Soccer 101
258 episodes — Page 1 of 6
Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns: soccer in South Africa
Artificial Intelligence and Soccer: problems solved vs problems created
From the Ottoman Empire to Osimhen: football in Turkiye
Xhaka, Shaqiri and 128 years of footballing history: soccer in Switzerland
A tale of two clubs... 81% of the time: domestic football in Uruguay
This week, we're talking about THE dark horse candidate at every World Cup since 2010... it's Uruguay. The four-time world champion has one of the oldest leagues in South America, but how did it come to be, how has it evolved over time, and who are its dominant clubs? Plus, how Diego Godin helped kill a deal that was hurting the national team, why so many of their best players have so few caps for the massively successful clubs of the league, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What are the best World Cup balls, mascots and anthems?
In an effort to not only be depressing when discussing the World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a look at the lighter side of the tournament, and weigh in on the best balls, mascots and anthems in the tournament's history. Plus, what are sticker albums and why aren't they more common in the US?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kings, ultras, and unrest: Egyptian football explained
This week, Graham and Taylor spend some time trying to scratch the surface of the complicated history of soccer in Egypt: how did the sport rise to prominence, which club has dominated both the country and the continent, the occasionally hostile relationship between government and supporters, and much much more! Plus, how has the Egyptian Premier League, the country's top flight, helped shape Egypt national teams, past and present?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An abbreviated history of World Cup disruptions: teams withdrawing, changing hosts and more!
On this week's episode, inspired by the latest chaos surrounding the 2026 World Cup, we take a look at the history of upheaval at the tournament: when have teams withdrawn, what happens when they do, have hosts ever had to drop out, what are the issues facing the upcoming iteration, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Youth development, colonialism, match fixing, and golden eras: a history of professional football in Belgium
This week, it's the country for whom De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku and Courtois have all played... just not in terms of the domestic league: Belgium! We trace the full arc of the top flight in the tiny nation, from the league's founding in 1895 through the golden era of the 1970s and 80s when Anderlecht and Club Brugge were genuine European forces, through the match-fixing scandals and the sprawling corruption investigation that rocked the sport in Belgium in the late 2010s, and into the present day. And along the way, we try to determine just why a country so rich in football talent has ended up with a league better known as a stepping stone than a destination.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wrexham: America's Team, Capitalism's Posterchild, or both?
On this week's show, we spend probably way too much time discussing the Rise of Wrexham (TM). Just kidding. They've probably already got that trademarked. How have they succeeded so fast, so quickly? Can they stay alive in a Premier League world? Can a club be an underdog and a juggernaut, simultaneously? All that, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
American managers in Europe: why haven't there been many and why aren't there more?
In honor of Pellegrino Matarazzo's strong start to life with Real Sociedad, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing American managers in Europe's top five leagues. How many have their been, who was THE trailblazer, is there a stigma against them (and is it fair), possible candidates for future gigs, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Small nation, big results: How Croatia became football’s ultimate overachiever
How does a country of under four million people keep churning out World Cup semifinalists and all-time great midfielders? In this episode, we break down the history of Croatian football, from the founding of the HNL in the early 1990s to its modern role as a talent factor, and look at how clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, and Rijeka shaped a league built more on development than spending. We’ll explain where the Croatian league fits in Europe, why domestic dominance doesn’t tell the whole story, and how a clear footballing identity, elite coaching, and a relentless export pipeline helped produce global stars. And, of course, why writing them off ahead of the 2026 World Cup would be a familiar mistake.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why is the World Cup expanding? The positives and negatives of FIFA's shift for 2026
With the World Cup looming in the distance, Graham and Taylor discuss the decision to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48. Who led the campaign? Is it all just for money? What are the perceived benefits and drawbacks to the change in format? Will FIFA stop at 48? All that and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Balance and dominance: a brief history of Jordanian football
Graham and Taylor continue to preview the 2026 World Cup by taking a look at the domestic leagues of the participating nations, and this week it's Jordan's turn! How long has the league been around, who are its dominant club teams and how do they represent the country itself, and what role has the league played in shaping the national team. Plus, a potted history of Jordan as a nation, for those (like us) who need it!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does the Premier League have an English manager problem?
English managers were once the default in the Premier League; now, they’re a rarity. In this episode, we trace the sharp decline of English coaches across the Premier League and Europe’s “Big Five” leagues, unpacking how and why the numbers fell over time. Is this a failure of coaching education, a bias in club hiring, or a consequence of the modern, globalized game? Does the shortage of top English managers actually matter for English soccer, and could it be holding the national game back? Finally, we look ahead: could a new generation be poised to change the narrative?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From coffee houses to energy drinks: a brief history of Austrian league football
Graham and Taylor continue to preview the 2026 World Cup by taking a look at the domestic leagues of the participating nations, and this week it's Austria's turn. How long has the league been around, how has it evolved from intellectual powerhouse to developmental hotbed, and what role has the league played in shaping the national team.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How has punditry shaped our understanding of soccer, and what is its role in the modern game?
This week, Graham and Taylor are diving into the world of soccer punditry: what they do, why they do it, the early pioneers, the importance of ex-players in generating greater understanding of the game itself, and the best (and worst) examples of modern punditry. WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Northern lights and summer soccer: all about the Norwegian top flight
We continue to look at domestic soccer in the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's our friends in the north: Norway. How has the Norwegian top flight evolved over the decades, why doesn't have the awesome name it used to have, a club that could never lose, and much much more! Plus, we ponder just how many goals Haaland could score if he took his talents to the south beach... of Oslo.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why do American and European stadiums look so different?
Why do American sports teams constantly build shiny new stadiums while many European clubs play in the same grounds that their supporters grandparents' attended? In this episode, we dig into the cultural, economic, and fan-experience factors that explain why stadium life looks so different on each side of the Atlantic. We explore whether U.S. fans secretly wish their venues had more European-style permanence, why European clubs are suddenly embracing American design trends, and what’s driving the wave of mega-renovations across the continent.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How did Qatar arrive on the soccer landscape, and how has the Stars League been impacted by Saudi Arabia?
On this episode, we’re unpacking the Qatari Stars League — what it is, how it works, and how it’s evolved. We run through the league’s biggest clubs and current powerhouse, the stars who’ve defined it, and what the overall level of play actually looks like compared to the rest of the Gulf and Asia. We also dig into how the league fuels the national team and what all of this means for Qatar’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The biggest and best rivalries of the Premier League Era
This week, we're talking mind games, vegetables and voyeurism: it's the best rivalries of the Premier League era. From entire teams to managers to individual players... and even all the way down to team mates: we're talking it all!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ivory Coast’s Soccer Factory: Where the Next Drogba Might Be Playing Right Now
We dive into Ligue 1 LONACI, the top flight of Ivorian football. How did it start, who dominates it today, and how does it stack up against the continent’s best? We try to determine why the league isn't stronger, where the young talent tends to go, and ask how the domestic game feeds into the national team’s success.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Tottenham a big club, and when exactly did "Spursy" become a thing?
We come in peace, Spurs supporters! I promise you! No cheap shots or annoying jokes... or at least that's the goal.Instead, this week, we're looking at the present state of Tottenham Hotspur. Are they a "big club" and also why does that matter? Plus, when did "Spursy" go from being a self-deferential bit to an outright joke at the club's expense? We also explore Tottenham's history (the good and the bad), and ponder a reality in which Poch is still at the helm. WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Soccer in Colombia: A 2026 World Cup primer
We're continuing our look into domestic soccer in the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week... it's Colombia! The country of Valderrama and James Rodriguez features one of the oldest leagues in South America, has had years-long breaks with FIFA, was unintentionally impacted by the Clinton administration, and keeps on kicking. Who are the top flight's most decorated teams, what is the strength of the league relative to its confederation, and... what exactly is the name of the league itself? All that and much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What are some of the best training facilities in soccer today?
Recording live from the TSS Podcast Training Facility, Graham and Taylor emerge from their state-of-the-art sleep pods to discuss all things training ground! When did teams first start building them, when did those construction efforts intensify, what are some of the best examples in world soccer, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Soccer in Morocco: a 2026 World Cup primer
This week, we're continuing our look into domestic soccer in the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. It's time to talk Morocco. The national team of some of the biggest stars on the planet has not always been quite so relevant. How has soccer in the country evolved over time, why has it taken such a big jump more recently, what role has the Botola played in strengthening the national team, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A brief history of The Special One: the life and times of Jose Mourinho
With the news that Jose Mourinho has returned to Portugal to once-again coach Benfica, we take a lengthy look back at The Special One's career. How did he first rise to prominence? What are the major sources of that giant chip on his shoulder? What was he like at his peak and what caused him to fall off in recent years? WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Has it become more common to sack a manager?
This week, it's time to get fired! We're talking managerial sackings. Who makes the decision? Why might a club part ways with a manager? How do they let him or her know? Plus, the impact on results (or occasional lack thereof)!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everything you need to know about the Primera Division, Argentina's top league
It's the league of Boca and River... and so, so much more! That includes a confusing league structure, a collection of incredibly talented clubs with incredibly impressive histories, a tenuous relationship with promotion and relegation, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All about free kicks, including ideal distances for shooting and greatest takers of all-time
This week, we're tackling all-things freekick! When did they first become a part of the game? How have they evolved over time? What is the difference between direct and indirect opportunities? Plus, ideal distances for shooting, greatest takers of all-time, and much more! WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shots Time! Are a bicycle kick and an overhead kick the same thing? What makes a volley a half volley, and more!
Why are there so many words for a shot? What is an overhead kick and is it different than a bicycle kick? Can a tatty-toe-bash be aesthetically pleasing? Those questions and more answered as we delve deep into the world of screaming efforts fired on target.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All about the K League: decentralization, domestic development, Champions League successes, and much more!
With the Republic of Korea qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, it's time to take a deeper look at domestic soccer in the country. How does Asia's oldest professional league work? What role did decentralization play in helping (or hurting) the growth of the sport? Who are the league's most famous players and most accomplished clubs? How does the league as a whole stack up against the other top leagues and clubs in the AFC?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are La Liga matches coming to the USA?
We're recording this one in mid-August 2025, with the prospect of European league games happening in the United States once again back in the news! What's been approved and what obstacles remain? Plus, what this could mean for future domestic games being played internationally, the impact it could have on American soccer (and interest therein), and the stupidity of that time a few people thought The 39th Game was a good idea.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is a transfer request, how does it work, and what happens when a club doesn't want to sell?
In honor of the transfer window (and one protracted saga in particular), Graham and Taylor look at the process of demanding a transfer. How is a transfer request lodged? What options does a club have once they receive the request? Do they actually tend to work out, or can they be disastrous? Plus, we take a look at a few examples when forcing a transfer worked and a few times they did not. WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All about Uzbekistan! How strong is their top flight and has its quality improved in recent years?
With Uzbekistan having qualified for their first-ever World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a lengthy look at the Uzbekistan Super League, the nation's top flight. How long has it been around, how did the collapse of the Soviet Union fuel its development, and what (slightly massive) changes has it undergone more recently? Plus, the league's top teams, former players, and the role it has played in shaping the Uzbekistan men's national team.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes for a good match day atmosphere, and which clubs do it best?
We take a look at the 12th man of soccer (and try to avoid getting sued by Seattle while we do). What makes for a good atmosphere? When can it feel artificial? Which clubs have the rowdiest crowds? How can teams improve the atmosphere when things start to lag? All that and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everything you need to know about the Women's European Championships
With the 2025 European Championship kicking off today, we spend some time reviewing the history and evolution of the premier competition for national teams in European women's football. How has the tournament grown over time, who are some of its dominant teams and players, and what is its quality relative to other major tournaments in the women's game? Plus, an extended look at the 2025 iteration, including favorites and dark horses.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How strong is Brazil's top flight, what are its biggest teams, and how has the league helped shape the national team?
We continue to profile the domestic leagues of the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and now that Brazil will officially be in North America in 2026, it's time to take a look at their domestic soccer landscape. When did the national league first get established and how has it evolved over time? Why were there once 90+ teams in a single league campaign? What are the strongest clubs most recently? What are the obstacles the competition has overcome and what does the future hold in store? Plus. the major question: what role has the league played in helping shape the national team?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is an assistant manager and what do they do?
"Who is that guy sitting next to the manager and why is he showing him stuff on an iPad?" We have answers!What is an assistant manager, and what do they do? To answer that second one, we look at the different types and some of the most notable examples in soccer history.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is sportswashing and why does it have such deep roots in soccer?
This week, we delve into the exciting and not at all depressing world of... sportswashing! What is it, how long of a history does it have in soccer, how has it grown over time, and why does it seem to work so successfully in the sport we love?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How strong is the Canadian Premier League, and how has it helped strengthen soccer in Canada?
We continue to profile the domestic leagues of the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's an automatic entrant: Canada! What is the professional league structure in the country, what are the strengths and weaknesses of its domestic top flight, and what role has it played in strengthening the Canada national team? Those questions and many more answered on this week's show!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did a horse lead to the downfall of Manchester United?
This week, we've got a doozy of a tale for you: it involves a racehorse, a cantankerous Knight of the Realm, and a couple of billionaires with a point to prove. Did a legal snafu lead to the Glazer takeover at Manchester United? How did that takeover happen in the first place? Does Sir Alex Ferguson deserve any blame for the purchase that has led to the downfall of The Red Devils.WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is nepotism a thing in professional soccer?
Short answer: kinda, but not really.Longer answer:... you'll have to listen to the episode, but we discuss some of the most famous father-son duos in soccer history, as well as why there aren't as many father-daughter or mother-daughter duos (yet).WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How have soccer pitches improved over the years?
This week, we revisit a topic that we've only touched on briefly in the past: soccer pitches. We get into dimensions and the like, but (inspired by this article from The Athletic), we spend much more time discussing the history of soccer pitches and how their construction and maintenance has evolved over time. From livestock grazing to keep grass length down to moisture meters telling robots when it's time for a watering, we've come a long way!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is the professional soccer landscape in New Zealand?
We're continuing our series profiling the domestic leagues of countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week we're heading to the land of marmite and rugby... to talk about soccer. It's New Zealand! What is the league structure? Which New Zealand clubs play outside the country? What does the future of the New Zealand National League hold? Those questions and many more answered on this week's show!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why doesn't MLS use the European Calendar? What are the benefits and drawbacks of adopting it?
With the news this week that MLS will not be making a move to the European calendar after the 2026 World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a look at the situation, past, present and future. Why did the league adopt its current calendar in the first place? What would be the benefits of moving to a European calendar, and what are the potential drawbacks? How much snow is too much snow? All that and more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is the Persian Gulf Pro League, and how has it helped develop the Iranian national team?
We're continuing our series profiling the domestic leagues of countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's one that we knew... basically nothing about prior to researching: The Persian Gulf Pro League, the top domestic league in Iran. Why was the league originally formed in the early 2000s, what are its biggest clubs, what issues have kept the league from developing further, and how has the national team benefitted from its existence? All that, plus our attempt to understand historical geographic naming conventions. What more do you need?!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is fixture congestion and what can teams do to combat it?
This week, we're taking a look at the scourge of the modern game: fixture congestion. Is it indeed a problem exclusive to the modern era? What can teams do to ease the workload? What can happen when a player is ‘red lining’? And the most important question: are we reaching breaking point?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is the J.League and how has it strengthened the Japan national team?
With Japan officially qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, we wanted to take at domestic football in the country. In so doing, we attempt to answer questions like what is the J.League, how good is the league as a whole, how has it evolved over time, what role has it played in helping to strengthen the national team, and much much more!WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is CONCACAF, and what is its scandalous history?
This week, we're taking a look at everyone's favorite (or fourth favorite) confederation: Concacaf. How many countries does it oversee? What exactly does it oversee? Why is Jack Warner's time as head of the confederation so notorious? And what does the future hold in terms of expansion and mergers?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.