He has a haunted look in his eyes at the end .. it's so sad to see that as a Liverpool supporter. He gave so much as a player and tried his best as a manager. Still a legend in my eyes.
The player he was for Liverpool overshadows the managerial role he played in our club. He made us one of the most successful in football history. Thanks for your service to our Club, Souness.
Along with Stevie G we're talking about our GREATEST midfielder.. Such a shame his wonderful rep as a player was tarnished but still.. Symbolic (as a player) of our greatest years
100%. He was literally one of the true greats od the 80s. What hes won alone makes clubs like City and Chelsea look amatuer hour. Glad to see a sensible comment. He makes Keano look soft. Proper pro.
Whatever you say or think about Souness, this is a very honest and at times soul searching piece and he deserves much respect for his experience and achievements. He gets a lot of unfair stick for me...
i wasn't even born when he won titles for liverpool but as a pundit he gives me nuggets of real insight on the english game and english club culture and it means I love hearing from him and of his experiences
What a true gentleman and absolute legend of the game. He’s always struck me as a man with genuine integrity and honesty. When he speaks others truly listen and he’s earned every ounce of respect he’s now got. Not just from Liverpool like myself but fellow professionals and supporters of this fantastic sport x
Glad he mentioned Matt Le tissier. One of the greatest players (in terms of ability) the league has ever seen but people sleep on him. I remember Xavi talking about him being his idol.
England don’t do technical players, they also mismanaged McManaman, Gerrard and Carrick. Le Tessier was at a superior level to many, he single handedly kept Southampton up on more than one occasion. England never do much internationally because they fail to rate technical players and England players won’t play abroad, hence they don’t improve.
Le Tissier had a magic touch and scored some wonderful goals. However he drifted in and out of games and was useless at tracking back and tackling. He's the icing on the cake. England just didn't have enough strength to afford the luxury of playing him permanently.
@Cool Dude your coolness has been revoked due to a poor comment he turned Scottish football on its nut Rangers had 5 or 6 England Internationalists Woods, Steven, butcher, Stevens, gazza then guys like greame Roberts, Trevor Francis ex England internationals to name a few, Gerrards team fucked AVBoas marseille 4-0 at the weekend bye, bye Celtic 🇬🇧 😭
You have to remember that Souness had a heart bypass op in 92 while manager at Anfield. He did give Fowler and McManaman their debuts as young players. Only downside for Souness was giving an interview to the Sun just a few years after Hillsborough which was a very raw subject back then and even now.
As a 55 year old United fan I remember Liverpool on motd as a kid, it was just pass and move, but they passed and moved it very well, top players on top of there game, strong in every area..I was gutted lol..respect tho
John Watkinson you’re not the only one. Definitely grudging respect. Even the times we finished runners up to Liverpool we weren’t really in it apart from one season in the early 80’s. As for 85/86 we finished 4th in a one horse race!!! While Liverpool did the double.
I’m sorry but he’s quite simply the best midfielder in Liverpool’s history. People will go for Gerrard but Souness was the captain of the best team in the world at that time and he was outstanding. Hard as nails, technically sound and a pure leader. He’s the best of the lot. World class.
He was a gerrard but upgraded in all terms except shooting. I mean if there would be 1 single player i could turn young again it would be souness, he was another class of middlefield player. EVERY SINGLE team would hunt after him.
Best Central Midfielder in the last 50 yrs in the top league IMO.Steel of Keane/Vieira and passing ability of Scholes/Alonso, saying that Gerrard was a better player as he could play wide or number 10, but Souness was the better CM
Graeme you've always had my respect (for what it's worth) and gratitude for making the late 70's, and 80's one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. Sorry to hear you shoulder the burden of Liverpool's slow demise from the early 90's onwards. It was more than trying to change the attitudes of the players too quickly, you took over at a very difficult stage, Liverpool had no European football for years due to the Heysel Disaster and the wounds from Hillsborough cast a dark shadow over the club that affected everything. Time to let it go mate...and Tiss, indeed what a player, he would have made Messi and Ronaldo look like kids. Legend.
How did Liverpool only concede 4 goals at home! This is in a 42 game season not 38 ! That’s insane we only ever talk about premier league era forget the great probably even better sides of the 80 years before premier league
What a great interview. Credit to Graeme Souness. It's easy to think of legends of the game - or even just pros - lounging in relative luxury with a fat cigar. You can hear the raw emotion from the past still affecting him now. Everything he lived is still alive. It really mattered to him and still matters. Sometimes, these days, being a fan feels like being duped by mediocrity in a Lamborghini. Not so with Souness. There's life in football yet.
Sourness as liked to call him. My god what a player. He must have been a nightmare to play against. He still scares me now. But also a classy player. I'm no Liverpool fan but imho the best team this country has ever produced.
I always said, if we had a team GB in international football we could’ve probably won the World Cup in the 70s- 80’s as well. Not that I care in the slightest about international football.
Souness is just total class. Rangers was in a pretty bad spot like 5th place kind of job and the first year he came we won the league. One of my favourite players and managers ever. Such a genius as well on and off the park
I think we often overlook the cracks which were already at Liverpool when Souness came in. Kenny Dalglish, had gone completely out of the Liverpool way by signing players who were _" finished articles" ,_ not promote from within, or sign young players who could be nurtured in the Liverpool values. And this did had long term impact by the turn of 90s. Dalglish had retired, Hansen had retired, Grobelar, Nicol, Houghton, Mcmahon, Whelan, Wright, Molby, and Rush... so many of the key players were already 30 or around that age...or past their best. I think Souness could see this, and tried to adress the situation, but I think he tried too much too soon. When Kenny was manager, Bob Paisley was still around as an advisor, but he wasn't around due to bad health when Graeme came in. Paisley could've been a great help. He did promote some young blood into the first team like, Jamie Redknapp, Steve Mcmanaman, Robbie Fowler, Dominic Matteo, Don Hutchinson etc, & it was completely necessary to do so.Souness wanted to pull the club into the modern era, by bringing changes to training, diet, deal with the drinking culture, ensuring discipline at the club, just like Arsene Wenger did with Arsenal, and we call him a genius for that. It was sad to see him not succeeding at the club he loved so much. Yes, he made so many mistakes, the worst of it being the interview with the Scum, but I think making him a scapegoat for our downfall during the 90s is unfair. Just look at Manutd, we can see how hard it is to replicate the same success once a system which was so successful for 25 years is replaced by a new one. We saw what Gerrard Houllier achieved at the club by doing exactly what Souness had in mind, but his man- management skills were on another level, also, he had a good disciplinarian/mentor/coach by his side in the form of Phil Thompson. Souness made some horrible, horrible, transfer mistakes... but I don't blame a man for trying.
Yes, Liverpool needed a player overhaul as.the average age of the team was 31yo. But Souness forgot everything he learnt under Paisley and co; replace good players with better or just as good ones, and do not replace too many players at once - it destabilised the team!
it happens in every sport...and its funny how we can see the trend clearly when it has happened but when its happening everything seems so confusing n out of order...i guess story of many lives..
Souness signed Mark Wright in his first season. I think he tried to do too much too soon and didn't buy wisely. Players such as Torbin Pichnik, Dicks, Saunders and Mark Walters were poor buys but then he had some gems like Rob Jones. He didn't stick to the values of the club as well. As a Gooner I was surprised he didn't do better, back then they were a huge club back then and certainly domestically they could of had their pick of some great players. Hello let too many of the old guard go as well, tried to impose himself too quickly. I'd of kept Beardsley You wonder whether Keegan could of been a better alternative. Really it's
@@ShaneJoshua1980 I believe you also have to blame David Moores and the Liverpool directors. They panicked when Dalglish quit. Ronnie Moran should have been giving more time to consider being manager; if he had been I do not think Liverpool's decline would have been so great.
Great vid, never got to learn so much about Graeme despite his amazing careeer so this was awesome. Bjørn Inge Bjørnebye said that Souness was his best mager in his career..
Love how when talking about the best players he coached ha mentions Davie Cooper, a true Rangers legend, and Tugay who Souness managed at Galatasaray, and bought to Blackburn from Rangers, who Souness played for and managed as well. Some connection
Um...no. Would they have him over the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Pirlo, Makalele, Vieira, Keane, Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Busquets, Kroos, Modric etc. I'm not even sure most managers would take him over Pogba. Souness played in an easier time for football.
Don't get the criticism he gets - I'm an Arsenal fan but since he started at Sky (which was a long time ago!) he was the only pundit (this is across all TV channels as well) who didn't only make sense but also gave actual insights into the game. Too many pundits like Shearer, P.Neville, etc. state the glaringly obvious but Sky have always had top pundits and he is one of them. Alongside Carragher and Neville, Souness is one the best. Never tire of listening to him as he always says something interesting to say. Absolutely top bloke. Sky would have an absolute killer pundit line-up if it wasn't for Jamie Redknapp but I suppose you need some contracts in the team.
I think a lot of people perceive his emphasis on intangibles like 'leadership' and 'winning mentality' as lazy punditry and being outdated (there is no 'winning mentality' stat on fifa). And they're right when it's being done by other pundits, who say it when they've nothing else to say and were neither leaders nor winners as players. Souness was those things, and talks about those things only when it's clear to him that that's where the shortcomings are, because for all the technical and tactical nuance in the modern game, there are players and teams who are let down by shortcomings in that department. Souness is a bit dour as well, which is not everyone's cup of tea. Personally, I'm never disappointed when I see he's one of the pundits for whatever I'm going to watch and that's not because I'm a Liverpool fan and a big fan of him as a player for us as I rate none of Lawro, Redknapp or Owen as pundits.
Paul G i'm also an Arsenal fan and i'm only 25 so i never got to witness this man in his prime who comes across as nothing short than an absolute monster on that pitch. However, i have grown in respect as the years have gone by massively. I learnt of the great Liverpool side and the role he played, i learnt he wasn't all that as a manager yet as a player he is simply one of the greats. I understand completely when you say his way of talking can appear outdated but he honestly does use such terminology where it really is required rather than a time killer like the other poor pundits you mentioned. Souness overall i cannot emphasise enough, i have so much time for. This interview knocked me for six a couple weeks ago because i immediately noticed for the first time ever that his guard went down, and he's one hell of a alpha male so that shocked me. Anyway overall, he has my complete respect. We all make mistakes, but it's how/if you own up to them, unless they are too bad of course but for him? I am certain he deserves forgiveness. The pain in his eyes tells the story.
Wonderful discussion, really impressed at the honesty and humility of Graeme Souness as he talks about his career highs and lows. A real giant of the British game who has done it all but can still appreciate the continued evolution of the beautiful game. David Jones and Jamie Carragher are doing a great job in getting the best out of their guests during this series, great insights both about football and about life.
He just isnae tho he’s a pure fanny remember Blackburn Celtic, during the Road to Seville he famously said “it will be boys(Celtic) against Men(Blackburn)” and then Celtic went into smash them 3-0 at home.. he’s nothing but a bitter old hun.
Ryan McPherson isolation gettin to you? You must be shittin yersel, teams gonna die again..Dave King must know what is coming no wonder he surrendered..
A great player for us, and now I see what a great man for his honesty and obvious hurt from his managerial time with the reds !! Much respect for that !!
Sacked after Bristol City beat Liverpool in the FA Cup 3rd in ‘94. Great night - every Liverpool fan clapped us off the pitch and Souness was very gracious in defeat - the mark of a good man
I watched Tugay for 4+ seasons, best player, except maybe Shearer, I’ve seen playing for, not only Rovers, but anyone. He was worth the season ticket price alone...
Tugay played for the Gers before Blackburn, and we'd never heard of him before he arrived. We called him "Tugay the new guy", but he became an instant favourite. He could do almost anything. He even played the 'libero' role one time against Monaco and we beat them in the UCL. Class act.
What a honest & heart warming interview you can see the hurt in his eyes & face also how truthful he is being. I hope anyone who thought bad of him for what he talks about sees this & sees what a great man he is.
@Stephen Minton How about looking at the manager, pogba is great for france, great whe he was in italy look to the manager, lukaku same for belgium, mourinhos got to be the centre of attention.
Yes Souness, your changes were too quick and ill advised. You did what you had to do at the time. It's what it is. You were an excellent player and your contribution to LFC was massive. The league has now been won thirty years after. Let go of the hurt and regrets. We still love you. Your mistakes have been righted.
realnesx have you noticed kean never argues with him on sky sports I reckon that is out of respect...I’d love to see them two going at it in there pomp
He was also instrumental in breaking down racial and religious boundaries. He signed Mo Johnston at Rangers, Howard Gayle Liverpools first black player said after he had stood up to Tommy Smith Souness was the only player who supported him.
@@romozusi my point was Gayle said when he stood up to Tommy Smith Souness was supportive of him. Hence why I acknowledged Souness in helping promote equality
I was born in 72, grew up watching this PROPER GEEZER, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Legend, not like these 🐱’s now a days, thanx 4 the memories graham, that’s coming from a QPR supporter. Top man 💪🦵😩
Souness spoke about how in early 90s when he was manager of LFC, Platini knocked on his door and told him he's got a brilliant footballer but he's a bit of a trouble/problem... Souness told Platini , " I got enough trouble/problems at the moment". That player was.....Cantona!
We all fail, you cannot learn without failure and those awful memories stay there to remind you what not to do in the future, Souness is a legend on and off the pitch and always will be.
I do like humble Souness and it was good to watch this but people today have no idea how intense he was, it was a different level but fair play to him he's mellowed out and is a million miles from how he was.
That is a cracking interview. As an oul lad who has hit 50 I can tell you that I only associate Souness with being part of the greatest Liverpool team of all time and do not judge his time as a manager. It is all about the football. We all know that the manager is the most expendable asset....... Leicester City won a miracle league title and still sacked the miracle worker within 6 months FFS. I'll die as an LFC fan and Souness will be one of my heroes.
The man is an icon. One of the greatest Liverpool players in one of the best teams to play in English football ever. Has won more trophies than a good 17 or 18 current premier league clubs have in their history. 3 European cups - Arsenal City Chelsea Spurs and nEverton havent that between them.
United fan here and I come in peace lol. Sourness was a great player and he’s a bloody nice man. So brave of him to challenge the no catholic’s at rangers. Also very sad to see him still haunted and sad about his time as Liverpool boss.
Liverpool fan since 1970 Graeme Souness was the best defender of his time and also one of the best world class chieftain centre back and world class captain... Very handsome guy I just admired him with his signature moustache... Great personality and football player in total control... Graeme your legacy being a legend....
14:21 who????? I don't understand who he's saying. Souness is one of the best pundits and all these sad acts on here slagging him off need a look at themselves. I'm a United fan, and I agree entirely with his comments on pogba. Great player, great pundit.
In terms of pure technique Le Tissier is one of the finest players i've ever laid my eyes on.. some of THE most extravagant technical ability the Prem has ever seen
@@simonforrest2522 yeah. It was more his flair. Many players were better technically but few had his audacity to try something different. He never really realised his potential. He could have moved clubs and been a great but liked being the big fish in a little pond. Fair play to him, I doubt he regrets it. He certainly entertained more than most.
I disagree.. Many players try audacious things but without the necessary technique to do so they look like idiots..Le Tissier's technical level was ridiculous..Some of the things i witnessed him do were things you'd expect from the highest level Brazilians..Audacity means little without the ability to pull it off..But yeah... Credit to him for staying with the club he loves rather than seeking a big payday elsewhere..Better to be idolized by fans you adore
A very honest, heart on his sleeve, interview. Huge respect for him as a player. Even more so as a person having seen this. Love his story about asking for advice from Joe Fagan.........
13:23 Who's the best player you've coached? Greame Souness: But I think the player with the most out and out ability, ridiculous ability, has to be Ali Dia.
Graeme loves LFC. Beast of a player. As Liverpool manager he was a disaster. Although he did not set out to fail. He deserves to be remembered as a Liverpool legend. He always gave his best. He’s a mans man. An honest fella. The type of guy you know where you stand with.
The last 20 odd seconds really reveal what a top top class bloke he is. A lot of the younger fans may view him as part of the ‘outdated’ older generation, but what this fella brings to punditry is top draw.
Always be remembered as being one of our top players. What happened as a manager, for me personally, means nothing. He made us invincible. All the best, Souey!
Souness was a legend in his playing days, a tough and uncompromising leader in midfield. Such a shame that the managerial side at Liverpool didn't work out for him, he did buy some donkeys in his time, David Speedy springs to mind. Unfortunately, his reign at Anfield coincided with the rise of Liverpools greatest rivals and we weren't even in the same ball park as them for decades after. Great interview YNWA
Graeme, as supporters of this fine club, we stick together through Hail & shine... You did everything to the best of your intentions and we salute you for that. You were a magnificent player who we deeply appreciated.. Saddens me to think you have regrets... an amazing man.. thank you!
Souness is a Liverpool FC legend. End of. Lots of people have regrets over past decisions made. Few mention it quite as publicly as Souness did in this interview. Much respect Graham. YNWA!
Souness was a great great player... Hard tackling, uncompromising player but with great passing ability.. Stitched up a bit as Liverpool manager as he inherited a team with a few old players in it.... But as a player he was the greatest midfielder Liverpool have ever had.....
Rush was way past his peak by the time Saunders arrived. Think at same time, though, I'd still feel resentful in Rush's position, given the service he'd given Liverpool, yet a new player, joining club on more money.
It saddens me that he wasn’t as successful a manager for Liverpool than he was as a player. For him to succeed Kenny Dalglish was at the time an exciting prospect. It’s a shame that it didn’t work out. But he’ll always be a LFC legend for his tenure on the pitch.
He changed Liverpool all right. He ship wrecked us. It took us nearly 30 years to recover and win the League again. Candid indeed, he was able to buy the league in Rangers as they bought the best players but in England he tried to buy the league, paid over and above for players he couldn't ger the best out of and all he won was an FA Cup beating a 2nd tier team, Portsmouth, in the final in 1992.
He did his best at the end of a winning cycle, gave it a good go. I read his book the 'management years' real honest about his heart surgery and when his wound reopened plus a heavy bout of depression. I will always see him as a legend at the club.
The regret he's talking about at the end is the interview with The Scum which was published on the anniversary of Hillsborough. Understandably some will never forgive him for that.
@Prashant Duggal The day after the Hilsborough disaster The Sun 'newspaper' ran front page headlines claiming Liverpool fans pick-pocketed victims, urinated on police and beat up emergency services (claims later proved to be false). This upset and incensed everyone involved with Liverpool FC. Football clubs and supporters across Britain united in condemning and boycotting The Sun. When Souness was manager he sold an exclusive to The Sun about his upcoming heart operation. The Sun published it on the 3rd anniversary of the disaster. On the day of mourning for football and the city of Liverpool, the Liverpool manager was on the cover of the newspaper that wrote vicious lies about the club's supporters.
D3 You are right the scum probably deliberately printed it that day, to cause a big stink. He never should have gave them the story. Thats why people have a tarnished view of him. Still a Liverpool Legend as a player, 10x the player SG ever was (and that's not a dig at SG). The guy was a brilliant midefielder, hard as nails and a brilliant captain.
As a rangers fan I will never forget what he done for rangers and some of the signings. But did he leave us in the lurch in 1991??? when Walter Smith had to step in to get us the finnish line. What he forgets to tell the audience is that David Murray got wind of the job offer in 1991 confronted him and Souness admitted yes he was going and Murray said go now. ???
