The Big Interview

Michael Bridges had a special instinct for goals and had a prolific first season at Leeds, which included a tremendous run in the UEFA Cup, but after sustaining a terrible injury in a match against Besiktas he was told by his surgeon he would never play again. But physio Dave Hancock believed in him and persuaded him not to quit. Just as well, because Michael’s career was far from over. He speaks movingly about the tragic events in Istanbul in 2000 when two Leeds supporters were murdered. It is Michael’s biggest regret that the players didn’t refuse to play the game against Galatasaray.

But there’s lighter stuff, too. For example, did you know he could have played for Scotland? And did you know that he is probably the greatest-ever prankster British football has produced? Listen out also for Michael’s enthusiasm for Leeds’ return to the top flight, and his passion for the style of play current manager Marcelo Bielsa has adopted.

Enjoy,

Graham

Michael Bridges was a mixed-up kid. His beloved late father would take him to see Newcastle United, but his adulation for Chris Waddle migrated to White Hart Lane and to this day he remains a Tottenham fan. Michael signed for Sunderland – much to his dad’s horror – and nowadays is Australian ambassador for Leeds United, the club at which he excelled.

We hear about swapping jerseys with Alessandro Costacurta and how David Batty told Michael that he had ‘arrived’ at Leeds after he scored a superb goal against Southampton. Peter Reid and Eddie Gray were massive coaching influences. Lucas Radebe, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka were on-field inspirations. Oh, and there’s being caught by his manager and fitness coach when about to munch into a hamburger.

Enjoy,

Graham

In part two of my Big Interview with Emiliano Martinez, we learn about his time on loan at Reading, where he is fondly remembered for helping the Royals avoid relegation from the Championship.

We hear about what it’s like working under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, what an inspirational, supportive manager he is, a great communicator with a sharp mind. His players have total trust in him. Mikel wants Emiliano to play like an auxiliary centre-half – as though in a back five – and take risks with the ball at his feet, a challenge which the keeper just relishes.

There’s also chat about Emiliano’s dream back four, and being part of the build-up in a dream goal against Manchester City.

Enjoy

Graham

It was heart-wrenching for a teenage Emiliano Martinez to depart his beloved family for the distant prospect of Arsenal. But the Argentinian goalkeeper did what he did best – he worked hard, and after years of commitment he starred in the recent FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.

He wasn’t fazed by the occasion, even when the Gunners went a goal down, because Emiliano has perfected his game psychology. His tears of joy afterwards were profound because this No1 had it tough as a kid and had given everything for his dream.

Enjoy a true rags to riches Big Interview.

Graham

In part two of my Big Interview with Domènec Torrent, there’s more on those glorious Camp Nou days, including Barca’s famous treble of 2008-09.

Domènec grabbed the chance to assist Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich with both hands, and discovered that it was a myth that club legends interfered with team management there. He also busted the myth that Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben would be difficult charges. In fact, Arjen was a joy to work with and thrived under Pep. As if fated, Bayern were drawn against Barca in the 2015 Champion League semi-final, and held their own in the Camp Nou until a late error let Messi in. Then Bayern made the fatal error of chasing the game and ended up losing 3-0.

The fans’ passion and improving players of quality such as Raheem Sterling made Domènec’s time at Manchester City a thrill, and he maintains that winning the English top flight is harder than claiming the Champions League. Domènec now can’t wait to get a new managerial role, and I wish him good luck with that. Whoever employs him will have made a wise move.

Enjoy.

Graham.