The Real Reason Behind Slot’s Great Start | John Barnes Special

[@davidarmstrong7549]

John Barnes, one of the very best players ever to play for Liverpool. So intelligent and so well spoken. His skills with the ball were something else. Amazing. A true Liverpool legend 👏

[@antwango]

his skills with bars!

[@Therealscousedancer]

So true! A trily gifted player❤

[@Thai.Farang]

Spot on lad. True LFC legend.

[@fyneneil2489]

Growing up in the 80s and 90s as a Liverpool fan Barnes was my hero even to this day he still one of my heroes in his prime he was one of the most gifted players in the world at that time

[@duncanmacphee200]

I was at Anfield for Ian Rush's last game before moving to Juventus (he scored in a 1-0 win, at the Kop End). The opponent was Watford who Barnes still played for. The amount of vile abuse Barnes got from the Kop sickened me, even as a 12-year old. That summer he signed for the Reds and, well, became the best player that I've ever seen. I could listen to John all day. Such a wonderful human being and a real gift to English football.

[@Adam-ql1xe]

Barnes was special poetry in motion

[@ste2442]

Digger in the 85-86 Fa cup for Watford was brilliant against us .

[@NeilMalthus]

Relative to other stadia, I doubt the 'vile abuse' could have been that much. Or would he have signed? I don't think so.

[@tomblackwell9890]

​@Neil_MALTHUS no mate, it was pritty bad. Banana's thrown at black players was common in multiple grounds. He just rose above it. Mad people love him for his ability

[@OldDevlin]

I was at the same match, in the Kop. I think it was the last time Kenny ever subbed himself on. I don't remember Barnes getting abuse from the fans though.

[@ghostjacker]

Can listen to Barnesy talk all day. What a legend.

[@sarnobat2000]

Agree, that flew by and touched on such a wide range of topics that even people outside football would love hearing about.

[@JuliusSeizure-ur5ky]

Nice to see someone so talented and eloquent explaining how it was for him and showing awareness of the issues faced by those less fortunate than himself.

[@daveyfunk]

Barnes is such a nice guy. The fact that he says 'I was under pressure being the first black player, but Beardsley was under more pressure being most expensive transfer' speaks volumes. Race is you as a person but football is a job. The vile abuse that Barnes received...FROM HIS OWN COUNTRY FANS!!! is absolutely criminal. For Barnes to speak with such grace is such testimony to his spirit and resilience. To go through absolute brainless hate and still have that empathy that others have issues and respect their pressures is an incredible thing

[@garethgriffiths1674]

Always admired John Barnes as a footballer. But this interview raised my opinion of him as a human being into the stratosphere! Remarkable man!

[@JAW890]

Been supporting the reds since 1967 and I am satisfied that Kenny is the best all round player we have seen. In terms of excitement and jumping off my seat, Barnsey was on his own. He could take 4 players on and still have the power and skill to either finish or set someone else up with the right pass. Thank you, Barnsey, it was a pleasure watching you.

[@eddiebradley8787]

The reason I fell in love with not just LFC but football in general is because of this man. Legend and someone who could still boss it in the modern day game!

[@generichuman2044]

"My whole career is my highlight" is probably why everyone says Barnes was fun to watch and why he's considered one of the best wingers of his generation. The man just loves football and wanted to have fun in his dream job

[@kb5509]

Surely losing all his pace in one moment was a bit of a lowlight

[@generichuman2044]

@@kb5509 it probably was at first but, like he said, he used it as an opportunity to evolve his role and still get a few more years out of his career

[@kiriakoz]

@@generichuman2044 exactly, it gave him personal satisfaction to reinvent himself after his injury.

[@Therealscousedancer]

Shows the character of the man

[@Therealscousedancer]

Shows the character of the man

[@Eazy_redz2005]

Great effort getting the legend that is John Barnes on the show. Great character and player.

[@scallywag0088]

The greatest winger of the pre-premier league era. My absolute idol as a Liverpool fan growing up. Every time John got the ball you expected things to happen. That 80's Liverpool team where something else and probably would have won many more European cups if they weren't banned from the competition. YNWA John

[@stevenkorber885]

Barnes did a ton of work with SuperSport in South Africa and it was honestly such a gift.

[@raafiqabrahams5170]

Absolutely, I remember him being a media pundit for the 2010 World Cup, his contribution was absolutely incredible. He really spoke about aspects of the game that I never knew existed.

[@invincibleajay]

1983 I became a Liverpool fan when I went to watch the legends live at Anfield when I was 5, I came to this country from Kenya and didn't know what football was. I fell in love with Liverpool FC then. However I remember clearly when we signed John Barnes in 1987, I was 9 then. He was a magician and so elegant in his dribbling and passing. 1989/90 John Barnes was a beast, scoring 28 goals in all comps and helped us win the top division which was the last time we won the top flight until we finally won again in 19/20. Love him! Thanks for an excellent podcast. YNWA!

[@MichielFrackers]

The word legend is overused, but John Barnes is such a football legend. I loved, loved loved watching Barnes play and dribble past people.

[@funkhouse5936]

Gary Lineker is such an incredible figure - I'd be thrilled just to say hello to him one day. Along with John Barnes, he's one of the most intelligent and articulate sportsmen out there. Truly a blessing!

[@Thebestofthebesthub]

The kfc bag and orange juice in the background … 😂 what a lad. Ynwa

[@Chadevereux]

37 minutes, aboslutely brilliant take on the experience for us mixed folks from former colonies. Exactly the same in Zimbabwe and such a great introspection by John shown here.

[@davestinson2323]

Watching John barnes play was an amazing experience, he would literally ghost past players with such ease and then play a killer pass. Off the field he was a great bloke too and gave so much to the community 👍

[@jttaylor007]

He is the reason as a kid i became a Liverpool fan.

[@ianmassey44]

Me too man Great player

[@4playtime]

Me too. 👌🏾

[@lukemorris4065]

What an educated man, his views on perception are spot on.

[@andrewdsilva9029]

That’s the exact word, highly educated not just in the context of Football but it’s overall persona and perspective about life

[@phillsmith9255]

The way John Barnes went from flying winger or no 10 to a holding midfielder, shows what kind of character he is, he was the most talented player in the team but allowed the youngsters to express themselves.

[@mickmcc2158]

Brilliant interview. Massive talent. Giant intellect. Always good to see John

[@fatalitydnb]

Great choice of guest Gary. What an amazing person, and unbelievable footballer. I remember wishing we had John Barnes at Arsenal. But we did have Merson, Limpar & Campbell though, so it wasn’t all that bad tbf. I really enjoyed supporting him when he played for England, on his day he was unplayable. Wish he’d played for England more.

[@ianf765]

I wasn’t expecting such a good interview going by the title - one of the best interviews I’ve heard with him. Such an interesting guy and a fantastic footballer.

[@chriswhitehead1173]

A true Liverpool legend. Seemed to glide across the pitch and his goals, oh my God! What I'd give to see him play in this generation where you can barely be tackled.

[@gsampson97]

I love listening to ex players who know what they're talking about. Barnes has always been thst for me. Also who doesn't love his rap

[@Gefionius]

John and Gary, i was glued to the TV watching that 1986 WC QF match… once England went 0-2 down, I do remember being amazed at the change in play, England and you boys all of a sudden starting playing fantastic football without fear. What a last 20 or 30 minutes of that game, you gave Argentina and Diego everything they could handle and more. Did yourselves and England proud.

[@amrajsingh7159]

That was brilliant. Two terrific professionals. JB was one of my favourite players and was an absolute legend. He needs to be on more as a pundit/commentator as he's really insightful.

[@natures_child]

I adored John Barnes as a player and I respect him as a man. He's incredibly intelligent and speaks so eloquently about issues others choose to ignore. Fantastic interview!

[@FIHRR-bd8uy]

John Barnes is a fxcking legend the amount of grief he’s taken over the years & to be so level headed is testament to his upbringing & family great skills & one of our national treasures imho cheers 👍👊

[@divvockorigi8806]

Love Barnsey's humility talking about his switch to midfield... my father, an avid bitter for over 60 years still says to this day it was when Barnes started running games from the middle that he realised true greatness.

[@CJ-wv2fw]

Barnes was my favourite player growing up and the reason i support liverpool. A true Legend

[@DavidMeggers]

This is too much. No clever comments, just Awesome! Wow, just wow! Love you both because you were the superstars of my generation.

[@imagesbirds5066]

I became a Liverpool fan in 1996 when I was 14 years old. Back then, it was impossible to watch the games over in Germany. So I read the results a week later in "Kicker magazine". So I never had the pleasure to watch this legend play. I watched countless hours of highlight clips of John Barnes. Legend! Hearing him praising my other big hero, Bobby Firmino is so wholesome.

[@SkywalkerXxX]

I started watching Liverpool when I was 12 in 1992. By then John Barnes was playing in midfield. Was always a top, top player for us, right up till the time he left in 97. Ah I remember. He left to join Dalglish at Newcastle

[@2msystems740]

Similar for me. I was younger and had to follow the results and logs in the Sunday newspapers. But got to watch Barnes often and he was one of my all time favourite footballers. And listening to him over the years, has only endeared him further.

[@eddiepower3876]

You had to wait a full week to get the results?😮😮

[@2msystems740]

@@eddiepower3876 Nope, Saturday results and logs in papers on Sunday morning. Mostly the Sunday Times sports section.

[@SkywalkerXxX]

@@2msystems740 I had a subscription of Match magazines. Later on I subscribed to Liverpool magazine. It was expensive and I had a few friends that shares the cost of those magazines.

[@alexbrownlessgaming9569]

I was fortunate to be stood on the Kop against QPR and to be honest I'd never seen such skill, poise and grace displayed on a football pitch before. It felt like we had our very own Pele, yes he was that good. Great conversation, a true footballing genius. YNWA John

[@mura6093]

its criminal that john barnes isnt on a world tour doing punditry everywhere, an outstanding analyst and speaker while having been an even better football player

[@Lionfish-Hunting]

What a legend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@philmixer]

Yes..absolute legend, in fact, I'd have him in my greatest ever top five Liverpool players.

[@michael-rw6bo]

This guy is very educated and very straight to the point and a very good guest good job trif

[@cicstommy]

Love John's energy. Never shy or apologetic with his opinions. I view his comment about his whole career being a highlight as deeper than just football.

[@BeatPoet67]

Loved Barnsey. What a player. And a really intelligent likeable guy. I wish he was on the TV more often.

[@mrneveryoumind]

One of the smartest. So many great insights on football and outside football. John should be on more shows.

[@hamonryechinaski180]

I think he's controversial cause he's all about merit based advancement abd how much class dominates...not popular at the moment but he was favourite player and us a fantastic guy, he was treated very unfairly by press

[@QuickyA2011]

John Barnes (late 80s) would get into any team in world football in any generation. Unplayable.

[@tools_1805]

John is a great talker and his enthusiasm really shines through! very nice chat

[@PazLeBon]

terrible 100mph talker tbf lol

[@1brighthorizon]

How on earth is it that we hear so little of John Barnes in the football media, or any media (apart from the fact that you have to play his voice at 0.5x)?!

[@Joker66623]

John is always on 1.25× speed when he speaks 😂

[@aotea6983]

Due to lack of time I'm listening at 1.5x speed. So damn fast!!!

[@windofhorus666]

He articulates himself so quickly is a marvel to listen to, it was only when Gary spoke i realised it was at normal speed!

[@Luke-yx5ve]

I put it on 0.75x speed and so much easier to listen to 🤣

[@Hlekabemgeza]

@@Luke-yx5ve😩😩😩😂

[@PaliMary88]

😂Damn i usually watch almost everything on 1.25 ,but this podcast i had to slow it down to normal speed 😂😂

[@CraftyLinnet]

What a brilliant man, player, speaker and ambassador for the game. Loved him when he played for Liverpool and England! A very wise man.Legend! Love him!

[@simon4822]

I supported Liverpool from a young boy but was going to support Spurs because I started to go to WHL As a black kid I decided to stick with Liverpool mainly because of John Barnes. How could I not support my club when they have signed my favourite player. When he joined Liverpool he was electric and turned Liverpool back to the top

[@benmilton5501]

Such an incredibly articulate and intelligent man who also had the gift of being one of the most talented footballers in the world in his day. The way he talks, the way he carries himself and the way he genuinely cares demands such massive respect. He's an absolute legend of the game.

[@paulanthonycorbett]

Love John Barnes. Such a graceful player and a thoughtful speaker. Seems like a great bloke. YNWA

[@mattinterweb]

Barnes is a true Red. Every Red worth his salt knows the first player on that peak Klopp teamsheet was Bobby Firmino.

[@PazLeBon]

lol

[@mattinterweb]

@@PazLeBon 88 likes & your lol.

[@PazLeBon]

@@mattinterweb nahh fair point haha , i would still have had Salah as mine tho and I do wonder if push came to shove.. ;)

[@DnB93]

100% Bobby, he was the catalyst to everything... Si Senior

[@SCW_Fitness]

Crucial player but probably not the first on the teamsheet!

[@ds2476]

My hero growing up :) and he put the world in motion

[@C33Fernandez]

Nice to see and know more about this brilliant man. Speaking from someone who didn't 'inherit' football from my parents (who immigrated to England before I was born), and came into football during my adult life, I'm glad to be able to learn more about people like Barnes from videos/podcasts like this. These are like mini footballing history lessons! Thanks, guys.

[@dface6447]

As a 52 year old LFC fan JB is still in my top 5 all time club legends ❤ the man + 1986 was truly my first REAL WC I can still see Barnes on the left and you Gary (with your plaster cast) leaping into the back stick and to this day hands on head as to how it doesn't go in!,great episode n great to see JB still at his best YNWA.

[@kylecross9827]

Barnesy is ace, such an interesting perspective towards the entire sport and he very clearly has thought things through

[@Daniel3NT]

For me Barnes is the best analyst out there. I never heard him saying something lame.

[@RASH_TheBandit]

John Barnes the left footed magician. His skill and technical ability was a sight to see.

[@StevenGarrity-b5u]

Met my hero in Hooleys in Guangzhou a few months ago, didn't get the chance to say half the things I wanted to say to him, to ask him. He took the piss out of me in a boss way. Loved him. Sound fella, my hero for so many reasons.

[@Russtick92]

"It sounded like a shotgun had gone off" "Yeah, I thought someone had kicked me!" I can relate to John in a big way. I ruptured my Achilles in 2019 and it was so loud that players from the adjacent pitch heard it pop. I was in shock and thought someone had kicked me, and hard. Sadly the surgery didn't go too well and I've been unable to play since; however I am thankfully walking normally 5 years on. Frank Lampard wrote & signed a letter to me during this period. He was Chelsea manager at the time too. I was undergoing my 4th surgery and I was having persistent setbacks. That letter really helped me to keep positive. There's some wonderful people in football. I must say I've been lucky to meet or interact with a small handful of great humans in the sport. Great vid as always Gaz.

[@mq830]

Massive Respect for John Barnes. So well spoken, and articulates his points with clarity and sincerity. The last 10 minutes of this podcast are absolute class.

[@saamz32]

Barnes is my favourite Liverpool player of all time. He would of been lethal in this front 3 system. Thanks for the memories John YNWA

[@martjanse5]

I was a 13 year old dutch guy. I admired John Barnes, what a great player!!

[@Nikapd]

Still has so much enthusiasm off the pitch as he had on it, and when he was on it he was world class. Great to see the man behind the shirt and hear his experiences and views. Good to see you John ❤

[@LeosGoals]

Can’t wait for this John Barnes is one of the greatest to ever grace the game 😍😍😍

[@vincentfinnis5369]

John Barnes what a legend

[@markjones7044]

He reminds me of Jurgen in being such a great role model, the one where he talks about his upbringing, and his fathers discipline in that "if you are going to do anything, do it with authenticity and do it with determination and commitment" brilliant words, this should be a mantra for all

[@martinkerrmusic]

My favourite player ever. A wonderfully intelligent and eloquent man, with great insight on so many issues.

[@gomey70]

Always great to hear from John. Love that he liked Firmino, game recognizes game. Two of my favourite ever reds.

[@Rayk76]

One of the world's greatest ever players, in his day the best in the world, phenomenal dribbler, great in the air, great with both feet, scored many beautiful goals, in full graceful flow he was unstoppable

[@kennythedad5653]

My 1st ever favourite player as a kid. I was 7 or 8 when he joined Liverpool. Loved watching him

[@TigerT72]

John Barnes was one of my idols growing up as a Liverpool fan. I saw many great goals from him whilst stood on the Kop as a teenager. I don’t think he gets the recognition nowadays as to how good he actually was. In his prime, he was completely unplayable at times, with pace, power, strength, great balance and tremendous skills. He was a big bloke and difficult to knock off the ball, yet light footed and seemed to glide over challenges, similarly to Thierry Henry. Great player.

[@Mil-w6d]

Barnes and Beardsley for Liverpool in the late 80s were a joy to watch. Best football I have seen. I think 88/89 they lost for the first time after 29 matches (?), sometime in March.

[@jrsjunkbox]

Admittedly, I am a recent listener, and one that usually does so while engaged with other activities. However, it wasn't long before I stopped what I was doing as Mr. Barnes' charisma, honesty, and clarity of thought commanded my full attention. Easily one of the most engaging and intelligent interviews I have had the pleasure to hear. We would be well served if men like this were in leadership roles with men or children. This episode should be required listening regardless of forum. Well done Mr. Barnes, and thank you for sharing.

[@sharpvidtube]

Great listening to John. He was the best player in English football for many years. I understand now why he was always trying to get on the ball when playing for England. It seemed wrong at the time, a bit like Harry Kane now, but most players need to feel they're involved in the game.

[@SPcrypto79]

Football in the 80s was amazing … the pure talent… Maradona was out of this world…

[@kd5973]

Love Barnes. Such a great guy and I could listen to him talk all day

[@XboneMalone]

First memory of Barnes was the game vs Argentina. That was my first World Cup that I can remember (was too young to care about '82). Those crosses, still can remember both. Carbon copies almost. Wasn't a Liverpool fan, but he was always a player I admired.

[@MaxXxBo]

As a German I feel honored that a Legend such as John is saying that West Germany was his favorite team back in the days, that warms my heart!

[@miked3807]

It's difficult to describe to the younger fans just how good John Barnes was as a left winger/forward. But I would argue that if you could transport that version of John into today's game - and he'd probably play on the right cutting in on his left foot in the modern game - if Salah said he was leaving and Lfc announced John Barnes would be Salah's replacement, Lfc would be significantly upgrading in that position. John Barnes could do everything a modern forward needs to do and more. Absolutely sensational player. Even when he reinvented himself as a CM after his achilles injury, he ran the game, was press resistant and so hard to tackle. Always great listening to his enlightened opinions on football and life. Please get him on Motd instead of the likes of Shearer who offer practically zero intelligent insight.

[@JamesO1892]

Thing is he would regularly cut in from the left and put it top bins with his right foot as well! Unreal player. Strong as an ox good in the air as well. Like you say, it's difficult to explain just how good he was. You had to be there. 👍🏽

[@michaelholloway6327]

I just love John Barnes, even though he play for te two teams I dislike the most Watford & Liverpool, but he is an absolute legend.

[@HARPAUL-tb6ep]

John Barnes was my favorite player and Liverpool were my team growing up in the 80s as a kid in colonial Hong Kong. Thoroughly enjoyed the interview, would like to see Mr Barnes more on TV.

[@duncankowable]

Colonial hongkong. Thank opium for that

[@liamhayes2897]

A lot of people at this moment in time would really benefit from listening to John Barnes talk

[@nwokediifegbo1461]

John Barnes is an optimist. His background helped him to hope for the best and see light even in the most dire circumstances.

[@Allez.6CL]

Watching JB play was a joy and a pleasure pure class on the grass. One of the goats

[@Throgmoyd]

I still pinch myself that I got to see John Barnes week in, week out, playing for LFC, in the flesh. And occasoinally, young Mister Lineker - for Leicester, Everton and Spurs. Both players well 'up there' in terms of talents on the turf. Nice one, gents.

[@4857i]

I grew up watching john barnes play centre mid for liverpool because im a bit too young to remember the winger. He was one of the best midfielders ive seen in the 30 years since to this day even though it wasnt his natural position. He constantly passed it forwards and still has all that ingenuity even though he wasnt scoring all the goals and was setting people up

[@hamonryechinaski180]

Me too. He never lost ball. He used pass ball with outside of his boot in a long curling arc....I LOVED him. Favourite player. Hated the stick he got.

[@TheHowlingIrishmen]

Is it just Liverpool players with the most incredible memories. Like Carragher, can recall the colour of the socks worn by a fan

[@unkee77]

John should be a regular on the Podcast. Absolutely the best talking both on and off field. Would love to see him in studio.

[@TheSirlefty]

What an insightful dude, big respect John.

[@andyjack37]

Probably one of the best footballing interviews I've had the privilege of listening to.

[@ElectricSoulShow]

His speech about Black football managers is spot on

[@danieladams9950]

John Barnes could me in line for the award of most articulate football player in the UK. Effortlessly erudite. Aware of own deficiencies. A glorious human.

[@TheRcgordon]

John Barns. What a sound grounded guy.

[@redtill1]

Just feel blessed that I got to enjoy watching John Barnes Liverpool career …. Shame he didn’t get to play in the European cup

[@-MarcusAurelius]

He was before my time, but wow what a fascinating character. Loved listening to him talk. Great interview!

[@thompsy2k6]

John Barnes is the reason I love football, it's where it all began for me. Being in primary school and pretending to be a footballer in the playground. I had no idea then, so I asked my friends who I could be, they told me you be John Barnes... So, as an almost 8 year old, I was John Barnes. I have loved LFC since then. John will always be a sporting hero of mine, I could listen to him for hours.. A national treasure. Gary was pretty cool too :)

[@Lfc4me]

John Barnes what a player!! My all time favourite player along with Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima ❤

[@mrfixit426]

I could listen to John Barnes talk all day long. What a guy.

[@Cyber277CDPR]

What an outstanding episode this is ! Barnes is such a unique intelligent character, talks 10000 miles per hour and is bursting with enthusiasm for the game. Legend

[@osteouk]

Has to be the best footy interview in ages, brilliant.

[@sparxy1968]

I had no idea he was such a wise and lovely man!