back inside slow it down a little bit but I feel like with Jeremy doku and Savio they've both been told to just go and play go out the fullback and uh it's definitely uh exciting to see him play and um as soon as he gets the ball now you can feel the crowd at thead rise a little bit knowing that something special is going to happen and I just hope it can continue with a good form he started off with yeah it's been a very very good start to the season for our Wingers and also very good news for one of our other Wingers Jack relish back in the England Squad and he had a great preseason unfortunately he got he got injured he's he's hopefully on the menend and he'll be back soon but browny um you know Jack well and uh he'll be delighted and it's very well deserved isn't it yeah I was really disappointed we talked about it at the start of the Season regard not making the England squad and rightly so that's what you want to play for your country you want to do whatever you're possible in these major tournaments and sometimes it's cruel and we see on choices different selections but what he did um he had a little break then he got really his head down got trained in got himself in a great condition mindset and he was ready for the challenge we've seen in preseason he was just getting there then he gets a little knock and he has to wait again so that's a frustrating thing we talk about new Wingers different styles different systems so you need the manager also to buy in with what you can do in a particular game that's coming your way as well but you've got to take the positive you're back in the squad new new manager although caretaker manager and now he's just got to get minutes he's got to play football Jack greish um and that's what he were looking to do the more minutes we see of him the better he going to be and we've seen more minutes from a young man who's also been called up today Rico Lewis is in the senior Squad he got a call up last season as well he'll be absolutely delighted and N he's been brilliant hasn't he at the start of the Season absolutely he's been exceptional I think obviously he's been somebody who'd be waiting for an opportunity and I think to be able to have a preseason and to be ready to go for the first game and to play the way that he did I thought he's exceptional in the community shield and I think he's been great since then and for the way that he plays he offers something different you know what I mean like so the other teams that they're playing against they think oh it's this little fell but he always Chelsea they target him targeted him you know One V one areas and I thought he dealt with it really well the competitiveness the and the detail as well is we look at the goal last week um against IP switch so that's one area and it's difficult to the position of where you you drop into Midfield areas to come back to get with your line but for a young player I just think he's he's done really really well and he's going to be a real star isn't he yeah hopefully plenty more years in sky blue Ali I want to ask you about Rico in particular that performance at the weekend he could have had a goal it was almost say could have or should have I'll say could have because I would have missed that nice guy yeah he I mean it looks like he had the goal dis allowed at Chelsea as well um for a foul but he's getting himself in attacking positions as well isn't he he's he's an incredible talent and and I remember a press conference at least a year ago maybe longer when pep said that um he was hoping that people like Jon Stones would learn from Rico Lewis to how to play that role moving in into that position alongside rodri to help him protected Midfield now we're talking about a kid who at the time was maybe 17 18 when Pep Guardiola said that um and it was an extraordinary comment I kind of did a double tape when I heard him say it but it just tells you the qualities that pet Guardiola sees him now I'm I'm incredibly bias because my wife and his mom are good friends so I'm absolutely thrilled that a local lad has done well and followed his dreams and so on and and I just think that he's got that much ability and awareness of a position that normally you associate with players who are older you know for for someone to be 189 and in that role where you've got so much responsibility and that the fact you know that you're going to be getting the ball with players breathing down your neck and you'll have to be comfortable in receiving and giving it at that age tells you that you've got an exceptional mind that goes with this incredible physical assets and I think you've got a very very special play you might not get the numbers that you feel foden's going to get because he plays in a different position but the importance to the team uh is huge and the way that he started this season is is quite exceptional and um I just hope uh that that that we get I mean that England things like having England recognition uh just you know people got frustrated that Phil foden wasn't as good as they hoped he would be for England in the Euros I just hope that people a little bit more understanding that with Rico Lewis you're talking about a young lad who's 18 19 years old playing in a one of the best sides that we've ever seen showing the responsibilities he's showing be patient let him develop give him time to make a couple of Errors which he's bound to make and you're gonna have one of the best uh Academy products we we've perhaps ever seen yeah I hope you're right brownie I want to come to you on that one because the good thing about Rico is obviously he's seems like a really really humble guy um he's learning from arguably one of the best right backs around ever Kyle Walker and Kyle Club Captain you always seen putting his arm around younger players and stuff and and for a player like Rico when you're a young player and you're looking up to the player who's perhaps playing in that position how important is that to have someone like that I think it's so important I think as a younger player you you never forget that um senior player getting the arm around you um when I started off there was seniors who helped you along the way and it is very important since the the players in sort of the late 20s always don't help the younger ones so much but as you get a little bit older we talk about ilai Gund and now his role KY Walker having that captaincy of understanding that it won't last forever but you've got to help these players the development the squad comes first um and he can do things that Kyle Walker can't do as we say drift into the middle of the pitch um play in that Midfield Zone but then he can't defend as well as him yet so that's the next thing that he's got to develop that understanding so he's got the perfect person hasn't he but probably the the one thing in his game he's got the best person to to teach him probably which that's why I think we're going to see a real a real real top player for many years for Manchester City but his temperament is excellent isn't it you know you just look and how he is he's always open he wants to say hello to people his head's up wants to learn wants to listen and that's why he's a real success so far so early in his career how important is that PO patience Nan because he's obviously started the season so so well Kyle's probably going to come back eventually he'll be back in the side and Rico might have to sit out a few games but as a young player do you always have that hunger of course you want to play every week but that that level of patience yeah to to be honest from my perspective there aren't many players who believe they're not ready to play yet you know what I mean but I think in the manager in Guardiola if he's telling you that he thinks you can be good enough then you are left in his position whereby well what do you say do you say well no I know better I need to go or do you sort of think well maybe this could be my future but one thing I've got to say like we were talking about what Kyle can help with Reco and so on but having pep in charge I think is one of the biggest and most important parts of that most people I've heard who were sort of around my age who had Guardiola for a year two years and so on to talk about how they start to see a different type of like football they understood it differently based on how he coached so to be able to create your football Foundation from there like they're building some like monstrously good young talent and I think Rico is got the potential to be another one of those yeah I hope I hope you're right I mean Pep's incredible everyone says such good words about and the draw hasn't yet started they're actually nen playing an explainer I wonder if they're playing this will be no good like there's no point if you want to see like a really good one just B it back a little bit and you you'll see I tell you what why don't we Milt this one native should we play it again let's play the explainer Nan the UEA champions league has changed this year it's now referred to as the league phase draw fancy fancy well she would get to explain it so every Club will now be guaranteed a minimum of eight leagues stage games against eight different opponents four of the games will be at home and four of them will be away okay okay interesting the teams are still in pots though and you can draw two from each okay so city as a pot one team will face two other pot one teams that's Bayern Madrid PSG inter dortman Leipzig and Barcelona that's a big big big amount of clubs no team can play aside from their own League though at this stage but you can draw a maximum of two teams from one country okay that makes sense so far so let me carry on then so the top eight sides in the league will qualify fight automatically for The Knockout stages while the teams finishing in 9th to 24th Place will compete in a two-legged playoff to scure a place in the last 16 of the competition so you mean to tell me the team that finishes 24th in the league phase could still go on to win the Champions League that's exactly what I mean so if you're in with a Chance why not go for it well I'm ready for this should we get into it let's get into it my friend ah well there you go n Manu that is Sensational a man of many many talents you can see the draw explain up behind us um I want to touch on this again Brown the the league phase 9th to 24th Place will compete in a two-legged playoff um early on well early on in terms of knockout stages for the champions league but so much excitement for the fans it is excitement isn't it right till right till the the end the last few games of this of this group stage as I would say this league table then then you're going to have something to go go at aren't you because the last two games you might be like well okay we've got every chance of doing it there is some real lower end teams we were just discussing that there which are going to be a struggle in the tournament but you would expect them to drop down out of that 24th position but um everyone will want to especially the teams we're talking about will want to be in that that top eight that draw to give the advantage um and having that facility to stay away from certain teams and I think it's key as well still that you don't really want to come up against Liverpool you don't want to be coming up against Arsenal do you at these stages so um I'm interested to see how the computer going to spin all of these teams out with all of this but I'm really excited for this format something different yeah I to be honest I think it's going to be really really good and I think it's going to be really good first because we don't know what it's going to look like but also every team in the Champions League doesn't necessarily believe they're going to go and win it like the teams that lose in that playoff go into the Europa League don't they so as the tournament progresses you're in a position where like the team that's in 20th are they trying to finish in the top eighth are they trying to finish as high as they can within that a team that's in like 10th going into the last game can they qualify for eighth because the team that's in eighth isn't playing against you know a team that they're not go for it exactly so I think it's going to be really interesting your destiny isn't necessarily always in your hands if that makes sense like I I think when you see these pots here I think what's really exciting in this format FG sorry the the point for me is is then when we've we've been away in the first leg and you come back you've seen that team and it's been quite comfortable the second like you almost know what's coming you almost see where it is so I see that that point being it's a new challenge a new change and be it'll be testing awesome as well in my opinion is that you can see the route to the final from the moment the group phase is locked out because 1 to8 in the next section will be playing against the eight teams that qualify and teams one and two will only meet each other in a final if they win all their games so it's more like a tennis seeding from the moment you get through the group stages which for me like that's the bit that will be clear is day to absolutely everyone I'm just going to bring in big steeve for this one because I know you're desperate for the the four trips um how are you feeling about this format because after listening to you two I feel very very more excited and ready for it yeah I feel like I'm excited um I think it's new um I think it'll be difficult and like you say I think um some of the games where in the past have been dead rubbers I feel like that won't really happen I feel like it's keeping it competitive but it's all new um and I'm just excited to to see how it goes and I'm sure people will have the the pros and cons but um it's just more excitement now and a little bit of the unknown but um yeah can't wait for it I mean look we're looking at some of the uh the teams in the pot you saw the graphic on the show just before I mean Barcelona pot one a trip to Spain I know Steve wants to go there and I'm sure Ali will be looking to go there as well um the pot pot one is Sensational Liverpool we can't play Liverpool of course PSG Bayern Munich huge huge names in that part I mean how important is it to play them teams at home do you think Native I think the teams that are in that pot as you look around they've all got incredible home records so I think any sort of away game would be tough but again these teams they're in this for a reason because of their historical say performance within this tournament itself so whomever you get home you fancy you can look at it as well couldn't you that they visit the EAD Bayern Munich Real Madrid and then you go away to pot two teams of lus and Atletico yeah so you can dress it up however you want you so say well if you don't do well in your home games I think that's what that leaves it open now in this draw that that could change a lot of mindset but um one or Monaco Steve away you fancy that expensive trip that don't know mate I me it's very very expensive Steve so I won't be noded that one Monaco is extremely expensive that's where the draw is taking place um they they seem to be starting so of will keep you updated we we can we can see it on the on the screen Buffon is there and Cristiano Ronaldo is there we're starting with the pop one of course so they draw the pop ones um and it sort of goes that way in the first this first one is Manchester City right then wi the winners generally come out first new we've been working on it quite a while Manchester City are out first of course um right computers computer um can we predict who we're going to get n or uh I'm going to say inter oh there we go it's done it's doing it inter's first sh yeah Oracle so we play Inter at home we play PSG away Club bruis at home Juventus away fire at home sporting away SP pra at home and then bratis laava away um wow I like inter at home I think Paris away will be a good test and then from there like that's all right you know yeah I think that's all right it could have been worse it's it's really interesting is it when you see it come out like that some people some people going to be out of work by the wayas that whoever's not seen the drive it just literally drifts out like that it's incredible can we just have a moment to just thank you AA for the quickest draw we've seen so far that was so smooth we know exactly the group we've got Ali you actually predicted that we were going to get into Milan and uh you absolutely spot on how you feeling about that one that's a brilliant draw I think the only disappointment is we're not going to the um the sanero but um yeah I mean listen I just thought it would be I thought actually be inter in Real Madrid so I've not been completely correct in that prediction but when you look at the teams that they could have drawn they've got a tricky away game at Juventus which you know they are an awkward side they're going again to a transitional phase you're not quite sure what kind of Juventus you're going to get because they have really poor days uh when I've seen them in Sera I've done a lot of Sera games in the last few years but the first thing that stried you is look how quickly we've ended up finding out who we're gonna meet I mean normally we could be here for 45 minutes waiting for um everyone to come and unscrew the balls and drop them out so hats off to youa that was and we even know who were playing at home and who were playing away so uh brilliant yeah I mean that was the definition of a super computer wasn't it they inter also playing Arsenal I've Just Seen yeah they'll face them um at home so at the Sano tough test for Arsenal that isn't it yeah it will be but Arsenal very good side I think Alli made the point that you know how many games have they lost not even last season past two seasons they'll F their chances but they are in the unique position of having never won it as well you know something I forget because I remember from years ago when they had on re and so on they did lose in that final to Barcelona wasn't it so they've seen their path they'll believe that they can do it but this is I tell you what this is TIY this this draw this it's blowing my mind another another thing just done here now yeah and Bayern Munich will'll be going to Villa Park they'll also be playing PSG they going away to Barcelona um look Waits I'm going to bring you in on this one um you've seen the teams that were're going to be playing are you excited well I'm a little bit disappointed because I was EXP think we could play Bayern Munich and I can say how we coaches the top teams and come back to atart and I also hope we could play Real Madrid and all Barcelona because you all know uh how we perform at home uh beating Real Madrid that's very exciting so uh the the this one is uh much more easier for us and uh maybe it's very good because we all know how Pap is good at longterm uh competition so uh maybe it's very good for us to win the with more trophies seven I think in a season I hope yeah I mean weits was disappointed that we're not playing Real Madrid we can play Real Madrid of course in this tournament at some point a man who's probably not disappointed is Big Steve because we' got brattis laava away and he's probably already booking his flights for that fixture um Big Steve I saw you smiled straight away when you saw that fixture some good away trips there yeah did we get sporting as well sporting as well Juventus as well yeah no they good it's good and um like I say it's quick and Mone is literally pinging away but and are we the first ever team to be drawn out under the new format so like they say it's no good being the second man on the moon so there's a bit of [Laughter] yeah the Blue Moon indeed look just get that in as soon as you can that is absolutely brilliant um so yeah you can see the fixtures on the screen for you so it's Inter Milan at home PSG away is an interesting one brownie as well um for the second game we we spoke about them a little bit um no mbappe at PSG but still a tough test well Adam said if they get the act together get more organized get more Collective I mean it is it's a tough one isn't it it's an exciting one I'm looking forward to that one so hopefully it'll be a nice trip for all of us that one FG if we can all go to there yeah it'll be a lovely trip indeed um the fixtures will be announced on Saturday so everyone who's looking watching the show trying to book their flights I know Lum is probably going to book a week there big Steve will book a week wherever it is but all fixtures will be announced on Saturday question for you Mr host are those the fixtures in order they are the fixtures in order so game one game two game so it starts off quite strong and then it so oh they're not in order as of yet they can they can change just got told so yeah that's what I was going to say because it starts off with like all the big games for that's that's just the the team okay I was going to say cuz that's like that's a tail off by the way yeah of course I me it like that of course you know what I mean I do that was the one thing how we were going to get it how it's going to be Hing away what's next and how the order will work that was that's what be interesting how they sort out but the compu was that quick surely they've got that that sort of order in place as well but I just think it's a really exciting draw I think I think we've done quite well with that yeah I mean definitely happy looking at the other teams that are playing against each other heavy weights are playing each other all throughout this tournament Barcelona playing Bayern Munich at home Dortmund away Atlanta at home and some Monaco away back back to Monaco some of the barcelon St at the draw um you've got to fancy us um in this new phase haven't you n him looking at that yeah I would fancy City against absolutely anyone and I think given you know the nature of the home games like if they perform to their best you know I think they can beat absolutely anyone so I think they can see their path but the interesting thing is now even if city were to win all their games there might be someone else that's going to win all their games as well so all of a sudden you know you don't have that guaranteed first ranking deer and I think that's going to be the beauty of this competition is that what you're doing does matter but how does it stack up against other people doing similar because maybe it comes down to go difference than I like well we can see the holders are just getting drawn out now Real Madrid their first game is is Dort then they go to anfield they go to Liverpool way atanta salsburg at home Le away stock guard at home and breast away looking at those fixtures Ali that um Real Madrid have got you've got to fancy them to do quite well um the pop two the pop one fixtures are I mean anfield that's that's a tough place to go it's a very tough place to go I mean I that listen I haven't been able to digest it to be honest because the teams came out so quickly but um that's a heck of a group is it Real Madrid and dortman in the same group repeat to the final yeah as well as Liverpool so yeah I mean I'm still digesting City's group but that looks a very aing group already um and there's at least two or three teams I'm looking on on the city list that the city haven't met before Sporting Lisbon away is going to be an interesting one Sporting Lisbon of course won the Portuguese League last season they were a little bit of a surprise package in in that regard uh their coach has been linked with every job that's that's ever been uh up and available in the last few years and and he did a brilliant job with Sporting Lisbon and I know a lot of City fans have been to Lisbon quite a few times the last few years that that' be a terrific away day but I don't think City have ever been to the new Juventus Stadium the alian stadium I think the last time they played Juventus I think it was in the old ground maybe I can't remember but anyway it I'm I'm looking at the draw that could have been and the one that that we've got and I I think from from a sort of progression standpoint it it looks it looks pretty good quite the confident with that I have to say I mean I think we can all agree that we're all pretty excited here in the studio um Steve how are you feeling excited yeah really excited Inter Milan Paris San always good games um brouge got some good friends at broue as well looking forward to coming to Manchester and sporting away is always good for a little bit of Sun so um looking forward to it be very very interesting I like the way the new formats come out and how quick it was and it's definitely exciting and some of the games you've mentioned from teams as well you know Aston Villa getting tough ties Liverpool Real Madrid um it's interesting and I think there's a real Buzz around it but yeah let's get to Saturday let's see what order it is and let's get them flights booked yeah well exactly the flights will all be we can book your flights on Saturday when you know the dates um wait you said you were disappointed of course we didn't play Real Madrid but which team are you looking forward to playing most in the Champions League based on what we've seen uh The Inter Milan so I hope we can uh replay the istano game and just beat them more easier I love his confidence it's absolutely amazing um listen I've got a little fact for you guys actually um Na a man that you know very very well plays for Bratislava and City fans will remember him because we when he bursts onto the scene from Academy Vladimir Vice is a player who plays there what do you remember about him good kid man really good kid he's very very talented when I think I was on for when he made his debut loved to take people on good finisher as well and now he's playing for Brad Slava under his father as the coach I think and yeah and his dad used to play as well I think it's three generations of Vladimir vies but um yeah I was watching him play the other day and he's Captain as well so that's going to be a real nice moment for him when he uh when he plays against City again for sure yeah listen I mean Steve I'll come to you on Vladimir Vice because I remember the time where he came through and the excitement we had with him and the moments he gave us like naam said he loved to take on Amanda he yeah he was a good little player um just unfortunately he never really made it at city but I know he had a good career at Rangers and they they love him there um but yeah these teams B Slava people like that it's all unknown for us especially for for me I've never been to them places so I'm uh I'm looking forward to it I'm sure there's going to be a few surprises throwing up and a few uh old players coming out the wood work I think but um yeah why not Juventus away as well I'm looking forward to that I've never been there and um I really fancy that one Juventus away I think the last time we played Juventus we lost one nil and I think it was a manuk kit goal and the reason I remember that is because I was there and it was absolutely freezing um I mean like 2015 it was yeah it was it was Juventus with with players like Pogba played really well that day we had of course y um yeah I mean hopefully we'll we'll hope for a bit more of a positive game there but the atmosphere there and Italy as well is incredible isn't it it's going to be I think that's an amazing place to go isn't it historic so I think I think it'll be I just think the draw is really good I think interesting enough for me is the one really into Milan you want to take it home I think that's going to be iconic isn't it because of what's happened already so we're looking forward to that and the two away games that stand out out PSG and Juventus and after that I think you know if if City are on are on song good places to go for supporters and to and to go and enjoy moments away with City but really they're the ones that you feel like you you can go and get a result at any of them yeah definitely definitely happy with that look I want to revisit and I don't just want to get your head shot up again Steve I want to revisit the guest predictions and see if anyone wants to make any changes based on what we've seen so we'll get the graphic back up um biggest threat still Real Madrid everyone everyone's agreeing it's still Real Madrid I don't think you would change that based on on what they got right no I don't think you can I think I think you look at there I think that's what shocked us is the way that the draws all come out so quickly and I think the balance of it I think generally there's a few teams that have had a a short STW for certain but mostly I think the balance is there as expected I think it it's come out all right for for most I don't think anyone's really a horrific group um Paris s man maybe is the one that we've just seen that looks the most difficult the surprise package we were talking about athletic have' got leig Paris lusen Benfica Le salsburg Bratislava and slavia praha um Big Steve good shout I think from you and Ali looking at them fixtures I imagine you're going to stick with what you're saying yeah yeah g what we're saying we spoke about Atletico Madrid before I think brownie said it they're very very hard to beat Team I don't think anyone's looking forward to playing them they've had some good auditions in the summer um and they look uh the part especially with Simone I think he's gotten well drilled and we went to that game at Athletico uh a couple of years back and it was a real battle real tough battle um so I'm sticking with them and moala as a player that just fed him I feel like he's improving all the time I look forward to watching him play every game and I feel like Vincent company and B can get to later rounds they're going to need him to perform so yeah I'm sticking and Ali I imagine you're sticking as well with athletic as your surprise package absolutely uh the two pot one teams Paris San gerain and ARB light Zig and with all due respect to the other teams in there I think they're the two you'd can pick uh in terms of the way they are I mean Paris s man have changed a little bit they've changed their identity they're a little more youthful a little more energetic um a few of their biggest earners have moved on of course including umbae um I I I think that that will be a tough match but I do think that Atletico Madrid will find a way past them and again Robby leig not quite as strong as some of the other po one teams so yeah I F Atletico to to probably get enough wins to get into the top eight possibly even which would mean they don't have to go into the uh to to the sort of the Playoff round it's worth mentioning as well that the Champions League goes all the way through till January now because of those extra two matches so we're used to it going to bed two weeks before Christmas uh we we'll have it we'll have matches going into the new year into January so um you know the league phase as it's called Uh has an extension uh right Beyond and in fact the first week which is also worth noting the first week of the Champions League there's three days back toback Wednesday Thursday with no other club competition it stands alone says look here we are this is a new era uh and there's no other European Club games that week it's just an exclusive Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Champions League so there's everything to be excited about uh what what I don't think we know yet is the order in which in which we're going to be playing the games I I mean the way they came out was just in pot order but that won't be the order in which we end up having FES yeah them games will be revealed on Saturday so will'll find out the exact order um look it's carrying on through through the festive season so two more games um people are still going to be thinking about the Champions League um there who are your dark horses for the Champions League then na so dark horses to win I mean yeah I'd say to win um it's a good question that one um I I said like lus going to be a surprise package and I think having seen the draw just that it's not too bad a run I think you've got alono going back to and field to take his side there to play against Liverpool but um it's tough you know it's really tough I think looking at uh Real Madrid we obviously see them as favorites but in terms of dark horses I was surprised that inter lost to Atletico last year to be honest I thought in a really really good side so I think this year maybe they'll be more of a bounce back and I think obviously after losing to City I think they'll probably go on a good run I don't wouldn't be surprised if they did well again yeah we already know they're going to be playing at the Sano against Arsenal as well a good test for Arsenal I mean it didn't for Arsenal last season in the Champions League it didn't quite go as well but I mean we've sort of seen that with City's development as well do you expect them to be better this year 100% I feel like they'll be in a better position um I think they're learning from the mistakes as we've seen um probably one half against Aston Villa where they just didn't go for them obviously swung it heavily back into Manchester City's uh favor and I do feel like they they've they've got used to it I think the format the understanding the loading weeking week out being in them positions the squad A Little Bit Stronger I think Arsenal is a one to watch I think they are dangerous um I think everybody can see that I think Mel Etta is a wonderful manager and getting better um so yeah I'm just looking at their plays as well now they're all just coming out the start of the pot twoes aren't they so fascinating this draw yeah I mean it's a fascinating draw it's amazing how quick it comes out as we as we see AC Milan getting drawn out now um by boan and you know what we'll stick with it because it'll come out in about two seconds na um pot two is stacked if you look at the teams in part two there some Sensational teams and what about them for some fixtures have got Liverpool Real Madrid they've got lusen they have to play Dynamo they've got bratis laava they've got some good trips there yeah 100% I think we we sort of deceived by the idea of pot two because you think it's like a you know like a poor side or something but realistically some of these in a different world they they are in pot one you know some I'm sure there are League winners in po two for example but with coefficients and all that stuff you end up falling into there but I think for me as the draws being made obviously there are some good teams down near the bottom but those top fours there's some cracking teams in there there some good teams have PL to it when you look at it luser Athletico Atlanta Juventus piga Arsenal Club Bru shatar you know it's it's teams who have been in the Champions League and and no no other way around so um it's just it's so interesting now just to keep seeing these these these teams just pop up and what challenges are going to be had and I I think that what we were saying about the fixtures what's going to be interesting how you how you come up against these sides in between certain weeks if you get two or three of them early on the better ones out the way or did you build up to it in the middle um that that could go for against you as well and Juventus who of course are playing against us um at Juventus have got to come to Villa part but you look at their fixtures they're playing leig Benfica Club brouge PSV Le stut guard you could fancy them to do quite well in this um League face do you know what you say that you say that but like there are other teams um for example like stockart they finished second last year in the Bundesliga I believe like that's a really good side you got a villa side away from home who are a very dangerous side even though they're new to the Champions League in a one-off game which is essentially what all these games are you know what I mean you as you said before you only see them once there's not a chance to try and reset for later so he's going you've got to get it right ex you've got to get you set up the analysts will be working extremely hard uh the setup of the team in between again League games that might not suit your style and and way it is to travel so there's lots to take into but that that oneof game is is normally you get a look in the second one the better team generally can come and take care of it 100% for the one time you only you're getting one go at it aren you Steve I want to ask you as well about the EAD the atmosphere at the EAD in the Champions League nights they've been pretty special I mean how important is it because like the guys said these are League games now these are these are League phase matches um UEFA are trying to fizzle out them dead rubber games every game will mean something at the atad so how important is the atmosphere going to be there yeah with we seen it before um theti had on the champions league night when that crowd is up for it you know we've had the biggest teams in the world come there and and and be intimidated by it so I feel like the fans have got to do their job and we've got to make sure that we're ready every uh game no matter who the opponent is we can't slack off in the stands you know we've got to get behind the players make sure we keep up this great run at the ET and keep winning the games um but yeah I'm excited for it and um no doubt about it the South stand and the little Ki a con will be ready for these games yeah absolutely and and wait I want to ask you as well have you got any plans where are you going to be watching these games um from where you are do do you watch the games with with a supporters club or with friends no just uh with my family my wife and myong because the time is too late for us uh sometimes all by myself what what time are these Champions League fixtures they're normally at 8:00 p.m. UK time kickoff so what time would they uh 3 in 3:00 a.m. in the morning wow that is some support isn't it that is incredible support absolutely incredible but as you can see you know he's all he's well and truly up for it so big shout to you w you're a good man no you are indeed um have we got any what was it like meeting n then in Beijing because we've seen the picture he's a great guy is he's a lovely man isn't he terrible for him by the way yeah his the soul can and my song kept telling his friends his classmates that he met a real player Manchester City player for real and he's so excited and he kept telling people that that made his year not his day he's so excited and to yeah and he also got the signings from naam and Paul and even sunji high so uh we have we have a plan to frame his oh well love it well that can well you I don't know if you've got much room on that wall but um definitely get that up um n a word on the trophy all quickly as well obviously you out there with Paul what was it like meeting fans from around the world like people like weits as well yeah it it's awesome like it's such a privilege to be able to go and do that and for me personally to go with Paul you know and even to be like here with Michael now these are people who I watched as a kid so to be able to go and sort of speak about Man City on every corner of the world basically and to see the responses that you get it's genu amazing cuz not that long ago you know we're having preseason games against like local teams and now you see how big city are how big the Premier League is and how they are the flag bearers for like success now yeah well it's an absolute pleasure for me being in the studio with you guys as well um listen we're going to move the show on um we've we've seen the Champions League draw I think it's only right that we speak about a man that the football in World lost recently our manager from 0708 Sven yuran Erikson a man that you knew so well n and a man that you played under what an incredible guy yeah absolutely I think to think back to the fact that he was coaching Manchester City after you know he's been England manager and the the year before he came in you know was one of our worst Premier League Seasons the mood around the place wasn't really as high as say we'd we'd like it to be and he came in and he almost had a sense brought sense of hope you know the types of players that were being brought in obviously this was under the previous takeover and it was a joy that he had and he wanted you to play good football but he did it in a way whereby he believed in you he wanted you to do the right things wanted you to work hard and this was a superstar like he took us to to Sweden for a preseason tour like it's like Jesus himself was walking around like Sven and eriks in Sweden was a God to to that nation and to have him to have the Charisma and as you've seen from all the sort of messages people have left since he passed away like he's beloved by everyone and when you think about say from Man City perspective to put it into context like the last game of his tenure at city was one of the worst one city I've ever had but more players felt guilt that they'd let him down then stressed that he was the reason for it fans loved him I wished he could have stayed on for longer but without a doubt one of the most important people to Ever represent Man City and to have a job in the Premier League yeah a special season 0708 Ali I'll come to you um on on that season I mean he got told when he joined to to do one thing and that was to beat Manchester United twice and he did that but there was so much more to it than just them two fixtures the football we watched as fans that year was was brilliant wasn't it yeah it was brilliant I mean he was one of those guys from speaking to players at work with him that just allow them to express themselves he was very good at man management at person management uh he get the best out of people and he allowed the players who do do the stuff at the top end of the pitch who have the freedom to do it and that was very much how the team played in in that season because they had some awful results and some fantastic results it was almost one thing or the other and that's what made it exciting obviously I didn't know him like na knew him but I I met him on Match days and and so on uh and also met him when he was in charge of KNX County he was um I think director of football there for a while and also when he was manager of Leicester city and and you have memories of people in certain situations and I remember um he he came to do I was doing a bizarre game ready readying against Leicester city it was a league game and his team Leicester just lost at reading it wasn't a great day and obviously we had to interview him after the game and he came in and you're never quite sure how manag was going to be when they've had a defeat and he came into where we were there was myself a floor manager a a camera operator and a sound operator all in there there was four or five of us and he came up to each of us individually and shook our hands and said nice to meet you how are you doing nice to meet you it was just the epitome of a gentleman I I don't know uh you know what he was like in the dressing room situation but as a person that you'd meet professionally as a commentator or reporter he was just the ultimate gentleman and I don't think there's a better compliment to pay to someone than to say that they in that situation where they could have been anything Snappy angry whatever it might have been after a defeat which management obviously can get to you he was still the ultimate of of courtesy and professionalism and I yes from from an experience like that and the were occasions I was lucky enough to meet him I can say that he was a gentleman a genuine nice person that's always the impression I have yeah we felt that as well didn't we Steve at the um etad I remember we would sing his name every week and we'd wait for that wave from him when we were when we were singing his name um he gave us such great memories yeah we had some great memories that season like nedam said the season before we wasn't in a good place but he came in and he uh he made some signing Zano uh veteran Kucha Garo bian Giovani and I feel like the the fans got behind him and and thought you know what we're going to give it a goal we're going to play some exciting football we're going to try our best and and you only have to go towards the end of his time at Manchester City when I remember going to anfield and the fans were singing we didn't need no Phil Scolari or Mourinho leave Sven alone and um at that 81 at middleb it was tough to take uh for the supporters that day but I feel like the supporters were more angered not getting to say goodbye to Sven because I feel like he give his all for Manchester city was a gentleman I've met him a couple of times and uh he always had time for the supporters and uh crazy to to know that a manager who probably didn't do the best um is so well thought of at Manchester City but um them times under SP were fun times and we had some great away days and and and days out watching on team yeah we did indeed and naam you had some great moments of course in the city show I've got a clip I want to play for everybody watching um this by the way is Sensational from Nan our fullback away at West Ham how about this one for assist brownie because it's the first game it's strength Bas little got finish with a little tackle as well and then Gian slam that home slam that home mate 2-0 away from home first game of the season that kit was Sensational as well by the way yeah they all good times I think the players that Big C was like mentioning then you know these these are very very very good players Alano for me is one of my favorite players I've ever played with you're talking about giovanis as well he was a completely different style to what was the the the season before and Sven could see that talent and it just felt so different at that time let's get back to the run I mean it was strong it was there there was a little but I think that hurt him he's blowing there I'll tell well I'll tell you a story about that got story for that careful a story about you just have a bit of compos you to tackle at the end the in the instinct to just make a tackle just kicked in but here's the story for you so sorry to keep you but so I can say this now Craig Bellamy was playing for West Ham and he just seen me do that because I came off the bench to do it TR L had started and I was cooked as Michael's just noticed I had nothing left in me and it was literally a couple of minutes left or maybe a bit more and B he said to me this guy a don't now he give you a little bit did he no no he said the opposite he said listen he's like I didn't want to chase that back who says listen if you don't try and run that forward again I won't run at you I was like ha yeah yeah you never ran at me for the next like few minutes which saved my career mate cuz I'd have fallen over like a lassu around my legs no M that assist was shra yeah normally a little bit more um I know I listen I've heard than that certain whenever you went up against him early season Craig though you know what I mean last minute and we already won so it was we had some very fun memories of Craig BBY as well in a Manchester City sh um we have of course I know weits is probably waiting for for this one um Manchester United let's take a look at that the the game at Old Trafford great memories that day oh incredible do you know that's one of the best games Steven Island's ever had by the way and that's one of the best moments i' had so in this game here obviously it was the it was anniversary of the mun disaster so it was a very very emotional day overall for people who you know support United and just general people who just love football so it wasn't meant to be about us but when dasas scores first half and benjani who recently been tied scores first half as well I remember being in the um the dress room at half time and myself and Steve were quite close to dasas this is dasas who would never lost the game after scoring and we knew it in his whole career so a few of us are sitting around thinking huh we're to put Old Trafford there like what's going on so for the game to to have a lead there was crazy but then everyone still knew Fergy time you know pushing the emotion all that all that nonsense but when that game finished is probably the happiest I'd been on a football field at that point probably top three in my entire career because that's when I realized like City had not won at ult Trafford in over 30 years that's generational trauma before that point so for for us to be able to win there to do the double over them honestly one of the most as you can see there are a few happy United fans back there there's one of the most um incredible moments of my career mate well and that was the first time I ever saw his win all it's just as I say over 30 years mate I'm not surprised thank you very very much I mean winning a derby is is special but back back to Sven um browny I mean 0708 that year for the club will go down in history because of the players he he had under him the alanos the giovanis and because of that League double the deries are always so important but what did you like so much about Smith yeah I think the der's obviously to deliver that to the supporters the turn around the football club changing um I just think the way he he's conducted himself right throughout his his football in ten yet um whether it be um the back room staff Lots at Manchester City used to really really like him he'd look after them first and foremost then the players a gentleman as we've mentioned wherever he can help everybody he would and I think that just tells you everything the success that he got um right throughout and I think even right towards the end when I'm looking and watching it watching on the the way he he even went about the ending of his life do you know it was it was amazing their support just look at the players that came and the people involved in football that came to support and understand what he'd done in their career I think that tells you everything about the man and we truly missed that's for certain yeah he's a real classy individual and I think something which I noticed as well from him around the time when he was at the club we had a lot of players but instead of just focusing on 11 he focused on everyone you know and he was somebody who would take care and telling the people who weren't playing every week that you know he wants to find a way for them to play even in TR I think there was points in training sessions when we had more than 22 players so people like Subs on the side like that's as low as you can get whilst being fully fit but everyone was always rotated and he tried to give everyone an opportunity so that everyone felt a part of it and I think that's something he didn't have to do but the fact that he did it meant that everyone was rooting for him and would do anything for him as well yeah a great man and we're all so so grateful for the Memories he gave us um so yeah we send we send love and condolences to his his friends and family we're going to end the show there so thank you thank you guys for for joining us on the wall we're going to recap very very quickly of course um the UCL League phase draw so Manchester City have been drawn to play in no particular order because we don't know what the fixtures are yet we'll find out on Saturday Inter Milan PSG Club Brugge Juventus fard Sparta pra and slovan Bratislava and I think it's only right that we'll leave you with probably one of my favorite years as a Manchester City fan the Sven documentary which you can all watch now on City Plus so Old Trafford just about set for the 149th meeting of Manchester United and Manchester City on this the most special and poignant of days I think the game we played at United Old Trafford that was a very special game the buildup to the game is all about the supporters and how City fans would would behave 3,000 supporters of Manchester City because of the it was the 50th anniversary of the imun Care disaster uh and all eyes were on us what Sven did was b a real and it's an overused term but he brought a real class to that event and as it proceeded the fans were Immaculate uh uh Fergie was quoted saying they were impeccable I think everybody took their eye off the ball the fact that actually it wasn't going to be off the pitch where City spoiled the day it was going to be on the pitch where City spoiled the day and amidst this very special atmosphere there is a very important game all the talk TV whatever is about how United are going to it's going to be a walk in the park city just turned up we weren't in great form and then we score forel at the second attempt Manchester City lead at Old Trafford and then we score again right okay this is unfamiliar