The other thing to remember is that he's mates with all the players. He is still very much part of that group. So while he has lots of interesting and insightful stuff to say about them, he's probably cautious about talking too much about his mates.
If he's not going to play, and is going to become a pundit, then over time there'll be a distance grow between him and the playing group. He'll say more on air, but they won't all be as close and the dynamic will change.
Sydney FC vs West Ham wouldn't have had this problem, I might have a watch of that tonight to listen to hear how Iffs did in it.
"Phoenix till they lose"
COYN 