Football Today

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

6 Transfer Window Observations Aug 19, 2021

In our latest episode we discuss 6 of our favorite transfer trends, signings and observations during the current window.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Who Should Host the 2030 World Cup? Aug 05, 2021

Why are we talking about the 2030 World Cup now?

We just had the Euros, we’re in the middle of the Olympics and a few weeks ago Matt Slater of The Athletic reported that Saudi Arabia were exploring a bid with Italy to host the World Cup in 2030. Today we ask, who should host the 2030 World Cup?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

How Will Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage do at Tottenham and Wolves? Jul 22, 2021

On May 21st, after 4 largely successful years Nuno Espirito Santo and Wolves decided to part ways. But Wolves' loss is Tottenham's gain. However, it took Tottenham 72 days to hire Espirito Santo and he wasn't their first choice after deals with Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso fell through.

Wolves' search was far less dramatic, hiring ex-Benfica manager Bruno Lage. Today we ask: how will both managers do at their new jobs and are they good fits?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

How Will Rafa Benitez and Patrick Vieira do at Everton and Crystal Palace? Jul 15, 2021

While the Euros has captured the attention of most English football fans this summer, club football has seen its fair share of chaos. Both Everton and Crystal Palace have had to replace their managers, with each club enduring a long-drawn-out coaching search. But now the dust has settled.

Today we analyse Everton's decision to hire Rafa Benitez and Crystal Palace's decision to hire Patrick Vieira.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Has Player Health Reached Its Breaking Point? Jun 17, 2021

A week ago, FIFPro sent an open letter to its players signaling its desire to solve the issue of fixture congestion. Sadly, scheduled games due to a packed calendar are the norm. We discuss that topic and some potential solutions in our latest episode.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

The 4 Most Interesting Teams of the Euros Jun 03, 2021

In this episode, Dave and Josh break down the 4 most interesting teams of the Euros. They'll also discuss a breakout star who has been compared to Mohamed Salah and the player every fan should be rooting for. Plus, they'll talk about a European manager whose name elicits standing ovations in Brazil.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

What's Next For Joachim Löw? May 20, 2021

On Wednesday, Germany released their provisional squad for Euro 2020 (2021). It will be the last major tournament for German national team manager, Joachim 'Jogi' Löw. Löw has been the figurehead of German football since he took the reins in 2006. He's won a World Cup and made it to the semi-finals of every Euros he's coached.

Is he suited for club football and if he chooses to coach at the club level, where should he go? We examine those questions and dive deep into his career with Germany in our latest episode.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Julian Nagelsmann and the Growing Head Coach Transfer Market May 06, 2021

Less than 2 weeks ago Bayern Munich made headlines by signing RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann. But what was noteworthy wasn't that they had poached another young talent from a Bundesliga rival, instead it was the reported €25 million fee they paid.

Recently, the transfers of head coach Adi Hutter from Frankfurt to Borussia Mönchengladbach and Marco Rose from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Dortmund have cost a reported €12.5 million in total.

Today we look at the growing head coach transfer market.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

The Enigmatic Career of Karim Benzema Apr 22, 2021

Karim Benzema is Real Madrid's fourth highest goal scorer of all time and the fifth-highest goal scorer in the Champions League. And yet, he seems a forgotten striker amongst the world elite. Last season he led Real Madrid to a La Liga title and as it stands, Real Madrid is level on points with Atlético in La Liga.

Why isn't he considered all-time great for Real or France? We investigate in our latest episode.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

The African Super League and the Future of Cross-Border Competition Apr 15, 2021

Back in March, the Confederation of African Football had just elected a new president, Patrice Motsepe.

Given Motsepe was Gianni Infantino’s candidate, it was inevitable that the President of FIFA would be there to celebrate his candidate’s win.

Sure enough, a photo appeared on Twitter of Infantino with the CEO of Tanzanian club Simba SC, Barbara Gonzalez.

But it was the words of the tweet that caused the stir:

It was great catching up with FIFA President, Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the CAF Elections 2021. The rollout of the African Super League with 20 permanent member clubs is underway.

In this episode, we ask: is an African Super League realistic? And how would it impact African football?

Guests:

Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) is an African football expert who appears on Joy 99.7 FM and whose work can be found on the BBC, Al Jazeera, the Guardian, CNN, the Blizzard, the New York Times and elsewhere.

Matt Slater (@mjshrimper) is a football news reporter at The Athletic.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Individual Tracks:

Bask VX - LimoncelloUndying - Banana CreamSteely - Moon JuiceRelay 7 - Marble Run Stucco Blue - Orange CatNine Count - ReflectionsTeshi Line - Kokura Station Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Crystal Palace and the Fork in the Road Apr 12, 2021

Saturday was a rough day for Crystal Palace. After a 4-1 loss to Chelsea, Crystal Palace is tied for 12th in the league and comfortably above the relegation zone. It’s a familiar position for Palace, not quite good enough for Europe and too good to be a yo-yo club.

However, with manager Roy Hodgson’s contract finishing in the summer along with a number of key players, Palace have big questions to answer. Should they rebuild and start afresh with a new squad or run it back with the same cast of characters?

Today we ask; what should Crystal Palace do this summer?

Guest:

Matt Woosnam (@MattWoosie) covers Crystal Palace for The Athletic.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Ultima Thule’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Li Fonte’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Soothe’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Plasticity’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘JoDon’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: Sky Sports

Lille and the End of PSG's Dominance? Apr 08, 2021

On Saturday Lille beat PSG 1-0 to take a 3 point lead atop the Ligue 1 table. If they pull it off, it would their first Ligue 1 title since 2011. But their journey has been far from straightforward. Since 2013 they've had 9 different managers and 3 different owners. Furthermore, before the club was sold in December of 2020 it was at risk of insolvency.

Today we ask: is this the end of PSG's dominance?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

The Brewing Battle Between Agents and FIFA Apr 05, 2021

In November of 2017 at the FIFA Executive Football Summit in Istanbul, President Gianni Infantino declared his intention to reform the practices of football agents.

Now almost 4 years later and there is a proposed regulation to do just that. But high-profile agents won’t go down without a fight and recently they’ve been speaking out. It appears agents and FIFA are on a collision course destined to end up in court.

Today we analyze the conflict and ask, why are football agents at war with FIFA?

Guest:

Daniel Geey (@FootballLaw) is a leading sports lawyer for Sheridan and the author of Done Deal: An Insider's Guide to Football Contracts, Multi-Million Pound Transfers and Premier League Big Business.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Haena’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Slow Dial’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Vik Fence Haflak’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Gaddy’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lupi’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: Goal, ITV

What Has the Cost of Coronavirus Been for Football? Apr 01, 2021

In March, we marked the anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.

This was a step into the unknown for everyone. And that everyone included football clubs.

With competitive football cancelled and large gatherings banned altogether, things had never looked more precarious for the beautiful game.

Fast forward a year and things are starting to look a little more positive. This week, organised games were allowed for the first time in 2021.

But is football ever going to be quite the same again? Will the game continue to command the same sorts of fees? The same audience share? The same financial pull?

In this episode, we ask: what has the cost of coronavirus been for football?

Guest:

Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) is a lecturer at the University of Liverpool and one of the hosts of the Price of Football Podcast (@POF_POD).

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Individual Tracks:

Plasticity - RadioPink

Our Lament - Moon Juice

Illa Villardo - Cold Case

Flatlands 3rd - Flatlands

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Can a Mining Magnate Transform African Football? Mar 29, 2021

Do you ever get the feeling of déjà vu? Like you’re witnessing the same thing over and over again. Well, if you’re an African football fan, you might’ve had that feeling recently… About four years ago Ahmad Ahmad promised change following his CAF presidential election. Four years later and African football is still mired in corruption and dysfunction. On March 12th South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe was elected unopposed as CAF’s new president. Like Ahmad Ahmad before him, Motsepe has promised a transformation and a brighter future. Today we ask, what does the election of Patrice Motsepe mean for the future of African football? Guest: Samindra Kunti (@samindrakunti) is a football journalist for Inside World Football. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Verdigris’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Partly Sage’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Jog to the Water’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘The Face of Thrush’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘White Limit’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: France 24

BeNeLiga and the Inevitable Decline of Domestic Leagues Mar 25, 2021

On March 16th Belgium’s 25 biggest clubs voted unanimously to continue to explore a potential merger with the Dutch Eredivisie. It could lead to clubs doubling their revenue and become the 6th biggest league in Europe. Yet, it could also be the first of multiple cross-border leagues around the world such as a European Super League. Today we ask, what would the BeNeLiga mean for world football?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Leicester City's Iheanacho Conundrum Mar 22, 2021

On Boxing Day, when Leicester City prepared to play Manchester United, the Foxes sat in 8th place. Over the next 3 months, their talisman, Jamie Vardy would only score 1 league goal. Normally, this would signal the end of Leicester’s Champions League aspirations. But this has not been a normal season. Leicester is in 3rd place in the league and after their win against Manchester United on Sunday they're in the FA Cup semifinals. One major reason they've been so successful recently is the form of striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Since the beginning of February, Iheanacho has led the league with 6 goals and has scored 9 goals in his last 9 games in all competitions. But with the international break coming, key players will be returning from injury. Today we ask, what should Leicester do with Kelechi Iheanacho? Guests:

Rob Tanner (@RobTannerLCFC) covers Leicester City for The Athletic.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Highride’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lick Stick’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Palms Down’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Hard Boil’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: Skysports

What has gone wrong for Celtic? Mar 18, 2021

Under normal circumstances, a 0-0 draw played out at Tannadice Park, the home of Dundee United, would barely register on any football fan's radar.

But this time around, things were different.

At the start of this season, Celtic were on course to achieve a long-coveted goal: ten in a row. A decade of consecutive Premiership titles.

At the end of the season, however, they find themselves without the record, without a manager and without the goodwill of the fan base, who have been sorely tested in recent months.

In this episode, we ask: what has gone wrong with Celtic Football Club?

Guest:

Christian Wulff (@TheCynicWolf) talks and writes for The Cynic (@90MinuteCynic), a Celtic fan media outlet.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Individual Tracks:

Arbic Tallow - Lillehammer

Cicle Ariel - Cicle Kadde

Um Pepino - Orange Cat

Our Lament - Moon Juice

Babble Babble Brook - High Horse

Mood Unit - Kittyhawk

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Lives Ruined, Thousands Lost, An Inside Look at the Collapse of Football Index Mar 15, 2021

On the surface Football Index looked like a breakthrough in football betting. It was strewn across football shirts in the Championship and featured on the biggest radio stations and podcasts in the UK. But now, after 6 years, Football Index is going into administration. Was it a Ponzi Scheme? How could something like this happen? and what does it mean for the thousands of users who have been left high and dry? We explore those questions and more on Football Today. Guests: Dave (@index_dave), Football Index user. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Watercool Quiet’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘More Weather’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Jumbel’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Crumbtown’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Dowdy’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Friction Model’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Our Lament’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: Football Index, Football Index Guide podcast, Totally Football Show

Is the Red Bull Model the Future of Football? Mar 11, 2021

Despite a loss to Liverpool on Wednesday night, RB Leipzig is having a successful season. They're second in the Bundesliga and hot on the heels of Bayern Munich. However, Leipzig just the tip of the Red Bull multi-club model.

If you look around Europe other multi-club models are thriving. Both Manchester City and Troyes of City Football Group are leading their respective leagues. Barnsley is the hottest team in the Championship and would qualify for the playoffs if the season ended today.

Today we ask, is the Red Bull model the future of football?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Inter Milan, Suning and China's Exodus From European Football Mar 08, 2021

On the pitch, Inter Milan are first in the league and flying high. After 11 years of waiting, Inter are on the verge of winning Serie A and yet, things are far from rosy at the club… In recent months Inter have been unable to pay player wages and reports in Italy suggest their owners are looking to sell part or all of the club. Today we ask, why is Suning Group trying to sell Inter Milan? Guests: James Corbett (@james_corbett) is a financial reporter for OffthePitch.com Simon Chadwick (@Prof_Chadwick) is a Professor & Director of Eurasian Sport at Emlyon business school Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Gra Hovedvei’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Walking Shoes’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Highride’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Sunday Night Lights’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Trod Along’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Stucco Grey’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Wahre’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

How Are Bayern Munich's Links with Qatar Changing German Football? Mar 04, 2021

On the evening of February the 20th, Aktuelles SportStudio - the German version of Match of the Day - was just kicking off.

That weekend, Karl Heinz Rummenigge, the CEO of Bayern Munich, was a special guest on the programme.

Having covered a number of different topics, the conversation turned elsewhere…

When questioned about Bayern’s links with Qatar, Rummenigge prevaricated, talking about how Qatar was a "very young country with a different culture and different religion." At this point, the host interrupted: "Human rights abuses are not culture."

In this episode, we ask: What impact will Bayern’s sponsorship by Qatar Airways have on German football?

Guests:

Matt Ford (@matt_4d) is a freelance football journalist who covers German football and fan culture whose work can be found at DW Sports.

Alex Fischer (@alex_muc86) is a fan of Bayern Munich and a member of Club Nr 12 (@clubnr12), an independent association of Bayern fans.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Individual Tracks:

Cicle DR Valga - Cicle Kadde

Careless Morning - Glacier Quartet - Araby

Doghouse - Warmbody

Jenner - Cafe Nostro

Our Lament - Moon Juice

Dany PKL - Limoncello

Drone Pine - The Pine Barrens

Masonry - Union Hall

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Can Sporting Lisbon End Their Title Drought? Mar 01, 2021

So long in fact the last time they won it in 2002, Ronaldo was is their youth team, Lady Marmalade was the number 1 song worldwide and Star Wars Episode II was in theaters. But that might about to change in. Sporting are first in the league and after a draw against Porto on Saturday the club are 10 points ahead of their Portuguese rivals. Today we ask, can Sporting Lisbon end their title drought? Guest: Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) is the creator of Portugoal.net and is World Soccer Magazine's Portugal correspondent. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Andelo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Georgia Overdrive’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Astrisx’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Symphony 40 in G Minor’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘We Build With Rubber Bands’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Pelé Revisited Feb 25, 2021

Before 1958 Brazil had never won a World Cup. Within 12 years, Pele would lead the Seleção to three titles, cementing themselves as the most popular team in the world.

This is the backdrop for Netflix's newly released documentary about football superstar, Pelé. In today's episode, we analyze Pelé's impact on the Brazilian national team and how he was used for political purposes.

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Norwich City and the Infinite Game Feb 22, 2021

On July 11th Norwich City lost 4-0 to West Ham confirming the Canaries' relegation from the Premier League. But if you listened to Norwich's head coach Daniel Farke after the loss it was clear this outcome was inevitable and he didn't seem overly concerned. That's because both Farke and the club were prepared for the relegation. Just as they were also prepared to sell Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis in the summer. It is this forward-thinking that has Norwich atop the Championship table. Today we take a look at Norwich City and ask, what’s the purpose of a football club? Guest: Murad Ahmed (@muradahmed) is the sports editor of the Financial Times. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Ranch Hand’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Palms Down’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Tessalit’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lakeside Path’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Serie A and the Battle for Broadcasting Rights Feb 18, 2021

It’s been a tough year for the football industry…

Of course, it’s one thing to lose money through a lack of gate receipts. It’s another thing to lose money through lack of television revenue… But that is precisely what is happening around Europe.

We’ve seen broadcast rights deals drop in Germany and in France, and it’s now Italy’s turn to face the music.

In this episode, we ask: what’s going on with Serie A’s broadcast rights deal?

Guest:

David Hellier (@hellierd) covers football finance at Bloomberg.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Individual Tracks:

Plate Statis - Algea Fields

Rate Sheet - Union Hall

Median Point - Glass Obelisk

Cab Ride - Pacha Faro

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Will Dortmund Qualify for the Champions League? Feb 15, 2021

On Friday more than a billion people around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year and according to the Chinese calendar we are now in the year of the ox. In European football, we're currently 5 months into the year of the underdog. So far European giants like Juventus, Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid have all struggled in their domestic leagues. But no club has disappointed their fans more than Borussia Dortmund. Following a 2-2 draw against Hoffenheim on Saturday Dortmund sit in 6th place in the Bundesliga. With just 13 games to go the club is 6 points back of fourth-place and are in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League. Today we detail Dortmunds disappointing season and break down who will qualify for the final Champions League positions in Germany.

Guest:

Chris Williams (@chris78williams) is a Bundesliga journalist and DFL world feed co-commentator

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Idle Ways’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘The Consulate’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Step In Step Out’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Cloudline’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Greyleaf Willow’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: BT Sport, ESPN

Are Daniel Levy and Tottenham Losing Their Identity? Feb 11, 2021

When Daniel Levy and ENIC took over Tottenham was a mid-table team worth approximately £80 million. Now, 20 years later, Tottenham regularly qualifies for the Champions League and boasts the highest revenue of any club in London.

Daniel Levy has transformed the club on and off the pitch. Yet now Tottenham are struggling. The club sit in 8th place and have lost three of their last four games. But beyond the poor results on the pitch, could there be more structurally wrong with Daniel Levy and the club?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Great Great Lengths’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

How Luis Suarez and Atletico Madrid are Leading La Liga Feb 08, 2021

Atletico Madrid and Luis Suarez are on the hottest team and player in Spain. Atletico has won their last 7 games and Suarez has scored 9 goals in his last 8 games. Los Colchoneros now lead the league by 7 points and have games in hand.

Today we ask: how are Suarez and Atletico dominating La Liga?

Guest:

Andy West (@andywest01) is a sports writer and commentator. He regularly contributes to LaLigaTV, BBCSport, Sport360, and the EuroLeague. He is also the author of 'Lionel Messi and the Art of Living’.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Careless Morning’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Hard Boil’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Are We Loose Yet’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lobo Lobo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘A Certain Lightness’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: Canal+, ESPN

Whatever Happened to Martin Ødegaard? Feb 04, 2021

It’s April 2014… A 15-year-old is waiting nervously beside a football pitch in the Norwegian city of Drammen…

That day, aged 15 years and 118 days, Martin Ødegaard became the youngest footballer ever to play in Norway’s Tippeligaen.

It’s January 2021… A 22-year-old is waiting nervously beside a football pitch in the English city of London…

7 years have past and Martin Ødegaard has failed to live up to the early promise he offered.

Moving to Real Madrid and being loaned to clubs around Europe, he’s spending the rest of the season at Arsenal in a bid to kick-start his career.

In this episode, we ask: whatever happened to Martin Ødegaard?

Guests:

Mads Lochert (@studythetape) is a Norwegian football analyst

Om Arvind (@OmVAsports) is managing editor of the Managing Madrid channel and host of Las Blancas podcast

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Individual Tracks:

Svela Tal by LillehammerThoughtless by Warmbody Ultima Thule by Glacier Quartet - ArabyLoom by Textile CarambTrailrunner by ZanderMedian Point by Glass ObeliskMinutes by Pacha FaroPeacetime by TinyTiny Trio

How Bad is Barcelona's Financial Crisis? Feb 01, 2021

It was just six years ago that Barcelona was the envy of world football. But now, they’re in the midst of a financial crisis. Last week Spanish newspaper El Mundo revealed that the club had more than €1 billion in debts and then on Saturday night they reported that Messi will be paid more than €500 million over the last 4 seasons. Today we ask, how dire are Barcelona finances and what do they mean for the future of the club? Guest:

Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) is an editor of Football Espana and author of The Frying Pan of Spain: Sevilla v Real Betis - Spain's Hottest Football Rivalry

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘KeoKeo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Checkered Blue’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Rate Sheet’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Black Ballots’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Union Hall Melody’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Stretch of Lonely’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: UEFA, TalkFCB, Bloomberg

Can Sporting Lisbon End Their Title Drought? Feb 01, 2021

It's been a long time since Sporting Lisbon won the Portuguese league. So long in fact the last time they won it in 2002, Ronaldo was is their youth team, 'Lady Marmalade' was the number 1 song worldwide and Star Wars Episode 2 was in theaters.

But that might about to change in. Sporting is first in the league and after a draw against Porto on Saturday the club is 10 points ahead of their Portuguese rivals. Today we ask, can Sporting Lisbon end their title drought? Guest: Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) is the creator of Portugoal.net and is World Soccer Magazine's Portugal correspondent. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Andelo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Georgia Overdrive’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Astrisx’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Symphony 40 in G Minor’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘We Build With Rubber Bands’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Dissecting the New European Super League Proposal Jan 28, 2021

Last week The Times revealed new information regarding the formation of a potential European Super League starting in 2022-2023. But before it was released, FIFA, UEFA, and the 5 other regional federations united in the opposition to such a league.

Today we examine the latest proposal and ask, what does it mean for football?

Guest:

David Gass (@empiregass) is a freelance broadcaster who is a regular contributor to Extra Time Radio and A Football Podcast. He also regularly commentates on MLS, college soccer, and elsewhere.

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Manchester City Enters Data Arms Race With Liverpool Jan 25, 2021

The best two English teams in the last several years have been Liverpool and Manchester City. On the field and off it they are seen as the among best in the country. However, in one department Liverpool has recently had a distinct advantage. Due to the work of Ian Graham Liverpool are widely considered league leaders in their use of data science. But that might be about to change. It appears Manchester City is building a data science department to rival Liverpool's. Last week Training Ground Guru reported that Manchester City hired Laurie Shaw as their new Lead AI Scientist, their fourth data-driven hire within a year. Today we ask: can Manchester City overtake Liverpool in English football's data race? Guest: Paul Neilson (@pjneilson) is the Director of Performance at SkillCorner, which provides data services to the Football industry. He was formerly the Head of Performance Lab at Prozone. Simon Austin (@sport_simon) is the founder of Training Ground Guru, which is a website that reports on the teams behind the teams in professional football. He is also a co-host with Josh on the Training Ground Guru podcast. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Heather’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Suzy B’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Paramo Ocho’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Kalsted’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Cicle Vascule’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Gra Hovedvei’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Scalloped’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: ITV, ABC

SC Freiburg: The Bundesliga's Best Kept Secret? Jan 21, 2021

Earlier this month, all eyes were on the Bundesliga as fallen giants Schalke narrowly avoided matching the longest winless streak in league history…

But at the same time, there was another streak at stake that seemed to have gone below the radar…

Beating Koln 5-0, Christian Streich’s Freiburg had put up their longest winning run in Bundesliga history, putting the club well above the relegation spots and all but confirming another season in the German top division.

In this episode, we ask: who are SC Freiburg? And why are they so anonymous?

Guest:

Derek Rae (@RaeComm) is the commentator on EA’s FIFA video game and lead commentator for ESPN’s Bundesliga coverage and on the DFL world feed.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Illa Villardo by Cold Case

Lead Shroud by Wax Museum

Cabernet by Cafe Nostra

Waterbourne by Algea Fields

An Accumulation by CloudCover

Pastel de Nata by Orange Cat

Peacetime by TinyTiny Trio

La Liga: The Worst Offensive League in Europe's Big 5? Jan 18, 2021

In recent years, goals have been increasing England, Germany, and Italy. But in Spain, goals per game are decreasing dramatically. In fact, La Liga is averaging 2.41 goals per game which is the lowest of any big-5 European league since 2014/15.

Today we ask: why is La Liga the lowest scoring league in Europe’s big-5 leagues?

Guest:

Euan McTear (@emctear) is a Madrid based football journalist. He is also the author of Eibar the Brave. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Tessalit’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Curio’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Filing Away’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Hash Out’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Coulis Coulis’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: ESPN, Sky Sports

Schalke: (Almost) The Worst Streak in Bundesliga History Jan 14, 2021

On January 17th, 2020 Schalke beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0. It would take them another 356 days to get their next win in the Bundesliga, which they did by beating Hoffenheim 4-0. Had Schalke lost or drawn the game they would’ve tied a 55-year-old Bundesliga record held by Tasmania Berlin for the most consecutive winless games.

Today we ask, how did one of Germany’s biggest teams become historically bad? Guest: Jack Mangan(@JMMangan), Co-Host of SchalkeMerica. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Roadside Bunkhouse’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Dance of Felt’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Inamorata’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Tartaruga’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Heartland Flyer’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Line Exchange’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: BT Sport, Rabona TV, ITV

The Revival of John Stones Jan 11, 2021

There are some players in football that divide opinion. Players that are a lightning rod for attention. John Stones is one of those players and he always has been. This only intensified when he transferred from Everton to Manchester City for £47.5 million in 2016. At the time it was the second-highest fee for a defender. Yet, as the years progressed he seemed to stagnate. But this season has been different. Both the perception and play of Stones has changed. In his last 6 Premier League games, City have kept 5 clean sheets, ascending to 5th in the table. Today we ask, what’s changed for John Stones? Guest: David Mooney (@DavidMooney) is the host of the Blue Moon podcast and the ‘Why Always Us’ Podcast. He also contributes to BBC Radio 5 Live. Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Tapoco’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Plasticity’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Dialtone 11’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lakeside Path’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Setting Pace’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: Sky Sports, Tifo Football

Why an American Investment Firm is Buying Burnley Jan 07, 2021

In the present day, the idea of buying a football has become run-of-the-mill…

Over the last few years, we’ve seen American actors buying clubs, Russian oligarchs buying clubs, Chinese businessmen buying clubs, and Middle Eastern states buying clubs…

There may not be pots of gold to be made owning a football club, we are frequently told, but there is power to be wielded and kudos to be apportioned. Owning a football club can open doors to the highest echelons of modern society.

So why would an American investment firm think to take over a parochial football club in the North West?

In this episode, we ask: why are ALK Capital investing in Burnley Football Club?

Guest:

Andy Jones (@adjones_journo) covers Burnley for The Athletic

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

House of Grendel by Lemuel

At Our Best Alone by Holyoke

Mr Mole and Son by Love and Weasel

Closet Interlude by Union Hall

Calisson by Confectionary

Highway 430 by Truck Stop

Peacetime by TinyTiny Trio

Can Pochettino Take PSG to the Promised Land? Jan 04, 2021

Five months ago PSG almost won the Champions League... however, due to some poor finishing, PSG and their manager, Thomas Tuchel went home empty-handed.

Despite taking the Parisiens further in Europe than they’d ever been before Tuchel is now out of a job. To replace him, this past week PSG hired ex-Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Today we ask: why did PSG fire Tuchel and what does Pochettino’s hiring mean for the club. Guest: Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) is a football writer and broadcaster who contributes to The Times, Canal+ and The Totally Football Show.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Thumbscrew’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Donnalee’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Rambling’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘The Poplar Grove’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: BT Sport

The Return of Leon Bailey and Bayer Leverkusen Dec 21, 2020

From the outside this year looked like it was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Bayer Leverkusen. After losing star-player Kai Havertz and narrowly missing out on the Champions League, Leverkusen could have easily taken a step back. Instead, they’re flying high. Despite a 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich on Saturday, Leverkusen sit in 2nd place just 2 points behind Bayern as they head into Germany's winter break. Today we ask, why are Bayer Leverkusen even better than they were last season? Guest: Chris Williams (@chris78williams) is a Bundesliga journalist and DFL world feed co-commentator

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Thread of Cloud’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘McCarthy’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Soothe’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Pastel de Nata’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Santo Apure’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Guinea’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: BT Sport, Bundesliga, ESPN, Bein Sports

Do We Still Need the Ballon d'Or? Dec 17, 2020

Back in 1956, Gabriel Hanot - the chief football writer for the magazine France Football - asked colleagues from across Europe to vote for their player of the year.

By the time the numbers had been counted up, Blackpool’s Stanley Matthews had narrowly beaten Real Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stefano by three votes.

Fast forward 70 years and that award, the Ballon d’Or, is still celebrated year on year, voted for by journalists from around the world.

But with the Coronavirus pandemic raging on, the 2020 iteration of the Ballon d’Or has been cancelled.

Without the glitz and glamour of the awards ceremony to dazzle us, in this episode, we ask: do we still need the Ballon d’Or in 2020?

Guest:

Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) is a football journalist who can be found on Bleacher Report and the Ranks FC podcast.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Cicle Gerano by Cicle Kadde

Careless Morning by Glacier Quartet

The Green Room by Warmbody

Izeah by Moon Juice

Hickory Shed by Onesuch Village

Veins of Silver by Marble Run

Peacetime by TinyTiny Trio

Under Review: Football’s Relationship with Gambling Dec 14, 2020

In the 2002-2003 season, Fulham became the first team to be sponsored by a betting company (Betfair). Last season, half the Premier League had betting sponsors on the front of their shirts.

Gambling and football's relationship is as strong as ever.

However, change is on the horizon. Last week, the UK government's Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport began collecting evidence for its review on gambling laws.

Today we ask, what’s is football's relationship with gambling and what reform is necessary? Guest: Rob Davies (@ByRobDavies) is a Business Reporter for the Guardian where he covers gambling, alcohol, tobacco and secondary ticketing. Dr. Steve Sharman (@stevesharman81) is a Research Fellow for the National Addiction Centre and King's College London.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Gra Hovedvoi’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Trod Along’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Are We Loose Yet’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘True Blue Sky’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Capering’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘The Consulate’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: BT Sport, Sky Sports

Chris Sutton on Football's Battle with Dementia Dec 10, 2020

A recent study from the Mail on Sunday found almost half of the players from the 1965-66 season in England who’ve died since did so because of a neurodegenerative disease like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This year, the sheer scale of football’s dementia problem has slowly reared its head, with name after name of players from that era either passing away with dementia or revealing they’d been diagnosed with it.

In November, Bobby Charlton, one of the famous faces from that very World Cup-winning team, revealed he too had dementia. He lost his brother Jack in the summer, and teammate Nobby Stiles just weeks ago - both of which also had the disease.

Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton is now the face of Daily Mail campaign aiming to get the FA, and Players union the PFA, to put more effort into addressing the problem. His father Mike Sutton also has dementia and played in that same 1966 season as a midfielder for Norwich.

In this episode, we ask: What more can UK authorities do to tackle dementia in football?

Guest: Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) is a football pundit who appears on BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live - among many other places.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Wax Paper Jewel’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Felt Lining’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Waterbourne’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Why Injuries Are On The Rise Dec 07, 2020

It seems it’s almost impossible to watch and discuss a game without talking about the injury status of both teams. Players are dropping like flies. While injury statistics are hard to track according to the website PremierInjuries.com, injuries in the Premier League are up by more than 20% compared to last season. Today we ask, why are injuries on the rise and how are clubs coping with them? Guest: Dave Carolan (@davecarolan) is a Performance Coach for Millwall FC and has previously worked at Stoke City, Derby and Birmingham City.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Our Digital Compass’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Waypost’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Walking Shoes’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Boston Landing’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Thumbscrew’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: BT Sport, Sky Sports

Why Have FIFA Suspended Ahmad Ahmad? Dec 03, 2020

When Gianni Infantino ran for FIFA President in 2016, he ran on an anti-corruption ticket.

Looking to succeed Sepp Blatter, this approach was hardly surprising. The problem is… the claims of corruption just haven’t gone away.

The most recent FIFA representative under scrutiny is the President of the Confederation of African Football, Ahmad Ahmad, who, earlier this month, was suspended for 5 years by FIFA.

In this episode, we ask: Why has Ahmad Ahmad been suspended by FIFA? And why doesn’t the corruption go away?

Guest:

Philippe Auclair (@PhilippeAuclair) is the England Correspondent for France Football.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Our Only Lark by Bitters

Parissi by Marisala

Periodicals by Albany, NY

The Green Room by Warmbody

Peacetime by TinyTiny Trio

Wrexham AFC: The Gang Buy a Football Club Nov 30, 2020

Sometimes in football you get a moment or a story that seems like it was taken out of a Hollywood script. With Ryan Reynolds' and Rob McElhenny's recent takeover of Wrexham, the roles are being reversed. Now, Hollywood is ready to call the shots in football. Today we ask, why are Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElneny really buying Wrexham?

Guest:

Will Magee (@W_F_Magee) is a freelance journalist who has worked for Vice, the Mirror, and the i newspaper. For more information on Wrexham’s takeover, I recommend his recent article for Vice.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Via Verre’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Copley Beat’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Donder’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Vernouillet’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips Used: The Colbert Show, The Emirates FA Cup, Wrexham AFC Twitter, Sky Sports, NBCSN

Will Mediapro's Row with Ligue 1 Change the Future of Broadcasting Rights? Nov 26, 2020

Ligue 1, France’s top footballing division, is widely considered to be the worst of the top five leagues in Europe. The league’s management, though, have been working hard to change this.

One avenue open to leagues looking to improve their profile is increasing their broadcast revenue. In 2018, Ligue 1 did this by moving from Canal+ to Mediapro as the leading rights holder for the league.

In October, though, Mediapro failed to produce a scheduled 172 million Euro payment to the league, throwing French football into turmoil.

In this episode, we ask: what impact will Mediapro’s row with Ligue 1 have on the broadcast rights market?

Guest:

Murad Ahmed (@muradahmed) is the sports editor of the Financial Times.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Nesting by Origami

Cabernet by Cafe Nostro

Drizzle by Cafe Nostro

Min by Sketchbook 2

Highride Chrome by Truck Stop

Relay 7 by Marble Run

Unpacking the Premier League's Proposal for Post-Brexit Transfers Nov 23, 2020

Last year, on October first, the UK’s Home Secretary, Priti Patel, addressed hundreds of Tories at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, but she might as well have been standing in the halfway circle addressing thousands at Old Trafford, Anfield or Stamford Bridge.

Fast forward to this month and English football has its own immigration point-based system. Due to Brexit, freedom of movement with European players has officially ended.

As a result, the Football Association and the Premier League have been forced to agree on new rules regarding non-homegrown players. It is one of the biggest reforms to the English transfer system in years.

Today we break down the new points system and ask, what does it mean for English football?

Guests:

Mike Keegan (@mikekeegan_DM) is a Sports News Correspondent for the Daily Mail and is the Editor of the Sports Agenda column.

Tim Wigmore (@TimWigmore) is a sports journalist for The Telegraph and author of the recent book, The Best: How Elite Athletes are Made

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Andelo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Ultima Thule’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Sayera’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Even Dreams of Beaches’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Colrain’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘We Build with Rubber Bands’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Periodicals’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Wesley Fofana: The French Teenager Saving Leicester's Defence Nov 19, 2020

When the most recent Premier League season kicked off, Leicester City fans could have been forgiven for being worried about their defence.

Little did they know it was going to get worse before it got better.

But rather than slipping away, Leicester now find themselves top of the table eight games into the season. And many of the accolades have gone to one man…

In this episode, we ask: who is Wesley Fofana? And how important is he for Leicester City?

Guest:

Rob Tanner (@RobTannerLCFC) covers Leicester City for The Athletic.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

The Summit by K2

Junca by Orange Cat

Highway 94 by Truck Stop

Cases to Rest by Bodytonic

Cicle Veroni by Cicle Kadde

Wahre by Cloud Harbour

Peacetime by TinyTiny Trio

Why Brazilian Fans Are Falling Out Love With Their National Team Nov 16, 2020

If you go back to the mid-2000s which was the coolest football team in the world?

Was it Mourinho's Chelsea? Maybe Fergie's United or Madrid's Galacticos? Or possibly Ancelotti's Milan?

For me and millions others, there was only one answer…. It was the Brazilian national team Brazil had it all. It had the Nike 'Joga Bonito’ commercials, it had the likes of Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo, it had the step overs, and of course, it had the classic yellow shirts.

It was mesmerizing and millions around the world agreed. Within a decade the Brazilian national team would be touring the world entertaining fans from Switzerland to Singapore.

But all good things in life come at a cost.

Today, we ask: Are Brazilian fans falling out love with their national team?

Guests:

Joshua Law (@JoshuaMLaw) is a freelance writer and was previously an editor of Yellow and Green football, which focuses on Brazilian football.

Steve Menary (@MenarySteve) is a freelance journalist and contributes to World Soccer and When Saturday Comes.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘The Summit’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Copper Halls’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Three Stories’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Castor Wheel Pivot’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Rose Ornamental’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Solemn Application’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips used: Nike, Fox Sports, FIFA, ESPN Classic

Do We Still Need International Football in 2020? Nov 12, 2020

In 1872, two football teams met together at Hamilton Crescent in Partick to play a football match.

In the end, neither England nor Scotland would do enough to win the game which ended in a 0-0 draw. But international football had been born.

Nearly 150 years later, international football continues to take place. But football has changed irrevocably.

In that time, the domestic game has outstripped its international counterpart and many fans consider international football an annoyance to be endured rather than the pinnacle of the sport.

In this episode, we ask: do we still need international football in 2020?

Guests:

Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) is a Sports Writer at The Guardian.

Grant Jendo (@odneJ) is a Scotland fan and has written for World Football Index (@WorldFootballi).

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Topslides by Blue Dot Sessions

Drizzle by Blue Dot Sessions

Cab Ride by Blue Dot Sessions

Nesting by Blue Dot Sessions

Lost Shoe by Blue Dot Sessions

Walking Shoes by Blue Dot Sessions

Why Real Sociedad's Success Shouldn't Surprise You Nov 09, 2020

If you look around Europe you'll see some unlikely clubs leading their domestic leagues. Leicester City sits atop the Premier League, AC Milan leads Serie A, but maybe the biggest surprise is in Spain…

Through 9 rounds, Real Sociedad are in pole position in La Liga. The club boasts the most prolific offense and the league's top goalscorer.

Today we analyze La Real's start and ask: what makes this Real Sociedad team so special?

Guest:

Alexandra Jonson (@AlexandraJonson) is a freelance journalist and covers Spanish football.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘The Summit’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Copper Halls’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Three Stories’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Castor Wheel Pivot’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Rose Ornamental’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Solemn Application’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips used: Premier Sports, Eleven Sports, Bein Sports, ESPN, Sky Sports, La Liga

When Football Disappeared From Argentina Nov 05, 2020

Today, England began its second national lockdown. Meanwhile, 7,000 miles away, Argentina entered it's 231st straight day in lockdown or partial lockdown, the longest streak in the world.

Unlike Britons, Argentinians haven't had domestic football as an escape from the mundane. So what happens, when you cross a football-mad country, with a 7-month lockdown and no football?

Today we ask, what happened when football disappeared from Argentina?

Guest:

Daniel Edwards is a writer for Goal and the Buenos Aires Times.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Valantis’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Tuck and Point’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Algea Trio’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Steadfast’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Rodney Skopes’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips used: Al Jeezera, Roja Directa, Copa90, Ultras Avanti

Do Elite Players Make Elite Managers? Nov 02, 2020

One year ago, Andrea Pirlo was just beginning his UEFA Pro License course, at Italy's famed coaching school, Coverciano. Now one year later he's learning on the job in the Champions League and Serie A.

In the last 2+ years, we've seen Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all signed by big clubs despite having limited prior success or experience.

Today we ask: do elite players make elite managers?

Guest:

Alex Stewart (@AFHStewart) is a Senior Content Strategist for The Athletic and covers tactics for Tifo Football (@TifoFootball_).

Les Ferdinand is the Director of Football for QPR and was an elite player for Tottenham, QPR and Newcastle amongst others…

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘JoDon’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘La Inglesa’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Gullwing Sailor’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Fifteen Street’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Milkwood’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Step in Step Out’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lobo Lobo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Clips used: BT Sport, Totally Football Show, ESPN, Juventus

Who is Roberto De Zerbi? Oct 29, 2020

Three seasons ago, Benevento were in trouble in Serie A. 14 games into the season, they had 14 losses to their name.

But then, the most unlikely thing happened... A 2-2 draw with Rino Gatusso’s Milan stopped the rot and gave Benevento a chance of turning things around.

In the end, it wasn’t to be, but their manager that day, Roberto De Zerbi, had done enough to impress another club, Sassuolo, and, when Benevento eventually went down, De Zerbi made the move North.

Since then, De Zerbi has impressed and his Sassuolo currently find themselves third in the Serie A table.

In this episode, we ask: who is Roberto De Zerbi? And how good are his Sassuolo side?

Guest:

Nicki Bandini (@NickyBandini) is a sports writer and broadcaster specialising in European football and she appears regularly in the Guardian, ESPN, Talksport and elsewhere.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Neon Drip - RadioPink

Mood Unit - Kittyhawk

Closet Interlude - Union Hall

Deixa - Orange Cat

Pastel de Nata - Orange Cat

The Provisions - K4

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: The State of Football in 2020 Oct 26, 2020

If you were in a coma for the last month, you might be waking up today, wondering what in the world has happened to football.

On the pitch, Everton is top of table, Aston Villa is in the top four and both Manchester clubs are in the bottom half of the table.

Off the pitch, Premier League games are being played on PPV, people are talking about something called Project Big Picture, there are suggestions of B-teams in the lower leagues, hundred-year-old clubs are on the brink of financial ruin and a European Super League is being discussed.

October has been one of the craziest months, in the craziest year, in recent history. But the year is nearly finished and 2020 has seen the game transformed in unimaginable ways.

Today, we zoom out and look at the wider trends in football and ask: what is the state of football in 2020?

Guest:

David Goldblatt(@Davidsgoldblatt) is an author, journalist, historian, and academic. His latest book is The Age of Football: The Global Game in the 21st Century.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘More Weather’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘The Records’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Dialtone 11’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Tanguedo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Wisteria’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Would an Ultras Culture Benefit English Football? Oct 22, 2020

I don’t know about you but I’m finding it harder and harder to be a football fan.

It’s not that I’m not enjoying the standard of football - the quality of the elite game has probably never been better across the top European divisions.

It’s just that I feel increasingly disconnected from the whole charade.

Every year, elite football feels more oriented around the spectacular: it is a show that I am invited to view from a distance but one in which I am less and less able to take part.

I want to feel like a fan again. I want to be part of a community. I want to feel like I belong.

In this episode, I tried to get to the heart of the question: does English football need a more active fan culture?

Guests:

Stevie Green (@StevieGreenXI) is a writer, editor and podcaster, and a member of Clapton Community Football Club.

Mark Doidge (@markdoidge) is a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Brighton focuses on the sociology of European football fan cultures. He is also a fan of Whitehawk FC.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Slate Tracker - Glacier Quartet - Araby

Willow Belle - Little Rock

Easement - The Bulwark

JoDon - Orange Cat

Rapids - Grey River

Setting Pace - Duck Lake

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Women in Football: Are Conditions Improving? Oct 19, 2020

On Saturday in Manchester City's game against Arsenal Sergio Aguero grabbed a lineswoman's neck. Some people on Twitter criticized his actions as sexist.

Often these moments aren't captured on camera in front of millions. More commonly gender discrimination happens in offices, training grounds and board rooms.

How common is gender discrimination in football? How supported are women who suffer from abuse or harassment?

Today, we analyze Women in Football's landmark survey and ask: what are working conditions like for women in football?

Guest:

Ebru Köksal (@ebrukoksal1) Chair, Women in Football. You can read more about their landmark survey here.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Lick Stick’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘A Certain Lightness’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘The Face of the Thrush’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Capering’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lobo Lobo’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Will B-Teams Fix English Football? Oct 15, 2020

Back in April, Bayern Munich were playing a game and losing…

If that weren’t already remarkable enough, that 1-0 loss to Kaiserslautern was actually enough to see them win the league title.

As you might have guessed, this was not Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich, but Sebastien Hoeness’ Bayern Munich Zwei - Bayern’s B-Team.

But having won the Dritte Liga, Bayern Zwei had got as high as they could go. Even Bayern’s reserves had become uncompetitive.

Over in England, the debate over B-Teams rages on.

With coronavirus pushing the pyramid to the limit, solutions to the problem of English football are rife. The call for B-Teams is back.

In this episode, we ask: are B-Teams really the solution to English football’s problems?

Guests:

James Cave (@jaycave14) is the co-founder of Against League 3 (@AgainstLeague3) a media channel that raises awareness on lower league issues.

Matt Ford (@matt_4d) is a freelance journalist who covers German football and fan culture for DW Sports and others.

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Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Sunday Lights - Onesuch Village

Gullwing Sailor - Migration

Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker

Vik Fence Haflak - The Fence

Paving Stones - The Contessa

Boston Landing - Skittle

Relay 7 - Marble Run

Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Are Clubs Investing Too Much Money in 'Wunderkids'? Oct 12, 2020

For much of the summer headlines in England were dominated by Chelsea deals and Manchester United speculation. But if you looked under the surface a trend was picking up with pace; clubs were paying more for younger players than ever before.

On today's episode we ask: are clubs investing too much money in 'wunderkids'?

Guest:

Omar Chaudhuri (@omarchaudhuri) is the Chief Intelligence Officer at the consulting firm, 21st club.

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Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Paper Feather’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Bundt’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Marquetry’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Vernouillet’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Is There a Revolution Taking Place in US Soccer? Oct 08, 2020

On Sunday, Sergino Dest made his debut for Barcelona, making him the first American to play for the club in a competitive fixture.

He’s not the only young American thriving at an elite club in Europe. So’s Christian Pulisic…

Weston McKennie…

Gio Reyna…

In fact, there have never been more Americans playing the sport at the highest level.

In this episode, we ask: is there a revolution taking place within US soccer?

Guest:

Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) is a NYT Best Selling Author and host of the Futbol with Grant Wahl podcast.

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https://sports.yahoo.com/handball-rule-soccer-football-fix-tottenham-newcastle-ifab-165144057.html?src=rss

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Pxl Cray - The Fence

Dirty Wallpaper - Lemuel

Lumber Down - Barstool

Children of Lemuel - Lemuel

Delicious - Towboat Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio

Has the Original Intent of the Penalty Kick Been Lost? Oct 05, 2020

Last week it seemed like every football conversation was about the new enforcement of the handball rule. But football games weren't always dominated by penalty decisions. In fact, there was a time before penalty kicks even existed.

Today we revisit the origin of the penalty kick and ask: has the original intent been lost?

Guests:

Stephen McManus is the Secretary of the Milford Building Preservation Trust.

Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) is a Features Writer for Yahoo Sports

Additional Reading:

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Stucco Blue’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Tessalit’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Li Fonte’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Guinea’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Thumbscrew’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Scalloped’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Supporting the Pyramid: Does England's Elite Football Need its Base? Oct 01, 2020

As the coronavirus continues to roil its way across the world, causing devastation in its wake, there is no area that is not affected.

Football is no different.

But to talk about an amorphous entity “Football” is one thing. The reality is quite different.

In English football, we like to talk about the football pyramid - a metaphor which conjures up the idea of a communal egalitarianism, a base springing from the grassroots and lofting its way all the way up to the Premier League.

With lower league football rocking on its heels, we ask: is there really such a thing as the football pyramid? And what does the top have to do with the bottom?

Guests:

Michael Calvin (@CalvinBook) is a best-selling author whose books include The Nowhere Men, Living On The Volcano, No Hunger In Paradise and State of Play. He also hosts BT Sports Football Writers Podcast.

Ollie Bayliss (@Ollie_Bayliss) is a Journalist, Football Commentator and Presenter of The Non-League Show on BBC Three Counties Radio.

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Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Periodicals by Albany, NY

Felt Lining by The Cabinetmaker

The Trestle by Lillehammer

Four and Fourteen by Holyoke

Mineral Still by Cholate

Ultima Thule by Glacier Quartet - Araby

Tariq Lamptey & The Rise of the Right-back Sep 28, 2020

Fullback used to be an unfashionable position but now some of the Premier League's best players play right-back.

Tariq Lamptey has terrorized defenses to start the season and has drawing penalties and praise all around England.

Today we profile Brighton's breakout star and explain why we're seeing better right-backs than ever before.

Guests:

Andy Naylor (@AndyNaylorBHAFC) covers Brighton and Hove Albion for The Athletic and that is where you can read his recent profile on Tariq Lamptey.

Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) is a freelance journalist whose work can be found in the i paper, BBC Sport and the Totally Football Show amongst others

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Desmontes’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Cirrus’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Cash Cow’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Highway 430’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Slow Rollout’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Setting Pace’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Tottenham Hotspur: All? Nothing? Or Somewhere in Between? Sep 24, 2020

In 1972, Hunter Davies released a book that documented his experiences spending a whole season behind the scenes with Bill Nicholson’s Spurs.

Davies's book - The Glory Game - offers an eye-opening account of football in the 70s with a level of intimacy that gave the book a real edge as a piece of football history.

Nearly 50 years later, global mega-company Amazon are offering a comparative experience. But where Hunter Davies went in armed with a notepad and pencil, Amazon takes us behind-the-scenes with video cameras and microphones.

In this episode, we ask: what did we learn from All or Nothing, Amazon’s television docu-series about Spurs?

Guests:

Jack Pitt-Brook (@JackPittBrooke) covers Tottenham and England for the Athletic and hosts the View from the Lane podcast.

Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) is the host of the Extra Inch podcast 15 Minutes (With Flav And Windy) a podcast in which Flav and Windy devote 15 minutes to a random topic.

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Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

Cicle Clavis Textile - Cicle Kadde

Waterbourne - Algae Fields

Three Stories - Skittle

Entrance Shaft 11 - The Depot

Topslides - The Cabinetmaker

Scalloped - Crab Shack

Can Marseille Mount a Ligue 1 Title Challenge? Sep 21, 2020

Last Sunday, scenes became ugly in France's biggest game, Marseille vs PSG. There were kicks and punches thrown and allegations of racism, homophobia, and spitting. But when the dust settled, Marseille was the 1-0 victor.

It was the first time Marseille had beaten PSG in the League for 9 years. With two losses to open the season PSG's position at the top of French football now looks vulnerable.

Today we ask, can Marseille mount a Ligue 1 title challenge?

Guest:

Eric Devin (@ericdevin_) is a French football expert and works as a Chief Features Writer for Get French Football News as well as the Guardian and WhoScored.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Vik Fence Haflak’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Three Stories’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Valantis’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Cab Ride’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

A Little Bit of Portugal in England: Jorge Mendes and Wolves Sep 17, 2020

A little over four years ago Wolves were an average team in the Championship. Now they're competing with the top teams in the country. One of the primary reasons for their success has been their recruitment of Portuguese players. In the current transfer window they've recruited two top talents from FC Porto; Fabio Silva and Vitinha.

Today, we analyze their recent signings and look at the growing influence of superagents and networks in football.

Guests:

Joe Edwards (@JoeEdwards_Star) covers Wolves for the Express and Star and is a co-host of the E&S Wolves Podcast.

Dr.Paul Widdop (@Fire_and_Skill) is an Associate Professor of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University and is the Chair of the Football Collective.

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘Tiny Putty’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Filing Away’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Fiesty and Tacky’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Clay Pawn Shop’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Did Leeds United Get the Kiko Casilla Incident Wrong? Sep 14, 2020

At the end of September last year, Leeds United visited the Valley to play Charlton in the EFL Championship.

In the end, it was an unremarkable enough game, despite the eventual Champions losing to newly promoted Charlton.

But after the game, it soon became apparent that something more sinister had happened on the pitch.

After a long investigation by the FA, Kiko Casilla was eventually found guilty of a charge of racist abuse and received an 8 match ban and a 60,000 pound fine.

Leeds United, though, stuck by their player.

In this episode, we ask: did Leeds United get things wrong in their response to the Kiko Casilla incident?

Guest:

Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) covers Leeds United for the Athletic

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘A Simple Shroud - Ray Catcher’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Taoudella - Azalai’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Well Water - The Bulwark’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Periodicals - Albany, NY’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Peacetime - TinyTiny Trio’ by Blue Dot Sessions

Will James Rodriguez Be a Success at Everton? Sep 10, 2020

For most of us, James Rodriguez burst onto the scene during the 2014 World Cup. But since then, the Colombian playmaker has not really reached the ceiling that many expected he could reach…

This week, though, James took a new step in his career, joining Everton in time for the beginning of a new Premier League season.

In this episode, we ask: how will James Rodriguez fit in at Everton?

Guest:

Alex Stewart (@AFHStewart) is Senior Content Strategist for The Athletic and covers tactics for Tifo Football (@TifoFootball_).

Alex recently published a piece at The Athletic titled: "What makes James Rodriguez an elite player – and where he will fit at Everton"

Support Us:

Music:

The music for this episode was provided under the Creative Commons license by Blue Dot Sessions.

‘House of Grendel - Lemuel’ from Blue Dot Sessions

‘Minutes - Pacha Faro’ from Blue Dot Sessions

‘Kalsted - Lillehammer’ from Blue Dot Sessions

‘Paramo Ocho - El Baul’ from Blue Dot Sessions

‘Lakkalia - Banana Cream’ from Blue Dot Sessions

Replacing a Superstar in 2020 Sep 08, 2020

Welcome to a bonus episode of Football Today. On yesterday's episode, we made the case for why Barcelona should sell Lionel Messi. Today we step back and take a look at the role of star players more generally in the transfer window. How important are they and how easy are they to replace?

Guest:

Omar Chaudhuri (@OmarChaudhuri) is the Chief Intelligence Officer at 21st Club and 15th Club.

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