Title race over - time to book the bus?
51:34 Share

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first. Like, you know, to check the Jumbotron first. Before attempting to eat a stack of Supreme Nachos in one bite. Now you're just a meme that everyone shares on game day. Checking first is smart, so check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Savings vary subject to terms, conditions, and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Northbrook, Illinois.

When the game tips off, the NBA action is just beginning on FanDuel, America's number one sportsbook. Because FanDuel is your home for NBA live betting, however you want to play. Now is the perfect time to join. Make every moment more with FanDuel, official sports betting partner of the NBA.

21 plus and present in Arizona. First online, real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued is non-withdrawable bonus bets which expire seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.

Right now, up to 55% off your Babbel subscription at

babbel.com slash Spotify podcast spelled B-A-B-B-E-L dot com slash Spotify podcast rules and restrictions may apply The Athletic FC Podcast Network Salah McAllister that's more like it from Liverpool alright Reds Tony Evans here walk on your Liverpool podcast from the Athletic

I'm here with James Pearce and Ante Jones. Well, 13 points clear. They've won the league. We've won the league. James, this time we have won the league, haven't we? Well, do you want my three words? Go on, give us your three words. Just because they're on this theme. Book the bus. Book the bus. So, yes, Ante, well, let's have your three words. They've got to be suitably triumphant.

Yeah, champions in waiting, is what I'd go for. I couldn't agree more. Well, let's see what you're saying. Liz Reid, done and dusted. Matt Barrasso, on our pitch. Nasser Kalaji, most scoring crisis. Oh, dear. Kenneth Posner, hungry for silverware. To join our community of listeners on Facebook, just search Walk On Podcast and join the group. Well, James, as you said, book the bus. The cop was singing.

you know, we're going to win the league. You know, even you have got to admit this now. It's, you know, the king of caution.

Yeah, yeah, I don't think I can deny it anymore, despite that feeling of, you know, previous times when we've fallen agonizingly short. But yeah, it's an unbelievable position to be in, isn't it? It's hard to believe actually being sat there last night.

And thinking that 10 days earlier, Anfield was absolutely wracked with anxiety and Liverpool clinging on for a really grim 2-1 win over Wolves. Hang on, hang on, that wasn't this season, surely not? Maybe it's a trick of the mind. But yeah, I think that and the gap was seven points, wouldn't it? And, you know, of course, there was that.

The nerves were jangling because it was like, oh, you know, if they equalize, it's only down to, you know, could only be five points and then...

10 days later, you know, it was the mood couldn't have been any different. You know, Van Dijk talked in the build up about wanting to make Anfield horrible for opponents. And I think the fans responded to that call to arms in terms of the place was bouncing before the game even started. And then, of course, the early goal just absolutely lights the touch paper as well. And yeah, it was it was party time, wasn't it? Because it was it was also one of those games. And it doesn't feel as if we had too many this season.

where I just thought Liverpool were just so better that they didn't really get out of second gear in sweeping Newcastle aside. And then with the added bonus of Forrest drawing with Arsenal, it's not a title race, is it? It's a procession. Yeah. Well, Andy, you know...

I

I think I had a bit more hair than those who were sitting next to Arna, to be fair. Although a bald fella does sit in front of me, but it wasn't him. You're right, he probably doesn't need to bother because it's looking that comfortable. There was a fella in the row behind me who had certainly enjoyed his pre-match preparations for the game and that he was...

He had quite a few drinks, I think, by the time he got into the ground. He was challenging me like a corner was coming in when the goals went in last night. But I think, as you say, it's party time, so Arne might as well. I think he could probably have a few beers before the games because it's...

It is just a sense of celebrating what an incredible season it's been for these players and they deserve to sort of... We're in title races that have obviously not gone our way in recent years. They haven't really had the chance to soak it all up, really. And

And when they did win it, obviously no one was in the ground to soak it up with them. So I think it's nice that Liverpool are going to win the league this way in the sense that they can really, really enjoy it. And the fact that there's loads of games at home left as well, it just makes it that extra bit special, I think, for them and that they can really...

you know, lap it up and we can all, you know, in the crowd show how much we appreciate what they've done this season and what we've been able to watch. I mean, in all seriousness, there are still points to be earned and, you know, we can't get the trophy next game, but it's, this is probably, I can't think of many times teams have been in a better position at this stage, but James, let's talk Dominic Shabazz like,

I was critical of him after the Villa game for getting into positions in the area and not putting the ball in the net, basically. And...

You know, never questioned his work rate. But, you know, when you get into the opposition box with the ball, you go to better. And he has done better. I mean, obviously, he's been listening to the pods. I know Diaz, after we criticised him, you know, went on a mad run. He's probably, you know, given the nod to his mate, hasn't he, in the dressing room and said, you know, walk on or slagging you off, mate. You better put the ball in the net. Yeah. I am hearing that, that walk on was pinned on the dressing room wall. Yeah.

It's the emphatic response. When we were speaking earlier on in the week about potential changes in terms of freshening it up for the Newcastle game, I think inevitably you thought, well, surely it might be a night off for Zbazlo. Yeah, you were saying, oh yeah, give him a rest. It's like, you know, the poor fella was absolutely running on fumes come the last few minutes at the Etihad. But yeah, he's an incredible athlete, isn't he? And I think the fact that Zlott played him again

because we talk about this kind of intense run of five games in the space of 15 days. It was always going to be so decisive in the grand scheme of things. And it has been in a really positive way with 11 points out of 15. And of course, Arsenal slipping up twice in that period as well. But Bozlai has been there throughout all those games. He started all five and

That side of his game has really developed, I think, the movement, getting into great positions. There's something that Slott talked about, isn't it? You go back to, I think it was September time when he said quite bluntly,

You know, his numbers aren't good enough for goals and assists for someone who plays in that position in a team that has so much of the ball, that has so many attacking threats. And, you know, the response is there for all to see. He's got seven now in all competitions. That's equaled his tally for last season. There's no reason why he can't go on and get double figures between now and the end of the season. He's already gone past his number of assists for last season. He's got five compared to four.

So, yeah, he's just in an unbelievable period at the minute where that athleticism that we know he's always had is being backed up by a huge amount of belief and just that technique and quality he's got has come to the fore as well.

Yeah, and goals from midfields. You know, for so long under the Klopp era, Hansi, we didn't see that sort of thing. You know, it was like the midfields was a goal-free zone almost. And now, you know, last night, Sir Bosley, McAllister, and it's great. You know, if the...

We're talking about people helping out Salah. Well, yeah, they did last night. Yeah, no, it's strange, isn't it, to think that we did get so used to that midfield being that workman's life.

type of group that was sort of there to facilitate the front three and now the technical quality that is in that midfield. You'd expect them to be scoring probably more goals than they even have and they've all sort of chipped in at different points this season, sort of the ones that are the more attacking midfielders that is. I think Subazlai's really interesting. It feels like a switch has sort of flicked with him and it feels like he's finally...

sometimes just finally clicked in sort of, I guess, since the start of 2025. Really, it does feel like he's imposing himself a lot more on games. Where I think, Slot referenced it in a, I think it might have been after the Ipswich game where he scored. He sort of referenced the fact that in other, like, earlier in the season, instead of taking the shot on, he would have just passed the cellar. And it feels like he sort of stopped

that supporting role and has taken on, you know, himself feeling like a little bit more of, you know, the responsibility. And it feels like a little bit like he's sort of gone into his hungry sort of phase in that for hungry, he is the best, he is their best player. I thought you meant he was a bit like James there. Always hungry. Always hungry.

Hungry for goals, you would say. But it does feel like, because for that team, he is ultimately the main man and everything sort of goes through him. Everyone looks to him to be the difference making. And it does feel like now he's getting a villain aside, I guess, because that was one where you think there was a couple of times where he should have taken the shot and when he didn't. But he is now, he's not hesitating. He's not taking that extra touch when he's not quite sure if he should shoot. He's now confident and assured that,

and just see it in everything he's doing now, and you can really tell, and it's paying off with sort of the outcome of him getting the goals and the assist as well. It's just really good to see that it has sort of all just sort of clicked for him, and he seems just so much more confident in what he's doing. Yeah, James, I mean, they've scored two or more in the last 18 home games, 101 in total this season. I mean, that's impressive statistics.

Yeah, it is incredible, isn't it? That just the sheer numbers at this stage of the season, you know, no other club has got close to that when you think we're still in February. And you're right, picking up on what Andy said, it is...

that is something that slot has added another dimension to Liverpool with, you know, the change in the balance of the midfield, the way in which they're set up, their function is so different kind of areas that you see Zabozlai and McAllister get into for their goals last night. So, you know, even on nights where, you know, by his standards, you know, Mo Salah only setting up one and only nearly setting up one more with an outrageous outside of the footpaths.

was a quiet night for Salah and Diaz and Jota couldn't chip in. But yeah, there's just goals from so many other areas as well, isn't it, that keeps it ticking over. And then the other thing that's obviously huge at the minute is not only do they have that firepower, but they look so secure defensively. I mean, it was...

It was a different type of game to the Man City one because Liverpool had a lot more of the ball. Again, in terms of not giving a team a sniff,

I never ever felt from the 11th minute onwards when Liverpool led that the result was in any doubt. Yes, Liverpool had a helping hand with Isak missing through injury. You could see that I think Callum Wilson hadn't started a Premier League game since last May. So that helped, but take nothing away from that defensive unit. I mean, Alisson didn't have a single save to make all night. And yeah, when you put all those things together...

That is what makes Liverpool such an unstoppable force at the minute. I can say to my new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, hey, find a keto-friendly restaurant nearby and text it to Beth and Steve. And it does without me lifting a finger. So I can get in more squats anywhere I can. One, two, three. Will that be cash or credit? Credit.

Galaxy S25 Ultra, the AI companion that does the heavy lifting so you can do you. Get yours at Samsung.com. Compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input. Check responses for accuracy.

This episode is brought to you by the Nissan Armada Pro 4X. With a twin-turbo V6 engine ready to propel your adventures, up to 8,500 pounds of towing capacity to haul all your favorite toys and space for eight passengers, Nissan's most powerful car yet will chew up and spit out anything you throw at it. Learn more about the all-new 2025 Nissan Armada at NissanUSA.com.

Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.

This season, a new hot deal has arrived at Metro. $25 a line for four lines with all the data you need and four free Samsung Galaxy A15 5G phones. Getting Metro's best deals is easy. No ID required, no activation fees. Get a new number or keep your own. It's up to you. That's four lines for $25 a line plus four free phones. Visit a store or go online today. Only at Metro by T-Mobile. When you join Metro Plus Tax, for a limited time and subject to change, max one offer per account.

Before we get the title wrapped up, let's hear from you here at Walk On. Your favourite memories, thoughts on the season, or any questions you have for us. Just email walkonattheathletic.com. That's walkonattheathletic.com. You know, the nervous atmosphere against Wolves, Andy, that's gone forever, hasn't it? You know, last night, you were in the stands, you were in the stands,

There was a real, it felt to me, like a real sense of togetherness and belief. Yeah, it was enjoyment, I think, was the main thing that...

That Wolves game was a lot of tension. There was a lot of, uh-oh, what happens if? Obviously, there was the scars of the Merseyside derby and the last-minute goal and the psychological things behind that. You do look at it and City felt like that season defining week in a sense, that final season defining week in a way. That if Liverpool had lost and Arsenal had won, then you start thinking, uh-oh, here we go. But then,

Because of the way it's worked out. And there's been similar weekends throughout the season, really, that you can go back to. But yeah, it was basically a celebration last night of the players. And obviously it helps by going in the lead and that takes away the nerves. But Liverpool have suddenly, after that, particularly the defensive display at the Etihad, it feels like they've suddenly got that

air of invincibility back about sort of defending because before that there were some question marks creeping in about Liverpool conceding sort of soft goals, avoidable goals and just sort of not imposing themselves on games in the way they were supposed to because they didn't really at Everton. They did at times against Villa obviously afterwards but then obviously Wolves had most of the play for that second half whereas last night

as James alluded to earlier it was a game played on Liverpool's terms and that's back to what we were witnessing at the start earlier in the season when everything was going Liverpool's way and that just calms everyone down when the team look in control Yeah James

Are we going to look back when the legends are told in 50 years hence, when I'm long gone? Are we going to look back and people are going to be telling their grandchildren about the five games in 15 days? That period when you ruined two six-a-side games. They'll say, not only was the workload on Liverpool massive, not only was the tension building at Anfield and they come through it,

James Pearce ruined two six-a-side games. Well, I'd like to think that me and Liverpool have all, we've all come out the other side after a little wobble. I faced my demons last Thursday. I went back to the complex. I went on the right pitch. I apologised to the ones that I should have played with the previous week.

and assured them it was nothing personal. Are you going to rotate? Are you going to play for one game one week and one game the other? Do you know what? The biggest relief, because I was actually, I was more worried about seeing the ones that I tagged onto and ruined their game the week before than I was seeing the ones I should have been playing with.

And the ones who I had played with the week before, they weren't there. That pitch was empty. So that was as much of a relief as Dominic Zabozlai slamming in that opening goal last night and just putting Liverpool on course for such a comfortable win.

But yeah, this, as we touched on before, this run, it was always going to be so influential in the final outcome because, you know, and it's funny because obviously there was murmurings of, hang on a minute, why have, you know, that Villa game, you know, was shifted like back a month essentially. And it was like, well, that makes the schedule even harder. And, you know, and during that period, Arsenal have only played three times in the league, Liverpool have had five games.

And as Andy alluded to, it didn't start off great, did it? With such controversy at Goodison, the manner that last gasp equaliser that Liverpool conceded and everything that happened in the aftermath. And then the kind of anxiety-laden, scrappy win against Wolves. Not a bad result, but still a bit of a performance at Villa that made you think, you know...

it wasn't completely convincing. But yeah, to come out the other side with two such...

composed, impressive wins over Man City and Newcastle. You know, I think if anyone had said before that run, you get 11 out of 15, you'd have taken it. And then of course the big bonus is the fact that Arteta's side of, it's them rather than Liverpool that have left their lines when the pressure is on. And I can't say really surprised. I mean, for all the kind of

Yeah, I mean...

We've taken 11 from 15 and Arsenal in the same period have dropped five points. Losing at home to West Ham, drawing away at Nottingham Forest. For all the big talk in North London, Andy, they just couldn't back us up, could they? No, no, and they haven't been able to all season, really. They've never really been able to get on that run, have they, where they've put...

you know, four, five, six wins on the bounce together. I think it's always... I don't think they've won more than three on the bounce, maybe. They might not have even done that at any stage. So, it just sort of shows, like, one, how good Liverpool have been, but also how difficult Arsenal have found it this season. And they have had, you know, obviously injury problems and stuff like that, but...

I guess it's even the look that they had in previous seasons where they were able to... They have had injury problems like no team ever in the history of football has had. Yeah, I know. And then you've got to throw in the conspiracy as well. Oh, yeah, yeah. It's all there. It was just meant for them to not win the league this season. You know what I mean? It was no chance at all. But yeah, I mean, just as you say, it's...

When the pressure was on, they've repeated... Because even when Liverpool have dropped points throughout the season in various games...

It feels like Arsenal have never been able to gain on them at any point. So even when Liverpool have drawn a game, Arsenal have drawn or lost. Throughout the season, they've had a couple of opportunities to close the gap on Liverpool and failed. And now the gap is just increasing game by game at the moment, which is lovely to see. Well, it's a little known fact that last July, all the referees met at Anfields.

And, you know, I'm letting it out the bag now. I've sworn to secrecy. But the biggest item on the agenda was, we must stop Arsenal. And they did. And they did. Michael Oliver mustn't have been there because after his Derby performance, I don't think that was the case. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He didn't get the memo. No, no. But, yeah, I was just going to say that I think the biggest...

The reality is the biggest thing in stopping Arsenal has actually been Arsenal. Yeah. Because like, and I do laugh at the, I see there's now this kind of like, you know, which inevitably happens in the mad world of social media that now it's, it's like, well, you know, it's injuries have done for Arsenal, you know, Liverpool have just been lucky. And it's like, well, hang on a minute. I'm pretty sure Alison was missing for a significant part of the season. Canate was missing for a significant part of the season.

You know, you had that period where Slott was very down to very few options defensively around Christmas. Jota, you know, what was he missing for? You know, best part of three months, maybe a bit more. And so it's about how you manage your resources.

And Slott has done a much better job at doing that. And Arsenal's lack of firepower was glaring before the start of the season. They've only got themselves to blame that they thought, you know, it would be a great idea to fill one of those spots with Raheem Sterling, who is clearly, his days at the top level are effectively gone. And then, you know, Arsenal had the opportunity in the January window to strengthen. They didn't.

And ultimately that's what's cost them. It's not luck. Yeah. I was looking back through my yearbooks and I noticed that every Liverpool title has an asterisk attached to it. Really, really. Andy, that brings us on to, you wrote a really good piece about how slots manage the squad. Yeah. And it's been a nice change really, hasn't it? From previous seasons where it's felt like

Liverpool were the ones who were hit by the injury crisis and whenever they haven't or have been able largely to avoid it is that that's when they've been able to really go for the title essentially that's what stopped it last year because the number and then when they came back those who played too much were then knackered and the ones who came back weren't in rhythm so

Yeah, it's all credit to Slot really and his backroom team really and how they've managed it. And even if you just look at these five games, I think seven have started all five, which is just a testament really to the way that they've built it. They've almost built it up for this block because going out to the FA Cup was a pain, but it feels like the changes he made for that and the players he rested have really benefited because they've been able to go...

again and again and again in this short space of time. And, you know, he didn't look at Liverpool yesterday and look at a team that was knackered or by half an hour really struggling. That was still a strong team. Because, Andy, it's not just on the pitches. It's not just the 90 minutes. It's the training.

Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, I mean, in the piece we spoke about training maybe being longer, but less intense. And there's so much, so much going into the foretrain and aftertrain and after games, everything to make sure that the players are in the best possible shape. I mean, this isn't to say that it's sort of Liverpool with negligence under Klopp or anything like that. It's a different style and slot.

has a proven track record of keeping players fit, playing the style that he wants them to play. You know, obviously more possession-based, maybe less intense at times during games. So, you know, and the players have been able to, you know, respond to those methods and largely other than

Because even when Liverpool have had a couple of players, not all of them have been muscle injuries. Jota, for example, that's a collision or something like that. And Canarte against Madrid was another one where it wasn't really... These were collisions with players where you can't really impact that from periodisation and managing workloads and everything. But overall, for Liverpool to put themselves in a position where...

for five games in 15 days, massive games for so many of those players to play all of them, start all of them, continue to look fresh in all of them. Maybe not at the end, it's a boss-like case in some of them, but to be able to have done that is just incredible at this stage of the season because this is where you usually see the teams affected by injuries or players getting injured at this period because of how intense it is. ♪

Well, James, before we move on from Newcastle, it's a dress rehearsal for the League Cup final at Wembley. I'm not exactly quaking in terror at this stage. No, no. I think it probably will be different at Wembley. I don't, you know, for a start, I think we saw just what a huge difference Isak has

Makes to that team, you can't deny the fact that in terms of centre forwards, he's been the best in the Premier League so far this season. His goal record is there for everyone to see and the void that was left with him not being out there. But yeah, you would imagine that Liverpool would still have far too much for Newcastle because there won't be too many other changes in terms of personnel.

And Liverpool were just better, weren't they, in all departments? And yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I think, you know, there'll be a lot of talk going into that final, won't there, about, you know, the fact that Newcastle, what was, you know, their last domestic trophy? 1640, 1640. And, you know, and the kind of longing for, to get their hands on silverware. But, you know, it's, I don't think it's any less important to slot on his players because, you know,

Yeah, of course, there's a bigger prize just, well, a couple of bigger prizes potentially just around the corner. You still want to get that first one under your belt. You know, you still, you know, Liverpool have had such a love affair with the League Cup.

Trying to defend the crown that they won through such grit and determination with the personnel on display for that final against Chelsea last February. And there's no reason why then it can't be a springboard for the rest of the season. And it's going to be really interesting because I think, I'm sure we'll come on to talk about PSG and the draw hasn't done Liverpool any favours there. But now you start to think, well, if they can get past PSG and there's no reason why they shouldn't,

You're looking at Bruges or Villa, potentially Real Madrid or Atletico in the semis. And by the time those games come around, the Premier League title could be effectively wrapped up. You could have a situation where slot is resting players in Premier League games to be able to prioritise the Champions League. And that's something I didn't think I'd be saying probably two or three weeks ago. What I would say is Liverpool don't win cup finals easy. Certainly doesn't feel like it anyway.

When was the last time? God knows. I can't remember one in my lifetime anyway. It always feels like it's penalties or last, you know.

There's some sort of drama on everything. You could probably argue maybe Madrid in that Liverpool sort of had control of it in a sense, sort of threw out, get the early goal, but it didn't feel like it. No, no. And even then there was that 15, 20 minute wobble, wasn't there, where second half where Alisson had to make three or four saves. Yeah. Yeah, it won't be straightforward. I think the other player I'd mention is Joe Linton. I think he's massive for them.

Obviously, he was missing last night as well. I think he's close to coming back, but I think he gives them a different dimension in midfield in his power and his strength and his ability to knit things together offensively for them. So I think...

having him and Isak back will make a big difference to Newcastle. It's one of them, whatever teams put out to Liverpool will find a way to make it hard for themselves. Hopefully they'll be fine and win. It's nice to see you, Andy, just, you know, injecting a note of caution here because...

It's got to be somewhere, hasn't it? It's got to be somewhere. We can't be too happy yet. Yeah, well, you know, because James, who's normally the king of discretion, seems to be predicting a treble to me. Save on Cox Internet when you add Cox Mobile and get fibre-powered internet at home and unbeatable 5G reliability on the go. So whether you're playing a game at home... Yes, go! ...or attending one live...

You can do more without spending more. Learn how to save at Cox.com slash internet. Cox Internet is connected to the premises via coaxial cable. Cox Mobile runs on the network with unbeatable 5G reliability as measured by UCLA LLC in the U.S. to H2023. Results may vary, not endorsement of the restrictions apply.

♪♪

I think one player who's been very impressive over the last few months is Canarte. He's gone a little bit under the radar, hasn't he?

Yeah, he has been back to his brilliant best, hasn't he? I think he had a real wobble towards the back end of the Klopp era. You know, let's not forget, you know, Jor-El Kwanzaa was regularly starting games ahead of him during the back end of last season. And I think back to the, I think it was the Merseyside Derby at Goodison in April where he had a real shocker that night. And it was...

It was weird to see because you thought, how has he managed to kind of lose his way to this extent? But yeah, he well and truly fits in that category of someone that the kind of the new era, the freshness, the attention to detail and, you know, slots, tactical acumen and man management has helped to get him back to where we kind of knew he could reach. And I think also, yeah,

Andy spoke before about the regime that's been able to keep players fit for longer. He's a good example of that in terms of just the one injury he's had so far this season. And he's been brilliant. I think that for me is probably going under the radar a little bit in terms of his contract situation, because there's obviously been so much focus on Van Dijk and Salah and Trent

that, you know, Kanate is probably not far behind in terms of urgency because come the summer, it'd be down to it last year. And, yeah,

You want to avoid that scenario because he's 25, his best years are still ahead of him. That needs to be addressed because I think it would be very difficult and very expensive to find someone as commanding and dominant in

in that back line as Canate has been for Liverpool this season? You know what? No trophies yet, but we're the king of contracts, aren't we? Oh, Andy. Well, you know, you look ahead next week

Paris Saint-Germain, and they've got to be keeping a close eye on Canarte, haven't they? 100%, I think everyone in Europe should be, because I think he's elevated himself into that. He is now world-class, and I don't think there's a discussion about it anymore. I think at times you could argue maybe he was maybe teetering on the edge of it, of just quite weird as he's sitting in terms of

top centre-backs in Europe. But I think he's definitely in that top bracket now and I think he's proved that with his performances this season. So yeah, I think everyone would be looking at him. Obviously, the French connection here makes a lot of sense. I think Liverpool will probably be regretting not sorting this one earlier because if you'd sorted this contract after that Merseyside derby, I think you'd be getting another

a much club-friendly price than you will be getting now because, you know, like Salah, like Van Dijk, who are putting together these unbelievable, you know, seasons, suddenly the ball's in their court of, yeah, you've got to pay me the big bucks now, mate, than the other way around. So, but yeah, you know, PSG will be one of many clubs looking at him and you hope that, you know, Liverpool might be looking at it and going, look, we've got plenty of time, you know, loads of months left on that contract.

when you compare it to what they're doing with the current three without at the end of this season. It feels like, you know, it feels like the summer hopefully is when we'll see that sort of boxed off and everyone can carry on

you know, feeling great about Canard's career at Liverpool and everything. And we're not, you know, talking about him every week. But yeah, there'll be one of many clubs who are after him and Liverpool needs to get him tied down sooner rather than later. Oh, James, almost by accident we've stumbled into Contract Weekly. Where are we? Where are we? I don't think we're in any different position than we were when...

Contract Weekly last came up. I think one thing I would say is I thought it was interesting when, if anyone had saw Mo Salah's chat with Steve McManaman for TNT Sports, and McManaman asked him about his contract situation, the fact that Salah actually said, you know, I think the quote was something like, in a polite way, no update, which I actually think is positive news, because if you think back,

what, probably six, seven weeks ago, a couple of times in quick succession when Mo did media, he basically said, it's not even close. There's been no progress. It was quite kind of confrontational and like, oh, blimey. So I took that as a positive. I think, as we've said before, Salah has got a straight choice, I think, between

the Saudi Pro League and rewriting the record books in the Premier League and at Anfield. And does anyone at the minute seriously think that he looks like someone who's ready to walk away from elite level football? And I think until his signature is on that dotted line...

There's always going to be that uncertainty and fear. But yeah, I'm still optimistic on him. Same with Van Dijk, although there's been various stories about, is it already done? Has Van Dijk's contract been tucked away in a drawer for weeks and weeks? And they just don't want to announce it because they want to crank up pressure on the others or whatever. I've been told by various people that's not the case.

Well, you know, surely if he'd have signed, he's in the same dressing room. You know, he wouldn't be... Exactly. I'm keeping a secret for Liverpool. Yeah, yeah, yeah. The idea that you could keep that quiet is... Don't tell Mo and Trent. Just, you know, you...

So and then the Trent one again I don't think it's any different in terms of just because it's gone quiet I don't think that means that the likelihood of him going to Real Madrid has been reduced I think you know Real Madrid still seem confident they'll get him on a free transfer in the summer but

But at the minute, the word is that there hasn't been a definitive decision on that either. So it's remarkable, really, that in that context of so much uncertainty surrounding your captain, your vice-captain and your top scorer, that Liverpool have done what they've done this season. And Slott has been able to do what he's been able to do, because I think he deserves...

you know, a lot of credit for a lot of things, but one of them is definitely ensuring that that has not, not been a distraction because it could easily have become one. Yeah. Deserves a statue. No, not yet. But Andy, James has just spoken about the, the draw and,

A lot of people have been complaining, you know, you top this ridiculous league with, I don't know, 700 clubs, you know, whatever it was, and you get PSG. I have mixed feelings about them. I'm like, you know, it's the Champions League. Who did you expect Grimsby? But no, the draw isn't ideal, is it?

No, it does feel a bit unfair that Liverpool have been stuck with who they are. But then equally, you know, it wasn't necessarily that different in the previous formats where PSG could easily have finished second in their group, Liverpool finished top of theirs and they get each other. You know, it's just unlucky. You do wonder if it might change Liverpool's strategy next season about how important the field finishing first might be and...

It does feel like they might have got the other side of the draw when you look at that. Obviously, PSG first and then, without wanting to disrespect Villa and Club Rouge, the potential semi-finals that they could get when you look at it, you probably want to be on the other side of the draw. But, you know, ultimately, as you say, it's a competition where you've got to beat the best to prove you the best. And while I'm sure Liverpool would have

would have loved many other teams rather than PSG. Ultimately, they're a team that Liverpool are, I think, still better than and should come through. But I just think it will be a really, really difficult tie. And as I say, I think maybe they might assess how important finishing on that top spot is moving forward. Yeah. James, the bonus for me is that whatever happens, we're not going to lose in the final to Real Madrid. Absolutely.

And if we do get them in the semi-final, they've got to come to Anfield. And that changes the dynamic between the two clubs.

Yeah, it does. It does. It did feel a bit kind of underwhelming to get PSG, I've got to admit, because I think when you win seven out of eight in that Champions League phase, you kind of, and you looked at some of the other ties around, not least, Bruges against Villa, you thought that doesn't feel like,

It's much of a reward. But I just think that crazy new format where you just play eight random, you know, I know it's not completely random, but it felt like it, but eight random teams and you look at some of the fixtures that clubs add and go, hang on a minute, how's that comparable to...

even Liverpool's fixtures were difficult, weren't they? You've had Bundesliga champions in Leverkusen, Real Madrid, Milan. So it was... It doesn't feel like much of a reward for finishing top. And I've got to admit...

I would have preferred to go to Lisbon next week for a number of different reasons. Culinary reasons. James, James, James, Paris is one of the great gastronomic cities in the world. Yeah, it is. Although I was more thinking rather than my appetite, I was thinking more of the weather. I was thinking more of quality on the pitch and also food.

you know, not particularly looking forward to going back to Paris for the first time since the Champions League final in 2022 because of everything that happened around that game that I'm sure we'll talk about probably on next week's podcast. But yeah, I know it's obviously a different stadium, a different part of Paris, but it's still the same city. But yeah, I think...

They do definitely command respect, PSG. I mean, you know, and they're really in form at the minute. I think that's why, you know, this makes it such a kind of, you know, an appetising tie, I guess, especially for neutrals, because, you know, it's a very different PSG, isn't it, from the one that Liverpool met back in, what was it, 2018-19, when it was...

They were trying to become like the Harlem Globetrotters, weren't they, in terms of big money, talent. And obviously Cavani, I think, was still there then, and Neymar. And then obviously Mbappe comes along, and Messi, and...

And now it's a much younger team, more dynamic. You know, you watch them. I've only watched them once properly this season, and that was their fight back to beat Manchester City. And the energy and the dynamism of people like Bacola and Neves, who they got from Benfica and, you know, getting more of a tune out of Dembele and...

And then you've got the Kavasela kind of sideshow that I'm sure that'll be part of the narrative going into the game. Obviously, Liverpool widely admired him for a long time, but didn't end up rivaling PSG for his signature, I think for obvious reasons, because of the number of left-sided attacking options slot has already got. I think if Liverpool can get past PSG, I'd fancy them winning.

to go all the way to Munich at the back end of May. But it's the kind of game where you've got to be absolutely bang on it. I don't think Liverpool get past PSG in cruise control. I think, you know, in...

And it should help them actually after such a hectic period, the fact that they now have got this blank weekend. You know, I know some people lost their minds about that FA Cup defeat to Plymouth, but Slott has now given his squad a couple of days off.

And they really do need that after such an energy sapping run. Yeah. They can recharge the batteries. Well, I mean, Andy, the question is, do you actually believe James when he says he's put the weather and the opposition above his appetite? Because frankly, I don't. I don't. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. You know, I,

I am. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. But the weekend off, it's good for everyone, isn't it? Although we'll miss the game, the players can just get themselves sort of...

Give themselves a bit of space to prepare themselves for the final third of the year, which is going to be thrilling, isn't it? Yeah, it's a well-earned rest, I think, for the majority of them. And I think this was the way it was viewed in that sort of block of fixtures. It was get through this and you kind of put your feet up for a few days and sort of just de-stress and sort of...

Just get yourself ready and get yourself back into a different mindset of the season running, if you like. So, yeah, I think it's come at the perfect time. Yeah, obviously, of course, we'd love to be still in the FA Cup and going for that competition as well. But I think all in all, it's worked out quite nicely for Liverpool that they were able to put so much... I think it's allowed them to put so much into those five games because if you look at the draw, Plymouth got City away. So, ultimately...

If Liverpool were going back to the Etihad again to sort of be the sixth fixture of this run, that would have been even more demanding. So I think it is nice that they've got a little bit of a break just to sort of put everything on the mind and focus on what's to come.

Well, yes, and what's to come is going to be glorious, whatever happens. So that's it for Walk On, your Liverpool podcast brought to you by The Athletic. Thanks to James and Andy for joining me and you for listening. We'll be back on Tuesday before the trip to Paris. We'll catch you then. The Athletic FC Podcast Network.