Red wave

🚨 Erling Haaland on his conversation with Elliot Anderson after his late assist secured Manchester City’s dramatic 3–2 win over RB Leipzig: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Erling, what a result! City haven’t been winning games as comfortably as we’re used to seeing, but you’ve come away with a massive 3–2 victory. What did you tell Elliot Anderson after his assist for the winner? Erling Haaland: “I told him, ‘Elliot, where have you been hiding that pass?’ Honestly, it was brilliant. The moment I saw him pick up the ball, I knew I had to make my run. He found me perfectly, and I just had to do what I do best. “But I also told him that he has to keep looking for me like that. I don’t want him passing backwards when I’m making those runs! Give me the ball and let me deal with the rest. “Jokes aside, he’s a fantastic player. Sometimes people forget how difficult it is to come into a team like Manchester City and make an impact. He showed personality tonight, and that assist was worth every bit of praise he’s going to receive. Interviewer: “How important was this win considering City’s recent struggles? Erling Haaland: “Very important. Let’s be honest, we haven’t been at our best recently. We’ve dropped points, made things difficult for ourselves and had games where we’ve looked nothing like the City people expect. “Tonight wasn’t perfect either. Conceding three would have been a disaster, but we showed character to keep fighting and get the winner. “People are quick to say City are finished whenever we have a difficult period. That’s football. One week you’re unstoppable, the next week everyone has an opinion about your problems. “But listen, we’re still here. We know what we’re capable of, and if Elliot keeps supplying those passes, I promise you I’ll keep scoring.” Interviewer: “So should Anderson expect more goals from you? Erling Haaland: “Absolutely. But he should also expect me to ask for that same pass every single game now. He’s created a problem for himself!”

🚨 Andoni Iraola reveals why he chose Liverpool over Manchester United despite serious interest from Old Trafford: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Andoni, Manchester United were interested in bringing you to Old Trafford. They needed a manager with your philosophy, but you chose Liverpool. Why?” Andoni Iraola: “I have enormous respect for Manchester United. They’re a historic club, and I understand why they wanted me. But I also understood the situation they were in. They needed someone to come in and fix so many things, rebuild confidence and convince everyone that the club was moving in the right direction. “But Liverpool was different for me. I wasn’t simply looking for a big job or the biggest salary. I wanted a club whose identity matched the football I believe in. When Liverpool became a possibility, I knew where I wanted to be. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t going to rush into another decision just because Manchester United came calling. I knew what I wanted, and I was prepared to wait for the right opportunity. Interviewer: “So Liverpool was always your preferred destination?” Iraola: “Yes. At Liverpool, you’re not just taking over a football team. You’re taking responsibility for a club with an identity, expectations and supporters who demand everything from you. “I didn’t come here because Liverpool needed saving more than Manchester United. I came because I believed this was the place where I could build something special and compete for the biggest trophies. “Some clubs offer you a chance to rebuild their reputation. Liverpool offers you the chance to make history. For me, that difference mattered.”

🚨 Javier Tebas on the tragic passing of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel and the questions surrounding player safety: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Javier, the entire Spanish football community is mourning the tragic passing of Jesús de Miguel. What is your reaction? Javier Tebas: “Honestly, there are moments when football stops being football. Today is one of those moments. A young man went out to play the game he loved, and his family will never get to welcome him home again. That is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences go to his family, friends, teammates and everyone at CD Tenerife. No statement, no tribute and no words can possibly fill the space he has left behind. Interviewer: “Does this incident raise serious questions about player safety and responsibility on the pitch? Javier Tebas: “Every serious collision must be treated with the utmost attention. Football is a contact sport, but that does not mean we should ever become comfortable with the risks players face. The collision with Jesús Owono is a devastating reminder of how quickly things can change in football. I want to be clear: this is not about pointing fingers at Owono or turning a tragedy into a search for someone to blame. He was also involved in an extremely distressing incident. We must understand exactly what happened, examine whether anything could have been done differently and learn from this tragedy. This is not about rushing to blame anyone, especially before the facts are established. Today, there are no rivalries, no competitions and no football politics. There is only a family grieving the loss of someone they loved. Jesús, may you rest in peace. Football will remember you.”

🚨 Michael Owen on the two controversial penalty appeals Liverpool were denied against Arsenal: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Michael, what was your reaction to the shirt pull on Alexander Isak? Michael Owen: “I couldn’t believe it wasn’t given. Isak is trying to get to the ball, there’s a clear tug on his shirt, and it affects his movement. You cannot tell attackers to stay on their feet while defenders are allowed to pull them back. That’s the whole point of the rule!” Interviewer: “And then there was another appeal involving Cody Gakpo? Michael Owen: “Exactly! That’s what makes it even more frustrating. Gakpo also appeared to have his shirt pulled, and again Liverpool got nothing. Two incidents, two huge decisions, and not even a penalty. At some point, people are going to ask what defenders are actually allowed to get away with.” Interviewer: “Do you think VAR should have intervened? Michael Owen: “That’s what VAR is there for! If the referee doesn’t see it, look at it again. These are potentially match-changing moments. You cannot spend all this time reviewing tiny details and then ignore shirt pulls that affect an attacker in the penalty area.” Interviewer: “What do you say to Liverpool supporters who feel decisions keep going against them? Michael Owen: “I understand the anger. You can lose a football match because the opposition played better, but supporters deserve to know that the rules are being applied consistently. If those incidents aren’t penalties, then explain what is. Don’t just expect everyone to move on.”