Alan Shearer

Absolutely, it affects it, yeah.

Because if he's not playing, then he isn't going to go.

Exactly, yeah.

It's really strange, isn't it?

Because you're right, it's had such a good time before Christmas, I think it was.

And that's all well and good until you stop and think, who's actually in charge?

It's like letting someone loose with the keys, but not knowing what doors they can open or which ones they shouldn't.

which means every agent has a clear identity, clear permissions, and a clear line of accountability.

He's got them playing some really good football.

He's got them really well organised and they're controlling games.

It helps when you have a bit of madness from the opposition when a player gets sent off for a stupid tackle, but that's not his fault or their fault.

They can only do what they can control.

Well, you're absolutely entitled to say that.

You have your opinion.

But what I would say is that the referee saw it without slow motion.

He saw it in full speed and he was 12 yards away and he thought it was a really dangerous tackle.

I did.

I thought it looked...

I thought it was a nasty tackle.

I know you've also got to know your players and all of those things.