Gary Lineker speaks out after quitting new role with message | Football | Sport
Gary Lineker made a return to the Copper Box as the new season of Baller League kicked off, despite stepping down from his managerial role ahead of the competition’s second season. He was there to support his old team Deportrio, now managed by Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards and ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
In the first season, Lineker shared the managerial duties at Deportrio with Richards and Alan Shearer. However, this season sees the former co-managers split, with Richards remaining at Deportrio and Shearer joining Ian Wright at Wembley Rangers. The latter claimed a 3-2 victory when the ex-colleagues went head-to-head on the opening matchday.
When quizzed about why he chose to sit in Shearer’s dugout, Lineker explained: “Well I didn’t want to upset anyone, I just can’t cope with Micah’s enthusiasm, though. It’s too much for me,” adding that Richards is “He’s too demonstrative on the touchline so I thought I’d take…But Wrighty also gets a bit excited as well.”
He continued: “I’ve stuck with the old boys, they’ve got plenty of time on their side, I can go and watch them another year – these two not so sure. I might have picked the winning team and that’s what you’ve got to do isn’t it?”
When asked if he had any advice for Richards and Sturridge should they face defeat, Lineker responded: “Yeah own it, live with it, deal with it and move onto the next game. It’s humiliation really isn’t it?”
Deportrio found themselves trailing 3-1 at that point and managed to claw one back, though they couldn’t manage to secure a draw.
This occurred despite boasting former Premier League talent, with ex-Everton striker Oumar Niasse finding the net.
Former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland also featured for Richards’ and Sturridge’s outfit, whilst other ex-professionals competing in the league include John Bostock.
The 33-year-old, who had spells at Tottenham and also plied his trade in France and Belgium’s top divisions, netted a free-kick for Yanited as they succumbed to John Terry’s 26ers.
Prior to the second campaign, Baller League CEO Felix Starck discussed Lineker’s departure with talkSPORT.
“We sat down and had a conversation with Gary – Does it make sense to continue or not?” Starck said.
“I think you have to fall in love with this project to continue because it consumes your time. It’s very time-consuming. It’s full of people who spend hours and hours [investing their time in it].
“John Terry calls me every single week and complains that he’s spending so much time, but then he says it’s the best thing ever, it’s the best thing ever. I think with Gary, he has a lot on in his life; he has a very busy schedule, and if you don’t fall in love with it, you can’t be with this game. It’s really up to you.”
