Exclusive Interview with Matt Jansen: Tiger Woods for Blackburn/Man Utd, Gerrard to Wrexham, Isak an ‘Idiot’ to Newcastle

Exclusive with former Premier League striker Matt Jansen: Tiger Woods should buy Blackburn or Manchester United, Steven Gerrard should manage Wrexham next and Newcastle players will think Alexander Isak is an ‘idiot’. Featured image by Mark Robinson.

Ex-Blackburn star Matt Jansen believes Wrexham have improved from relegation candidates to a mid-table side following the signing of Conor Coady.

Speaking exclusively to BettingLounge.co.uk, Jansen - who himself played for Wrexham in 2009 - believes Steven Gerrard should consider taking over the Welsh outfit should they get off to a shaky start. 

He also believes Tom Brady's comments about Wayne Rooney were strong, but believes the legendary quarter-back was proven right eventually.

Jansen, who also turned out for clubs including Bolton and Crystal Palace, thinks Russell Martin could be sacked by Rangers before Christmas.

He thinks Manchester United must axe Andre Onana if they are to progress, tipping even a retired David de Gea to do better. Jansen adds they should sign Ollie Watkins too.

Finally, he believes Darwin Nunez going to Saudi Arabia, if it's true Eddie Howe wants him, is a slap in the face.

Q: A recent prediction gives Wrexham a 25% chance of relegation this season, most likely finishing one place above the relegation zone. What are you expecting from them this year?

MJ: “I always thought they were going to struggle next season. It's a big jump from League One to the Championship. It's a big jump from any league, but especially from League One to the Championship. 

“They've now signed Conor Coady and Josh Windass, so I think they'll be okay. I thought they would struggle and be at the wrong end of the table, but now that they've signed those two, I think they'll probably be a mid-table team. 

“They still need a proven talisman at that level. If they get that, then who knows? They could maybe be a little bit higher. But for me, I think they'll consolidate this season.”

Q: Do you think Conor Coady could be that kind of Paul Mullin talisman for them?

MJ: “Not in terms of goals, but his experience and leadership qualities will obviously stand them in good stead. He's very experienced, a good player. It's a kind of signature signing.

“They still need another signing who will almost guarantee 20 goals-plus a season in the Championship. The top teams have those kinds of players, and I think Wrexham are a little bit weak in that department.”

Q: Do you think the Conor Coady signing shows that Rob and Ryan are not prepared to wait around and want to get to the Premier League as fast as possible?

MJ: “Signing Coady shows Rob and Ryan want to get to the Premier League as fast as possible. They put the money where their mouth is each season.

“It is a big leap. There are a lot of quality teams. If there's progression, then fair enough, and they may build again and add more quality to the squad. I don't think it's desperate this season, but maybe the following season they'll be desperately looking to be one of the contenders.”

Q: Do you think Birmingham are ripping off Wrexham with this new documentary?

MJ: “Well, Wrexham weren't the first to do a documentary, really, were they? There was Sunderland 'Til I Die, then the Man City one and the Tottenham one. It's obviously making money for the clubs, so more will do it. I'm sure they will.”

Q: Tom Brady has come under a lot of fire for what he said about Wayne Rooney, where he questioned his work ethic. What did you think of those comments?

MJ: They were strong comments from Tom Brady and it got people talking, which is maybe what he was looking to do. He's probably one of few people who’s got the aura to be able to do it. 

“He's a global superstar, isn't he? If it was anybody lesser, I think they'd have come out with positive feedback. It's his club. He's a big character. I don't think Wayne Rooney could have questioned Tom Brady in his career.

“Playing-wise, he worked as hard as anybody. He was a fighter, he was a winner. I don't fully know the reasons why Brady called him out in management. Maybe he wasn't as hungry or energetic as a manager as he was as a player. It’s been said, but maybe it was just to write some headlines.

“I know for a fact he wouldn't have been happy. Nobody likes criticism. It was a bold statement to make, but at the end of the day, it was kind of proven right because he didn't have a successful time at Birmingham. So, was Tom Brady right to question him?”

“I would never have said the same thing. But Tom Brady is a strong character, and he says what he wants.”

Q: Snoop Dogg is a part-owner in Swansea. What do you think we can expect from a documentary with Snoop Dogg at Swansea?

MJ: “That’ll be more about nightclubbing and partying, I think, if they did a documentary about Snoop Dogg at Swansea. 

“I don't think Snoop's there for football reasons. There will be businessmen behind it, looking at the situation. He's there just for PR, probably, and he'll be part of social media streams.”

Q: Tony Pulis interestingly said he shouldn't get involved in the football side of things. As someone who's been in top-level dressing rooms, what kind of influence could a celebrity figure have on a dressing room if he were to get involved?

MJ: “There's an aura about these people. People look up to them. Tom Brady’s been in the sports world, so that's similar. Snoop Dogg is a big global superstar in music. But the players won't really bend his ear on tactics and football formations. It'll be more like ‘can we get VIP tickets to this concert or that concert?’

“It's hard to say if Snoop Dogg will get involved at Swansea. He’ll be in and around it, directed by more proficient business-type people. I doubt he'll get involved in the football side. He’ll just be a front, and it’ll be big PR for him.”

Q: If you were putting yourself back in the dressing room at Blackburn, what would you have thought if Snoop Dogg was coming into your club?

MJ: It would have been surreal at Blackburn, Hollywood and Snoop Dogg. It’s a completely different time we're living in. It's getting a bit Hollywood, for want of a better word. If I looked at Tom Brady, I think he's a fantastic sportsman, so that would have impressed me more than Snoop Dogg. I'm not a massive fan of his, but I'm sure certain people are.”

Q: Are we only seeing this because of the Wrexham documentary?

MJ: “I think the Birmingham documentary is money-making. It's people who make decisions who know that it's profitable. That’s what this is about.”

Q: Are there any celebrities who you think would be good for the game if they came in?

MJ: “I think Tom Brady is a good one. Maybe Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, people who’ve been at the top of their sport. The number one in their sport will always be impressive, and can relate a little bit more to football than the music industry.

“It could be any club for, couldn’t it? But the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods would probably be looking at Liverpool, Chelsea or Man Utd, those kinds of clubs. They’re that big a star. So is Tom Brady, but Birmingham are really putting their money where their mouth is. I think they'll be a force next season.”

“They could target clubs in the EFL. Look at what Wrexham started and they've been a success. It'll be other people putting it to the likes of Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, rather than them approaching clubs. 

“They'll see whether it’s worthwhile investing their time. It’s certainly worked for the two at Wrexham, and it’s worked for Tom Brady at the moment. How far it'll go, who knows?

“I could see them buying Manchester United. The fans are unhappy with Ratcliffe at the minute, and there are protests. You couldn’t put it past somebody like that coming in, and his aura could bring success. 

“They'd certainly welcome them at Blackburn. They're in a bit of a mess with the Venky’s at the moment. It's a sorry place compared to the great days from Jack Walker’s era when I was playing. It's fallen quite far, and they’d definitely welcome some positive publicity.

“I’m a big Tiger Woods fan, so for me a documentary of him at Blackburn or Manchester United would beat any before it. Woods is a global superstar and it would certainly be one series I’d be looking forward to. It would be incredible if it happened.”

Q: Could someone like that take Blackburn to the Premier League?

MJ: “It's money at the end of the day. If Woods or Jordan invested in Blackburn, if the project is run well enough and they bring in enough money, then certainly they can compete.”

“The American interest in itself brings money, and that's what it takes to get out of the Championship and into the Premier League. Then you need even more money to sustain yourself in the Premier League.”

Q: Should Ebereche Eze go on strike to force a move?

MJ: “It’s difficult to say, every personality is different. Isak might be driven by his agent. Maybe the agent wants him out of Newcastle and into Liverpool and sees that as a better move. They’ve just got into Europe, it’s a great family club and a nice place to be.

“If Isak really wanted to go, he’d make enough noise. And it looks like he has. The right signals have been made, and it seems like the move is nearly done.”

Q: Do you think it's ever right for a player to go on strike?

MJ: “Personally, I don’t think it’s ever right for a player to go on strike. But I’m sure he’s being led by his agent and advised on what’s the best way out of Newcastle. Clearly, he wants to go, his head’s been turned by Liverpool.

“But when a club’s invested that much money and time in you, it’s not really fair to go on strike. Ethically, I don’t think it’s right. That said, it probably will get him what he wants in the end.”

Q: How would you have reacted if someone in your dressing room had gone on strike but didn’t get the move?

“You’d definitely criticise a teammate if they did what Isak is doing. You’d think he was being a bit of an idiot. And if the move didn’t happen, it’d be really hard for him to reintegrate. He’s not one of the lads anymore, not part of the team. He’s asking to leave and leaving everyone else in the lurch.

“I don’t think that’ll happen though. I think the move will go through. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be making this much fuss.”

“If he wants to earn the dressing room back then a goal, a winning goal, would go a long way. Things would be frosty at first, but football moves fast.”

Q: What happens if Frank Lampard doesn’t at least make the playoffs this season?

MJ: I think Frank’s done brilliantly at Coventry. He took over when they were struggling and pushed them into the playoffs. I think they'll be contenders this year. But football is ruthless and if he doesn’t succeed, he’ll be under pressure, just like anyone else. Still, I think they’ll be up there.”

Q: And if he does really well, will they struggle to hold on to him?

MJ: “Football’s fickle. If he does well, and I think he will, it could open bigger doors. A lot depends on how Thomas Tuchel does with England. Frank’s played over 100 games for England, has the players’ respect and he could be a good fit if that job opens up.”

Q: What kind of EFL club should Steven Gerrard look at if he wants to prove himself again?

MJ: “I don’t think Gerrard has had a terrible run. He did well at Rangers, then went to Villa and they were mid-table. It’s just that Unai Emery’s done so well since.

“Gerrard’s been out in the Middle East, but I think he’ll want to come back and do what Frank’s done, take a Championship club with ambition and one that has a real chance of getting promoted.

“If Wrexham struggle, that could be a good fit for him. He’d definitely have the backing, and with his contacts, I’m sure he could attract some big-name players too.”

Q: Speaking of big names, who else Wrexham should target?

MJ: “Wrexham need a talisman, a proven goal-scorer. Jamie Vardy was linked. Someone who can get goals. Goals change games, goals get you promoted. Compared to others, I think Wrexham are lacking in that department.”

Q: Russell Martin had a spiky reaction to Rangers’ first game. What did you make of that?

MJ: I was shocked by Russell Martin’s reaction. He wasn’t the fans’ favorite when he came in. They drew and didn’t play well, then he really tore into the team. That kind of thing can go one of two ways: either it sparks improvement, or it backfires badly.

“If results don’t go their way, players will say he’s lost the dressing room. It happens fast when the manager becomes the scapegoat. So it has to work, or his time there could be very short.

“I’d say he’ll get at least a dozen games. But if it’s clear he’s lost the dressing room early on, then I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Steven Gerrard gets a call. It’s such a big club and he might not last the year if things go badly.

“It could be before the end of the year even. You choose a manager for a reason, so sacking him early is usually the wrong call. But if the dressing room’s lost, the fans are angry, and it’s a toxic environment, then, yes he could be gone before the end of the year.”

Q: As a former striker, you know how important confidence is. Do you think Rasmus Hojlund needs to leave Manchester United to get back on track?

MJ: “Should Hojlund leave Manchester United? Yes and no. With the new additions, Cunha, Mbeumo and Fernandes staying – United could surprise a few people. They still need a better goalkeeper, though. I don’t think Onana had a great season. But if they can bring in a prolific striker, they could push for top four.

“People say United are toxic, too much pressure. But if Hojlund starts scoring with those players around him, his confidence could return, and he could have a great season.

“That said, everyone who’s left United lately seems to have thrived elsewhere. The pressure there is massive and every mistake gets magnified. So yeah, leaving might help him, but staying and thriving is just as possible with the right support around him.”

Q: Rank the following players, with reasons behind your choice? Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Ollie Watkins and Hugo Ekitike

MJ: “I haven’t seen too much of Ekitike, but at the top of that list would be Isak for me, he’s proven in the Premier League and he’s a quality player. Behind him, probably Ollie Watkins and Delap.

“Delap is slightly younger, but he’s scored goals in the Premier League, and he really carried a struggling Ipswich side.

“Gyökeres scored 54 goals in all competitions in 52 games. Even though that’s in Portugal, you’ve still got to find the back of the net. So I think he’d be in the mix there too.

“Sesko is a good young player, one for the future, same goes for Ekitike, even though I haven’t seen much of him. They’re both promising but would be towards the bottom of that list for now.”

Q: Which club outside of the top six do you think will finish highest this season?

MJ: “If we’re talking about the traditional ‘Big Six’, I’d say Aston Villa and maybe Newcastle. Newcastle finished fourth last season, and I think they’ll keep building.

“Losing Isak would be a blow, but being in the Champions League might help them attract more quality players. So I’d say Villa and Newcastle will be right up there.”

Q: What more do you need to see from Manchester United this season to believe they can finish in the top four?

MJ: I think their additions so far have been good, but they still need a proper number 9, someone who guarantees 20+ goals a season and a goalkeeper.

“They won’t succeed until they change the goalkeeper, in my opinion.

Q: Who should replace Onana?

MJ: “They were trying to go for Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa, he’d be an improvement. Honestly, you could name half a dozen keepers who would be better than Onana.

“He hasn’t done well. Maybe even David de Gea could come back and still do a job. But it’s clear they need to make a change at the goalkeeper position, it hasn’t worked with Onana, and his time is up.

“They never should’ve let De Gea go. That was a strange decision, and they’ve paid the price for it.”

Q: Newcastle have Champions League football and Saudi backing, they’re clearly on the rise. So why is Manchester United still a more attractive proposition for Sesko?

MJ: “It’s the aura of the club, one of the most historic and famous in the world.

“Location might play a part, but the most important thing could be money. Maybe United are simply offering more than Newcastle are prepared to pay.

“It could be a few factors: size of the club, money, location, history. Every young footballer used to dream of playing for Manchester United.”

Q: Who do you think is the best option for United up front, Hojlund, Sesko or Watkins?

MJ: “For immediate impact, I’d go with Ollie Watkins. United should push the boat out and get him. He’s proven he can score, and with the service United could give him, he’d get even more chances than he had at Villa.

“He’s had a good return there and I think he’d do even better at Old Trafford. For the future, though, Sesko is probably the one.”

Q: What do you make of Eddie Howe’s handling of the Isak situation?

MJ: “I think the Isak situation is out of How’s hands. It’s media-driven, agent-driven, and player-driven. Players often do what they’re told by their representatives.

“It’s a really tough one to manage, but I think Howe’s done the best he can under difficult circumstances.”

Q: Do you think this kind of situation could put players like Tonali, Isak, or Bruno Guimaraes off joining Newcastle in future, realising it might not be the stepping stone they thought?

MJ: “I actually think it’s worked for Isak, but I don’t really see Newcastle as a stepping stone anymore.

“They’re progressing: they’ve got their first silverware, they’re in the Champions League, and they’ve got one of the best atmospheres in the country. The fans are fanatical.

“The club’s being built steadily with wealthy owners and an excellent manager. It’s not a rocket-paced rise, but it’s consistent and real.

“They’re becoming a stronger and stronger side, I think players will still want to go there.”

Q: Darwin Núñez is close to a move to Saudi Arabia. Do you think Newcastle, given their links to Saudi Arabia, have a right to feel aggrieved by that?

MJ: “I think Newcastle will feel aggrieved they’re not getting Nunez, if they’re not getting first option on him, given the Saudi links. It's a bit of a slap in the face, really. But I think Núñez would’ve gone somewhere and Liverpool would’ve manufactured the deal for Isak however they did it. Whether Núñez went to Saudi or another club, they desperately want their player, and their player desperately wants to come. So it would’ve worked its way around anyway. But yes, it is a bit of a slap in the face to Newcastle. Still, I think it would have happened regardless.”

Q: Could selling Isak and signing Sesko be a bit like selling Andy Cole and bringing in Shearer?

MJ: “Is it like selling Cole and bringing in Shearer? Yes and no. You’re talking about Andy Cole, prolific, and then Shearer, also prolific. Will Sesko be as prolific? Only time will tell. 

“If he’s the right fit, maybe. But if Liverpool meet Isak’s valuation, I’m sure Newcastle will desperately try to replace his goals with one, or maybe two, players.”

Q: Arsenal could have saved themselves an absolute fortune by playing Gyökeres in the Championship. Who do you think is the next Gyökeres in the Championship, right now?

MJ: “There are young up-and-comers. I’d say Jay Stansfield at Birmingham, though I don’t think they’ll be able to keep hold of him. He’s a good player.

“Josh Sargent at Norwich as well, he's been in great form the last couple of seasons. His goal return is good. So those two are ones to watch out for.”

Q: It’s been suggested Liverpool might pass the 100-point mark with Wirtz and possibly Isak. What do you think?

MJ: “If they get Isak, Liverpool will definitely be a force to be reckoned with. Even without him, they already are. Wirtz, last season, had five man of the match performances in the Champions League, the most of any player. The season before that, he won the title with Leverkusen and was their Player of the Season.

“He’s certainly a top player and a great addition. If they got Isak too, 100 points wouldn’t be out of the question and they’d be dangerous in both the Premier League and Champions League.”

Q: Pep Guardiola needed to sign Erling Haaland to win the Treble. If Liverpool sign Isak, do you think they could win it, or will?

MJ: “You wouldn’t bet against Liverpool winning the Treble. I think they’re already heavy favourites to win the Premier League, and if they get Isak, anything but the league and another trophy would be seen as a failure.

“They’ve done good business this summer. Isak would be the icing on the cake.”

Q: As an ex-striker, what would your advice be to Liam Delap? He’s full of promise, but so many forwards are being signed by Chelsea. How does he keep his head up?

MJ: “I know Liam Delap’s dad very well. I played with him back in the day. We come from the same village, Great Corby. They’re a grounded family.

“He won’t get his head turned. If he gets game time, he’ll score goals. It’s all about how much game time he gets, that might frustrate him. But he’s still young. If he’s given the opportunity, I’m sure he’ll handle it.”

Q: Do you think Man United missed a trick by not signing Evan Ferguson, given his good start at Roma?

MJ: “I don’t necessarily think Manchester United missed a trick by not signing Evan Ferguson. If he’s not good enough for Brighton, if they’ve sent him on loan, then he’s not the right fit for Manchester United.

“They’re looking for established, proven players like Cunha or Mbeumo. They still need a goalkeeper, but I don’t think they’ll be kicking themselves over Ferguson.”