The Big Interview

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders provided me with simply one of the most insightful Big Interviews ever.

You will hear how Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool coaches speak in training as if they are instilling the players’ inner voice. The emphasis placed on how to press when they don’t have possession is phenomenal, and it needs perfect positioning and the players’ total buy-in. Liverpool overcome the adversity of missing stars by defiantly sticking to their philosophy, a ‘collective idea’ that is drilled into the squad. Captain fantastic Jordan Henderson is the team’s motor, the on-field leader and the link between the players and the management team.

Mesmerising stuff.

Graham.

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with Charlie Adam. For the first time, here’s the full episode.

In part two we hear about Charlie’s legendary shooting ability as he describes a free-kick goal in a Wembley play-off final victory for Blackpool against Cardiff. He considers the goal fated because he had hit a carbon copy in training the day before.

Charlie scored against Liverpool and the Anfield club decided to sign him. He endured a battle with Blackpool to gain his release, but it was worth it in the end. Charlie’s dad wept when he signed for his personal hero Kenny Dalglish. At Liverpool, Charlie proved the doubters wrong by demonstrating that he was most certainly good enough to play at that level. He pays tribute to Liverpool legends Luis Suárez and Steven Gerrard, describes what it was like to be man-marked by Phil Jones, and how the Old Firm atmosphere is second to none.

Great stuff from a great guy.

Graham

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with Charlie Adam. For the first time, here’s the full episode.

Charlie was brought up on a Dundee housing estate where he honed his skills by kicking a ball relentlessly at bin recesses and between washing poles. Charlie speaks about the early influence of his beloved late father, who taught him a work ethic and a relentless will to win. It all paid off because Rangers came calling.

As an Ibrox youth he champed at the bit, trying outrageous stuff on the training field or sneaking in to watch the first team prepare. He was always watching, learning, visualising, plotting. To this day he is able to vividly describe his artistry in detail, how he precisely strikes the ball. For example, he relates how on earth he managed to score a goal for Stoke City at Chelsea from inside his own half.

Part two coming soon.

Graham

Jamie Carragher never enjoyed international tournaments and wonders if England puts too much into its club game – which is a matter life and death – instead of valuing national side’s endeavours more.

Also in part two, he describes the 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich, and argues that David Beckham’s performance that night – and his talents in general – are undersold.

We chat about Liverpool’s incredible 4-0 trouncing of Barcelona last year in the Champions League semi. Jamie says that Jurgen Klopp makes players believe that they can do anything.

Lastly we talk about Xavi, the player Jamie most admires because he had such a quick footballing brain. He took charge of a game and told others what to do.

Thanks Jamie, that was sheer class.

Graham

Jamie Carragher’s new book The Greatest Games documents the best matches he has experienced as a player and as a spectator. He played in a few crackers, not least the 2005 ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ when Liverpool came back from the dead against AC Milan in the Champions League final.

As a pundit, Jamie employs the same exacting standards he applied to his long and auspicious career as an Anfield defender. He has to, because supporters are incredibly well informed and analytically astute these days. And Jamie wants to ask why a manager makes a decision rather than just lobbing criticism.

We chat about Jamie’s time playing for England under Sven-Göran Eriksson. Sven picked the safest options and didn’t impart anything new. His coaching was very basic. Yet British players are too loath to criticise. Former Liverpool coach Pepe Reina once told Jamie and Steven Gerrard that he was surprised that they and other senior pros were so humble and silent.

Enjoy

Graham