The Daily Football Briefing

We’ve all had a whinge about the international break, and with no small amount of justification given the strain on footballers these days, but Scotland and Poland served up an outstanding game of football in Warsaw and Scotland, after all their bad luck and all their poor form, secured a fantastic victory. Best game I’ve seen in ages.Elsewhere, Spain won their group, Denmark qualified in second, San Marino won again and Sudan have qualified for the African Nations, which is arguably the most impressive performance of the lot. Plus, we’ve got more details on the Lyon story and a look ahead to Mauricio Pochettino’s first competitive home game in charge of the USMNT. Did you know that The Athletic was giving Bluesky a go? Some of our best writers have moved there and I’ve cracked and followed them over. You can find me on the link below and hopefully the place will stay nice for at least a week or so. https://bsky.app/profile/iainmacintosh.bsky.social We are delighted to say that this show is now sponsored by PELOTON. Find out more about them by visiting onepeloton.co.ukPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Paul Tenorio, Julien LaurensProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have returned to the top tier of the Nations League after beating Ireland 5-0 at Wembley. Jack Pitt-Brooke was at Wembley for that one. France had a good night as well, they beat Italy 3-1 at the San Siro. Plus, did you ignore all the international football to leave the house and have fun with real people doing real things? Then you need our giant international round-up. In just ten minutes, we’ll have you up to speed with Scotland’s massive result, with Ghana’s massive fail, with Javier Aguirre’s massive head wound and Lyon’s massive financial crisis. You need this podcast, you really do. Did you know that The Athletic was giving Bluesky a go? Some of our best writers have moved there and I’ve cracked and followed them over. You can find me on the link below and hopefully the place will stay nice for at least a week or so. https://bsky.app/profile/iainmacintosh.bsky.social We are delighted to say that this show is now sponsored by PELOTON. Find out more about them by visiting onepeloton.co.ukPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Pitt BrookeProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Carsley isn’t going quietly into the night. He made some very bold selections and he was rewarded with a resounding 3-0 victory over Greece. Jack Pitt Brooke was in Athens to watch that one. I, on the other hand, was in my office watching Italy mostly dominate Belgium, though they should have won by more than their single goal. We’ve got some interesting scores from around the world, we’ve got news of Claudio Ranieri’s return to Roma and, most importantly, we’ve figured out which pub I went to in Barcelona in 2006. Did you know that The Athletic was giving Bluesky a go? Some of our best writers have moved there in the last 48 hours and I’ve cracked and followed them over. You can find me on the link below and hopefully the place will stay nice for at least a week or so. https://bsky.app/profile/iainmacintosh.bsky.social Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Pitt BrookeProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You thought we had no football to talk about during International week didn’t you? WRONG!We look ahead to Thursday’s games, the Women’s Champions League and by the way: What is going wrong at Roma?Plus what Cole Palmer really thought of his move to Chelsea and is there ANYTHING more frightening than the prospect of asking Roy Keane for his daughters hand in marriage?And you know who we haven’t heard from for a while? YOU! We’ve had so much football, we’ve had no space for your messages. You can email [email protected] or, if you’re listening on the app, leave us a comment. It’s international week, we need the content…Need something to read? Head over to the Athletic where Oliver Kay looks back on Premier League nostalgia and the perils of comparing different eras: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5917161/2024/11/13/premier-league-best-era-comparison-nostalgia/Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: James Horncastle and Si WattsProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come on, it’ll be fun. We’ve got the return of the Impromptu International Week Book Club, that’ll be good, right? We’ve got news on a 57 year old professional footballer in Japan, you can’t miss that. Hey, and what about Lionel Messi? You know what they’re reporting in the USA right now? Messi-fatigue. You can find out more about that if you listen. And that’s not all. I’ll also reveal the location of London’s best pub… And you know who we haven’t heard from for a while? YOU! We’ve had so much football, we’ve had no space for your messages. You can email [email protected] or, if you’re listening on the app, leave us a comment. It’s international week, we need the content…Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Felipe CardonasProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, Manchester City have lost four on the spin, but one was the League Cup, one was Europe, there are 26 matches left to play in the league and…it’s City, isn’t it? Sam Lee is here to bring perspective. But it really is bad at Roma, there’s no hiding that. They are looking for their third manager of the season already. What went wrong? James Horncastle is here to answer that. Wild horses couldn’t hold back Danny Kelly when it comes to summing up Spurs’ weekend. We had no chance. And you know who we haven’t heard from for a while? YOU! We’ve had so much football, we’ve had no space for your messages. You can email [email protected] or, if you’re listening on the app, leave us a comment. It’s international week, we need the content…Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Sam Lee, James Horncastle, Danny Kelly Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been another good weekend for Liverpool, not only did they win, but Manchester City lost, Arsenal and Chelsea drew and Nottingham Forest squandered a single goal lead to lose 3-1 to Newcastle. It’s looking good for Arne Slot. Inter missed a penalty against Napoli and blew a chance to go top of Serie A, James Horncastle was watching that one. In Spain, Barcelona went to Real Socieded and lost only their second La Liga game of the season. And in Germany, Bayern Munich won and almost all of their rivals didn’t. If you have a question, ideally about football, but we’re not fussy, get in touch. You can email [email protected] or, if you’re listening on the app, leave us a comment. It’s international week, we need the content…Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Liam Twomey, Jay Harris, Abi Paterson, James HorncastleProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham lost 3-2 in Istanbul, but that scoreline really doesn’t tell the whole story. Jay Harris does though because he was there. Man Utd beat PAOK Salonika 2-0, but Carl Anka still isn’t happy. Meanwhile, I watched Ajax who, seven months on from getting spanked 6-0 by Feyenoord, appear to be back in business. Abi Paterson has got the Conference League covered, she spoke to Simon Johnson who was at Stamford Bridge for a goal frenzy to rival Abi’s pun frenzy…It’s all here and you should be too. Click the button now. Go on. Live a little. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Carl Anka, Jay Harris, Simon JohnsonProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it time for Arsenal fans to panic? They lost to Newcastle at the weekend, they lost to Inter on Wednesday night. They’ve actually only won two of their last six and one of them was against Preston. James McNicholas has some soothing words. Nothing will soothe Tyrone Mings pride after an extraordinary misjudgement saw him give away a crucial penalty in Bruges to condemn Aston Villa to their first defeat in the competition. Jacob Tanswell was there.Plus, we’ve got Pol Ballus in Belgrade for another Barcelona goal fest and Thom Harris was Paris for a surprise result that leaves PSG outside the qualification spots…Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: James McNicholas, Thom Harris, Jacob Tanswell and Pol Ballus Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wow. Manchester City were torn apart by Sporting in Lisbon and there will be a rush to say that this really sets the tone for the future of the Manchester rivalry. Does it though? Sam Lee was there, we’ll find out what he thinks. Seb Stafford Bloor usually covers German football so he’s a useful, fresh set of eyes on Real Madrid. Because they are absolutely awful right now. James Pearce was at Anfield to see yet another Liverpool victory, this time over a team managed by the man most supporters initially thought should have replaced Jurgen Klopp. I bet they don’t think that now. We’ve got all the rest of the Champions League news, so stick this in your ears immediately and you’ll be up to speed in no time. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: James Pearce, Sam Lee, Seb Stafford BloorProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are losing their sporting director Edu…to Nottingham Forest. Sort of. James McNicholas joins us to explain more. The Champions League is back! Do you remember what was going on? Could you tell me right now who’s top and who’s second? Probably not, so we’ve previewed the whole thing for you. Plus, we’ve got all the news from Monday’s games including Fulham’s stunning late win against Brentford. Listen here. Now. It’s not like you have anything better to do. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: James McNicholasProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not so much for supporters of other title contenders, however. Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa all lost, Liverpool won and Nottingham Forest have sneaked into third place. Who saw that coming?We’ve got all the scores from around the world including Napoli’s shock defeat to Atalanta, as described by James Horncastle. We’ve got Bayer Leverkusen dropping more points, but it’s nothing to worry about according to Seb Stafford Bloor. We’ve got Abi Paterson with all the WSL action. And there’s all the most important updates from all the leagues I run on a game of Football Manager. (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Turkey and the USA, obviously. I’d run Belgium, but I just don’t understand it.) Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt Brooke, Abi Paterson, James Horncastle, Seb Stafford BloorProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United aren’t wasting any time. They sacked Erik Ten Hag on Monday and they reached agreement with Sporting over Ruben Amorim on Thursday. Laurie Whitwell joins us to explain what’s been happening. And how good are Bayern Munich really? They’re unbeaten in the Bundesliga, but that Barcelona result was pretty rough. Seb Stafford Bloor has been watching them and he’s written an assessment for The Athletic which he helpfully condenses for us here. Plus how much trouble are Man City in and why? And will Arsenal’s wonderkid keep his place in the team? Find out here. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Laurie Whitwell, Seb Stafford Bloor, Sam LeeProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United had a rare fun night at work on Wednesday, levelling Leicester City in an enjoyable 5-2 victory. Casemiro scored twice. Twice! Laurie Whitwell was there. Manchester City are out at the hand of Spurs, which means this competition is now wide open. Jack Pitt Brooke was watching. We had people at Aston Villa for their defeat to Crystal Palace, Brighton for Liverpool’s win, Preston for Arsenal’s teenage goalkeeper and Liam Twomey was watching Chelsea on the telly. And we’ve got all the big scores from elsewhere including another very good night for Aberdeen. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Laurie Whitwell, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Andy Jones, Jordan Campbell, Jacob Tanswell and Liam Twomey. Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the latest on Manchester United’s hunt for a new manager? Laurie Whitwell joins us with an update. Ruben Amorim is the man they want and they are in a hurry to get this done. Southampton survived a bit of a scare against Stoke City, they’re through to the last eight. Brentford needed penalties to beat Sheffield Wednesday. But they were brilliant penalties. Napoli are top of Serie A, Dortmund are out of the DFB Pokal and we’ve got loads of other scores from around the world too. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jay Harris, Laurie WhitwellProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s felt like it’s been coming for some time, so how quickly will Manchester United look to replace Erik ten Hag following news of his departure on Monday?Carl Anka looks back on a frantic day at Old Trafford and what t expect under current interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, although could Sporting’s Ruben Amorim be on his way in imminently?Sam Lee has been watching events at the Ballon d’Or, where Real Madrid are really not happy and they’ve let everybody know about it.Plus, all the scores from Monday’s action and news from the rest of Europe including an injury blow for Brighton, a new club for Mario Balotelli and the Italy legend who could be set for a sensational return to Serie A at the age of FORTY EIGHT!Need something to read? Catch up with David Ornstein and Adam Crafton’s insight into Manchester United’s move for Ruben Amorim:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5880077/2024/10/28/manchester-united-manager-next-ruben-amorim/Need something to listen to? The Athletic FC podcast looks back on how it all went so badly wrong for Erik ten Hag:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/144-athletic-football-podcast/episode-921/Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Carl Anka, Sam LeeProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s happened, Manchester United have sacked their manager Erik Ten Hag following Sunday’s defeat to West Ham. David Ornstein and Adam Crafton broke the story and David joins us to explain what happened. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: David OrnsteinProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been quite a weekend, hasn’t it? Who would have thought that Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool would be struggling to make the top three stories? Two giants of European football experienced desperately disappointing weekends. Manchester United, of course, are used to that sort of thing. But Real Madrid? Did anyone expect the European champions to be torn apart in their own home by Barcelona? But we’re here for all your Monday morning questions. Like, how did Bayern Munich react to their midweek misery? Who won in the French top of the table clash between PSG and Marseille? And did Aberdeen win because I am now really invested in them for reasons I do not understand.Listen now. It’s 15 minutes of your life and you’ll be so pleased with the transaction, you won’t even want them back. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Carl Anka, Liam Twomey, Jay Harris, Dermot Corrigan, Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s two steps forward and three steps back for Manchester United at the moment. The confidence boosting victory over Brentford seems a long time ago already after this disappointing draw away at former manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Laurie Whitwell was there. No such issues for Tottenham, they’ve won three from three after a good win over AZ Alkmaar in London. Teenage sensation Mikey Moore impressed again, Jay Harris is here to tell us how good he is. And Chelsea are dominating a competition in which it doesn’t seem entirely fair that they get to play. They battered Panathinaikos 4-1 in front of Liam Twomey. Well, in front of lots of people really, but Liam was one of them.Plus, Roberto Mancini has left Saudi Arabia. I wonder where he’ll end up next… Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Laurie Whitwell, Jay Harris and Liam Twomey Producer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, I don’t think anyone expected that. Barcelona stuck four past a worryingly open Bayern Munich to put their Champions League campaign back on track. Pol Ballus was there, he thinks it’s was a performance for the ages and it’s rather hard to disagree.Atletico Madrid’s performance will live long in the memory too, but possibly not for the same reasons. They were beaten 1-3 at home by Lille and the irony that Lille beat Real Madrid last time out is unlikely to console them.Sam Lee watched Erling Haaland score quite the most remarkable goal I’ve seen in many years as Man City swept past Sparta Prague. And we’ve got all the other games from across the continent too. Well, most of the big ones. We drew the line at the Finnish Conference League play-offs. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Pol Ballus, Sam LeeProducer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa have played three and won three, and they top the Champions League. More than that, they’ve successfully reversed their Ollie Watkins/Jhon Duran dynamic up front. Jacob Tanswell was there.Real Madrid had a bit of a fright, they were 0-2 down to Borussia Dortmund after an hour. It ended 5-2 and Seb Stafford Bloor says it didn’t flatter them. Arsenal picked up an important win in front of James McNicholas, AC Milan survived a ropey start against Club Brugge to win 3-1 in front of me. On my laptop, at least. And we have news on all the other CL games, including Juventus’ defeat at home to Stuttgart and PSG’s draw with PSV. There were Championship games too, Nancy Froston was at Elland Road to see Leeds go second. Is there any other podcast that will bring you up to speed with all of this? There is not. Need something to read? Got a strong stomach? Nick Miller digs into the Evangelos Marinakis phlegm-gate case. Yes, it’s as vile as it sounds.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5863991/2024/10/22/marinakis-spitting-fa-report/Need something to listen to? The Athletic FC podcasts asks, just how good are Barcelona under Hansi Flick? https://podfollow.com/athletic-fc-podPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jacob Tanswell, Seb Stafford Bloor, James McNicholas, Nancy FrostonProducer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace, so impressive at the end of last season, are still without a victory after they were beaten 1-0 at Nottingham Forest. What’s gone wrong? Matt Woosnam was there, maybe he knows?It’s all about perspective though. Crystal Palace are in a far better position than Valencia. The former La Liga champions hit rock bottom of La Liga after they were beaten 1-3 at home by Las Palmas, who haven’t won a game since February. They’re getting relegated, aren’t they? Plus: Close your eyes. Close them tight. Now, tell me the current top three of the Champions League. Can you do it? Of course you can’t. No-one can. That’s why you need this podcast. We’ll tell you who’s playing who, but we’ll also tell you what it all means. In so much as we can. I mean, what does anything mean, really? We’re all just flesh-wraiths, briefly animated for reasons we know not, condemned to lurch across this plane of existence, trying to do as little damage as we can in the short time that we’re here. We’re marooned on a tiny rock that hurtles through a near-infinity of open space. So, juxtaposed against this harrowing reality, sure, I’ll tell you what I think Girona against Slovan Bratislava means.Plus, will Virgil van Dijk sign a new contract and which rapper is trying to buy Tranmere Rovers?Need something to read? Try Liam Tharme’s excellent and thoughtful piece about the real issue with English coaches.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5853035/2024/10/21/thomas-tuchel-english-coaches-pathway/Need something to listen to? Are you an NBA fan? Find The NBA Daily right here. https://podfollow.com/nba-dailyPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Matt WoosnamProducer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s ten wins from eleven games for new Liverpool boss Arne Slot and very little pleases those supporters more than a victory over Chelsea. James Pearce was there and he tells us what this performance might mean for Curtis Jones. We’ve got the scores and the stories from the WSL with Abi Paterson, from Spain with Dermot Corrigan, from Germany with Seb Stafford Bloor and from picturesque Lake Como with James Horncastle. You simply will not find a more efficient way of finding out everything you need to know about the football than listening to this splendid little podcast. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: James Pearce, Abi Paterson, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford Bloor, James HorncastleProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International week is over, club football has returned and I think we’re all very thankful. We’re looking ahead to the Liverpool - Chelsea game with Liam Twomey, we’re chatting to Dermot Corrigan about Real Madrid and Barcelona and we’ve hauled JJ Bull out of a cocktail party to give us the lowdown on unbeaten Aberdeen.Plus, all the scores from the Women’s Champions League and the surprise appearance of an Improptu International Week Gamers Club. Why would you listen to anything else?Need something to read? Get a sneak preview of Thomas Tuchel’s football with a heavy duty tactics read from Mark Carey and Thom Harris:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5847535/2024/10/17/thomas-tuchel-england-tactics-analysis/Need something to listen to? Check the mood at Old Trafford where they may not be looking forward to the return of club football with quite the same level of enthusiasm…Talk of the Devils is here.https://podfollow.com/talk-of-the-devils Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Liam Twomey, Dermot Corrigan and JJ BullProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Thomas Tuchel signed, sealed and delivered we speak to David Ornstein following the new England manager’s first press conference while we look at the pro’s and con’s of his time at Chelsea with Simon Johnson.As Arsenal begin life without women’s manager Jonas Eidvall, Megan Feringa was at the Emirates Stadium to keep an eye on any early signs of change as they took on Valerenga in the Champions League, while we look back on Manchester City’s dramatic win against St Polten in Austria.Plus misery for Poch as the USA are beaten and yet another match ball for Lionel Messi.Need something to read? Andy Jones takes a look at Liverpool’s clipboard-wielding ‘field coach’ Sipke Hulshoff - the often unseen key member of Arne Slot’s team:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5844715/2024/10/16/sipke-hulshoff-liverpool-assistant-profile/Presenter: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: David Ornstein, Simon Johnson, Megan Feringa, Paul TenorioProducer: Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel is set to become the new manager of England. The news broke on Tuesday night, but Jack Pitt-Brooke pounced into action, he joins us to explain the thinking. There was some Nations League football too. Pol Ballus watched Spain beat Serbia,while I greatly enjoyed another battling performance from Scotland and their fans’ merciless treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo.Plus, in words that sports writers have never before been able to type, Sir Alex Ferguson is going to lose his job at Manchester United. Adam Crafton has more on his big story. And Arsenal are looking for a new manager of their women’s team. Charlotte Harpur broke that one for us and she explains why it’s all over for Jonas Eidevall. Need something to read? La Liga president Javier Tebas has been sounding off about FIFA and Matt Slater is here to explain all: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5845608/2024/10/15/club-world-cup-fifa-criticism/ Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Pol Ballus, Carl Anka, Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur Producer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a good night for Europe’s traditional powers. Germany beat the Netherlands in a match of few chances, France beat Belgium in the game I really should have been watching and Italy thrashed Israel in the game James Horncastle was watching.Elsewhere, why have Nigeria forfeited their game against Libya? And why is FIFPro, the footballers’ union, launching a legal complaint against FIFA? You’ll find out here. Need something to read? You need JJ Bull’s guide to why Aberdeen are (sort of) Europe’s most in-form team.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5836751/2024/10/14/aberdeen-best-team-in-europe/And if you want to know if Pep Guardiola could be England’s next manager, you need the Athletic FC podcast.https://podfollow.com/athletic-fc-podPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Steve Hankey, James Horncastle, Nnamdi Onyeagwara, Matt SlaterProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Thursday’s appalling defeat at home to Greece, interim England boss Lee Carsley needed to get his side back on track. It wasn’t always pretty, but that’s exactly what they did. Goals from Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice put England back in contention for promotion out of the B Groups. In the A Groups, Portugal are flying, they beat Poland. We’ve got the state of play across all of those upper groups for you, whether you like it or not. Paul Tenorio watched Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge of the USMNT, he’s here to tell us how it went. And Abi Paterson is across all of the WSL, and some of the European games too. Want to know why so many footballers are investing in esports teams? Ajay Rose has just the article for you. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5739705/2024/10/13/footballers-esports-david-beckham-neymar-casemiro/Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Paul Tenorio, Abi PatersonProducer: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well…that wasn’t very good, was it? England had made a steady start to life under Lee Carlsey, but our man at Wembley Jack Pitt-Brooke called them ‘abysmal’ as they crashed to a 1-2 defeat. Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco could have been in trouble too, his side were being played off the park by Italy until Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off and so the Belgians came back from 0-2 down to draw 2-2. Australia had a great result against China, Ghana didn’t against Sudan (yes, we’re casting our eye over the rest of the world now) but the worst news of the day is undoubtedly the announcement that Football Manager 2025 will be delayed until March next year. How will we live?Need to know how Belgian football works? Check out Alex Stewart’s epic, single-take masterpiece for TIFOhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfThFvENg3s&t=194sWant to hear that Tom Williams French football interview? Click the link herehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1k6zJnindZZa0z5hN8xJ4x?si=9hsaycPdQHGb0DTZlnHA0QPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Pitt-BrookeProducer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp is coming back to football, but not as a manager. He’s going to be the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull. So what does that actually mean? Simon Hughes joins us to discuss further. It was an exciting night in the UEFA Women’s Champions League where Arsenal were taken apart in the second half by Bayern Munich, they were beaten 5-2. No such issues for Manchester City though, they were excellent in their 2-0 victory over Barcelona.International week is boring, is it? Tell that to fans of Australia, Ghana and Brazil. Find out why this is a massive week for them. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Simon Hughes, Charlotte HarpurProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain is set to leave the club at the end of the season, it’s going to be a huge loss for the club, but what does it mean for Pep Guardiola?And Chelsea got off to a very decent start in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, they beat Real Madrid 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and Megan Feringa was there for us.Plus, Tottenham assistant coach Ryan Mason could be the new manager of Anderlecht. Find out more here. Need something to read? Mark Carey has been scanning down the list of potential Erik ten Hag replacements and he’s put together quite the dossier herehttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5815401/2024/10/08/manchester-united-manager-shortlist/Need something to listen to? The new Totally Football Show European Edition is live, it’s still my favourite football podcast and it’s right herehttps://podfollow.com/totallyfootballshowPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Sam Lee, Megan FeringaProducer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A battle, not the battle, between Manchester City and the Premier League has ended with a written verdict and both sides have moved quickly to claim victory. But who’s right? And what does it mean? Thank heavens that Jacob Whitehead is here to explain it. There’s not very much football on for the next few days, but there is the Women’s Champions League. Who’s playing? What does it all mean? Charlotte Harpur is here to preview the games. Plus, should you read Transformer, Neil Atkinson’s new book about Jurgen Klopp? And what’s all this about a new contract for Jhon Duran. And who in global football is injured this week? Find it all here. Need something to read? Oli Kay is asking, what’s next for Paul Pogba.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5822266/2024/10/07/pogba-juventus-dhea-cas/Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jacob Whitehead, Charlotte HarpurProducer: Tom Fuller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Right, lap this up because it’s international week now and we all know what that means. We’ve got an extended-by-popular-demand FIFTEEN minute episode to wrap up the weekend’s football because there’s so much drama and I always end up having to read at x1.5 speed to fit it all in.We had Laurie Whitwell watching Manchester United’s draw at Aston Villa, we had Liam Twomey watching Chelsea drop points to Nottingham Forest, we had Jack Pitt-Brooke watching Spurs Spurs it all up at Brighton, but that’s not all because we’re not the sort of parochial podcast that only cares about its own backyard.We’ve got Seb Stafford-Bloor on Bayern, we’ve got Pol Ballus on Barcelona, we’ve got updates from the second rank of global football, which as anyone knows is the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Turkey and Major League Soccer.We’ve got it all, so click now or wander about all day feeling like you’re not really caught up on it all. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Laurie Whitwell, Liam Twomey, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Pol Ballus Producer: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do you even start with Manchester United? Two nil up, three two down and then Harry Maguire scores possibly the most important header of Erik Ten Hag’s career. Is it a good result or a bad result? Does this intensify the pressure or relieve it? Does anyone know anymore? Charlotte Harpur was in Porto, she joins us to explain what just happened. By contrast, Spurs had a far easier night and Jay Harris is here to tell us which of their young players caught the eye. And Simon Johnson was watching Chelsea, seeing if they can do stuff without Cole Palmer. And indeed they can. Plus, we’ve got all the scores from the big games, some of the scores from the small games and some stuff on Inter Miami too. Need something to read? Liam Twomey and Dan Sheldon have been speaking to the people who know Cole Palmer best to ask the entirely reasonable question, “Did anyone expect him to be this good?”Need something to listen to? The TIFO Podcast is back in its original form, it’s sort of like Monty Python meets Match of the Day and it is, according to recent reviews, the second best podcast on our network. Behind us. Obviously. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jay Harris, Charlotte Harpur, Simon JohnsonProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was this the second greatest night in Aston Villa’s history? And also the second greatest victory over Bayern Munich? Has any manager had as much of an impact on one club in just two years as Unai Emery? And what on earth happened to Real Madrid? How did they manage to lose to Lille? Mind you, RB Leipzig will be asking exactly the same thing after they let a 2-1 lead slip against a ten man Juventus. Liverpool had a good night though, they beat Bologna 2-0. We had people at all of those games and you can hear from them if you just click that play button right now. Go on, do it. Live a little. You know what they say: If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room. Need something to read? Pol Ballús and Laia Cervelló Herrero have done a long read on La Masia, a location of dramatically increased importance to Barcelona now that they’ve done all their money and half their players are knacked. Need something to listen to? You can get a more detailed recap of the Champions League games on The Totally Football Show, still the best football podcast out there. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jacob Tanswell, Guillermo Rai, Seb Stafford Bloor, James PearceProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second week of the new look Champions League started with a bang; Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 at The Emirates and you can actually hear Amy Lawrence grinning as she reports into us. It was a tough night for Celtic as they were taken to the cleaners by Borussia Dortmund, but at least they weren’t the only team to get a thrashing. Man City crushed Slovan Bratislava, Barcelona smacked down the Young Boys, we had Seb Stafford-Bloor, Sam Lee and Dermot Corrigan watching those games, and we also had Mark Carey watching the comparatively quiet Bayer Leverkusen win over AC Milan. He drew the short straw. Plus there are scores and news from all the nights other games, including that rarest of things; a marvellous night for Sunderland.Need something to read? Andy Mitten on Manchester United is always unmissableNeed something to listen to? The award winning Athletic FC is asking if Cole Palmer is the best footballer in the Premier League. Listen here.Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Amy Lawrence, Sam Lee, Seb Stafford Bloor, Dermot Corrigan, Mark CareyProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United resisted the temptation to immediately dismiss Erik Ten Hag after Sunday’s humiliation, but he’s heading into an extremely tough week and you wonder how much longer he can survive. Laurie Whitwell is our man on the ground at Old Trafford, he joins us with an update. It was a tough night for Southampton boss Russell Martin. His team were taken apart in a brutal first half away at Bournemouth and you wonder how much patience there is at the club for his methods. This is a brittle football team, they collapsed when the first goal went in and could have conceded more. Alas, we no longer live in an age where ‘winning the second half’ counts for anything. And there’s a lot of Champions League football coming up. Can you remember what happened a fortnight ago and what it all means? Nope, us neither. But we’ve made you a comprehensive briefing. Need something to read? Everyone (including us) has been focusing on Man Utd being really bad, so why not spend some time reading about Tottenham being really good with Ahmed Walid’s tactical breakdown?Need something to listen to? Well, in a similar mood, let us direct you to our Tottenham podcast, View From The Lane with the wonderful Danny KellyPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Laurie Whitwell and Julien LaurensProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been another miserable weekend for Manchester United. Yes, they were reduced to ten men in the first half, but you sensed they’d lost the game long before then. They were fortunate that Spurs only scored three. Charlotte Harpur was there for us. Barcelona’s 100% record has gone, they were beaten 4-2 by Osasuna. How? Dermot Corrigan joins us to explain exactly what happened back there. And the big one in Madrid was a fiery affair. It ended 1-1 but that was only half the story…And what happened when the two biggest teams in German football went head to head at the weekend? Seb Stafford-Bloor knows because he went to watch.PLUS: All the important updates from all the divisions I run on my Football Manager saves. So that’s England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, plus the Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, Scotland and the United States. We don’t do Belgium because we don’t understand what they do there.Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Charlotte Harpur, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-BloorProducer: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You had to feel for Ange Postecoglou. Seven minutes into a must win Europa League opener and Radu Drăgușin gets himself sent off. If he’d lost this, the pressure would really have made itself known. But against all odds and expectations, Spurs prevailed. And in style. Jack Pitt-Brooke was there. Eventually. After a two hour walk in the rain. Meanwhile, flu-ravaged Producer Lucy was watching Serie A crisis club Roma as they battled Athletic Bilbao. They started well, but then Athletic brought out the big guns and salvaged a point. As the only member of staff with a subscription to Premier Sports, I was on Atletico duty ahead of the big derby on Sunday night. And if Diego Simeone’s men play like this, they’ll get their pants pulled down. They beat Celta Vigo, but it was very, very much against the run of play. Need something to read? If you’re NFL-curious, Nate Taylor has written an excellent piece on Travis Kelce, arguing that he’s not washed up, it isn’t Taylor Swift’s fault and people should lighten up. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5792045/2024/09/26/travis-kelce-slow-start-performance-chiefs/Need something to listen to? Whenever Manchester United slip up, it’s always worth listening to Talk of the Devils where the analysis is considered and objective and a welcome relief from all of the noise. https://podfollow.com/talk-of-the-devilsPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Pitt-BrookeProducer: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United dropped two points on their first night in UEFA’s giant new Europa League, they were leading against Twente right up until the moment they weren’t…United have only beaten Fulham, Southampton and Barnsley this season, they just don’t seem to be improving.Liverpool and Arsenal are all right though. The Red breezed past struggling West Ham at Anfield and a team full of teenagers did the business against League One’s Bolton Wanderers at The Emirates.Talking of teenagers, Barcelona’s match day squad is packed with them now because everyone else is injured. They just about got past Getafe and they have seven wins from seven games. Need something to read? The Athletic has a full Spanish news bureau, don’t you know? They’ve put their expertise to good use, speculating on how Real Madrid might operate without Kylian Mbappe. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793881/2024/09/25/mbappe-injury-real-madrid-replacements/Need something to listen to? The Athletic FC podcast is going deep on the Everton takeover. Get stuck in right here. https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-showPresenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Andy Jones and Carl AnkaProducer: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After all the criticism over the summer, Chelsea are having a lovely time right now. Sure, Barrow are a League Two side (top of League Two though…) but a 5-0 win will boost the confidence of all concerned. They go through to the next round along with Man City, Aston Villa and Leicester. Real Madrid spent 85 minutes making their critics eat their words and then switched off, allowing Alaves to come from three goals down to pushing hard for the most unlikely of equalisers. Carlo Ancelotti looked distinctly unamused. And finally, Blackpool beat Huddersfield 3-0. We didn’t have room for it in the show, but wanted to pay tribute to Steve Bruce somewhere. That’s three wins from three for the former Newcastle boss.Need something to read? Matt Slater and Paddy Boyland have broken down the Everton takeover news with a very accessible explainer article that gives you the information you need so that you can pass it off as your own in the pub. I do this all the time, it’s perfectly reasonable behaviour. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Simon Johnson and Sam LeeProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is the bleakest of news for Manchester City fans. Rodri, the man who holds their shape together, the man they really miss when he’s out, could be gone for the whole season with a knee injury. Sam Lee is here to tell us just how bad this could be for City. And how good it could be for everyone else…City aren’t the only elite team to have been rocked by injury news. Barcelona’s Marc Ter Stegen is out for the rest of the season too. Pol Ballus is here with more. A deal has been agreed for the sale of Everton, but is this good news or bad news? The new owners aren’t exactly doing very well over at Roma. Matt Slater tells us what he thinks about it all. Need something to read? Gregg Evans and James Pearce have written a really interesting and balanced piece about the lack of atmosphere at Anfield, something I always noticed if I was covering a Saturday 3pm kick off there. I should say I’ve been there for night games and it was always amazing, but it’s a fine piece.Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Sam Lee, Pol Ballus, Matt SlaterProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ll be hearing and reading about City 2-2 Arsenal for some time this week. 20 players were camped in City’s final third for all of the second half, Arsenal were a stones throw from victory - well Stones’ head in the end. We have your full round up from the rest of the Premier League, get your pen out, there’s loads of stats for you to take note.In Europe Milan defeated Inter for the first time in seven matches, James Horncastle has the details. Bayern continue to score a truck load of goals. As do Real Madrid and Barcelona but Ter Stegen’s knee needs checking outNeed something to read? Players are heading to Brazil - here’s why https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5779640/2024/09/22/brazil-signings-payet-bolasie-depay-lewis/ And a tribute to Toto Schillaci https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5781645/2024/09/21/toto-schillaci-tribute-italy/ Email me with your thoughts it’s [email protected]: Abi PatersonWith: James Horncastle, Sam Lee, Adrian Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was once a time when Arsenal fans didn’t like David Raya. Didn’t like that he’d taken the number one jersey. Didn’t think he was one of the top goalkeepers. Well, Thursday night’s double save against Atalanta has surely by now changed everyone’s mind. Amy Lawrence was watching Arsenal come away with a hard earned point in Bergamo.In the night’s other matches, Barcelona conspired to beat themselves, although Monaco helped as well. Leipzig lost in the last minute to Atletico Madrid. Bayer Leverkusen were purring in Rotterdam. But the story of the night goes to Brest, winners in their first ever European game.Elsewhere we hear that all is not well with the Fifa Club World Cup. And we look ahead to what’s set to be a thrilling season in the WSL. Need something to read? Arsenal’s mad methods is seriously odd https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5766723/2024/09/19/arteta-arsenalmethodology-balvers/ As is Adam Crafton’s detail on the FIFA Club World Cup TV crisis https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5779549/2024/09/19/fifa-club-world-cup-broadcast-rights/ Email me with your thoughts it’s [email protected]: Abi PatersonWith: Amy Lawrence, Seb Stafford Bloor, Megan FeringaProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn’t quite as rip roaring a night in the Champions League as we had on Tuesday but still plenty to ponder after night two. Such as, how Inter were able to quell Man City. Why PSG REALLY needed a win against Girona. And why we all need to go to Celtic Park for a Champions League match. Spurs were very nearly the headline as they needed an extremely late comeback to beat, um, Coventry in the League Cup. It was a mixed evening for Arsenal and Man City in the Women’s Champions League.Plus we remember Italia 90 cult hero Salvatore Schillaci. Listen to Golazzo on Apple or Spotify Send me an email, it’s [email protected] Host: Abi PatersonWith: Michael Cox, Jack Pitt Brooke, Pete Rutzler, Charlotte HarpurProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was it goals you wanted? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The Champions League had plenty of them last night. We have your full round up from the day’s action including Liverpool’s win over Milan, Real Madrid’s sketchy result against Stuttgart and Villa’s start to life in the biggest league of them all. Elsewhere, players are starting to make noises about strikes due to the amount of games they’re playing. Plus there was a 34 penalty shootout in England’s EFL Cup, Manchester United won a game comfortably, and Andy Carroll is back in the headlines.Need something to read? Amy Lawrence found the Arsenal mascot who put the Tottenham ones in their places. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5771821/2024/09/17/arsenal-mascot-tottenham-tunnel-danny/ Want to share your thoughts? Email me it’s [email protected] Host: Abi PatersonWith: Thom Harris, James Pearce, and Dermot CorriganProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday began a significant week in the world of football. Yes the Champions League is back, we’ll get to that.But first it was all about Manchester City, whose trial against the Premier League for alleged spending breaches got under way. Matt Slater is on hand to tell us what we should and should not expect. We also had football on Monday in the form of League One’s finest: Tom Brady’s Birmingham facing Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham. David Beckham was there, but so was Richard Sutcliffe.And finally as promised, the Champions League returns with just the 64 more games this time around. We look at what Tuesday has to offer. Need something to read? Jacob Whitehead has you covered in the Man City case https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5762324/2024/09/16/manchester-city-charges-explained/ While Jessy Parker Humphreys is getting us WSL ready with some of the new faces you need to know. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5767934/2024/09/16/wsl-managers-new-season/ Send an email to [email protected] Host: Abi PatersonWith: Matt Slater and Richard SutcliffeProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal won the North London derby and, after Liverpool’s slip up at home to Nottingham Forest, they re-take their place as Manchester City’s closest rivals. Because City obviously won again, didn’t they? In Spain, Barcelona continue to impress. On the pitch, at least, and Real Madrid still don’t look quite right. AC Milan have finally won a league game, that’s great news for manager Paolo Fonseca. How Roma must wish for such relief. A last minute equaliser consigned them to another weekend without a win.We’ve got all the results and all the news you need. Press play now and you’ll be perfectly set up for the rest of the week. And boy, is it going to be a busy one…. Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Michael Cox, Seb Stafford Bloor, James Horncastle Producer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylian Mbappe has claimed that PSG owe him the better part of £50m in unpaid salary. He’s refused the offer of mediation and it looks like this battle is set to run and run. In public too, which will be entertaining. Phil Hay drops by to tell us more. And Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with Arsenal, removing the nagging fear that someone else might snaffle him at the end of the season when his contract runs out. Amy Lawrence explains why this is such reassuring news for Arsenal supporters.Need something to read? Need something to read? Mark Critchley has broken down the Manchester United financial results so that you don’t have to, and it is the perfect example of an Athletic article filled with expertise, all of which can be easily passed off as your own in the pub this evening.Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Phil Hay and Amy LawrenceProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pretty bad. They’ve lost four of their eight World Cup qualifiers and, while it should technically be impossible for them to fail to make it to the World Cup, somehow they’ve made the prospect plausible. Jack Lang joins us to tell us more. Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as the new manager of the USMNT, but how big a job is this? You would think that his time at Chelsea would have prepared him for anything but the USMNT are really, really bad right now. Where does he start? Pablo Maurer gives his verdict.Need something to read? How about an exhaustive guide to English football nicknames from Tim Spiers? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5753588/2024/09/09/english-football-nicknames-premier-league/Presenter: Iain MacintoshWith: Jack Lang, Pablo MaurerProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.