The Big Interview with Graham Hunter

HolaWe were planning a video on this weekend's Spanish football, but it did not feel right in light of the devastation caused by the floods in Valencia.If you want to donate, LALIGA is supporting the Red Cross in the emergency caused by the DANA. click this link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

As I leave Berlin - the city of Jesse Owens, David Bowie and now Lamine Yamal - I'm recording this final report from Euro 2024, where I have been embedded once more with the Spain team. I saw the treble winners of 2008-12 up close too, and they may not have a prime Iniesta or Xavi, but in their own way I think this team is just as good. Some of them spoke to me after the final, and what a joyful, brotherly bunch they are. The trophy is in good hands. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

I hope you enjoy this latest update from Germany, as Spain and I depart Donaueschingen, where they have trained and relaxed and prepared for the mesmeric performances you've been watching in this tournament. These reports are also available - for free - at my new Substack, the link is coming up. If you subscribe to this site, you'll receive regular posts - podcasts and written work on all aspects of Spanish football - directly to your email inbox. It's very simple to subscribe, and once you do, everything comes straight to your email. Soon, I'l be focusing all my indepent reporting on this site. It be great if you could join me. https://revistadelaliga.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

This is my first post on Substack - the new home for my reporting on Spanish football. I hope as many of you as possible will subscribe to receive all my work to your email inbox - for the time being, I'm choosing to make this entirely free of charge. Today you have a choice - listen to this short podcast on the 16-year-old who has lit up the Euros (and who I sat down with for his first major television interview); or read the edited version below. More coming soon… This inaugural Substack is about Lamine Yamal – but before I talk about him, I have to talk about Samuel Eto'o.When we were converting the book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World, into a documentary film with Universal Studios, we sent one of our producers and cameramen to Turkey, for a charity game that was organised by Eto'o. It happened to be on the weekend that there was an insurrection and a putsch for power. Everything got sealed off. The players were desperately trying to leave the place where the game was being played in private jets, but our producer, Mark Guillen, insisted to Eto'o that, despite the fact that there was threat of gunplay, he should fulfil his interview. And one of the great answers which made the film was Eto'o saying:When I arrived at Barcelona, everybody was like, Ronaldinho, ooh!  But the guy that I liked best was Iniesta. Iniesta and Xavi would be in my team, always. They have the great gift of making an infinitely complicated sport look simple.Do you see the link?The thing I've been writing about Lamine Yamal since Xavi Hernandez put him in the Barcelona team, aged 15 at the time, was this supernatural ability to choose the right things to do with the ball almost all the time.That's a rare skill in anybody. Rodri, the other day, said that he watches games back every time because he wants to see what he didn't see on the pitch. Now, if you're in the middle of the pitch and you're the pivote, compared to a winger, that peripheral vision to see everything and get everything right is far harder.Lamine Yamal began learning the game in the park outside his front door, in a bumpy neighbourhood called Rocafonda. And it so happened that not long before he was born, the Catalan Ayuntamiento decided to invest millions of euros in underprivileged zones of the region.Rocafonda was one of the places that got a big grant and they built a park.  And that park had a football surface on it.  And that's where four-year-old Lamine Yamal would play with his dad. His dad was 25 at the time, he played with his cousins and the kid would join in, and they put him in goals.But he learned his tricks on a place that, in the winter, was soaking and muddy and wet and full of puddles.Three years later, he got spotted by Barcelona.And he went to La Masia, and he told me he didn't know how to lace his boots.  Somebody had to do that for him. Barcelona didn't know what to do with him so they played him at left-back. And he scored a hat-trick. Tiniest kid on the park. First day at Barca training. Played out of position. Hat-trick.But, back to Eto'o. Decisions on the ball.Even very good players find it hard to make the right decisions about what to do with possession all the time.To whom does the ball go? Do I go alone? Do I take on my opponent?  Does the pace of the match need accelerated or does it need pausa, does it need calm? Do I recirculate the ball? Where is everybody else in my team?These decisions need to go through your head in a millisecond while there's noise. Somebody might clatter you; somebody might close you down.And in Lamine Yamal, although he's been trained at La Masia, these decisions seem innate. Which is, to me, the most astonishing thing.We saw different aspects of him last night. He nibbled at Rabiot, who had been jipping him up in advance.  ‘If he wants to go to the final, he'll have to do far more than he's done so far'. And Yamal at the end goes up to the camera with the fingers and thumb clapping together like a yappy mouth: keep talking.When he won his player of the match, and did the interview on the pitch, and then the interview in the press room, it was like, yeah, whatever. As calm off the pitch as he is on the pitch. A gift to us all.As soon as he scored, I turned to my colleague and said, ‘Listen, he scored a goal like that for Spain against France age 15 in the under-17s, about 18, 20 months ago. And lo and behold, my colleague went and found it and it's identical. That goal was coming. The style was guessable.Goal of the tournament? I think it probably will be.Young player of the tournament?  I think he's won that already. Player of the tournament?  Well, if he stars on Sunday night, then yeah, he might be named player of the tournament and young player of the tournament.He'll now, I think, get enough votes to be top-five in the Ballon d'Or voting. At 16.And above and beyond the preternatural decision-making, the football intelligence, the thing we need to focus on today and forever is: doesn't it make you happy watching him?  Doesn't it bring you joy?Never lose sight of that.Viva Lamine.Viva España. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Today's story comes from Michael O'Neill, who describes how he kindled the team spirit in his Northern Ireland squad.Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes:Classic Big Interview: Michael O'Neill Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Michael O'Neill Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Craig Gordon from season two.This was a fascinating discussion about Craig's remarkable campaign at Celtic, during which he proved he could play out from the back – even at the Camp Nou. We also talked about the devastating injury which kept the Scotland No1 out of the game for two years. Craig revealed his admiration for Gigi Buffon, and explained the public stance he took against a despotic owner at Hearts. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes his favourite Iron Maiden gig – when the England, Ipswich and Rangers legend actually performed on stage with the heavy rockers.Listen to the original full episode:Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Joe Jordan, who reminisces about the sheer genius of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Peter Crouch from season two.Peter was a footballer who played with an accomplished technical ability and a sense of fun which made him a joy to watch. He was so much more than a good touch for a big man. In this Big Interview we discover learning the game using the Coerver Method, some of his best strikes, his love of Italian football, and the ‘Stoke effect'.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Peter Beardsley, who expresses his love for Tino Asprilla, an extraordinary footballer and one of the funniest and most eccentric men ever to have played the game.Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes:Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Jody Morris, who describes his protracted exit from his boyhood heroes Chelsea.Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes:Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear part two of my interview with Chris Sutton from season two.Chris had the pick of every top team in England in 1994, but it was upwardly mobile Blackburn that took him from Norwich for a British record transfer fee of £5 million. Paired with Alan Shearer in the famous SAS partnership, Chris helped Rovers win the 1994/95 league title ahead of Manchester United.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Chris Sutton from season two.Chris uses the word ‘character' a lot and explains how his was forged – from an initial rejection from Norwich City to his dad's boot camp approach to physical fitness to an uncompromising youth team coach at Carrow Road. Also in part one: Sri Lankan cricketer Ravi Pushpakumara, Andy Theodosiou's brutal tackles, Alan Shearer and Efan Ekoku.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes trying to keep a straight face when Bobby Robson was scolding him, while Gazza was making funny faces at him in the background.Listen to the original full episode:Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how his Celtic hero Danny McGrain used to pick him up in the mornings – to the amazement of his pals. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two.In part two, we hear how Mark grew up with a football field (almost) for a back garden. Mark talks about running out at Upton Park, and the final game there, against Manchester United under the lights. We also hear about the Legacy Foundation, which Mark founded alongside two other London boys: Bobby Zamora and Rio Ferdinand.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two.Mark starred in the midfield at his beloved West Ham United for most of his senior career. In part one, you'll hear about his ice-cool prowess as a penalty-taker – he once scored two in an epic shootout against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championships. Also: how to captain your boyhood heroes.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that the team that wins together does not necessarily have to drink together. Listen to the original full episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Peter Beardsley, who tells the incredible tale of how he ended up - briefly - at Manchester United, courtesy of George Best.Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes:Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Darren Fletcher, who explains what it was like to miss the 2009 Champions League final in which Manchester United took on Barcelona's greatest side.Listen to the original full episode:The Big Interview with Darren Fletcher - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two.This second part is the audience Q&A section of the live fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by actor and friend of the Big Interview Martin Compston. There are great responses from Neil about player development and the most talented managers in football today, and a wonderful tribute to the late Tommy Burns.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Joe Jordan, who describes the revolutionary preparations undertaken by Leeds United's legendary manager Don Revie.Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes:Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes how his former Ipswich team-mate Kevin Beattie could have been one of the all-time England greats and was a legend off the pitch.Listen to the original full episode:Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Michael Carrick, who explains how his nickname ‘Havoc' originated in a war game which some of the Manchester United stars would indulge in while on long hauls abroad. It could get a bit too competitive at times, but overall it was excellent for team bonding.Listen to a classic versions of the original episodes:Classic Big Interview: Michael Carrick Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Michael Carrick Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two.We recorded our first live event when Neil, then the Hibernian manager, joined us at Greenock Town Hall for a fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by screen star Martin Compston.In part one, you'll hear about Martin O'Neill dragging his Leicester City players to murder scenes, Noel Gallagher telling Neil off for misbehaving before an Oasis gig, encounters with Barcelona and much more.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Harry Redknapp, who muses on the diverse talents of the late great John White, Paulo Di Canio, Tony Currie, Alan Hudson, Peter Osgood, Charlie Cooke and Robert Prosinečki.Listen to the original full episode:Harry Redknapp: Di Canio, Kanu & The Art Of The Deal - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how Arsenal might have been the wrong choice, but it beat moving to Manchester United under Ron Atkinson – the man with the golden toothpick. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with John Collins from season two.During his time in France, John underwent a technical and tactical revolution, but his marginal gains approach to self-improvement started in his teens. How else could a skinny kid from Galashiels get the chance to line up alongside George Best in only his second professional game? Also in part two: Petit, Zidane, rugby, more on sweeper keepers and what that cheeky wink to the camera meant before Scotland played Brazil in the opening game of the 1998 World Cup in Paris.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with John Collins from season two.John's career was shaped by his move from Celtic to Monaco in 1996, where he played alongside a couple of promising youngsters named Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet. John tells us how the two French internationalists carried the hamper at every away game in the season prior to winning the World Cup. Also in part one, brilliant insights into the development of young footballers.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that you don't need a sports psychologist if you've got a man manager like Sir Alex Ferguson in charge.Listen to the classic episode:Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Gaizka Mendieta, who speaks about his passion for DJing and how he once met his hero Lou Reed, the Johan Cruyff of music.Listen to the original full episode:Gaizka Mendieta: Practice makes perfect - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Steve Archibald from season two.In part two we hear about how Terry Venables imported Liverpool's defensive system to win La Liga when Steve was at Barcelona, what it's like to score in and win a season-opening Classico, the unpredictable mind of Bernd Schuster, and how to avoid one of the most notorious hitmen in European football history.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Steve Archibald from season two.In part one, Steve talks about his early career at my beloved Aberdeen, his talented Pittodrie team-mates and the legendary manager who would lead them to the 1980 league title, Alex Ferguson.It is truly fascinating to hear Steve take a forensic view of the role of the centre-forward.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Geordie magician Chris Waddle, who explains how he regularly baited and befuddled defenders because he was never afraid to unleash his God-given talent.Listen to the original full episode:Chris Waddle: The Entertainer - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Walter Smith, who tells us about doorstep recruiting Paul Gascoigne for Rangers and then keeping him on the straight and narrow.Listen to a classic version of the original episode:Classic Big Interview: Walter Smith - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Steve McManaman from season two.In part two, we hear about the clever, deft chip at the Camp Nou which helped Real Madrid into the Champions League final, a final that bequeathed the elegant midfielder his second winners medal. Steve received a hero's welcome in the dressing room.Also: war at the Bernabéu between players and hierarchy, the brilliance of Brazilian Ronaldo, how Zidane wasn't an instant hit, and why Claude Makelele was more important than Luis Figo.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear part one of my interview with Steve McManaman from season two.The four years that Steve spent at Real Madrid can be summed up in two Champions League wins, two league titles, and one remark from none other than Johan Cruyff, who described the Merseyside Madridista as el socio del todos – a partner to everyone on the pitch.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Gary McAllister, who says that although Eric Cantona turned a few key matches, the French maestro was relatively peripheral to Leeds United's 1992 league title win.Listen to the original full episodes:Classic Big Interview: Gary McAllister Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Gary McAllister Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón, who says how promoting Zinedine Zinedine from the position of reserve team coach to the biggest role in club football management was a risk that paid off.Listen to the original full episodes:Classic Big Interview: Ramon Calderon Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastClassic Big Interview: Ramon Calderon Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Stiliyan Petrov from season two.In part two, Stan explains how Martin O'Neill makes his teams perform beyond the sum of their parts. At Aston Villa, Stan had to work hard to win back the love of the fans, but eventually he became captain.Then there's Stan's battle with leukaemia. His description of what he went through, and how it gave him a new perspective on life, is truly inspirational.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Stiliyan Petrov from season two.In part one, ‘Stan' chats about everything from national service with the Bulgarian army to playing alongside Henrik Larsson in a magnificent Celtic team. At Celtic, he had to adapt to a new culture and a new language, but he improved his English by working in a burger van. No, I am not making that up…Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Quinton Fortune, who recalls being mesmerised by Paul Scholes' passing ability at Manchester United.Listen to the original full episodes:Quinton Fortune: From The Cape Flats to Fortune - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastQuinton Fortune: Ribbing Ronaldo and being kicked by Keane - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Robert Huth, who remembers that when Jose Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, he took training sessions to an unimaginable new level.Listen to the original full episodes:Robert Huth: Inside Jose's Chelsea Revolution - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastRobert Huth: Inside Jurgen's German Revolution - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Pablo Zabaleta from season two.Pablo scored the forgotten (beautiful) goal on one of English football's most memorable days: when Manchester City won the title in injury time in 2012. We cover a lot in this fascinating chat, starting in 2005 at the Under-20 World Cup, which Argentina won. Zabaleta was captain and a kid called Leo Messi had joined up with the squad...Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Jocky Bjorklund, who talks about his former Old Firm rival and international teammate Henrik Larsson, who was one of the cleverest and most adaptable footballers he has ever seen.Listen to the original full episodes:Jocky Bjorklund: Larsson, Brolin and Sweden's Glory Days - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastJocky Bjorklund: The secrets of Cuper's Valencia - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonny Evans' childhood hero was Roy Keane, and as a youngster he played under him at Sunderland. You can only imagine how the defender felt being given a lift in the legend's car. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from David Moyes, who talks about an encounter between Real Sociedad and a mighty, treble-winning Barcelona team. David's side won, but they were run ragged by the magnificent Andrés Iniesta.Listen to the original full episodes:David Moyes: 'I thought it was my last chance - it was time to gamble' - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastDavid Moyes: 'When Rice goes to England, I tell him to watch Harry Kane' - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Matt Le Tissier from season two.In part two, Matt tells us how Glenn Hoddle was the only manager he ever locked horns with during his career. We hear about the huge strain Matt felt to keep Southampton in the top division. Also: Ronnie Ekelund, Mauricio Pocchetino and Gareth Bale.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Matt Le Tissier from season two.Matt signed for Southampton aged 16 and stayed for his entire career. His sublime midfield talents would have enabled him to play at any level, but silverware and cash were never his motivation. In part one, Matt talks about his idyllic Guernsey childhood, his love of cricket, how to hardly ever miss a penalty, and scoring the last-ever goal at the Dell.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Michael O'Neill, who was terrified of Paul Gascoigne when he first met him at Newcastle, but quickly realised what an inclusive, kindly man the midfield genius is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Ally Dick, who played under Dutch legend Johan Cruyff at Ajax alongside the likes of Ronald Koeman and Marco van Basten. Everything Cruyff said had a deep meaning for his footballers.Listen to the original full episodes:Ally Dick: The Lost Genius of Spurs and Ajax (Part one) - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastAlly Dick: Ajax, Cruyff and crossing for Koeman (Part Two) - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.