The Total Football Podcast: Recent Episodes
Total Football Pod
Each Monday our enthusiastic team get together to review the weekend's football action, preview upcoming fixtures & have in-depth discussions on the big issues affecting the beautiful game.
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Mbappe announces his future, Man City win the title and we hand out the first of our end of season awards…
Part 1
Before we get into the ins and outs of the final day of Premier League action, let’s discuss the giant Kylian Mbappe shaped elephant in the room…
Part 2 (08:36)
Man City came from behind to win 3-2 over Aston Villa, which rendered Liverpool’s 3-1 comeback win a moot point as Pep Guardiola’s side clinched another Premier League crown.
Burnley lost to Newcastle United, which meant that Leeds United’s win over Brentford secured their place in the division for another season.
Finally, let’s look back at our pre-season predictions which we haven’t checked since the day they were made…
Part 3 (39:51)
Listeners may remember that last year we ended the campaign with our inaugural awards ceremony. Well, it’s time for the second edition of Total Football’s end of season awards. The first two categories for today will be Best Manager and Best Surprise…
Part 4 (1:28:26)
There is only one more game left to preview but it’s kind of a big one. Real Madrid and Liverpool meet in Paris, who comes away crowned as the champion of Europe?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Liverpool completed the domestic cup double, but can they go on to seal the quadruple? Plus, we take a look at Manchester United’s squad ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first week on the job!
Part 1 (00:43)
The Champions League reforms were confirmed midweek, with a slight change to what was initially proposed but all-in-all we are sticking with the 36-team Swiss model. How we feeling?
Part 2 (10:19)
Liverpool won 6-5 on penalties in the FA Cup final against Chelsea to complete a domestic cup double. Bizarre sense of deja vu throughout the game.
Man City dropped two points in the title race with a 2-2 draw at West Ham, but still hold their destiny in their own hands going into the final game of the season.
Everton suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brentford, with Lampard’s side also going down to 9-men in the game. The Toffees face a big week ahead, with 2 games and two chances to earn their survival against Leeds United or Burnley
Milan took a huge step towards the Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Atalanta. They only need one point from their final game to clinch a first championship since 2011.
Part 3 (28:13)
Erik ten Hag has resigned from his role at Ajax six weeks early to start work as Manchester United manager this week. It’s stating the obvious to suggest he will have a lot to do this summer to begin turning things around at Old Trafford. Let’s give him a helping hand by taking a look at the club and what their priorities should be this summer…
Part 4 (1:04:31)
It’s the final week of the Premier League, so it all comes down to this. The title, top four and the final relegation place are still all to be decided…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
We make our return and there is plenty of football to be discussed! Let’s get into it, shall we…
Part 1 (00:43)
Jose Mourinho was seen crying following Roma’s qualification for the Europa Conference League. In many ways it was touching, but what would the man of 10-years ago say about such a moment?
Part 2 (05:33)
Man City now lead Liverpool by three points in the title race after the Reds drew 1-1 at Anfield, is that our champions crowned?
Erling Haaland has agreed a move to Man City, according to David Ornstein and now Fabrizio Romano…
West Ham’s European journey came to an end on Thursday as they lost to Frankfurt, who will play Rangers in the final…
Bournemouth and Fulham earned promotion to the Premier League, are we ready for them to return so soon?
Part 3 (37:14)
In the time since we last spoke both legs of the Champions League semi finals took place and boy did a lot happen! We have our finalists, Real Madrid will face Liverpool in Paris later this month in a 2018 rematch. What did we make of their route there and who is the current favourite?
Part 4 (57:55)
There’s a whole lot of Premier League action this week, but the biggest game of all is surely the North London Derby between Tottenham and Arsenal. Who have we got winning this crucial top 4 race clash?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It’s Champions League semi finals week! Plus Erik ten Hag to Man United is confirmed, and are Everton going down?
Part 1
NBC showed a particularly ruthless graphic ahead of the Merseyside Derby comparing the net spend of both clubs over the last five years. It wasn’t pretty reading for Everton fans…
Part 2 (04:57)
Liverpool kept pace with Man City with a 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
Are Everton going down?
Arsenal had a good week, gaining a strong position in the top 4 race and surely seeing off Man United as a threat with their 3-1 win at the Emirates on Saturday
Bayern won a 10th Bundesliga title in a row this weekend, beating Dortmund 3-1
Part 3 (28:22)
Man United formally announced Erik ten Hag as their new manager on Thursday afternoon. We figured this day would come, but now it’s here. Is the Ajax boss the man that United need, or can any manager fix this broken club?
ESPN report mentioned on the pod can be found here.
Part 4 (50:35)
Champions League semi-finals this week! Who have we got in these first legs?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
There’s a lot to discuss this week, with Dyche leaving Burnley, Champions League semi finals coming up and a commentator gaff to make us laugh
Part 1 (00:50)
It’s bad enough that Watford are struggling, even missing gaping chances at crucial moments in their season, but for the commentator to mock their misfortune does seem a bit harsh…
Part 2 (03:50)
Liverpool saw off Man City in the FA Cup semi-final, winning 3-2 despite a spirited comeback
They will face Chelsea in the final, who cruised past Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday.
It was a weird afternoon at Old Trafford, but Man United were the winners of the top 4 race this weekend, with Arsenal and Spurs both losing.
Unbelievably, Sean Dyche has been sacked as Burnley manager after 10 years in charge of the club with the Clarets on the brink of relegation. Many were stunned, but was this the right decision?
West Ham made light work of Lyon in the Europa League but it won’t be Barcelona in the semi-finals…
Part 3 (24:17)
We’ve whittled it all down to four. There’s Manchester City, there’s Real Madrid, there’s Liverpool and there’s… Villarreal? What did we make of the quarter finals, what were the big talking points, and who will be in the final in Paris?
Part 4 (45:35)
Another big week of action ahead of us…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It’s the Manchester City vs. Liverpool show this week, but we still have time to turn our attention to the big news stories elsewhere in the Premier League.
Part 1 (00:42)
Cristiano Ronaldo smashed a fan’s phone following Man United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton. But don’t worry, he’s said sorry and he’s even offered the fan a ticket to a United game so all is surely forgiven!
Part 2 (03:45)
United’s top 4 hopes now look all but over, but it does look like Erik ten Hag is who the club wants to appoint next as manager
Arsenal’s top 4 hopes also took a significant beating this week, first losing 3-0 to Palace and then 2-1 at home to mighty Brighton
Meanwhile, Spurs are flying under Conte
Sean Dyche tried some mind games in the aftermath of their 3-2 win over Everton but it now looks like Burnley are going down.
Chelsea’s Champions League chances look quite bad following a 3-1 loss at home to Real Madrid, but what about Benzema’s hat trick?
Part 3 (29:39)
So we’ve had the big match and now the terms of our title race have been set. Manchester City lead Liverpool by one point with just seven games remaining. There’s been a lot of talk about best rivalry this week, but the next few weeks could define the battle between these two clubs. Where do we stand on their chances following Sunday’s 2-2 draw…
Part 4 (48:02)
It’s a big week away from the Premier League for our title protagonists as City and Liverpool face in the FA Cup semi final, but first they meet Atletico Madrid and Benfica on Wednesday night in the Champions League…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
There’s a whole lot happening in the football world this week, and we are here for you to discuss all the important action!
Part 1 (00:42)
One saving grace of even the worst international breaks is that we are spared two whole weeks of BT sports’ coverage. A blissful period without having to hear from Peter Walton…
Part 2 (02:35)
Chelsea lost 4-1 to Brentford, immediately showing how much of a sham the predictions game is
Man United lost ground in the top four race in a dismal match, really is just a grim time over at Old Trafford these days
Everton lost to West Ham, as Lampard continues to struggle with the character of his team
Derby D’Italia went Inter Milan’s way due to a crazy sequence that led to Hakan scoring a retaken penalty, with it finishing 1-0. Title race there is a close run battle
Louis Van Gaal sadly announced he is suffering from severe prostate cancer, our sympathies go out to our favourite soundbite machine
Part 3 (28:54)
The World Cup draw took place on Friday, but how much excitement is there surrounding a tournament in Qatar, and how can FIFA justify this farce and what is there to say about the future of the World Cup?
Part 4 (51:22)
Huge week of football ahead, with the Champions League returning and some massive clashes in the Premier League. Let’s start midweek…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Let's take a look at who we think will qualify for the Champions League next season...
Part 1 (00:44)
It’s international break this week so there’s really only one place to start… Will Smith, ey?
Part 2 (03:19)
The big news is that Italy have been knocked out of the qualifying process in an incredible 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia. Roberto Mancini set to stay on as Italy manager…
Christian Eriksen scored with his first touch back in the Denmark side, as his amazing comeback story continues
Our old friend Louis Van Gaal has had a storming week, first calling out FIFA for the Qatar World Cup and today he has told us that he advised Erik ten Hag to turn down the Man United gig…
Part 3 (23:04)
The top leagues all return this week and there is still so much left to play for across Europe. This week we’re going to try our hand at some more predictions because we’re just so good at it. We’ve run through the games in the top 4 race in the Premier League to decide who we think will get that Champions League spot…
Part 4 (53:13)
It’s a full slate of Premier League games this weekend, there’s no one massive game but there are plenty that could spin a surprise…
We’ve also got the Derby D’Italia on Sunday between Inter Milan and Juve, Inter need a win here after a poor run of form…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Plenty to discuss this week as the FA Cup and Champions League progress to another round. Plus, we discuss the top 4 race going into the international break…
Part 1 (00:44)
The FA Cup semi final draw was made and it pits Liverpool vs. Man City in a huge clash. But I saw it mentioned that there are no trains to London in either city on the day of the match. Game at Old Trafford, anyone?
Part 2 (03:16)
Man City and Liverpool both progressed to the next stages of the Champions League but avoided each other in an otherwise exciting draw…
Man United won’t be there after they lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid
Arsenal’s top 4 hopes kept going relatively smoothly despite a 2-0 loss to Liverpool. Their 1-0 win over Villa puts them three points clear of Spurs while having a game in hand.
West Ham went through to the next round of the Europa League with an impressive 2-0 win over Sevilla. They came at the king and they did not miss…
Barcelona also went through, and topped off their week with a massive 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico
Part 3 (29:03)
This year, we’ve had teams like Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough all make deep runs in the FA Cup, knocking out big teams along the way. Yet we’ve still got the Premier League’s top 3 clubs fighting in the competition, we’ve had other fun stories through the rounds. Have rumours of the great tournament’s demise been greatly exaggerated?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It was a remarkable week both on and off the pitch this week so there is plenty to discuss on this edition of the podcast. And we predict it will be another seismic week of football ahead…
Part 1 (00:42)
This weekend saw the unusual schedule of the majority of games taking place at Sunday 2pm instead of the traditional Saturday 3pm. Have the Premier League accidentally stumbled into a way around the blackout rule in the future?
Part 2 (05:34)
It was a bad week for Spurs as they lost at Old Trafford while all of their other top 4 rivals won.
Real Madrid were the surprise winners in an otherwise routine week of Champions League action…
Roman Abramovich was listed on the UK sanction list last week, freezing all of his assets including Chelsea Football Club. The club were given special licence to continue operating, but it is now unclear what is next for the Stamford Bridge outfit…
Part 3 (44:18)
They were declared the winners of the transfer window, but PSG have failed to make it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Despite signing Donnarumma, Ramos, Hakimi, Wijnaldum and, obviously, Messi the team has gone backwards compared to the previous two seasons.
It now looks apparent that Kylian Mbappe will leave in the summer, Neymar is now 30 and Messi has clearly struggled since moving to Paris. What next for PSG?
Part 4 (55:44)
This week we find out the final members of the Champions League quarter finals, who have we got going through?
Elsewhere, it’s FA Cup action this weekend and there is also a selection of random Premier League games. Big week in the top 4 race as Arsenal and Spurs play catch up on games in hand.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
There was plenty of footballing action to discuss this week and plenty to look forward to as well. But in between we must reflect on the legacy of Roman Abramovich’s time in charge of Chelsea
Part 1 (00:42)
The moment of the weekend for many people came unexpectedly in the game between Brentford and Norwich City.
Brandon Williams’ face as it turned from anger to joy as he prepared to tussle with a Brentford player before quickly realising it was Christian Eriksen was quite a fun piece of levity
Part 2 (02:15)
In the title race, both Liverpool and Man City made light work of West Ham and Man United, showing the difference in quality between the best and the also-rans.
There’s a whole lot of contention at United, why can’t they just lose a game and everyone move on with their lives?
The defeat puts Arsenal in pole position for top 4. They can’t do it, can they?
Part 3 (22:36)
Roman Abramovich on Wednesday announced his intention to sell Chelsea following a 19-year stint as the owner of the club. What impact has he had on the sport and what does this decision mean for football going forward?
Part 4 (36:50)
We find out the first four entrants to the Champions League quarter finals this week, who have we got?
Man United v Spurs is the big PL game of the weekend, with Arsenal v Leicester City another big game in the top 4 race.
Liverpool are away to Brighton and City away to Palace, will there be a twist in the title race this week?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It was a difficult week in the world of football, this week we discuss FIFA’s response to it all and how the sport can do better
Part 1 (00:44)
We’ve had yet another goal extravaganza penalty shootout, with Kepa being the only of 22 players to miss one for yesterday’s League Cup final. Have we ruined penalties?
Part 2 (12:36)
We’ve got good news and bad news. Bad news first, Leeds United have parted ways with Marcelo Biela. Good news, Bielsa watch is back! Jesse Marsch is set to replace him.
Man United threw away their footing in the top four race, but they did get a 1-1 draw in Madrid, so a mixed week for them?
Christian Eriksen made his return to action following his health scare in the Summer with Brentford
Part 3 (35:31)
It’s obviously been a big week in real world news, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showcasing the triviality of football. But unfortunately, football has been impacted by this with FIFA being front and centre of it all…
Part 4 (58:38)
There’s midweek FA Cup action this week, which is strange.
This weekend also has a Manchester derby as the big game…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
There’s plenty to discuss in what was a hectic week of football action, but let’s set aside some time to wonder just how much Sean Dyche enjoys snow worms…
Part 1 (00:42)
At half time of the 3pm Saturday kick offs the only team who’d scored were Burnley. I’m not sure many people, at that moment, would’ve predicted how exciting the rest of the Premier League weekend was about to get…
Part 2 (07:09)
Do we have a title race on our hands? Liverpool overturned a 1-0 scoreline at home to Norwich and were rewarded later when Man City lost 3-2 at home to Spurs
That Spurs win helps their top 4 chase, but wins for Arsenal and Man United didn’t…
PSG beat Real Madrid midweek and then promptly lost 3-1 to Nantes at the weekend…
Part 3 (36:04)
We’ve had four Champions League first leg ties and this week we have four more. Aren’t we glad the premiere club competition is back? What do we expect from this week’s rounds of games?
Part 4 (50:38)
No big standout ties in the Premier League next week, but we do have a Carabao Cup final to look forward to as Liverpool face Chelsea…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
The Champions League is back at last! This week we discuss the away goals rule, the upcoming games, and we also take some time to look at the top 4 race in the Premier League…
Part 1 (00:42)
The big news story of the week boiled over on Sky Sport on Sunday afternoon when Graeme Souness tore apart Kurt Zouma ahead of West Ham’s clash with Leicester City.
Should Zouma be banned for a year, as Souness suggested, or is this story getting way overblown?
Part 2 (08:41)
The top 4 race continues to take many twists and turns. Arsenal’s 538 odds increased during the weekend… without playing! Do Wolves deserve to now be part of the conversation?
Part 3 (30:34)
There is nothing in club football as good as the Champions League knockout rounds. At least, that’s been the case for the last several years. But, without our glorious away goals, and this set of ties… will that still be the case this year?
Let’s look ahead to this week’s set of fixtures…
Part 4 (53:11)
Another full slate of Premier League games coming our way this weekend + Man United vs. Brighton on Tuesday…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It’s a January transfer window analysis extravaganza, as football starts to ramp up in a big way over the next few weeks…
Part 1 (00:42)
Before we get stuck in on our January transfer window hot takes, I have but one phrase for you, Andrew: Ireland Euro 2028…
Part 2 (03:41)
Let’s start by looking at the big English clubs. It was a surprisingly busy month overall, but some of the big clubs being active was especially shocking.
Liverpool’s rebuilding phase continues, while Tottenham just try to get bodies in the door.
Arsenal sold everybody, absolute fire sale at the Emirates, Man United let some players go too.
Chelsea, Man City didn’t get up to much.
Part 3 (30:53)
Then in the rest of England, and wider Europe, business was booming. Let’s start with Barcelona…
Part 4 (58:21)
There’s midweek Premier League action to look forward to this week, as the season ramps up in a big way over the next few weeks…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
We’ve chucked the news out the window to discuss the 30th anniversary of the Premier League. Instead, this week we’re going to take a trip down memory lane and create three distinct teams that match the first three decades of this era in English football…
Part 1 (00:42)
So, let’s start with 1992-2002. A lot of these titles were won by Manchester United, with Blackburn Rovers taking one in 1994/95, and Arsenal winning 1997/98 and 2001/02.
Part 2 (33:55)
Chelsea emerged in the next 10 years as title contenders, winning their first championship in 2004/05 and retaining in 2005/06. Man United continued to rack up winners’ medals, but it was the noisy neighbours Manchester City who rounded out this decade with the iconic Agueroooooooooo goal to seal their first Premier League win.
Part 3 (1:13:33)
The most recent decade has seen Man City maintain their place at the top, under Manuel Pellegrini and then Pep Guardiola. Chelsea and Liverpool have kept pace on and won three titles between them, too. However, Leicester City’s 2015/16 season is the one we all remember best…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
This week we wrap up all of the action in the Premier League as we worry about Everton, look at the top 4 race and wonder who will go down this season
Part 1 (00:43)
Late breaking news, Watford have sacked Claudio Ranieiri!... Anyway, let’s talk about real news…
We weren’t the only ones asking are Manchester City boring lately, and Pep Guardiola must have taken it to heart as City gave their “best performance of the season… by far,” according to their manager…
Part 2 (06:22)
Liverpool scraped a weird 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. Did they get a little lucky? They’ve gotten through the AFCON period with 2 wins out of 2 tho…
It wasn’t a great week for the top 4 hopefuls, as Spurs and West Ham both lost and Arsenal drew. United’s win over West Ham has them in fourth now
Everton are on the lookout for a new manager and none of the names popping up are really inspiring any hope, a week on from our dour discussion of their future…
Aston Villa keep winning under Steven Gerrard, but Brighton keep on drawing 1-1…
Part 3 (32:16)
We are at the stage of the season now where I think it’s safe to say we know who our relegation candidates are. Of Burnley, Watford, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Everton, who do we think will go down, and what do these teams say about the standard of this year’s division?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Man City all but wrapped up another Premier League title, but nobody seems to care. We discuss why we think that is on this week's episode...
Part 1 (00:44)
Is there a more aesthetically unpleasing match up in all of the Premier League as Manchester City-Chelsea at the Etihad at 1230 afternoon on BT? It’s simply terrible, and these things are all terribly important!
Part 2 (11:16)
Man City have won the league now, but does anyone really care?
Chelsea won’t be winning the league, and they were awful on Saturday
No North London Derby. Are Arsenal taking the piss or was it worthwhile postponing the game?
Part 3 (53:57)
After only six months, Everton have parted ways with Rafa Benitez. It was an appointment that didn’t inspire confidence from the start and now, off the back of 1 win in 13 games, the Spaniard is gone. Everton are 16th, being linked with the likes of Roberto Martinez, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, and seemingly with no direction on what to do next. What would you do next if you were in charge at the club?
Part 4 (1:12:56)
There’s some midweek games this week? Maybe?
Hopefully we get a full weekend this time around at least…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
This week we take a deep dive into some football business news, as well as look back on some of the chaotic results we saw this weekend. There’s also the January transfer getting weird!
Part 1 (00:43)
The Africa Cup of Nations started on Sunday afternoon. Cameroon, the hosts, won the opening game against Burkina Faso. They came from behind courtesy of two penalties to win 2-1. Are we ready for a month of madness?
Part 2 (07:21)
Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest. They’re the only side to knock Arsenal out in the Third Round, which they’ve now done twice!
Ed Woodward has given his end date at Man United for the beginning of February. What an era
Southampton changed ownership this week with Gao Jisheng selling to Sport Republic, worth 80% of the club for £100m. The key figure of the club will now be Rasmus Ankersen
Juventus beat Roma 4-3 in surely the game of the weekend…
Part 3 (51:27)
Newcastle lost at home to Cambridge United this weekend. However, they did also sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for around £12m. Philippe Coutinho also returned to the Premier League by signing for Aston Villa on loan deal for the rest of the season.
Are we set for a busy January or will this be as exciting as it gets?
Part 4 (1:06:55)
It’s a big week for Premier League fixtures, with Man City hosting Chelsea on Saturday afternoon and the North London Derby at White Hart Lane on Sunday!
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It’s a New Year, but it’s the same old football! This week we discuss the FA Cup, Arsenal, Barcelona and the Premier League title race
Part 1 (00:42)
We managed to make it on through to the other side of 2022! A lot has happened on the pitch since we last spoke, but before all that… How was your New Year’s Andrew?
Part 2 (01:25)
The threeway title race is over before it could even begin. Man City just keep on winning…
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Liverpool played out a very fun and frenetic 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last night
Off the pitch, Romelu Lukaku has created a bit of a mess at Chelsea…
Barcelona have signed Ferran Torres but seemingly can’t register him? Joan Laporta was defiant that Barcelona are back today, but this isn’t a good look!
Part 3 (36:03)
Arsenal have taken command of the top 4 battle, and, despite losing against Manchester City, they looked quite good up against the best team in the country. Is Mikel Arteta starting to click at Arsenal, has it all been part of the plan, or are they having a false dawn?
Part 4 (56:11)
There’s FA Cup Third Round action this weekend. Not many big games yet, so I’ve picked out West Ham vs. Leeds and Man United vs. Aston Villa.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
It’s become an annual Total Football pod tradition. It’s the end of a long 2021, a lot has happened — like… a lot! — and so it’s as good a time as any to look back on the ups, downs and in-betweens.
(00:42)
We had the rise and fall of the European Super League, Man City took back their Premier League crown, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard left their clubs, replaced by gegenpressing Germans.
Juventus’ reign as Italian champions ended, Atletico Madrid won their second league title under Simeone, Bayern continued to dominate, but Lille were France’s big underdog story.
Italy won a second European Championship, England lost again on penalties, Denmark were the people’s champions and France and Germany underwhelmed.
Signings came and went, Man United finally got their man, Jadon Sancho, but Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines. Lionel Messi left Barcelona, the end of an era.
Argentina won an international trophy for the first time in 30 years doing so in Brazil’s famous Maracana stadium, but then officers came to shut down the game upon their next visit to their old rivals.
This was all achieved in the midst of a global pandemic that surged its way through the globe. Trophies were won in empty grounds, but eventually fans returned.
What a year it’s been, 2021.
(06:00)
We started the year by making five predictions each, so let’s see who takes the crown as our local Nostradamus reporter, and who needs to find better leaf reading skills
(18:17)
And then we have the main event? What do we expect from football in 2022?
(1:08:10)
And finally let’s close out the show, and the year, with some fun quiz questions!
This week we discuss the few Premier League games that did go ahead, plus what to do about the festive fixture period?
Part 1 (00:43)
At a time when squads are being ravaged by the latest covid outbreak, with games called off across the English divisions, it is incredible that somehow Leeds United have no positive cases and yet still can barely pull a starting XI together…
Part 2 (08:14)
Arsenal are in the top 4, are they set to stay there?
Chelsea dropped more points at Wolves, as well as against Everton midweek. Is their title bid over already?
Liverpool drew 2-2 with Spurs on Sunday in one of the games of the season…
Inter Milan terminated their contract with Christian Eriksen, given Serie A rules mean he cannot play for them. He is currently training with his local club in Denmark
Part 3 (38:21)
It has been reported this evening that the Premier League is set to go full guns blazing into the festive fixture list. This is despite numerous games having already been postponed from the wave of Omicron sweeping the United Kingdom. This is an always-evolving story, but given how it’s played out so far, what have the clubs done well and what could they have done differently?
Part 4 (56:37)
We won’t be around with a regular show next week, so this will be our final preview of 2021 and there is a lot to look ahead to… or is there?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
We've got two Champions League Last 16 draws to discuss this week! Plus there's Barcelona's bad few days, the state of La Liga and what's going on with all these penalties?
Part 1 (00:43)
A Champions League draw going wrong is like watching the DVD logo finally hitting the corner of the screen. We waited and waited over the years and it was just as gloriously messy as we always hoped!
Part 2 (02:50)
Barcelona weren’t in that draw, they were knocked down into the Europa League following a 3-0 loss to Bayern, while Benfica won in Lisbon. Not going well for Xavi so far.
Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield as the opposing manager last weekend. His Aston Villa side lost 1-0 through a Salah penalty. All of the title challengers won through penalties oddly enough…
Covid outbreaks at Spurs, Man United and Aston Villa have all been reported this week. Will we even get a festive Christmas schedule at this point?
Part 3 (32:00)
We did eventually get a Champions League draw today. There are eight nations represented, plenty of fresh and interesting ties but there can only be one winner! What do we make of the Last 16 draw, and who do we think are the frontrunners to take home the ol’ big ears?
Part 4 (47:00)
Midweek Premier League action coming up this week to go with the usual weekend fixtures. Biggest ones include: Man City/Leeds, Arsenal/West Ham, Leeds/Arsenal and Tottenham/Liverpool
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Change at Everton, Newcastle finally win and are Barcelona in danger of Europa League football in their future?
Part 1 (00:43)
Are you in a tight title battle fighting against two titanic teams? Are you drawing away to a decent mid table side? In desperate need of a goal? Then there’s only one maverick striker for the job! Divock Origi!
Part 2 (09:20)
Chelsea’s 3-2 loss at West Ham has seen their title lead slip
It was Steven Gerrard vs. Brendan Rodgers this weekend and it was Gerrard who came out on top, with a 2-1 win against his former Liverpool manager. Is Rodgers in trouble?
Newcastle won their first game of the season, only took them 15 games!
Part 3 (46:05)
Everton have fired their director of football Marcel Brands. He joined the club in 2018 from PSV. Rafa Benitez’s side are winless in eight league games and are 16th in the league table. Where does the club go from here?
Part 4 (1:03:26)
It’s the final round of the Champions League group stage this midweek and it’s Barcelona who most sit on the edge of peril. They need a win and they face Bayern Munich away from home, yikes!
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
This week there's Sky Sports studio bust ups, fan displeasure across England and a new manager arrives in Manchester!
Part 1 (00:56)
We’ve all seen and heard the chaos in the sky sports studio from Sunday. But let’s spare a thought for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. It’s not easy being stuck in the middle of a big argument, especially while on live tv, but I think he handled it pretty well.
Part 2 (07:48)
It was an odd weekend, where tempers were flared all over the place. Even Brighton fans were all hot and bothered after another 0-0 draw for their side.
Tottenham’s game was postponed, don’t often see the weather take out a Premier League game these days
Borussia Dortmund won’t be in the latter stages of the Champions League. A 3-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon saw them slip down to third. Meanwhile, they’re trying to convince Erling Haaland to sign a new contract…
Messi is tipped to win yet another Ballon D’or, it’s set to be announced probably while we’re recording.
Part 3 (38:12)
It’s been yet another week at the Man United circus, but we might just be coming out on the other end of this extremely drawn out saga of their demise. Ralf Rangnick was announced as their interim manager for the end of the season, with a two-year consultancy role set to follow suit. Is this the way forward United need, or will it all inevitably blow up in their faces once again?
Part 4 (01:07:45)
There’s a full slate of midweek Premier League games this week, which means everyone will have played twice by the time we next speak. Some big games amongst the 20 fixtures…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out at Manchester United, we wonder who might come in to replace him. Plus, the return of an old segment to mark our 200th show!
Part 1 (00:42)
We’re all wondering who will take over as Manchester United boss, but we know it probably won’t be Gareth Southgate. The England manager extended his contract with the FA to 2024…
Part 2 (05:52)
Sergio Aguero announced his retirement from football effective immediately due to an underlying heart condition. A sad way for a great career to finish
Pedri joins the long list of Golden Boy winners, last few now have been pretty excellent choices so a lot to live up to there
Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City had possibly their best displays of the season all in a row this weekend. 4-0 against Arsenal, 3-0 against Leicester and 3-0 against Everton
Part 3 (26:28)
We said our goodbyes to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this weekend, but the writing had been on the wall for many weeks now. We’ve dissected where everything has gone wrong for Ole in that time, but where do Manchester United go from here?
Part 4 (51:04)
Man United have a big Champions League clash away to Villareal on Tuesday evening, with three points required to ensure knockout qualification. Barcelona are also in desperate need of three points against Benfica. Man City will be looking to exact revenge on PSG on Wednesday, where both teams will surely progress…
We’re going to close out episode 200 with a throwback to days gone by with a game of Guess the Player!
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
There's teams qualifying for the World Cup, but what will the schedule look like come November 2022?
Part 1 (00:43)
The Premier League announced the dates for when the season will pause for the World Cup next season, and it’s certainly raised some eyebrows!
Part 2 (11:00)
Ireland’s group, Group A, wrapped up on Sunday night. Stephen Kenny will be happy how it finished, a 0-0 draw with Portugal and a 3-0 hammering of Luxembourg. Are we happy with how it’s gone lately?
Portugal also lost 2-1 to Serbia in dramatic fashion, kicking them into the playoffs
Steven Gerrard was announced as the new Aston Villa manager. Dean Smith has moved on swiftly to taking over at Norwich City. The two will meet in December which will be fun.
Part 3 (30:23)
There’s a story in world football we’ve not talked about much, but now seems as good a time as any to ask: should there be a World Cup every two years?
Part 4 (40:46)
The international breaks are behind us now for a while, this weekend the Premier League comes back to kickstart the festival season. Will Man United be in a festive mood when they take on Watford?
Liverpool host Arsenal and Leicester host Chelsea in the actual big games…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
There’s managerial sackings, good results for Man City and another dissection of Manchester United’s latest humiliation
Part 1 (00:43)
This week John Terry joined Twitter and it’s exactly the kind of car crash one might expect from that sentence. However, given his naïve nature of replying to comments, is this as good a chance as we’ll ever get to tell the captain, leader, legend what we really think?
Part 2 (10:07)
Last week was a good one for Chelsea, but this week it was Man City who gained ground on their rivals. Chelsea drew 1-1 at home to Burnley and Liverpool lost 3-2 to West Ham.
What else is there really left to say about Man United in their current state?
Part 3 (38:02)
Dean Smith and Daniel Farke joined this season’s ever-growing list of sacked managers. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is surely due in the post soon, too. Eddie Howe has come in at Newcastle, Antonio Conte managed his first Premier League game as Spurs boss this week. What does all this managerial merry go round mean?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Sacking season has commenced! A good week for Chelsea, but not so much for Spurs and Barcelona
Part 1 (00:42)
Quite a lot happened in this week of football. Let’s start with some on-pitch action before getting to the juicy personal drama. It was a pretty great Saturday for Thomas Tuchel, whose Chelsea side opened up a gap at the top of the Premier League table…
Part 2 (17:16)
Last week we all thought it would be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked, but instead his Man United side beat Spurs 3-0 on Saturday and Nuno Espírito Santo has lost his job as a consequence. It now looks like it will be Tottenham who bring in Antonio Conte, not the Red Devils
Part 3 (30:03)
Ronald Koeman was flying back with his Barcelona side, following a 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, this midweek when he was informed that he has been relieved of his duties. That certainly wasn’t the mile high club Koeman thought he’d be joining when he took over the club
Part 4 (41:27)
It’s the last round of club games before the final international break of 2021. We’ve got some Champions League to look forward to as well, as teams start earning qualification for the knockout rounds. Some big games are coming up this week.
We’ve also got a Manchester Derby on Saturday afternoon. Can Ole survive this week?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
PSA: Don’t tune out and miss the extra bonus content at the end of this week’s episode!
It was Liverpool's day as they won 5-0 at Old Trafford. But what next for Man United, who must surely now move on from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Part 1 (00:42)
Today’s big topic of discussion will come as no surprise to any of you, dear listener, but before we dig in let’s congratulate Jurgen Klopp because it’s not every day a Liverpool manager gets to win 5-0 at Old Trafford
Part 2 (11:07)
So, let’s dig in on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who may have been sacked as Man United manager by the time you are listening to this…
Part 3 (47:45)
Leicester/Arsenal and Spurs/Man United coming up this weekend. Plus a look back on the big weekend across Europe
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
This week we discuss the Salah conundrum, Chelsea's dip in form and whether Solskjaer can survive the next few weeks
Part 1 (00:43)
It was incredible when Mo Salah scored that wonder-goal against Man City before the break, but for him to repeat it again against Watford is truly special. Are we witnessing an all-time great hot streak?
Part 2 (11:09)
Newcastle’s “celebration” on Sunday was a strange day. They took an early lead, then fell apart and then the game was suspended due to a medical emergency.
Chelsea beat Brentford on Saturday evening, but the performance left a lot to be desired
Man United lost to Leicester City, 4-2, another humiliating day for Solskjaer. Rashford returned, and scored, but is apparently unhappy with some pre-match remarks from his under pressure manager…
Part 3 (37:51)
We’ve already seen one manager sacked in the Premier League, but a few others have wandered into dangerous territory — and some have dug their way back out, for now. It’s only been eight games, but are we on the verge of a sacking season?
Part 4 (55:08)
The Champions League group stages make it to halfway this week. Barcelona really need a win, as do both Milan clubs and Man United could use one ahead of their game against Liverpool on Sunday.
It’s actually a very busy week for big games. Juve play Inter, PSG vs. Marseille and El Clasico all happen on Sunday too
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
A lot has changed in just seven days in the world of Newcastle United. We weigh up the consequences of it all on this week's podcast!
Part 1 (00:42)
It was an international break, but there was still a pretty huge story in club football unfolding over the last week. Newcastle United has been sold, Mike Ashley is out and in has come, well… it’s the Saudi state let’s face it
Part 2 (32:51)
We have discussed, at length, the merits and faults of the big four teams in the Premier League this season. But what about the other 16 teams that make up this season? Where does their quality lie, and how strong of a league is this?
Part 3 (1:09:24)
The Premier League returns with a relatively tame set of fixtures. The biggest one is arguably between Leicester City and Man United. I get the impression both sides could do with a win here…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
This was a great week for failing super-clubs! We discuss that, as well as the classic between Liverpool and Man City all on today’s pod!
Part 1 (00:42)
Let’s cut the chase and just dig right into that great game that ended the weekend. Liverpool 2, Manchester City 2…
Part 2 (18:49)
PSG and Barcelona both had interesting weeks, as did Real Madrid.
Mark Critchley on United, before their 1-1 draw with Everton succinctly summed up so many of their problems
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
North London Derby supremacy for Arsenal leaves Tottenham lost in the wilderness. . .
Part 1 (00:43)
Deep into the second half of Brentford and Liverpool, with the score 3-3, both managers shared a tender moment. As if everyone else faded away for a moment, they made eye contact and in that moment no two managers have ever shared a greater bond. Andrew, both looked bewildered at what they had seen
Part 2 (10:24)
The big game of Saturday saw Chelsea lose 1-0 at home to the champions Man City. Have Chelsea lost a bit of their aura, or is this a reminder of how good City are?
Meanwhile, Man United lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa. Bruno skied a last minute penalty, but did United deserve to lose this game?
A nice moment on Sunday as Raul Jimenez scored his first goal since coming back to the Wolves team. It was also the winner in a 1-0 away trip to Southampton.
Mourinho watch: Stormed out of a press conference following Derby Day defeat to Lazio
Part 3 (26:00)
The expectation for Sunday’s North London Derby was for a contest between two evenly matched teams that were both figuring out how to get their way back to the top. But, 30 minutes into the game, it looked like the teams were going in totally opposite directions. How big a game was that for Mikel Arteta? How big was it for Nuno?
Part 4 (45:55)
Round 2 of the Champions League takes place this week, with a couple of big teams really needing a win to avoid a disaster…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Previewing Chelsea vs. Man City and what it might mean for the title race this season!
Part 1 (00:44)
You’re a goal down, it’s the 94th minute, you earn a penalty but your best taker is on the bench, but also the opposition keeper has a poor record himself. You’re also now suddenly David Moyes… What do you do?
Part 2 (05:26)
Pep Guardiola had a weird pop at his own supporters on Wednesday and then on Saturday they played out a drab 0-0 draw.
Chelsea comfortably beat Tottenham 3-0 at White Hart Lane, that’s two 3-0 losses in a row now for Spurs.
Messi was subbed off by Pochettino with PSG needing a goal against Lyon
Part 3 (25:13)
Man City are the holders, Chelsea are their contenders to take the crown. This was last year’s Champions League final and public opinion is starting to sway in Thomas Tuchel’s favour. The two sides meet on Saturday afternoon, but who has looked best five games in, and is there anyone else that can really butt in on this title race?
Part 4 (46:22)
Two big league games for us this weekend… so obviously let’s look at the League Cup!
There’s also the North London Derby, which has given us many classics over the years…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
A deep dive on Ronaldo's second debut, Elliot's horrific injury and the return of the Champions League
Part 1
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were taking pot shots on Twitter again today. Is this some sort of aggressive marketing strategy for Monday Night Football?
Part 2
Man United won 4-1 against Newcastle United, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice for his second debut.
Harvey Elliot suffered a horrific sounding injury against Leeds United on Sunday. Should we have heeded Jurgen Klopp’s warning?
Part 3
The Champions League returns for another season, but this time there’s some changes. However, the basic group structure of 8x4 remains and that’s what matters most. We’ve seen the draw, we’ve seen these teams domestically for a few weeks now. Who will still be here come late May?
Part 4
Let’s close out the show by highlighting the biggest games of the opening round of this season’s Champions League. We also preview the upcoming London Derby between Tottenham and Chelsea this coming Sunday.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at cheesyhartepun.medium.com
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
The transfer window is finally over so now is as good a time as any to evaluate where the big clubs all stand going into the season
Part 1
The transfer window is finally closed and may we never ever speak of players moving clubs ever again. Right, Andrew?
Part 2 (12:43)
Let’s shake up the formula a bit this week by starting with a preview of the week’s upcoming Premier League games…
Part 3 (40:21)
Now that we know the full squads for each of the 20 Premier League teams we want to get creative and mash them altogether for our own amusement. Let’s start by building a team of cast-offs…
Part 4 (1:09:09)
Unfortunately, folks, we must close out the show by acknowledging the international break and discussing our dear old Ireland team. It’s been a hell of a week!
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Content Warning This episode features discussion about rape and sexual assault. A time stamp is provided below for anyone who wishes to skip over this discussion.
Part 1 (01:39)
The opening to this show is going to be pretty heavy, but I’d rather we talk about it now instead of putting it off. To quote an article by the BBC:
“Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault.
The 27-year-old defender is accused of four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at his home in Cheshire.
They relate to alleged attacks on three women, including one aged under 18, between October 2020 and August 2021.”
Part 2 (16:07)
Transitioning back to football is always difficult after a topic like that, but the show must go on…
The Liverpool-Chelsea game was the big on-pitch event of the PL weekend. It finished 1-1, but should both teams feel like they could’ve won this game?
The Champions League group stage draw took place. That Liverpool group looks tasty.
Man City beat Arsenal 5-0. Pep Guardiola then offered a defence of Mikel Arteta, who is under increasing pressure. Should Arteta still be Arsenal manager?
Part 3 (49:57)
It was a pretty intense week in the transfer window since we last spoke. In that time, Harry Kane confirmed he was staying at Spurs, then City scrambled to move for Cristiano Ronaldo, only for Man United to sign him. Real Madrid increased their offer for Kylian Mbappe and are still pushing for a move. There’s still a day left, are we through the madness of it all?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
This week there's Arsenal losing to Chelsea, European football returning, transfer deadline day looming and terrible kit designs galore!
Part 1 (00:43)
We have to start the show this week by addressing the elephant in the room. Andrew, what’s up with this line of template Puma third kits?
Part 2 (11:00)
Chelsea steamrolled over Arsenal in almost ominous fashion. Is Lukaku the final piece of the puzzle just like Thomas Tuchel said?
Man United dropped points at Southampton, it finished 1-1 at Saint Mary’s.
The European leagues are all back up and running now, is there anything we should be keeping an eye out for week-to-week?
Part 3 (35:30)
This time next week will be transfer deadline day. Two games into the season, which clubs need to strengthen and which have already got their work sorted? Will we see any shock, last minute deals and, of course, what happens to Harry Kane?
Part 4 (1:05:47)
Couple of big Saturday games for us this week. First, Arsenal take on Man City at 1230, then Liverpool host Chelsea in the evening kick off, easily the biggest game so far of the season.
There’s also the Champions League draw, any particular matchups we’d like to see?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
The Premier League is back and back in a big way! 34 goals was enough to satiate us, for now, but we demand more, more, more!
Part 1 (1:09)
That was, of course, the Brentford fans celebrating their 2-0 win over Arsenal with a stirring rendition of Hey Jude by the Beatles. This was quite a surreal scene…
Part 2 (32:47)
Overall, 34 goals on the first week back isn’t half bad is it? Time for some flippant hot takes!
Suppose we should start with that first game. We’ve given Brentford their moment, but what of Arsenal?
Harry Kane watched on… somewhere as Man City lost to Spurs. Surely that was a perfect result for the wantaway man
Part 3 (57:10)
In the build up to the Premier League’s return, everyone tipped the same four sides to finish in the Champions League places. We’ve all had one look at them now, Man City lost while Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United all won. Are they the clear four best teams, will we have a tight title race between all of them?
Part 4
Arsenal’s start to the season could get even more grim given they play host to Chelsea next Sunday. Will the underdog role suit them better?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
The Premier League season is back! Hear our thoughts and predictions on the upcoming campaign! What could possibli go wrong?
Part 1
How does it feel to be back? Are we ready to go again for another long season?
Part 2 (11.45)
Let’s start by looking at our predictions for the upcoming season
Part 3 (1:19:35)
Good opening round of games. Starts with Brentford hosting Arsenal in what will be the Bee’s first home game with a crowd in their new stadium. Leeds United/Man United and Tottenham/Man City the two standout fixtures.
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Barcelona officially announces Lionel Messi is to leave the club! Hear our thoughts on this emergency pre-season podcast!
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Opening and Closing Music by Twisterium from Pixabay
Congratulations Italy, commiserations England! It's our review of the Euro 2020 final, as well as a look-back on the tournament as a whole and the journey that brought us to this point.
Roll on, 2021/22!
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
And Italy, Spain, Denmark and England leaves four. By the time we speak to you next, a European Champion will be crowned and three losers will be licking their wounds.
Part 1
Let’s start with Spain and Italy. It’s probably the more exciting match on paper and it’s on Tuesday night in Wembley. Italy lost the final to Spain in 2012, but knocked them out in the round of 16 in 2016. Who will have the better of this one?
Part 2
England play host to their own semi final on Wednesday, where they face off the big underdogs of the tournament Denmark. Will England play the role of bad guys or can this Danish dream keep going?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Friday is the start of the Quarter Finals. The road to get there through the Last 16 was manic, with goals, upsets, red cards and even a penalty shootout for good measure
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. Hosted by Declan Harte and Andrew Conway
Are we finally starting to let yourselves enjoy Euro 2020?
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
The group stages are over and done with. The competition is almost over, and yet in many ways Euro 2020 is only just beginning!
Let’s take a look at what the bracket now holds! There are only 16 teams left, but in only 15 games’ time we’ll have our winner. Who looks the favourites? How different are they to our initial predictions? Has this been a good competition so far?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Euro 2020 finally kicked off on Friday. Christian Eriksen's horrific health scare overshadowed what has been an exciting start to the tournament
Intro
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Part 1
Andrew, let’s start by discussing what happened during the Denmark-Finland game…
Part 3
The three British sides have now all played their opening game to mixed results. England won 1-0 against Croatia, let’s start there…
The Dutch won the game of the tournament so far, taking a 3-2 victory over Ukraine.
Italy looked good against Turkey, a bad night for the “dark horse” brigade
Part 4
Next big game up sees France play Germany tomorrow night.
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
The European Championships have finally arrived! Are we really sticking with the name Euro 2020??
Part 1
A year later than expected, but finally we can dig into Euro 2020. The big show kicks off with Italy and Turkey on Friday as 24 teams will be whittled down to one by July 11.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what are we calling this thing?
Part 2
So, as mentioned, the first game is Italy against Turkey. Does that feel like a first game?
Overall, what do we want to see happen in this tournament? Any breakout stars we think can have their moment? Any particular side we want to see do well?
Part 3
We’ve discussed what we want to see happen, but what do we think will actually happen? Are our hopes for an underdog winner just naivety and blind optimism in action, will the tournament favourite all crush those who dare stand in their path?
Part 4
To wrap up our European Championship preview, let’s do some rapid fire predictions. Five each, all vibes, no facts…
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Congratulations to Chelsea, commiserations to Manchester City. It's the Champions League final 2021 review edition of the Total Football Podcast!
Part 1
Chelsea, champions of Europe for a second time, were crowned winners of the Champions League following their 1-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, where does this final rank among the recent entries?
Part 2
Tommy Tuchel’s redemption day as he outwits Pep Guardiola for a third time in six weeks. How did he pull it off?
For Pep, what next?
Manchester United lost the Europa League final 11-10 in an absurd penalty shootout on Wednesday night. Unai Emery’s Villareal won their first ever European trophy, and the Spaniard’s fourth Europa League.
Brentford were finally promoted to the Premier League, beating Swansea 2-0 in the playoff final at Wembley. Good addition to the league?
Part 3
The managerial merry-go round kicked into gear last week with Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane both leaving their respective roles. Since then, Andrea Pirlo left Juventus and speculation surrounding Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman became rife. Is all this chaos indicative of the summer ahead?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Welcome to Day 3 of our inaugural end of season awards for the 2020/21 Premier League season. On today's edition, Declan and Andrew look back on the Most Surprising Change in Form from a player in this campaign as well as the big one: Best Player of the year.
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Inaugural Results:
Best Manager
*Pep Guardiola
Brendan Rodgers
David Moyes
Best New Player (player who played 450 mins for the first time in the PL)
*Ruben Dias
Edinson Cavani
Ollie Watkins
Best Goal
*Erik LAMELA (vs. Arsenal)
Manuel LANZINI (vs. Tottenham)
Bruno FERNANDES (vs. Everton)
Best Surprise
*Super League stuffed
West Ham Champions League contenders
Brighton conceding a penalty after full time
Most Surprising Change in Form
*Jesse Lingard
Sergio Aguero
Emiliano Martinez
Best Player
*Harry Kane
Mo Salah
Jack Grealish
*denotes winner
Welcome to Day 2 of our inaugural end of season awards for the 2020/21 Premier League season. On today's edition, Declan and Andrew look back on the Best New Players of the campaign as well as the Best Surprise of the year.
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Today we look back at our pre-season predictions, as well as preview the upcoming Champions League final. We also try something new and hand out our first two End of Season Awards!
Part 1
So, that’s it then. The Premier League season came to a conclusion on Sunday and what a year it’s been, ey!
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, it’s time to look back on our pre-season predictions. How are we feeling?
Part 2 (31.00)
We begin our post-season review by starting our new award ceremony to decide the ins and outs of the best and worst parts of the season. The first category is Best Manager...
Part 3 (59:30)
Our second category of Part 1 is the New Best Player award, for the best player who made over 450 Premier League minutes for the first time in their career.
Part 4 (1:15:00)
Before we keep going with the last four awards, we must also preview the upcoming Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City. Who is coming away with European football’s most coveted prize?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Euro 2021, Leicester City's triumph, simultaneous games, a goalkeeper scoring. The season is truly wrapping up in style!
Part 1
This weekend in La Liga and Ligue 1, all 10 fixtures of the weekend were played at the same time despite the games only being the penultimate ones of the season.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, should we have more simultaneous games at the business end of the campaign?
Part 2
It was another week of twists and turns in the Premier League’s top 4 race. It started with Man United losing to both Leicester and Liverpool, before Alisson popped up with a dramatic last gasp winner for the Reds against West Brom
Meanwhile Chelsea lost to Arsenal before then losing in the FA Cup final. Is it all unraveling for Tommy Tuchel?
Fans returned to that FA Cup final, with over 20000 people in attendance. Fans will also be in attendance for this week’s set of league fixtures.
Leicester City added an FA Cup to their trophy cabinet for the first time in their history.
Part 3
The England squad announcement is expected next Tuesday for Euro 2021, or are we still calling it Euro 2020? It will be a 26-man squad and no doubt there will be plenty who miss out and a ton of media uproar about it because we simply couldn’t have it any other way! So, with that, let’s come together to suggest a Total Football endorsed England squad…
Part 4
The final run of games takes place this week, with a midweek fixture list before the last game of the league season on Sunday. Next week’s show will look back on the season, which we of course made predictions about last August. How are we feeling about those now?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Juve in trouble, Man United breaking records and what does another all-England final mean for European football?
Part 1
Man United turned around a 1-0 Half Time scoreline away to Aston Villa on Sunday to come out 3-1 winners by Full Time. This was the 11th time this season they’ve come from behind to secure a result, making for 31 points earned from losing positions in 2020/21 - smashing the previous record.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, how can they keep getting away with this?
Part 2
Man United secured top 4 with that win, but they lost out on a £200m deal over 10 years with The Hut Group - yet another consequence of the fallout of the Super League debacle.
Chelsea also announced they are opening up their boardroom to give three seats to Chelsea supporters, however they will not be given voting rights as part of this new agreement.
Juventus lost 3-0 to AC Milan in a huge game in the top 4 race in Italy, which put Juve in fifth with only three games to go. Jose Mourinho was appointed as Roma manager for next season. How?
PSG also drew with Rennes, giving Lille a three point advantage with only two games to go.
Part 3
Manchester City and Chelsea both qualified for the Champions League final last week. This will be City’s first final, and Pep’s first since winning with Barcelona in 2011. Chelsea last reached the final when they won the competition in 2012. It’s a second all-English final in three years. What do all of these things mean?
Part 4
The League title may finally be decided this week as Man United play Leicester and Liverpool on Tuesday and Thursday.
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Champions League reaction, Inter crowned champions, Man United fan protests and BT looking to sell their sports division?
Part 1
Following Man City’s 2-1 win away at PSG on Wednesday night, Gary Lineker declared it one of the best away performances by any English side in a European game.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, where does the win rank among the great nights?
Part 2
Chelsea scored a 1-1 away draw, getting the #crucial away goal. Should they have won by more?
The Manchester United/Liverpool match on Sunday was postponed following protests from a large crowd of United supporters which ended up with many inside the stadium and onto the pitch. This is yet more fallout from the ESL announcement two weeks ago…
Inter Milan were crowned Serie A champions for the 19th time this week, ending Juve’s 9-year run. How will we look back on that reign at the top?
Part 3
It was reported this week that BT are looking to sell or partner with someone with their sports broadcasting division - this came out the same week the PL announced their intentions to appeal to the British government to allow them to rollover their pre-existing contracts with BT, Sky and Amazon. What does this all mean for the Premier League?
Part 4
Man City have the chance to crown themselves as champions if they beat top 4 chasing Chelsea next weekend in what could also be a preview for the Champions League final…
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Fallout from the breakaway dozen's collapsing structures, Arsenal ownership bid and Tottenham's calamitous week
Part 1
A lot has changed in the post-Super League announcement world since we last spoke. Fortunately, the whole thing collapsed like a house of cards on Tuesday, but the ramifications of it all are still unclear.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what will the fallout of this whole scandal look like both short-term and long-term?
Part 2
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has started preparation to make a bid for the purchase of Arsenal Football Club. He’s joined forces with Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira. How do we see this playing out?
Chelsea took a big step towards top 4 by beating West Ham 1-0 in the London Stadium. Werner finally stepped up with a big goal, and yet still missed a sitter to remind us all of his poor form.
The title races in Spain and France now look the most intense in all of Europe. Will we see a surprise winner, or will PSG, and one of Real Madrid or Barcelona seal the title like they always do?
The top 4 race is also quite close in Italy. Juventus have Napoli and Lazio hot on their heels, how much would we enjoy Juve slipping out of the Champions League?
Julian Nagelsmann is set to join Bayern Munich for next season after the club agreed a €20 million fee with RB Leipzig for his services.
Part 3
Last week one of the biggest stories of the Premier League season unfolded to an audience of absolutely no one. Jose Mourinho was sacked as Tottenham manager and no one really noticed. Now, with the dust settled and the League Cup final lost, let’s finally discuss what next for the Portuguese and what next for Spurs?
Part 4
Champions League semi finals will take place this week. For a brief moment we thought PSG would be handed the title amid the breakaway chaos, but now it looks like they’ll have to go through Man City to get their hands on the trophy. Who are the favourites going into this week’s first legs?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Well they finally did it. Today's episode focuses solely on the announcement of the breakaway league. Let's talk this through together...
The Show Today
It will surprise absolutely nobody that today’s show will solely focus on the news from Sunday night that 12 clubs have announced a breakaway league that threatens to destroy the fabric of the game we all know and love.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me, as always, is Andrew Conway.
Where should we start with this?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
In a bumper show, we look back on the week's action while looking ahead to upcoming top 4 race in the Premier League!
Part 1 (00.30)
On Saturday, The Athletic reported that Harry Kane is looking to move away from Tottenham in the Summer. The Englishman turns 28 in July, but for all his goals he has yet to win a single trophy with Spurs.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, where will Kane be playing football next season?
Part 2 (9.25)
Tottenham lost yet another game having led 1-0. This time out it was comeback kings Manchester United who triumphed. What did you make of this game?
Part 3 (24.20)
Liverpool won a home league game for the first time in 2021, they also came from behind to win 2-1 against Aston Villa. However, they lost midweek to Real Madrid 3-1 in Spain. Madrid themselves won El Clasico 2-1 over the weekend, not a bad week for Zidane at all…
Man City won their first leg against Borussia Dortmund, but a 2-1 home result is no sure thing in the Champions League. They prepared for the second leg by resting players against Leeds United, who they then lost 2-1 to themselves thanks to a last minute winner.
Chelsea bounced back from the 5-2 home loss to West Brom by winning 2-0 against Porto and 4-1 against Crystal Palace.
Bayern Munich and PSG played out a thrilling 3-2 Champions League first leg on Wednesday night. How did it compare to last year’s final?
Part 4 (48.30)
West Ham United beat Leicester City 3-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Hammers currently sit in fourth, one point off Leicester with seven games remaining for both teams. Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are all hovering outside the top 4 places and are ready to strike at the first sign of trouble. As the season draws to a tense conclusion, let’s look at the remaining games and predict how we think the league will play out…
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Borussia Dortmund feature in all three parts of today's episode to varying levels of failure. Oh dear...
Part 1
After weeks of mostly dour, turgid, covid football slowing everything down, it was good to see the Premier League return from the international break with 31 goals from 8 games, shock results and big moments for the top 4 race and the relegation battle.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, that was a fun weekend wasn’t it?
Part 2
West Brom inflicted Thomas Tuchel’s first Chelsea defeat. They lost 5-2 at home to the side in 19th, fair to say no one saw that coming?
Tottenham threw away their chance at 4th spot by drawing 2-2 with Newcastle with yet another late goal concession giving away a result for them.
It was a big big weekend on the continent. La Liga’s title race has opened up after Atletico Madrid lost to Sevilla.
Dortmund’s top 4 hopes went up in smoke as they lost 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt.
PSG’s title retention chances took a blow as they lost to league leaders Lille, they also might not even qualify for the Champions League next season and neither might Juventus, who are fourth in Serie A, but level on points with fifth place Napoli.
Part 3
Over the international break, Mino Raiola and Alfe Inge Haaland were prancing around Europe’s top clubs as they looked to drum up interest in Erling Haaland’s availability for the Summer. Meanwhile, in Germany, Borussia Dortmund were adamant the striker is not for sale. They have reportedly set a £150 million price tag on the Norwegian which they believe no one can afford. So, is it that simple, Haaland to stay at Europa League playing Dortmund?
Part 4
The Champions League quarter finals get under way this midweek. What tie are we most looking forward to and what will be the big battlelines in each of the matchups?
Closing
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Should we boycott the Qatar World Cup? The Norway players provoked this question from us and the entire football world this week
Part 1
The World Cup 2022 Qualifiers have gotten underway and already, after only one game, the English are complaining about having to play San Marino
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, why are the English so annoying around the International Break?
Part 2
Ireland lost both of their games and, well, it’s been a bad week for Irish football.
Jose Mourinho was asked this week about his critics, to which he responded: “I don't think anybody is going to discuss rocket science with the guys from NASA, but everyone around the world thinks they can discuss football with one of the most important managers in the game.”
Part 3
Norway’s protest of the Qatar World Cup in 2022 took centre stage this week with the team wearing shirts that read “Human Rights On and Off the Pitch,” which also acknowledged Germany’s similar shirt based protest and asked, “next?” With that, who is next and what does next mean?
Part 4
The Premier League returns with a couple of big Saturday evening games. Leicester City host Manchester City before Arsenal welcome the visit of Liverpool.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
FA Cup & Champions League, Ireland & England and why this Summer might be a big one for the Premier League!
Part 1
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, we’re down to four remaining sides in the FA Cup, who have we got to win the whole thing?
Part 2
The Champions League draw was made on Friday. Are we excited for the final stages?
West Ham’s top 4 hopes took a big dent on Sunday as they threw away a 3-0 lead over Arsenal to draw 3-3.
Tottenham’s Champions League prospects took a severe blow on Thursday after they threw away a 2-0 first leg lead to lose 3-2 AET to Dinamo Zagreb.
Stephen Kenny’s Ireland squad was announced last Thursday. Since then four players have pulled out of an already threadbare team. Will someone give this guy a break already?
And what did we make of Southgate’s squad? We’ll be putting forward our Euro 2021 options next week…
Part 3
As we head into the March International Break, it signals what would be known as squeaky bum time but for the fact that there’s very little to clench the cheeks about. Instead, we must already start looking ahead to next season. So, with that, what should the initial Summer plans be for the top teams?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
North London is Red. Another bad week for Italians in Europe. And a year of empty stadiums reviewed. All on this week's edition of the Total Football Podcast
Part 1
On Thursday Jose Mourinho was asked about his plan for the North London Derby. “I look up, I don't look down. If Arsenal was 7 points ahead of us, I'd look to them. But because we have seven points more than them, I don't look down,” he said
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, should Mourinho have spent more time looking down in preparation for this game?
Part 2
Joachim Loew announced he will leave his role as the German National Team manager at the end of the Euros campaign. Who should go in as his replacement?
Chris Wilder left Sheffield United this week after five years at the club. Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard and Neil Lennon are the current favourites to take over.
Juventus and Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League by Porto and PSG. No Ronaldo or Messi in the quarter finals for the first time since 2005. Is it really a surprise?
Part 3
A year has now passed since the coronavirus pandemic struck football. We have essentially watched an entire Premier League campaign without fans in the stadium, with fake crowd noise pumped over the broadcast footage, subs wearing masks and routine testing of the players taking place. How has this changed the way we consume football, or has it?
Part 4
We have half the field for the Champions League quarter finals, who will be joining Porto, PSG, Dortmund and Liverpool in Friday’s draw?
The FA Cup quarter finals also take place this weekend. Who will be going to Wembley?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Liverpool lose again, Manchester Derby reaction and a North London Derby preview!
Part 1
The Righteous Brothers once sang about losing that lovin' feeling, but now it’s Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who have lost that winning feeling.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, will the home side ever win at Anfield again?
Part 2
Manchester United claimed victory over Manchester City in the derby on Sunday. Are people right to suggest this is a precursor for City’s inevitable Champions League downfall this season?
For United, is it reasonably safe to say they’ll finish inside the top 4 now? They are a weird team, but they’re getting results so far. Does that make them hard to judge?
Tottenham are winning again, this time with Gareth Bale finally starting to join in on the goal scoring fun. Is the Welshman back?
Joan Laporta was confirmed as the new Barcelona president after the club’s socio members voted on Sunday. He returns to the role having led Barca from 2003-2010.
Part 3
The big game in the upcoming round of Premier League action is the North London Derby. Over the years it’s been a fixture that’s led to some of the most exciting games of the last 15-20 years. But neither team are quite up to much these days. Can we still expect an exciting game, and will they be fighting over trophies again any time soon?
Part 4
Champions League second leg action takes place this week. What ties do we see getting overturned or will the first leg results all hold?
There’s some big Europa League games too, Man United against AC Milan the obvious standout…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
With 12 games to go, the top four battle is as close as ever. And who is the best player in the world at the moment?
Part 1
The race for top 4 now looks to be the big overarching storyline of the remaining 12 games of this year’s Premier League season. The title looks certain, the relegation battle hasn’t heated up yet, but there are still six or seven teams vying for a position in next season’s Champions League.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what is the points benchmark these teams need to target?
Part 2
Let’s go through the teams in that scrap for second to fourth. Two of them played each other on Sunday. It was yet another big game 0-0 involving Man United. Why is this happening so much this season?
Leicester lost 3-1 to Arsenal and the injuries continue to pile up. They’re out of Europe, but has the damage been done?
Are West Ham good enough to finish fourth? It sounds absurd, but they’re sitting in that position at time of recording…
Liverpool were comfortably the best team last season, surely even with their recent poor form they will still find a way back into the top 4 in the last two months of the season
Everton and Aston Villa are still there or thereabouts with their games in hand, but are they just too far back?
Tottenham and Arsenal probably left themselves with too much work left to do, but they do still have the Europa League to fight for
Finally, in the news, Barcelona’s former President Josep Bartomeu was arrested this morning. Never a dull moment at that club
Part 3
The Champions League first legs concluded last midweek and without a doubt the standout performances were from the individual pair of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Of course, these two young players aren’t new kids on the block, Mbappe has a World Cup winners medal for crying out loud, but was this February 2021 the month where they established themselves as the two best players in the World?
Part 4
There’s midweek Premier League for… some teams… but not all of them? Anyway, there are some big games this week. Liverpool host Chelsea on Wednesday and Man City host Man United on Sunday.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Liverpool's poor form continues, but it could be worse, right? They could be Jose Mourinho's Tottenham? That and more on today's show!
Part 1
Shola Shoretire came on for Manchester United on Sunday to make his debut for the club at only 17 years of age. As pointed out by Carl Anka, the first World Cup he remembers is the 2010 edition in South Africa.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, since when did we allow players born in 2004 to play in the Premier League?
Part 2
Everton won their first Merseyside Derby in over a decade, and their first win at Anfield in over two decades. They beat Liverpool 2-0.
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Southampton. Most notably, Thomas Tuchel took off Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick at the Nou Camp as PSG beat Barcelona 4-1.
Part 3
Listener, cast your mind back to December 6 - perhaps a simpler time. Tottenham Hotspur were top of the league on 24 points from 11 games played. They were six points clear of Manchester City, and they had just beaten North London rivals Arsenal. All was well. Now, they sit 23 points behind Man City and are ninth in the league table. Jose Mourinho’s time is surely running out, but where do Tottenham go next?
Part 4
The Champions League Last 16 first legs continue. Which pair of games will we be watching, that tough choice they always force us into for no real reason.
In the Premier League, four of the top five play each other, with Leicester also playing Arsenal. How do we see these games playing out?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
The Champions League returns with an unpredictable sets of Last 16 fixtures. That didn't stop us trying to figure out who we'll be seeing in the Quarter Finals of this year's competition!
Part 1
We all thought this year would be different. After the halfway point of the season everything still looked up for grabs. But only six games later does it all look wrapped up. The Premier League was fun while it lasted.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, will we ever get a title race ever again?
Part 2
Liverpool’s form continued to nose dive. They were 1-0 up against Leicester with 20 minutes to go, but collapsed to a 3-1 defeat in the final 15 minutes.
Man United dropped points to West Brom. A disappointing individual result, but in the long-run not that devastating, right?
Tottenham continue to look awful. What much else is there to even say?
Part 3
Last week we discussed the future of the Champions League, but this week we must discuss the present. The competition returns this week for the Round of 16. I don’t know about you, Andrew, but the matchups this year seem pretty fresh and I’m not entirely sure what to expect. How about you?
Part 4
There is also, of course, Premier League action this week. This includes midweek games to catch up on postponed fixtures. Everton face Man City before playing Liverpool on Saturday. How do we predict the consistently inconsistent?
In Europe, there’s a Derby Della Madonnina in a top of the table clash in Serie A.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
There was a lot to get through in the news this week, but we also take the time to wonder what next for the Champions League?
Part 1
Well we’re 20-odd games into the season and the table has taken some kind of shape, it’s rough around the edges sure, but the pieces are all vaguely near their final resting places. While everything is still to play for, who knows what twists and turns await us.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, this is all true except for the relegation “battle,” right?
Part 2
Liverpool’s title hopes are surely over now right? They lost two home games in one week, first to Brighton and then 4-1 to Man City…
Man United equalled a Premier League record, winning 9-0 against Southampton, before throwing away a 3-2 lead in the dying minutes at home to the ever inconsistent Everton.
Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham, but for how much longer?
Mike Dean received death threats following a busy week for the Main Event Man. Has the concept of refereeing controversies melted all of our collective minds?
Part 3
The Champions League format faced a lot of scrutiny in the last week. It’s been called a backdoor Super League, it’s known as the Swiss Model and it’s got all the big league talking. Nothing is certain yet, but all we do know is that there’s no way everyone will be happy. I’m going to rule out the open seed straight knockout concept right out of the gate and ask, between the two options put forward, where does European competition go next?
Part 4
There’s midweek action once again, but this time it’s only the FA Cup, so let’s focus on looking ahead to the weekend’s Premier League fixtures. We’ve got Leicester/Liverpool, Man City/Spurs and Arsenal/Leeds. Who have you got for these three?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Transfer deadline day, the crisis baton and dull 0-0 draws are all on the menu in another delicious show
Part 1
It is Transfer Deadline Day and the only team going on a panic-spree looking for new signings is checks notes Liverpool??
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what has happened to the unimpeachable transfer committee?
Part 2
Liverpool got back to winning ways, the crisis is over before it ever really got going. They put Tottenham and West Ham to the sword 3-1
Tottenham followed that Liverpool defeat with a 1-0 defeat to Brighton
Man United suffered one of the upsets of the season to Sheffield United, but how big of an upset was it really?
Thomas Tuchel took charge of his first two Chelsea games, what are our first impressions?
The Premier League confirmed that, for the period between January 25-31, of 2,957 covid tests, only seven came back positive.
Part 3
Teams are playing three times a week every week these days and the impact on the players is becoming quite clear. It was another low scoring weekend, with yet another high profile 0-0. This was one of many goalless draws between big clubs we’ve seen this season. What has been the cause of this trend, and will we see it continue into the rest of the campaign?
Part 4
We are really living the real world version of David Mitchell’s satirical sketch “FOOTBALL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL.” There’s yet another round of midweek games this Tuesday to Thursday…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Chelsea have sacked Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager. Listen in as we give our deep dive analysis on the entire situation. What next for Lampard and what next for Chelsea?
Part 1
Godzilla faces King Kong in the upcoming MonsterVerse film, but it was Liverpool who went up against Manchester United on Sunday to renew some hope into the magic of the cup with a thrilling 3-2 match at Old Trafford.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, how annoyed must Sky be at this entertainment?
Part 2
Liverpool’s unbeaten home run came to an end on Thursday thanks to a 1-0 defeat to a late Burnley penalty.
Man United kept their lead at the top of the table, Paul Pogba’s stunning goal gave them a 2-1 win at Fulham. Meanwhile, City’s good form continued with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Part 3
Today it was announced that Frank Lampard was sacked as Chelsea manager only 18 months into a 3-year contract. His final game was a 3-1 win at home to Luton Town. He has the lowest points per game total of any Chelsea manager in the Roman Abramovich era. He has left the club in ninth place in the Premier League and 11 points off leaders Man United and five points off Liverpool in fourth.
Part 4
There’s midweek Premier League action to look forward to this week. Chelsea face Wolves on Wednesday, but that will likely be too early for Tuchel, so what can we expect from the Blues post-Lampard?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
The legacy of Wayne Rooney and Mesut Ozil, the future of Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo and reaction to Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United.
Part 1
Last week, Wayne Rooney announced his retirement from the game. He was the leading England and Manchester United goal corer, but he leaves behind a strange legacy in the game, having started playing at the age of 16 but now retiring at 35.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, where do you stand on the career of Rooney?
Part 2
Arsenal are yet to play as of recording, but Mesut Ozil is set to leave Arsenal for Fenerbahce this week. He was at the 7.5 years, was the deal worth it for both parties?
Chelsea got back to winning ways, beating Fulham 1-0. But it was hardly convincing, was it?
Man City were convincing in their 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. A lot of people have them down as title favourites given their form, but are they right to?
Tottenham won 3-1 against bottom of the table Sheffield United. The highlight of the game was most certainly the third goal from Tanguy Ndombele
Inter Milan were 2-0 winners over rivals Juve on Sunday night. They’re second in the table, level on points with AC Milan, Juve now in fifth and they looked dreadful in this game.
Part 3
Man United retained their position at the top of the table following their 0-0 draw at Anfield. Liverpool slipped down to fourth, behind Leicester and Man City. The reaction to the game was mostly negative, with a lot of people finding it to be a boring, drab affair. But, Andrew, what did you make of it, and what does it mean for the league going forward?
Part 4
There’s midweek Premier League action set for this week, but will we see Aston Villa play ever again?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Will we see any business in the January Transfer Window, more talk about the pandemic football calendar and where is the next generation of manager for hire relegation battlers?
Part 1
The January Transfer window is now open. We’re approaching the halfway mark of the month, but there has predictably been very little activity so far. However, Manchester United showed last season the value in taking advantage of the opportunity to bring in someone.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, will we see a Bruno Fernandes type signing from anybody this year?
Part 2
The FA Cup went ahead this week, but not completely as planned. The football schedule is frankly a mess right now. Aston Villa and Derby had to send out the kids, and now Premier League teams are swapping opponents with only two days notice.
Tottenham will face Man City in the league cup final, why do both Mourinho and Guardiola keep winning this thing?
Juventus closed the gap at the top of Serie A one week before they play Inter Milan. Conte’s side’s winning run came to an end midweek, and Juve themselves ended AC Milan’s unbeaten run. Who do we think will come out on top in the upcoming Derby d’Italia?
Part 3
We are at almost the halfway point of the Premier League season, and yet only one club has decided a change of managers was necessary. This time last season five managerial changes happened at the likes of Watford, Arsenal, Spurs, Everton and Watford. Why has this change occurred? Is it a one-off result of pandemic football, or is this the beginning of a wider trend to give managers more time at the helm?
Part 4
14 Premier League clubs are in action this midweek, but undoubtedly the most important game coming up in the next seven days is between rivals Liverpool and Man United at Anfield. United go to Burnley first on Tuesday, with any good result taking them to the top of the table. How do we expect Solskjaer’s side to handle that kind of pressure?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
We review the Christmas football period, while also wondering whether or not football should continue for the next weeks and months.
Part 1
We’ve made it through to the other side, it’s almost the halfway point of the Premier League season, and yet we still don’t really know what will happen next. We tried to predict the holiday schedule of games, but this is no ordinary league campaign and football has never been weirder.
The Total Football podcast wishes you a happy and healthy 2021. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what did you make of the last three rounds of fixtures?
Part 2
I suppose we’ll start with the title race. Liverpool still sit at the very top of the table, but only just. They picked up two points from nine, meanwhile Man United picked up seven. Where do you stand with these two old rivals?
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is under the threat of the sack after his side’s slump continued. Is Lampard on the verge of the sack or will he see it through to the other side?
Arsenal’s form improved, starting with a 3-1 win over that Chelsea side. What’s been the cause of that?
Man City also beat Chelsea 3-1 and looked good in doing so, are City back and ready to surge to the title, or is this just more inconsistency?
Thomas Tuchel was sacked as PSG manager over the break. Mauricio Pochettino has come in to replace him, how do we see that working out?
Part 3
There’s been breaches of covid protocol, games postponed, further lockdown restrictions, rumours, speculation, accusation and actual positive cases. Through it all, football will seemingly continue and the FA Cup will even go ahead as planned with the Third Round this weekend. It was an uncertain two weeks of will they or won’t they as clusters emerged at various clubs, but can football cope with the rising cases, or should it be stopped?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Turns out 2020 was a pretty unpredictable year, but will 2021 shape up more to our expectations? Happy New Year, listener, it can't get any worse, right?
Part 1
So this is it, the year of 2020 is finally over. Are we sure that’s allowed? It’s definitely felt like we’re stuck in this hell year forever. A lot has happened between now and January, both in football and, quite obviously, in the rest of wider society. But I think we can all agree: roll on 2021
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, any hopes and dreams for the year ahead?
Part 2
We’re going to spend this episode looking back at our 2020 predictions, which we made last December. There’s no way these could possibly be wrong!
Part 3
We will now close out the show by going through our predictions for football in 2021. Surely this will be as easy as ever?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
There's a lot to look back on in the last week of Premier League action, but there's also a lot to look ahead to! So in this episode, we manage to do both...
Part 1
Earlier this season Liverpool conceded seven goals in an away game and Manchester United conceded six at home on the same game week. Now, this weekend, they both reversed their fortunes with Liverpool scoring seven away at Palace and Man United putting six past Leeds at Old Trafford.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, is this not really bizarre, do you remember anything like that happening before?
Part 2
Liverpool asserted their lead on the league this week with wins over Spurs and Palace. Will we even get a title race after all?
Man United moved ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham. The latter two were tipped for a title charge in recent weeks, but now it’s United who are in third and with a game in hand. What does this mean for the league table, because surely United aren’t Liverpool’s biggest title challengers?
Meanwhile Arsenal’s form has continued to collapse. They picked up one point from games against Southampton and Everton. Mikel Arteta keeps coming up with weird quotes after every defeat. Is he ok?
Big Sam returned to the league this week, replacing Slaven Bilic at West Brom. Can he pull off one last great escape?
Part 3
Over the course of the next two weeks, all the Premier League sides play three times. By the time we next record a podcast all of these matches will have taken place, and with the table looking so constricted, who knows what it will look like by then. Oh, that’s right… we do! Let’s look at the upcoming fixtures and see what the league table will look like on January 5th.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
A weekend that saw none of the big sides win, what can we expect in this week's Barclays double header? Plus, reaction to the Champions League draw!
Part 1
With the loss of Paolo Rossi and Gerard Houlier, this has been a particularly difficult week for football. This year has seen the loss of many greats of the game, with two more passing in just the last few days.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what are your memories of these two men?
Part 2
To the football now and it was a weird Premier League weekend. None of the traditional big sides won, which has allowed Southampton and Leicester a route into the top four.
Let’s start with the Manchester Derby. Why was this game so bad, and is this just what big league games are now? 0-0s becoming a common theme of these games.
Liverpool dropped points at Fulham, and even then it took a weird penalty decision to go their way to even earn a draw. A very poor performance from the champions. Are Fulham… good now?
Spurs threw away a 1-0 lead away to Palace. Can they afford this kind of result?
Chelsea lost 1-0 away to an injury-hit Everton side. Chelsea have yet to beat a side above 13th in the table this season. Was this result coming?
Part 3
The Champions League Last 16 draw was made Monday morning, with none of the sides in the draw currently top of their league table. The group stage went pretty much as planned, with the only big sides missing out being Manchester United and Inter Milan. Given the matches are still months away, what are your initial expectations for the knockout rounds of European football, and is there any clear favourite to win the whole thing?
Part 4
There’s no Champions League to look forward to, but instead we have some midweek Barclays! In fact there’s a top of the table clash on Wednesday as Spurs go to Anfield…
The league table could look totally different by next Monday, are there any surprises you see coming from this double set of games this week?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
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Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Can Ireland qualify for World Cup 2022? Fans return to stadiums, and Arsenal's losing streak continues
Part 1
Well we now know the UEFA draw for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, are you now excited for the return of international football in, oh, roughly 12 weeks?
Part 2
Fans returned to English football this week. Of course, it didn’t get off to the best start when Millwall supporters booed their players for taking the knee before kick off against Derby. But, overall, what did you make of seeing fans back in the stands?
Tottenham retained their spot at the top of table, a typical Mourinho 2-0 keeps them ahead of Liverpool on goal difference. How were both of their performances in victory this week?
Chelsea and Manchester United both won 3-1 against Leeds and West Ham respectively. How would you compare both of their wins?
Part 3
Arsenal sit 15th in the table. They are now closer in points to the relegation zone than the top four. Only three teams have scored fewer goals. Their last league goal from open play came in a 2-1 win against bottom side Sheffield United, a whole 656 minutes ago. They are 16th in the league in shots and shots on target. In the coming weeks they face Burnley, Southampton, Everton and Chelsea. Just how crucial are these games for Mikel Arteta?
Part 4
We’ve reached the final round of Champions League group games. Unlike other recent seasons, there are a few big clubs who still have it all to play for Group B is a giant mess, and Manchester United must avoid defeat against RB Leipzig if they are to progress.
Man United also face their City rivals next weekend. How do we see this game going?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Klopp vs. Des Kelly. Looking back at the life of Diego Maradona. And the Champions League group stage sets up its conclusion
Part 1
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Today we’re going to jump right in and discuss the big topic of the footballing action from the weekend. Then we will remember Diego Maradona who sadly passed away last Wednesday. But before all that, we would like to give our sympathies to his family.
Part 2
The big football moment of the weekend was not something that happened during a match itself, but rather the eight minute debate that took place in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Brighton. BT’s Des Kelly interviewed an emotional Jurgen Klopp about a wide range of interesting topics. It was enthralling viewing, and now Andrew I’d like to know what you thought of all this?
Part 3
Diego Maradona, World Cup winner with Argentina in 1986. Scorer of the goal of the century. Two time winner of Serie A with Napoli. A whole host of other honours. And of course, one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. How did you react when you first heard the news?
Part 4
There are only two rounds of Champions League group stage football left, are we excited?
The Premier League has an action packed weekend ahead. A bitter rivalry is renewed in Chelsea against Leeds, but another bitter rivalry rages on as Tottenham host Arsenal.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Has the Premier League table finally found its shape? Is there a chance La Liga or Serie A might see a new winner? And has our understanding of how we dissect teams finally shed the weight of where they are in the league table?
Part 1
With only five minutes to go before kick off between Manchester United and West Brom, Sky Sports were still debating over an innocuous handball decision in the first half of the Tottenham and Manchester City match. Because the game at Old Trafford was on BT, they simply refused to acknowledge its existence.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, while I get why they do this, is it not still just a bit weird?
Part 2
Liverpool took a commanding 3-0 win against Leicester City. Rumours of their demise were greatly exaggerated. The champions put out a strong enough starting XI and the result never looked in doubt.
Tottenham went top with a 2-0 win over Man City. That match looked very familiar though…
Chelsea have now won 5 on the bounce and only conceded once in that time. Are we sleeping on them a little?
Atletico Madrid won 1-0 over Barcelona with the helping hand of Andre Ter Stegen going walkabout. Is this Atletico’s year? They’re second behind Real Sociedad but have two games in hand
AC Milan won their battle of first v third in Serie A to stay at the top of the table. Juve are four points behind in fourth, is this the year of a new Scudetto winner?
Part 3
Manchester United are 10th, Arsenal are 11th and Manchester City are 13th. Yet, when looking at the top of the table with Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea sitting aloft the first three places, maybe this wild and weird Premier League season is now finally starting to take shape. Have we got our three title contenders?
Part 4
The Champions League returns with some marquee fixtures. Are we on the verge of seeing Inter Milan, Real Madrid or PSG’s European ambitions come to an abrupt end this midweek?
The big Premier League game this weekend sees Frank Lampard go against Jose Mourinho once again as first v third battle it out at Stamford Bridge. Who will come on top in this important league game?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Hollywood meets Wales, Liverpool meet their injury department and Irish football meets misery. At least the club game is back next week?
Part 1
Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have officially become the new owners of Wrexham Football Club. Yes, Deadpool and Mac from It’s Always Sunny now own a Welsh non-league English football club.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what is going on here?
Part 2
Scotland qualified for their first tournament since the World Cup in 1998 and we now know the entire field of Euro ~~2020~~ 2021. Who do we have as favourites now?
Liverpool’s whole starting backline may now miss the game against Leicester, as well as Henderson and Salah. Are we reaching nine misfortunes territory with Klopp?
The Premier League have officially reversed the pay per view decision and will be moving back to the format from the very start of the season. What does this move mean for English football broadcasting rights?
Part 3
With the positive covid tests of Matt Doherty and James McClean, as well as the injury to Adam Idah, Ireland are now without 13 of the players picked for the squad this international break. Stephen Kenny is yet to win in his first seven games in charge and in that time they have scored one goal. Where has it all gone wrong for Irish football?
Part 4
Thank goodness the international breaks are now finished for 2020, the needless distraction from club football is over and we can get back to a normal football calendar again.
The big game of the weekend sees Manchester City play Tottenham on Saturday evening at White Hart Lane. Who are the favourites for this?
Liverpool also host Leicester Sunday evening, while Arsenal go to Leeds…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Following Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Man City we analyse the 5-subs issue and who will win the league this season. We also take a look at what's going on at Arsenal, is everything ok?
Part 1
We are now at the final international break of this never-ending year 2020. Why yes there is still a pandemic going on and yes cases do continue to rise across the continent. But if football simply puts their hands in their ears and yells la la la la maybe it will just go away?
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, how much are you looking forward to this month’s international fixtures?
Part 2
The big game of the weekend saw Man City draw 1-1 with Liverpool. It was an exciting first half, but the second half really petered out. Who will be happiest with that result?
Arsenal suffered their heaviest defeat of the season to the giant killers Aston Villa. A 3-0 loss at home is not the first bad result for Arsenal this season, is Arteta under any pressure now? Meanwhile, Villa were excellent
Leeds United lost 4-1 for the second game in a row. Is everything ok at Elland Road?
Everton have now lost three games in a row, a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at home the latest, does this team rely on the presence of Richarlison too much? Lost all the games he’s missed…
Part 3
As mentioned earlier in the show, we now head into the international break before a string of games leading into the Christmas schedule. With most teams having played 8 games, Leicester City are top of the table with 18 points but only six points separate first place and eleventh. Is it still too early to look at the table, or are we in store for a genuinely close battle for position across the top half of the table this season?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
A drab weekend of Premier League action built up to the worst Man United vs. Arsenal match in living memory. But no fear, we are here to analyse it all for your enjoyment!
Part 1
It was a weekend in which all of the big Premier League sides won in very unspectacular fashion, and it was really just not very exciting at all.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me this week is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, what is there to even talk about? Champions League, European league...
Part 2
The Barcelona board, including president Josep Maria Bartomeu, resigned from their positions this week. What next for Barcelona, how do they turn things around?
Real Madrid struggled to a 2-2 draw to Borussia Monchengladbach midweek, their Champions League status for this season hangs in the balance
Dundalk lost 3-0 to Arsenal on Thursday, it was the first competitive game between an Irish and English club side in a long time. Good to see, hopefully the first of many more in the upcoming years
Diego Maradona turned 60 this week, fair play. God, it was a slow news week…
Part 3
It was once the biggest rivalry in the country, the fixture both sets of fans dreaded and enjoyed more than any other. But nowadays it is safe to say that all Manchester United and Arsenal have left is the nostalgia for those good old days. Arsenal won on Sunday 1-0 thanks to an Aubameyang penalty. How was this match, and where does it leave both sides?
Part 4
The Champions League group stages reaches its mid-point. The big games will focus on group B, but there is also a big match between PSG and RB Leipzig. It was one of last season’s semi finals, but Leipzig cannot afford to lose this 3-0.
In the Premier League, Everton host Man United, while Liverpool travel to City. Who will win out in this weird Blue v Red, Merseyside v Manchester battle?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Reaction to the Clasico, fresh ESL talks and a deep dive on OGS vs. Lampard
Part 1
After weeks of chaotic results and high scoring games, the Premier League returned back to Earth this week. Finally, a “normal” week of Barclays, just like we asked for, right?
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, did you enjoy this return to normality or should it be crazy every week?
Part 2
Before we get into the Premier League action, we will begin looking across Europe as the first Clasico of the season went in Real Madrid’s favour, they won 3-1 at the Nou Camp.
There was fresh talk of the European Super League this week as the Champions League returned. How are we feeling on that at the minute?
Man City drew 1-1 with West Ham, a side they have gotten used to beating 4 or 5-0 over the years. Should we be concerned about City, or is this just a bad patch of form?
Arsenal’s unbeaten home run has come to an end, Jamie Vardy came off the bench to grab a late winner for Leicester City
And, finally in the news, we would just like to commend Marcus Rashford for his ongoing campaign to feed school children across the UK, the work he’s been doing there has been a fantastic ray of light in an otherwise pretty grim year.
Part 3
Both managers are club legends in their own right, but on Saturday evening Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard presided over a drab and dreary 0-0 result. The perception of the match going into it was that the loser’s job security would be under intense scrutiny and that this ultimately stifled the match into a safe and predictable goalless draw. Just how accurate a read of this match is that, and just how much pressure are these two managers under?
Part 4
The Champions League is back again already, foregoing the usual two week break to continue the second in a three week run of back to back to back midweek games. Is this a good format change? And are there any fixtures that stand out?
Plus, the big Premier League game sees Arsenal go to Old Trafford, where they’ve not won a league game in 14 years.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
A lot happened in the Premier League this weekend. A LOT! Join us as we dissect and discuss all the big talking points...
Part 1
An amazing moment requires only one voice: that of Peter Drury. Throughout all the madness that is 2020, still we at least have the touch and grace of commentary royalty.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, is it comforting to know Drury is still capable of producing such fine commentary to match such fine moments?
Part 2
We’ll start then by looking at that comeback. From 3-0 down to drawing 3-3. Has David Moyes reached his final form?
Tottenham weren’t the only side to blow a comfortable lead. Chelsea led 2-0 and 3-2 but succumbed to a similarly late goal to draw 3-3 against Southampton.
The Merseyside Derby has been dominated by conversations of VAR, suspensions and all sorts of nonsense. But just how good was that game?
Man City beat Arsenal 1-0, but the game’s biggest talking point was the action of Sergio Aguero. His lingering touch on the shoulder of assistant lineswoman Sian Massey Ellis has been under intense scrutiny. Guardiola defended the Argentine’s actions, proclaiming he is a “nice guy” but is what he did acceptable?
Man United’s fortunes turned thanks to a late rout of Newcastle on Saturday. Was 4-1 a flattering scoreline or was it an improved performance from the Red Devils?
Part 3
The Champions League returns this week. The group stage draw was held at the beginning of the month, but the action only commences this midweek. Do we expect any upsets or will it be business as usual for Europe’s biggest sides? Will the craziness of pandemic football inspire unlikely results?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
It's been a turbulent International Break, but plenty of off-field excitement to keep us going through the more mundane on-pitch action this week.
Part 1
In the last week, Arsene Wenger has been doing the rounds across the media promoting his upcoming book. It’s been two years since the Frenchman left Arsenal and with no managerial position looking likely soon we’ll take what we can get of the Professor.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, what would you like to see Wenger address in his book?
Part 2
England started their game against Belgium, that they won 2-1, with three right backs. What’s going on with Gareth Southgate, and how did they win that game?
Well that’s it, no Euro 2020 for the “Republic” of Ireland, but there’s still hope for the boys up North. Will we ever score a goal again?
The Premier League announced on Friday a £15 ppv system for watching “non-televised” matches on TV, which understandably has annoyed fans…
Part 3
The story broke on Sunday afternoon that Liverpool, alongside the backing of Manchester United, are proposing a dramatic shakeup to the English football pyramid. There were a host of ideas in the document revealed by Sam Wallace of the Telegraph, which we will now go through. But, was the uproar justified or are these ideas more logically sound than they were given credit for?
Part 4
League competition is back this week… hopefully. Despite cases of covid popping up across various nations everything is still planned to go ahead as normal. With that in mind, how do we see this week’s fixtures shaking out? Fair to say Everton vs. Liverpool is the big one.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
With scorelines like 5-2, 4-3, 6-1, 7-2 all becoming commonplace, what's going on in the Premier League this season??
Part 1
Today is transfer deadline day, it’s like Christmas but for the Redknapp family. Expect a lot of changing and developing news stories. Look out for the likes of Fabrizio Romano David Ornstein… wait what’s this… Gunnersaurus has been sacked at Arsenal!
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte. Joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, has the game officially gone?
Part 2
It was another one of those weeks of Premier League action. But let’s start outside England and look at Juventus
Juve took to the pitch on Sunday night for their match against Napoli. Just one problem, Napoli’s players were in Naples isolating amid an outbreak of coronavirus among the squad. How concerned should be not just at this outbreak but also Juve’s reaction to the issue?
Is it safe to say Everton are the real deal now or should we still wait until after the Merseyside derby in two weeks?
Manchester City drew 1-1 with Leeds. After one second Pep could not analyse the game for Bielsa, what is your opinion of the game?
Chelsea beat Palace 4-0, what were your thoughts on this, better for Frank?
Part 3
Last week Manchester City conceded five to Leicester City, this week Manchester United then conceded six to Tottenham, but not to be outdone, Liverpool then later conceded seven… to Aston Villa?? What has happened to the Premier League?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
There's a lot for Andrew and Declan to discuss in what was a crazy weekend of Premier League action!
Part 1
Another week, another refereeing based grievance. This week’s doomsday scenario that will cause the end of football, nay the world, as we know it is… the handball rule? Sure.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, won’t someone please think of the ex-pros who just want “our” game back?
Part 2
In terms of the weekend’s football action, there was certainly a lot of it. Where to begin?
Manchester City lost 5-2 at home, conceding three penalties in the process.
Manchester United won 3-2 against Brighton. Does a winner that comes after the final whistle count as a last-minute winner?
Liverpool won 3-1 against Arsenal, a dominant victory from the Reds.
Chelsea came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with West Brom.
Part 3
The top four currently reads, in order from 1-4, Leicester City, Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa. Of course, it’s only been three games - two for some - and there’s a lot of football still to be played. However, we’ve seen enough concerning performances from some of the Big 6 since football came back to wonder, is this the best chance at a surprise Champions League team come the end of the season? Or will the cream rise to the top?
Part 4
The transfer window closes this week, still plenty of deals left on the table to be sorted. How late will teams leave it?
And this is the last round of league games before international break. The big game is at Old Trafford as Spurs face Man United. How do we see this one going?
The Champions League group stage draw also takes place this week, any particular match ups we’d like to see?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
The goals just keep coming, as we analyse an entertaining weekend of Premier League action.
Part 1
This weekend saw 39 goals from 8 Premier League games. Only two sides managed to keep a clean sheet, and 12 sides scored more than once. A feast of goals, and still zero drawn games in the league this season.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, can it always be like this, will it always be like this?
Part 2
Everton’s good start to the season continued. Am I mad, or do I absolutely love this team now?
Since we last spoke, Chelsea have played two and won one. How has Frank’s newlook side been doing?
Liverpool were the side to beat Chelsea, but they also made some transfer market moves unexpectedly. First, Thiago came in but then Diogo Jota for £41m from Wolves was signed out of nothing.
Arsenal weren’t as good against West Ham, but more importantly picked up the three points. But was Auba’s new 3-year deal the most important move they made this week?
Tottenham had a busy week. First, they came from behind to win their Europa League play-off in Bulgaria, then they signed Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid and then they finished with a 5-2 win over Southampton. Good week all in all?
Part 3
Manchester United started their season this weekend, losing 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace. It was their first league loss since the signing of Bruno Fernandes, but 12 months on from losing to Palace 2-1, a lot of problems still remain at Old Trafford. It’s been a turbulent Summer and the defeat was met with even more negativity surrounding the club. Are the rumours of Solskjaer’s demise greatly exaggerated, or is this the beginning of the end?
Part 4
Next weekend starts with Man United’s visit to the Amex. After their poor start last weekend, will the misery continue or does their campaign start here?
Meanwhile, the weekend’s biggest game is Manchester City’s home game against Leicester. How will this one play out?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Everton's high is Tottenham's low. Leeds back with a bang. And what next in the final weeks of the transfer window?
Part 1
If ever there is a time to make flippant remarks, to judge how a team will do, then it is after they’ve all only played one game in an arduously long and tough season.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, which clubs and players are finished and which are the real deal based on this opening weekend of Premier League action?
Part 2
We’ll start with the last game we’ve watched. Tottenham’s first game of the season was a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton. Everton’s first win away to top 6 opposition since 2013/14, and Ancelotti’s first win against Mourinho after 4 failed attempts in a row.
Champions Liverpool got through a tough 4-3 win at home to Championship winners Leeds in their first game back in the top flight for 16 years. We were expecting Bielsa’s Leeds to be fun, but were we expecting this?
The other two promoted clubs both lost 3-0 at home to Arsenal and Leicester, not a great start for them, is it?
Part 3
There are three weeks left in the transfer window. That is three weeks for clubs to assess their position in the league, what’s working, what's not working and get in some last minute deals to save their skin. Which clubs do we think will be most active and which ones will be sitting with their feet up on deadline day revelling in their rivals’ misfortune?
Part 4
Coming up in the next edition of the Premier League, four more clubs make their return and we get our first top 6 clash of the campaign.
Chelsea v Liverpool, can Lampard pull a rabbit out of the hat with a statement win?
The Manchester clubs also return against Palace and Wolves. How will they fare?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: Declan @CheesyHartePun & Andrew @Conbon27
For more, subscribe to Declan’s writing over at declanharte.substack.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Opening and Closing Music by JuliusH from Pixabay
Finally, at last! A whole... couple weeks later the Premier League returns. We go in depth on where teams will fall at the top and at the bottom of the upcoming campaign. Plus, we look at Messi's U-turn, and the state of Barcelona going into a new La Liga season.
Part 1
Normally the Community Shield, the traditional curtain raiser that kick starts a new season, happens one week before the first league game of a new campaign. It can be a chance to see new signings, maybe a new managers’ first game. Instead, in this bizarre year, it was followed by an international break for some reason?
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me for this our Premier League 2020/21 season preview is Andrew Conway
Andrew, why must the football calendar always be such an organisational mess?
Part 2
So let’s look at the lay of the land of the 20 teams that sit before us. We’re about to get into our predictions for the year ahead, don’t worry we have the spreadsheet at the ready. But first, what are your hopes and expectations for this new season?
Well let’s get cracking on our predictions…
Part 3
On our last episode we caught the breaking news that Lionel Messi had handed in a legal document to say that he wished to leave the club. It’s been a crazy two weeks since, but last Friday the Argentine announced in an exclusive interview with Goal.com that he would be staying at the club… for now. Is this story over, or are there more twists and turns to come?
Part 4
Well it’s a new season and thus we have some games to look ahead to. To kick it all off, Arsenal host newly re-promoted Fulham. But the big game on Saturday evening sees Leeds United’s first Premier League game since 2004 and they take on champions Liverpool. How do we see these games going?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The season is finally over, but nothing ever ends so we look ahead to the potential transfer market dealings, the Maguire situation, the new Champions League format and of course we discuss Bayern's 1-0 win over PSG on Sunday night. Oh, and what's this about Messi??
Part 1
Well that’s a wrap. It’s been a season like no other, but we can finally wave goodbye to the 2019/20 campaign. The next one is just around the corner… what’s that… Ligue 1’s already started… oh no…
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, how will we reflect on this season in the years to come?
Part 2
Bayern Munich are this year’s Champions League winners. They won their sixth European Cup beating PSG 1-0 in the final. Are they Europe’s best team?
And what of PSG? This was their first final, will they win this thing sooner rather than later?
Part 3
Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, UEFA had to find other solutions to conclude this year’s Champions League. They ditched the two-leg format, they ditched the Istanbul final and they held the whole thing in Lisbon over the course of a two week period. But how did the experiment go? Is this new format starting European football right in the face, or was this a reminder of the beauty of a two-legged affair?
Part 4
We’ll close out the show by looking at the latest rumours and reports in the transfer window.
We have to start with Chelsea, buying three new players this week apparently.
Arsenal are also making moves, Gabriel joining from Lille for 20 something million
Thiago’s future is up in the air, how would he fit into this Liverpool team?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
In a week of fine victories to upset the established order of European football, we focus on the losers who must go home and prepare to try again next season
Part 1
Previously on the Total Football podcast: [insert clip] Now, I’m not one to say I told you so… actually I definitely am. It was a defeat to define a generation. 8-2… days later and I’m still not over it so let’s get straight into the discussion of the biggest football result of the year.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, where to begin with Barcelona?
Part 2
It was a week of big and exciting nights in this new Champions League format. First PSG pulled off an incredibly late comeback to knock out fan favourites Atalanta 2-1.
Then one of the real favourites Atletico Madrid were knocked out by an RB Leipzig no longer with Timo Werner, they also lost 2-1.
Part 3
And finally, Manchester City’s Champions League misfortune continued as Lyon surprised us all with a 3-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men.
Closing
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With Juventus eliminated from the Champions League, we wonder what the future might look like under new manager Andrea Pirlo. It's good to have you back, Champions League!
Part 1
We’ve had the Premier League, we’ve had La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga, we’ve had the FA Cup, and now we’ve got the Champions and Europa League comeback! Oh, it’s been a long wait, but finally, the sport’s top club competition is here.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, has it been worth the wait, so far?
Part 2
Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and, to everyone’s shock, Lyon have joined the already qualified four in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Man City are the first team to knock out Zinedine Zidane from the Champions League as manager. Can they go all the way now?
Lyon emerged as surprise victors over Juventus. How did this happen?
Bayern comfortable against Chelsea, really no surprises it was so one-sided.
Part 3
With their elimination from the Last 16 of the Champions League this week, Juventus has sacked Maurizio Sarri after only 12 months in charge. Immediately the club was linked with names such as Simone Inzaghi, Mauricio Pochettino and even Zidane! But within 24 hours the Juve board surprised us all by appointing former player, and World Cup winner, Andrea Pirlo. Yes, that Pirlo. How do we make sense of such a left-field appointment?
Part 4
Another week, another slew of European competition. We’re at the quarter-final stages. Is now the time to check in on the Europa League? How do we see those games turning out?
And which Champions League ¼ final tie are we most looking forward to?
Closing
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The Champions and Europa League champions are yet to be crowned, as we look ahead to the World Cup style format that awaits us this August
Part 1
Right when we think we’ve seen everything the wild and wacky 2019/20 season has to offer, right at the very end Pierre Emerick Aubameyang goes and drops the famous FA Cup trophy onto the Wembley grass.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, why can’t footballers be trusted with big metal cups?
Part 2
Arsenal won this season’s FA Cup, their 14th triumph in the competition. Just how important was this for Mikel Arteta and the club?
In 2016, FA Cup final day saw the sacking of Louis Van Gaal. This year, it saw the departure of Eddie Howe from Bournemouth. A huge moment for the club and the man himself.
The proposed takeover deal of the sale of Newcastle United has collapsed this week. The Saudi-backed Investment Fund pulled out of the deal amid controversies over their human rights record and their BeoutQ piracy network.
Part 3
The long awaited return of the Champions League is upon us. On Friday night the ball gets rolling again as the remaining Last 16 second leg ties are to be played. The full draw for the final three rounds of the competition was made weeks ago in UEFA’s Nyon headquarters so we now can map out the potential routes to the final. With 12 teams left, how will they whittle themselves down to two? And which team will come out on top as Europe’s best?
Part 4
Normally in this part of the show we would look ahead to the upcoming football matches of the week, but since we’ve already kind of done that, let’s use this time to take a look at the rumours and speculation of the transfer window…
Jadon Sancho to Man United looks nearer?
Man City signing two new players, Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake
Max Allegri to take over at Inter?
Closing
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The league season has finally drawn to a close. Just how good were our initial predictions all the way back in August 2019? Let's find out!
Part 1
On Wednesday night, a chaotic final day of the Championship saw massive consequences at both ends of the table. Brentford defied the odds by failing to clinch their chance at promotion, meaning West Brom are a Premier League side once again. The Bees lost 2-1 to bottom-placed Barnsley, whose 91st minute winner saw them avoid relegation, thanks to Wigan’s 12 point deduction. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest lost with a five goal swing, which saw their playoff hopes dashed in the cruelest way imaginable. The final day of the Championship, there really isn’t anything like it.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me to review the 2019/20 season… is Andrew Conway
Andrew, are you ready for the return of Slaven Bilic?
Part 2
We now know who will represent the Premier League in next season’s Champions League. Man United and Chelsea join City and Liverpool. Deserved?
Leicester, despite having a 15-point lead at one stage, finished 5th and in the Europa League places. Where has it gone wrong for Rodgers, or has it?
Is it possible for Jose Mourinho to live long enough to become the villain if that’s how he started anyway? Either way, he joined his coaching staff in celebrating sixth place following a 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace.
Part 3
357 days ago, Andrew and I sat down and discussed our predictions for the 2019/20 season. I’m not sure either of us predicted a pandemic to sweep the globe and cause a 100 day break of play in the Premier League. However, with a topsy turvy table, and a lot of unexpected twists and turns… Now is the time to look back and laugh at how wrong or right we were. It’s the 2019/20 Season Review!
Part 4
To close out the show, and the season, let's look back on the last 11 months via the Guardian's big 2019/20 Premier League Quiz. How well can Andrew remember the last 38 football weekends?
Closing
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Is the Premier League ready for Bielsa? Well it's barely ready for its final day of the season! There's still plenty to play for with one week left...
Part 1
After 16 long years, Leeds United’s day finally arrived on Friday afternoon following West Brom’s shock 2-1 defeat to relegation battling Huddersfield. From points deductions to League One to dodgy owners to Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds’ journey back to the Premier League is complete.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, what can we expect from Bielsa’s mighty Leeds?
Part 2
The FA Cup final has been decided. Following two goal victories over the two Manchester sides, Arsenal and Chelsea have earned the right to face each other at Wembley on August 1.
It was a particularly big week for Arsenal, beating the two best sides in the country.
Leicester City’s top 4 hopes took a massive hit following their 3-0 defeat at Tottenham.
Real Madrid have officially been crowned La Liga champions.
Part 3
It was announced today that the Ballon D’or will not be awarded this year, for the first time since 1956. It is also expected that the PFA Premier League Player of the Year award winner will be announced this coming Friday. The key decision is supposedly between Kevin De Bruyne or Jordan Henderson. But, in a year without the Ballon D’or, just what are the values and meanings behind individual awards in football?
Part 4
The final day of the season looms large over many parts of the table, but before we arrive there on Sunday afternoon, we must first play out a few more games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Do we foresee any major changes to the shape of the table?
Closing
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In a dramatic week of Premier League football, both on and off the pitch, it is important that to take the time out to remember the legacy of Jack Charlton.
Part 1
It was with great sadness on Saturday morning that the football world learned of the passing of Jack Charlton at age 85. He was a World Cup winner with England in 1966, a league and FA Cup winner under Don Revie at Leeds United and, most notably, the most successful manager the Republic of Ireland has ever had.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, just what did big Jack mean for this country?
Part 2
In recent years the North London Derby has been the highlight of the season for neutrals, but not this weekend. A 2-1 win for Tottenham, and a moral victory for Jose Mourinho against fun.
Chelsea’s form continues to nose dive, a 3-0 defeat away to Sheffield United is a particularly striking low point for Frank Lampard this season.
Though Leicester’s total collapse appears to be Chelsea’s savior. A 4-1 defeat to relegation candidates Bournemouth has delivered a potentially fatal blow to their Champions League aspirations
Meanwhile, the chasing pack all picked up 3-0 wins in their last game. The aforementioned 3-0 win for Chris Wilder’s men, of course, but also Wolves’ 3-0 win over Everton and Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Aston Villa.
Part 3
Last week we discussed the race for the Champions League places. But with today’s news that Manchester City’s appeal to CAS over their two-year ban from the competition has been overturned, what are the implications of this for City, UEFA, Financial Fair Play and the rest of the Premier League?
Part 4
After a dismal weekend for the Champions League placed teams, can Chelsea and Leicester turn it around? Or will the chasing pack reach striking distance heading into the final week of Premier League action? And who will earn their place in this year’s FA Cup final?
Closing
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The race for the Champions League places hots up as everything else cools off...
Part 1
Last Tuesday saw the end finally come for Alan Pardew’s eight year contract, signed as Newcastle manager way back in 2012. Pardew left the club in 2014, and in that time led Crystal Palace to an FA Cup final, brought his West Brom players on holiday to Spain where they would steal a taxi during a drunken night out while getting relegated in the process and fled to the Netherlands, where he survived relegation with ADO Den Haag due to the cancellation of the Dutch league because of the pandemic sweeping the planet.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, is it fair to say this eight year contract… didn’t work out for Newcastle?
Part 2
Man City had a mixed week, winning 4-0 against Liverpool, salvaging some pride in the lost title race. But they followed this up with their ninth league defeat of the season, away at Southampton. In between this they also announced the departure of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich for 50 million euros.
Chelsea lost to West Ham, a dismal performance against David Moyes’ side who had yet to score since the restart.
Tottenham began the week with their 3-1 loss to Sheffield United. What did you make of their performance?
Arsenal continued their winning ways, with two good performances against Norwich and Wolves.
Part 3
The race for the Champions League positions has seen many ups and downs this season. Right when the picture appears clearer than ever, a stray stroke muddies the painting. Our canvas currently looks messy, but with only three weeks of Premier League action remaining, soon the frame will be centre stage of the Lake Geneva Museum.
While Man City aren’t allowed past the entrance, for now, who will join Liverpool in reveling in their Swiss ball swirling around some former legendary player’s hand come next year’s group stage draw?
Part 4
Three weeks and five games to go before the season closes, the final league table has really taken shape. But there are still a few things left to decide. Most notably that top 5 race we just discussed. Coming up this week there’s Chelsea’s visit to Crystal Palace, Leicester’s trip to the Emirates, Wolves’ match against Sheffield United and Man United’s away day at Aston Villa. Weird that they’re all away from home this week, really ran out of ways to say one team goes to another team’s stadium there…
Closing
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Then there were four, but how entertaining was the FA Cup quarter final? Pandemic or no, questions remain the same at Barcelona
Part 1
Today Nike unveiled their design for next season’s top tier football. It is called the “Flight” and they’ve described it as the greatest innovation since the Jabulani. Because that’s the comparison all football players, and fans, want to hear.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, what are your thoughts on the “Flight”?
Part 2
Liverpool are, of course, Premier League champions. We all knew this day was coming, but Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Man City last Thursday finally confirmed it.
That victory was the start of a good week for Chelsea, into the FA Cup semi finals and five points clear of their opponents for fourth and in the FA Cup, Manchester United
Man United got to the semis off the back of their second win of the week, beating Norwich 2-1 AET, but the bigger win was their 3-0 victory over rivals Sheffield United
Sheffield United themselves were knocked out the cup following a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. A bad re-start for Sheffield derailing their otherwise good season
But it’s Leicester City’s re-start that looks to be most threatening their previous good work. Sitting comfortably in third just a few months ago, are they now in danger of missing out on Champions League football?
Part 3
European football has also gotten underway in recent weeks. Bayern Munich ended the Bundesliga season with their 8th title in a row. Meanwhile Lazio and Juventus are still battling out the top of Serie A. But in La Liga, Barcelona have ceded their control at the top of the table, following a disappointing 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo. Reports of bizarre transfer dealings, and now that Quique Setien might be on the chopping block come the end of the season, mean that it is as ridiculous at the Nou Camp as ever in the late-stage Messi era. What on earth is going on in Barcelona?
Part 4
The days keep coming, the games keep coming. More midweek Premier League action awaits, as the season attempts to draw to a close as quickly as possible. This week we’ve got first against second on Thursday evening. A humiliating moment awaits Pep Guardiola as they give Liverpool a Guardiola of honour at the Etihad.
Closing
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Between technology mess ups, controversial refereeing decisions, calamitous defending and last minute winners… the Premier League is back!
Part 1
Well, the moment has finally come and gone. The longest break between matchweeks of a season in English football history has flown by. In between now and our last show, we’ve caught a brief glimpse of just about every Premier League side… except Burnley.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and with me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, did anything in particular stand out from the weekend’s action?
Part 2
After 30 years of waiting, Liverpool fans… are still waiting. The 0-0 Merseyside Derby did reach an audience of 5.5 million though, setting a new Premier League viewing record.
The other big game of the week was at the new White Hart Lane, as Tottenham drew 1-1 with Manchester United. It was a pretty typical Jose Mourinho game.
Arsenal’s season continues where it left off really. What more can be said that hasn’t been already. As if David Luiz’s performance on Wednesday night, when Arsenal lost 3-0 at the Etihad, wasn’t bad enough, the team then lost 2-1 to a 95th minute winner away at Brighton
Part 3
UEFA announced last week their plans for the resumption of European competition for the end of this season. The Champions League will recommence August 7 with the final round of 16 games and finish on the 23rd. The final three rounds will all take place in Lisbon, and will be one-legged affairs. The Europa League will follow a similar format, but take place in Germany. What do we make of these changes, are they the best we could reasonably hope for?
Part 4
Premier League action keeps on coming thick and fast now. Another round of fixtures takes place this midweek, as well as the return of the FA Cup this weekend. The big games include Man United vs. Sheffield United, and Chelsea vs. Man City.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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It's been a looooong time, how have you been, Premier League?
Part 1
The long wait is almost over. The air of anticipation has a strong stench consuming us all. We’ve waited and waited but soon that first ball will finally be kicked. The sensation fills us with a sense of joy, of dread and fear at what is possible but might not be achieved. With bated breath we pause, as the whistle blows to start… matchweek 30…
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, any bold predictions?
Part 2
La Liga returned this weekend. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid got off to winning ways in comfortable fashion, both of them taking the lead within two minutes.
Friendlies have been taking place behind closed doors and there have been some weird news stories surrounding them and some strange results.
Part 3
Would the return of English football be complete without a ridiculous set of outlandish predictions? We certainly don’t think so! We have both gone through all the remaining games and predicted their scores to see what our Premier League table will look like. How did yours finish, Andrew?
Part 4
Well here it is, football is officially back on Wednesday night. How do we see these first games going?
Closing
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Between an existential crisis, a top of the table clash preview and one of the worst matches in living memory, who doesn't want to re-live this glorious week in the 2019/20 football season?
Part 1
On Sunday evening Everton and Tottenham played out what should now be considered one of the worst games the Premier League has ever seen. Both teams were awful, both managers are enduring awful spells, the football was awful, the refereeing was awful, the VAR interruption was awful, and most crucially, the injury to Andre Gomes was just awful. We would like to wish him all the best on what will no doubt be a long road to recovery.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, has there ever been a worse top-flight match of football?
Part 2
Unai Emery’s woes as Arsenal manager continues after he saw his side drop 2 more points from a winning position, this time at home to Wolves.
Manchester United continue their new-found tradition of seemingly taking a step forward, only to then take two giant steps backward as they lost away to Bournemouth 1-0.
Both Liverpool and Manchester City turned around a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory. Can two teams both display “The Sign of Champions”™?
Leicester’s good run of form continues, they’re now 6 points clear of 5th place and comfortable in 3rd
Barcelona and Real Madrid both dropped points, leaving Real Sociedad top of the table. Do we have an unexpected title challenger in Spain this year?
Part 3
Not too long ago on this show we discussed the future employability prospects of various struggling managers across Europe’s top leagues. It only took 3 weeks for one of these clubs to sound the emergency klaxons. On Sunday evening, Bayern Munich announced Niko Kovac had left the club by mutual consent after they had been hammered 5-1 by Frankfurt the previous afternoon. Was this the right decision? Why now? And what next for Bayern Munich?
Part 4
This weekend brings the big one! England’s top two sides go face-to-face at Anfield, as Liverpool welcome the champions Manchester City. Over the years, City have faced some of their worst days on the green grass of Anfield, but if their title defence is to keep any merit then three points are a must this Sunday.
Closing
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Remember the good times? Like when Leicester scored 9 (NINE) and Xhaka cursed at his own fans! Only 9 days now before the Premier League returns...
Part 1
Football is a funny old game. Some weeks so little can happen that we wonder how on earth we can reasonably do a show, but not this week. This week saw a 9-0, a club captain booed off by his fans, VAR overturn not one, but three penalty decisions, a 90th minute own goal winner, and most incredible of all, Manchester United scored more than one goal in a game and won away from home. What a weekend!
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your bewildered host Declan Harte, and joining me as always is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, why can’t every weekend be like this?
Part 2
5 years ago Southampton won 8-0 against Sunderland, but this weekend they lost 9-0 to Leicester City. Swings and roundabout, ey?
Liverpool kept their 6 point lead at the top despite going 1-0 down to Spurs within 47 seconds. Have we seen enough fight from Spurs to suggest the players haven’t turned on Poch completely?
Christian Pulisic scored a perfect hat-trick as Chelsea won their 6th game in a row in all competitions. Is Frank Lampard the greatest manager of all time?
Part 3
Arsenal find themselves 5th in the league, top of their Europa League group, have one of the most exciting front 3’s of any side in Europe and have an incredibly exciting crop of youngsters coming through the academy this season. And yet no one at the club seems happy. This weekend saw a real nadir in the relationship between the fans and the manager, Unai Emery. The fanbase is baying for blood. After only 15 months in charge, it is clear that many Arsenal fans want Emery gone. Where has it all gone wrong?
Part 4
Will next week’s action live up to the drama of last weekend? Well Arsenal vs. Wolves will be at the heart of next week’s tension, as pressure mounts on Emery.
Closing
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Part 1
It will be exactly 100 days between when the Premier League was paused and when it will resume, but on June 17 we will finally see some football take place in England’s top division.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, how are we feeling?
Part 2
Before we dig into the Premier League’s return, we must discuss the Bundesliga title race which was effectively ended with Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund last week.
Staying in Germany, the DFB have said they will not sanction Marcus Thuram, Jadon Sancho or Achraf Hakimi for their messages for the Black Lives Matter movement, which is really the bare minimum response.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for “common sense” from domestic FAs when it comes to sanctioning players for political messages.
"For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment," Infantino said in a FIFA statement.
"We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination. We all must say no to violence. Any form of violence.”
Which is just as well FIFA disbanded its own anti-racism taskforce in 2016, which members of the taskforce warned against. Since then, we have seen racist incidents go severely under-punished across the game.
Premier League clubs have gotten involved, with Chelsea and Liverpool both staging moments in remembrance of George Floyd, but both clubs have had their issues with racism too which every club should be addressing. Police brutality makes up only one of many ways in which POC are discriminated against, and football is not immune to racism
Part 3
On Thursday May 28 it was announced that Project Restart had its end date. It is now two weeks until Premier League football makes its long awaited return, with Aston Villa versus Sheffield United and Manchester City against Arsenal being the first two games back. The Guardian outlined six problems that the 20 teams will face between now and the end of the season. We will never know how the season would have played out normally, but under the given circumstances who do we expect to thrive and who do we think might fall under the cracks?
Closing
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As we prepare for Premier League football to come back soon, get ready by remembering where we left off before the break!
Part 1
We’re now a quarter of the way through the Premier League season and they say the table doesn’t lie. But currently the table doesn’t read like how many people would’ve predicted it to.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me once again is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, does the table lie?
Part 2
Liverpool's 17 game winning run in the league came to an end with a pretty flat 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Probably the best way they could’ve dropped points, frankly.
Quite a week in La Liga, as the first Clasico of the season has been postponed, another fixture was announced to be played in America, and the league lead changed hands once again.
The Bundesliga remains tight as ever, with only 2 points separating 1st and 9th. Borussia Monchengladbach are on top, despite a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
It’s been a sorry and sad week in English football. Between the English national team having suffered horrible racist abuse during their 6-0 win against Bulgaria on Monday, and an FA Cup qualifying game having to be abandoned because of racist abuse. Racism has no place in football, no place in society.
Part 3
Mauricio Pochettino led his side out to the iconic Champions League music last June in Madrid, only 4 months ago. Now, his side lie 7th in the table having only won 2 of their last 5 games. Tottenham are 13 points off league leaders Liverpool after only 9 games, key players like Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld are out of contract at the end of the season and other key players like Dele Alli and Harry Kane aren’t performing like they used to. Has Pochettino’s time at Tottenham come to a natural conclusion or will he be able to revitalise the club once more?
Part 4
It’s the rematch of last season’s Champions League final. Can Liverpool get back to winning ways immediately, or will Tottenham avenge their defeat in Madrid last June?
Closing
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The Independent revealed their top 100 players of the century during this week, but how does their ranking compare to Matthijs and Declan’s?
Part 1
Euro 2020 is beginning to take shape, countries are starting to officially qualify and the permutation calculators are out in full force. Reach out and your nation might just feel qualification at their fingertips.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me this week is Matthijs O’Flaherty.
Matthijs, are you looking forward to this madcap, all over the place, European Championships format?
Part 2
Ireland’s chances of qualifying took a massive hit this weekend. A 0-0 draw with Georgia, in a pathetic and cowardly display, has left Mick McCarthy’s men needing a win over Switzerland this Tuesday
England lost their first qualifying match in over 10 years, with a 2-1 loss at the Czech Republic. Worrying times for the man of the people Gareth Southgate?
Jose Mourinho has apparently turned down the Lyon job because he’s already agreed his next role. Where will it be? Are we ready for the return of Mourinho?
Arsene Wenger has announced his first autobiography is to be written and released for Autumn next year. It’s a real slow news week…
Part 3
This week British newspaper, the Independent, has started a countdown of the top 100 players of the century. They’ve only published numbers 100 down to 81 at the time of recording, but because it’s a slow news week, we thought we’d have a bit of fun and try to whittle down our own list of the top 10 players of the century. Just who are the best of the best?
Part 4
It’s the biggest game in English football this weekend as Liverpool visit rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Liverpool’s winning start to the season goes under threat to a stadium they have a poor record at in recent years. Can they put the United hoodoo behind them for a historic win, or can United be the ones to finally stop The Reds winning streak?
Closing
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Part 1
Wednesday afternoon it was announced that the Guardian’s David Pemsel would be taking over as the Premier League’s new Chief Executive. It was only 4 days later when the Premier League title race would take yet another dramatic turn, and yet no one in the UK was able to watch any of it.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me today is Andrew Conway and the returning Matthijs O’Flaherty.
Andrew, will this move finally see the Premier League move into the modern age of sports broadcasting, or will we forever be stuck in the past?
Part 2
Liverpool’s lead is now 8 points. We built up their match with Leicester as a match where we’d learn a lot about both these sides based on the outcome. So, what did we learn?
That lead is now 8 points because Man City were beaten 2-0 at home to Wolves. It is still only October, but can we firmly call Liverpool favourites now?
Arsenal are now only 1 point behind City and sit in 3rd, yet something doesn’t seem right at the Emirates.
Man United’s lost 1-0 to Newcastle United in what now feels like a limbo competition with Tottenham. Just how low can they go?
Tottenham lost 3-0, Aaron Connolly with 2 goals on his first Premier League start. Want to give credit to Brighton here before we dive into what on earth is going on at Tottenham
Part 3
As we head into the second international break of the season, rumours are already beginning to swirl around regarding the long-term employment of various managers across Europe’s elite clubs. We saw Javi Gracia be ruthlessly sacked during the first international break, last September, will we be seeing any more during this 2 week period? And more importantly, will any of these potential changes be necessary, or just another panic move by a club with no direction, or no planning?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
A time to remember, a time to forget. A lot happened in the news this week - with a very relevant discussion on Newcastle United - but it is also a reminder of what can go wrong when recording a podcast...
Part 1
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Once one of the great sporting rivalries, now Manchester United and Arsenal have been tossed aside for a Monday Night Football match on a week with European football action to look forward to.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, will we ever see a rivalry quite like the one shared between these two teams 15-20 years ago?
Part 2
Liverpool continue their winning run, resorting to very scrappy wins these days. How much longer can it continue? Tough fixtures ahead…
Man City’s injury crisis is clearly impacting the team’s performance, but they got over the line against Everton, winning 3-1 in the end.
The Madrid derby finished 0-0. Real Madrid are top on 15 points, Atletico one point off in 3rd and Barcelona in 4th on 13 points.
John Delaney resigns again, is he finally gone for good? And does it even really mean anything?
Messi won The FIFA Men’s Best award, Ronaldo was in the top 3 almost like a default setting. Van Dijk a worthy Ballon D’or winner?
Part 3
Compared to this time last year, Newcastle United have 3 more points than under Rafa Benitez at this stage of the season. But at what cost? Fans are boycotting games, the team lacks cohesion and vision, there’s a wantaway owner and a general malaise enveloping the club. There was fresh talk of a takeover bid being received by the club this week, but with multiple false dawns over the years, is there any optimism left to be had at the club?
Part 4
The Champions League continues, will Tottenham fare better than their North London rivals against the German Champions?
Meanwhile, the biggest game of the Premier League weekend won’t even be televised domestically, but can Leicester put it up to the league leaders?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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With the Bundesliga back, how does the experience of BCD football compare to the real thing, and what is stopping the Premier League following suit?
Part 1
That was the sound we’re about to get very used to hearing. It took exactly 28 minutes for Borussia Dortmund to score the first goal of the Bundesliga’s highly anticipated return, and of course it had to be Erling Braut Haaland who supplied the finish.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, some people say that football without fans is nothing. If that’s the case, then what were we watching this weekend?
Part 2
Dortmund won 4-0 upon their return, beating fierce rivals Schalke in front of an empty crowd. What was the experience like watching it?
Bayern laboured to a 2-0 win away to Union Berlin. Do we have a title race on our hands?
While RB Leipzig were saved by VAR after Freiburg thought they had scored a last minute winner. Did we miss VAR?
Part 3
It was announced today that Premier League clubs can return to phase 1 of training, which involves small groups of up to 5 players working on drills while following social distancing guidelines. The league’s CEO, Richard Masters, has called the June 12 return date as a “staging post,” with June 26 looking like a more realistic return date, going off the same path the Germans used. While some leagues have curtailed their season, with Scotland becoming the latest this afternoon, the Premier League is committed to returning. Do we think the teams can come together to get the season finished, or are there simply too many barriers in the way?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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Remember just how bad Man United were at times this season? Well why not refresh your memory with this THROWBACK episode!
Part 1
Three grumpy old men took to the Sky Sports studio Sunday afternoon to take turns laying into Manchester United’s poor performance as they lost 2-0 away at West Ham. Chief among them, of course, was former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese himself was in charge for United’s 3-1 defeat last season at West Ham. In a brief and fleeting moment of self-awareness, Mourinho called his United side ‘bad’ when describing that 3-1 defeat.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway and Matthijs O’Flaherty
Andrew, will we be seeing more of this self-aware Jose Mourinho?
Part 2
So, Man United lost 2-0. Was anyone actually surprised?
Meanwhile, Man City won 8-0. Too soon to sack Sanchez Flores?
Liverpool kept their lead at the top to 5 points, with a tough 2-1 win over Frank Lampard’s Chelsea
Arsenal are a chaotic mess, but an enjoyable one to watch
Barcelona, on the other hand, are just a mess
Part 3
Defeats for Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea this weekend gave opportunities to ‘the other 14’ to leapfrog them into the European places. West Ham, Leicester City and Bournemouth all took that opportunity with impressive wins. But, we’re still only 6 games into the season and it’s just September. The natural order will eventually correct itself, right?
Part 4
Premier League action continues apace. Liverpool versus Sheffield United should be interesting. The big game of the weekend is Everton vs. Manchester City. Can Marco Silva’s men pull off a big win over the champions, or will City crush their Merseyside opponents?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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In this throwback edition, we look at the Champions League group draw. And remember Euro 2020... good times...
Part 1
We’re now halfway through the Euro 2020 qualification process. Many teams have already ‘banked’ a play-off place due to their progress in the UEFA Nations League from last year, but for other teams these next two months will decide everything.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football Podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me today is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, do you fancy Ireland’s chances?
Part 2
Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Switzerland. Was any other result even possible? Fortunately, a 0-0 draw for Denmark against Georgia has handed Ireland control of the group
On Saturday it was announced that Javi Gracia has been sacked by Watford, to be replaced by the returning Quique Sanchez Flores. A literal step backwards…
Michael Owen and Alan Shearer have gone public in their hatred for one another. What international strike partnership will publicly turn on each other next?
Part 3
Last week in Monaco the Champions League group stage draw took place. While the draw itself hasn’t left many wondering what 16 teams will progress to the second round, it does make for a good launchpad for discussion as to European football as a whole. Last season all of the traditional top 5 league titles, i.e. Spain, England, Italy, Germany and France all saw their champions retain the crown. Last season also saw initial plans for a new Champions League format be put forward, involving promotion and relegation.
These two things leave us wondering, what is the future of European football?
Part 4
As the title race continues, will Liverpool’s winning run come to an end at Newcastle, and can Norwich pull off the unlikeliest of upsets against the champions? Doubtful…
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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As we await the return of football, our THROWBACK series continues; What makes the North London Derby special?
Part 1
It’s been a thoroughly entertaining start to the season. After 4 games, the Premier League table is a total mess, with only 5 points separating third place from the relegation zone. How this develops will be a fascinating watch over the coming weeks and months. Unfortunately, however, we must now put a pause to the season as we recommence qualification for Euro 2020 for the 10 days.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football Podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me as always is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, why must they ruin our fun?
Part 2
Arsenal came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home with Tottenham. But who will be happiest with this result?
Manchester City and Liverpool won 7-0 collectively, and with that we move on…
The Champions League group stage draw took place last Thursday. Not the most exciting draw we’ve witnessed. Any predictions for the European season ahead?
Manchester United and Chelsea drew from winning positions, much like Tottenham. Which side needs this International break the most?
Part 3
There’s been 5-4s, 4-4s, 3-3s, 3-2s, back-to-back 5-2s. There’s been last minute goals, penalties, penalty saves, controversial offside decisions, red cards and, of course, handbags thrown in for good measure. Over the years the North London Derby has had it all.
What is it about this rivalry that makes it so special and makes it stand out above the rest in the Premier League?
Closing
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While the Premier League sorts out its route to return, we look back on how the season took shape.
Part 1
After relatively comfortable wins this weekend, Liverpool and Manchester City now occupy the top 2 spots in the Premier League table. Despite Manchester City dropping 2 points at home last week, there is a feeling that both clubs have essentially picked up where they left off from last season. However, it is good to see the 3rd-6th place teams also pick up where they left off from last season by all fighting to ensure that they make it as difficult for themselves as possible to achieve top 4.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me today is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, why does no one want Champions League football?
Part 2Let’s start with the big one then, Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal. Arsenal looked alright for 40 minutes, but were they really Arsenal?
Man United lost to Crystal Palace for the first time in the Premier League after 21 games. Saw a stat that they’ve won 3/15 games since the PSG 3-1 win.
Tottenham lost their first game of the season to Steve Bruce’s Newcastle, which, among many candidates, might be the most humiliating result of the weekend
Frank Lampard’s got his first win as Frank Lampard’s Chelsea’s manager, though it was a nervy performance
Aston Villa got their first win back in the big time, a 2-0 win over Everton. I just want to take this moment to talk about how bad Everton seem
Part 3The Premier League season is only 3 games old and already the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham could be ruled out of this year’s title race. The first international break isn’t even upon us yet, it’s still only August, and here we are discussing a two horse title race between Liverpool and Manchester City. Both look unstoppable, both are on long unbeaten runs. How are teams supposed to stop these relentless machines? Can they be stopped?
Part 4
The North London derby has provided plenty of entertainment over the years, but who will come out on top of this season's first edition of the classic clash?
ClosingContact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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Part 1
It’s only been two weeks into this season, but the impact of VAR is already becoming evident.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football Podcast. I am your host, Declan Harte, and joining me today is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, just how is it changing the way we, as viewers, watch the game and changing the way the players play the game?
Part 2Man City drop points to Tottenham despite utter dominance.
Liverpool win the Super Cup on penalties, then grind out an impressive 2-1 win away at Southampton while rivals drop points.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea remain winless, their performances already falling into a strange and worrying pattern
We will focus on Europe a little more closely in the coming weeks, but the transfer window remains open across the continent. Philippe Coutinho has finally been shipped off by Barcelona, Inter potentially doing United more favours as they look to sign Alexis Sanchez and it’s looking increasingly likely the Gareth Bale will be staying in Madrid.
Part 3Following his Burnley’s side 2-1 defeat away at Arsenal on Saturday, Sean Dyche was asked about diving and simulation. He has been a very vocal critic of its widespread occurrence in the game, but his side have also been criticised for their rough approach to tackling and pressing.
Should referees be looking to send off divers, or should they actually be offering more protection to them?
Part 4
Arsenal come up against Liverpool, they've had a tough time of it at Anfield over the years but they have also started the season well. Can Arsenal put an end to Liverpool's perfect start to the season?
ClosingContact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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As we wait for football to return, we continue our series of remembering the 2019/20 season before everything was put on hold.
Part 1
Well, the wait is now over and the Premier League is now back. With a rake of new rule changes, plus the long-awaited introduction of VAR there were a lot of ‘firsts’ this weekend.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me, as ever, is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, did you notice anything particularly noteworthy this weekend that we can look out for more of this season?
Part 2
“Every time we tried to arrive in their box they committed fouls. We were innocent in that regard,” Manuel Pellegrini said.
“If you review the game that is why we didn’t create too many chances in the first half. All our offensive moments of attacking ended in a foul. You can look at the statistics. They committed 13 fouls, we committed five. But that wasn’t the reason why we lost.” - The Guardian
There was a lot of admiration for the way Norwich played on Friday night, the attacking vigour and ambition they showed was credible. But, ultimately, Liverpool swatted them aside within 30 minutes in what was a comfortable start to their title
Arsenal and Tottenham got off to winning starts, Arsenal pretty comfortable but Tottenham left it late
Man United comfortable victors over Chelsea, in the end, winning 4-0. United ruthless in the second half, but clear issues still apparent in the side
Part 3Frank Lampard took charge of his first competitive match as manager of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea and frankly it couldn’t have gone very much worse than it did. Is this a sign of a poor season ahead or will we look back on this 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford as a weird anomaly that can happen on the opening weekend of the season?
Part 4
Tottenham visit Manchester City, the home of their great Champions League escape last season. Surely VAR won't save them this time, will it?
ClosingContact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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With the season on hold, we thought we'd re-upload some episodes from earlier in the season to pass the time. (And they were no longer available to download anyway)
Part 1
Oh it’s been a long time, hasn’t it? Despite having the Women’s World Cup, Copa America, the African Cup of Nations and even the Gold Cup for Summer viewing, simply put… none of it was enough to keep us entertained throughout the entire Summer. But, have no fear as our football-less drought is coming to an end, just one more week to go!
Returning with me, Declan Harte, to undertake the season ahead is Andrew Conway. Andrew, how did you keep yourself entertained over the Summer?
Part 2
Official Summer Premier League Transfers
Right, let’s crack on with it shall we? Back this week is the Premier League and the transfer window ‘slams shut’ on Thursday afternoon, so what better place to start than by analysing the done deals and reading the tea-leaves to figure out what gets done in time and what is just a load of paper talk.
Part 3
Predictions Doc
What would a new season be if we didn’t sit down, scribble down some hard-to-read notes and outlandishly predict what will happen over the course of this beautiful 9 month journey we are all embarking on together?
Part 4
The season begins with a classic fixture as Manchester United take on Frank Lampard's Chelsea. Who will come out on top for this early season Champions League contender matchup? And who will make the perfect start to the season, and who will regret the ball rolling on the start of the 2019/20 season? What could possibly go wrong??
Closing
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As the boredom sets in we look back at Germany 4-1 England and we complete our Jamie Carragher XI's. Hopefully more happens next week.
Part 1
Over the weekend, FIFA’s official YouTube channel live streamed the entirety of the 2010 World Cup second round match between England and Germany. The match most notably remembered for Frank Lampard’s goal that never was.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, what are your memories of that game and where does Frank Lampard’s effort rank among football’s great injustices?
Part 2
As we alluded to last week, Jamie Carragher has helpfully given the football world a game to pass the time away. Try to make a starting eleven of players who have played in our life-time. But the catch is that no two players can have ever played for the same club or country.
Part 3
Another round of 20 questions, as Declan tries to salvage some pride after Andrew slapped aside previous weeks’ suggestions.
Is Nostalgia all we have left? Will Newcastle fans finally be rid of Mike Ashley? And who comes out on top when football returns?
Part 1
With the lack of football, the go-to content for twitter accounts dedicated to the sport appear to all have agreed to turn to the same friend during this pause period. The “on this day” genre is booming with likes and retweets. Nostalgia is here to save the day.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, should we all enjoy the “on this day” genre for what it is, or could we do better?
Part 2
Future historians will refer to this day as being the day that it finally looked like Mike Ashley would sell Newcastle United. What do you make of this deal? Surely it’s not another false down for the Toon army…
Part 3
With this pause period effectively taking the place of the traditional break usually reserved for in between seasons, we wonder which teams will benefit most from the time away mid-season and which teams might struggle to find their feet when football does eventually return.
Closing
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King Kenny of Ireland appointed manager with immediate effect, what we've been watching and the return of 20 questions!
Part 1
While there is no football, there is still football news coming through. It was announced Mick McMcarthy has managed his final game as Ireland manager, with Stephen Kenny now in the role with immediate effect.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, is this how you envisaged Kenny finally taking over the role?
Part 2
Despite the lack of live action, we have both found ways to get our sporting fix over the last few weeks. What have you been consuming to pass away the football-less hours?
Part 3
We continue the games as we play 20 questions again. Can Declan figure out who Andrew has picked this week or is it up to Andrew to display the knowledge once more?
Is there a world out there where Mick McCarthy's led Ireland to Euro 2020? Is there a stairs leading to the bedroom? And will Guess the Player return?
Part 1
Somewhere out there in an alternative universe Mick McCarthy has led Ireland safely through to a Euro 2020 qualifying play-off final after a drab, dull and lifeless 1-1 draw against Slovakia. Awaiting us was another intoxicating 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland, a second consecutive shootout win and glory at the festival of Europe 2020. Instead, we sit at home in lockdown as we long for the days of yore…
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, we’ve criticised Mick’s Ireland team plenty on this show, but just how much would you give to see them in action right now?
Part 2
Andrew and I will now play a game of 20 questions, as we try to pass the time with some light entertainment during this very serious time.
We put our football knowledge to the test with Opta's Annual Football Quiz
With the coronavirus cancelling football, it really does put us, hosts of a football show, with very little actual football to talk about. Nevertheless, creativity must prevail and like any good playmaker, we’ve come up with a fun idea to try out for today’s edition of the Total Football podcast.
Hello and welcome, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is my prolific strike partner Andrew Conway.
So, Andrew, firstly any isolation updates?
Well the crux of today’s show is we will compete in Opta’s 11th annual football quiz. They say it’s the toughest football quiz around, but between the two of us here we will put that theory to the test.
The quiz took place last November, but the questions and answers are available online. We have not looked at any of the questions or answers yet, but we do have the results of the competitors to go up against.
The winners were The Athletic, who competed for the first time. There were 34 competitors in total. So let’s get cracking…
Less a structured podcast and more a stream of consciousness filled with an existential dread and fear for a lack of football
Part 1
Well, as you all know, football across the globe has been suspended until April, but unofficially suspended indefinitely. We don’t know when we’ll see a ball kicked in most countries again, and we don’t really know what will happen next. While obviously this is a pandemic that impacts us all in our daily lives, and is far bigger than football, this is still a football podcast.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, how are you coping with social distancing?
Part 2
This cancellation of sport leaves us only with our thoughts and questions. So, we decide to parse through what football's leading figures need to figure out. What happens with domestic leagues? What happens to the European and domestic cups? What happens to the Euros and other national competitions? What about player contracts, loan deals and the transfer window? What next for us, the fans?
Closing
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What impact will the virus have on football, Tottenham beat xG and Champions League returns?
Part 1It was Duncan Alexander of Opta that put it this week that Saturday was the most wasteful day ever recorded in the Premier League. With an xG of 18.6, Match of the day only saw 9 goals. The lack of handshakes really threw strikers off their game.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me in a hazmat suit is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, who knew the handshakes held all the power in football?
Part 2Burnley played their part in denying the xG Gods, contriving to draw 1-1 against Spurs despite an xG of 2.9 to 0.4
Manchester United won their 3rd Manchester Derby of the season. What can we read into both side’s performance?
Inter Milan’s title bid is all but over after a drab display in a 2-0 loss in an empty Allianz Stadium
Despite getting back to winning ways this weekend, Liverpool suffered an injury concern with Alisson out for their Champions League tie with Atletico
Part 3The coronavirus has swept the globe in 2020, its impact being felt in all of our daily lives. It has dominated the news cycle. While a vaccine is being worked on, sport has failed to stay immune from the virus. Most notably, today in Italy all sport has been suspended until April 3, which obviously includes Serie A. Champions League and Ligue 1 matches will be behind closed doors, and more yet still likely to come. While there are obviously more pressing matters in regards to this global news story, how can football cope with and manage this contagious virus?
Part 4Champions League second leg action begins this week. Can any side overturn their first leg deficits? And the top 4 race continues apace as Manchester United go away to Tottenham Hotspur, and can Everton salvage some dignity from the last Merseyside Derby before Liverpool are crowned champions for the first time in 30 years?
ClosingContact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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Part 1
On Thursday night Arsenal were dumped out of the Europa League in the most dramatic of fashions. Now, Arsenal fans understandably processed this results in different ways, everyone is unique. But a strange silver lining some fans appear to have found is the good news that Arsenal can now play on Saturdays again.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, I know this is something you’ve talked about before, so can you explain to me this weird mindset?
Part 2So that was the big news in the Europa League round of 32. What does this result mean now for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta?
The Europa League draw was made on Friday
The Champions League Last 16 first legs have all concluded now. Where do the ties stand at the halfway mark?
Part 3
Despite the bad result on Thursday evening, there was some good news for Arsenal this week. Liverpool’s unbeaten Premier League run has come to an end at 44 games, 5 off Arsenal’s Invincibles run. How significant a result was this for Liverpool and how significant is the Invincible's achievement now?
Part 4For some reason there’s FA Cup games on this weekend, which seems bizarre to me. That’s it, that’s our FA Cup coverage. Next week in the Premier League. However, there is a seismic Super Sunday this weekend as Everton go to Stamford Bridge, while Old Trafford is the venue for the Manchester Derby as Chelsea and Manchester United try to keep their top 4 ambitions alive.
ClosingContact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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Part 1
It took 262 games of VAR in the Premier League but for the first time we have finally seen a goal disallowed and a penalty given down the other end all in one swift action. Bournemouth went from equalising 1-all to going down 2-0 in a cruel moment of misfortune, but for Eddie Howe it was reality last Saturday.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me from Stockley Park’s car park is an angry Andrew Conway.
Andrew, just how outraged are you at VAR ruining your entire weekend?
Part 2Chelsea’s top 4 hopes took a boost after victory over rivals Tottenham, despite VAR failing to send off Giovani Lo Celso
It was a bad week for Tottenham, who lost 1-0 at home to RB Leipzig in the Champions League
It was a bad week for English teams in Europe. Liverpool also lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid
The other Madrid’s preparation for their Champions League tie with City haven’t been going well though, Eden Hazard has been ruled out with a long term injury following their 1-0 loss to Levante
Part 3With Manchester City’s two season ban from the Champions League, it now means that fifth place will potentially end up as good enough to qualify for next season’s edition of the competition. Providing City’s appeal to CAS is not overturned, who might we see take their place? Manchester United currently sit in 5th place, but only 8 points separate them from 13th place Crystal Palace. Who will get over the line in this race, are Chelsea sitting safer after Saturday’s win?
Part 4It's a big Sunday of football action both in England and in Europe's top leagues. The race for Champions League qualification heats up as Everton host Manchester United and Wolves go to the new White Hart Lane to take on Jose Mourinho's Tottenham. Meanwhile in Europe, the Clasico and the Derby D'Italia both take place on Sunday evening, with big implications for their respective title races.
ClosingContact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Can football clubs actually face the consequences of their actions? Champions League return preview and Sheffield United in the Champions League??
Part 1
With the news of Manchester City’s two season ban from European competition it now means that fifth place will be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League, assuming the ban is upheld. Currently in fifth place, at the time of recording, is newly promoted Sheffield United.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me from the stairs that leads to the bedroom, it’s Andrew Conway.
Andrew, just how much would you love to see Chris Wilder’s men compete in the European Cup?
Part 2
So that’s the big news this week. Manchester City banned from Europe, a true and authentic Brexit for Pep Guardiola. Or is it? There’s so much to unpack here, let’s section it all.
First off, Guardiola. Does he stay at City, can he stay at City?
The players, can they stay at City?
The case will go to the CAS, but will they overturn the decision?
The implications for City’s 10 trophies of the Abu Dhabi era, are they legitimate?
Is this fair? Have City been hard done by with rules created specifically to curb their glory?
Finally, what next for City? How does a club come back from such a ruling? Everything is now tainted, who would want to touch it?
Part 3The Champions League returns this week after a winter hiatus. The last few seasons have given us a series of incredible nights of thrilling entertainment and unbelievable matches. Can this season live up to that standard? Who are the favourites to win the whole thing? And who will make it through these eight Last 16 ties to become our quarter finalists?
Part 4The Premier League returns properly next week with a full slate of fixtures. On Saturday there is a huge match for Champions League qualification as Tottenham go to Frank Lampard's Chelsea. Victory for Spurs will keep their hopes of top 5 alive, but can Chelsea afford to keep dropping silly points?
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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It might be a winter break in the Premier League, but it’s not a Winter Break for the rest of us!
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me as always is Andrew Conway…
Andrew… hello… Andrew… are you there…
No! Andrew cannot join us this week so I must man the ship by myself. But, listener, never fear because the show must go on…
This will be a more relaxed and light show than usual, as you’ve likely noticed due to the runtime.
I want to just talk about the few things I’ve seen this week that seem noteworthy.
First off, the Premier League Winter Break started so there’s nothing to really say about English football this week, but there are games to look forward to. Next week the other half of the league play, with the biggest matches being Leicester vs. Wolves and Chelsea vs. Man United.
Then, elsewhere in football, the Bundesliga title race continues to be the most interesting in Europe. RB Leipzig held Bayern to a 0-0 draw that either side could’ve won. Bayern were overall the better team, but Leipzig missed a few great opportunities to nick it. The stand out performer the couple times I’ve watched Bayern lately have been Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies. Davies caused a lot of issues down the left flank for Leipzig
Finally, in Serie A, the title race heated up thanks to Juventus falling to a 2-1 defeat to Hellas Verona. Rumours are that Aaron Ramsey wants to leave the club, would he go back to Arsenal? Then in the Derby Della Madonnina, AC Milan completely fell apart as rivals Inter turned around a 2-0 half time deficit to win 4-2. Says a lot about Milan that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is their best goal threat. Lazio also won against Parma, so it does look to be a 3-way battle for the title in Italy.
Part 1After years of complaints about fixture congestion, managers have finally gotten their way. A ‘winter break’ has finally arrived in the Premier League. But not like how we expected it. Games will still take place during this 3 week exercise in giving everyone a 2 week break.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, is this a real solution to the problem, or a compromise where no one is happy?
Part 2Aston Villa qualified for the League Cup final in dramatic fashion, they face Man City… who they just recently lost 6-1 to at home…
A sensational goal from debutant Steven Bergwijn gave Tottenham a 2-0 win over ten-man Manchester City in what was a crazy game
Frank Lampard dropped the most expensive goalkeeper in the world for Willy Caballero. They drew 2-2 with Leicester and the gap to 4th is down to 4 points now.
Arsenal are 10th and 7 points off the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw with Burnley. Would Emery have relegated this team? Because it’s becoming clear that he might have
Part 3
The January Transfer Window has now officially closed… excuse me… slammed shut. In comparison to previous seasons it wasn’t the most exhilarating of transfer windows. What didn’t happen and what did happen are equally noteworthy as no huge signings were made, but still plenty of talking points to discuss. So, where to begin. Who won this January, and who lost?
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Part 1
Innovation in sports broadcasting can be difficult. We’ve reached a stage where technology has reached a certain point where new ideas are hard to come by. But fear not, BT have found a way. I like to call it red-card-cam. On Tuesday night this new innovation was shown off for the first time with sent off David Luiz appearing picture in picture during the final moments of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away at Chelsea on Tuesday evening.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, do you see a future for red-card-cam?
Part 2We’ve come out the other end of ‘sacking season’ and almost every club we discussed with the possibility of sacking their manager has done so. All, except for one. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains in charge at Man United, who have had a difficult January both on and off the pitch.
Part 3As we just discussed, sackings are a part of the game. But when a manager does inevitably get sacked, someone must step in and replace them. This season we’ve seen Jose Mourinho, Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti all step in to high profile Premier League jobs. But how have they got on? What have they done differently, and what will they need to do in the Summer to stamp their mark on their teams?
Part 4The lull of the FA Cup is over and Premier League football returns in full force this weekend. Ole foes Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho face off on Sunday evening. Can Mourinho get one over on his bitter rival, or is Guardiola simply too good for him now?
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Part 1Sometimes when getting sent off, it is a case of the player taking one for the team. The classic example is Ole Solskjaer getting sent off in 1998 for taking out Rob Lee on the edge of the box. However, in Steve Cook’s case this weekend, his red card was a triple whammy of disaster for Bournemouth. A red card, a penalty and a match-winning goal conceded to a relegation rival.
Hello and welcome to The Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, what’s your favourite example of a player trying to take one for the team?
Part 2Bournemouth now have 7 points from their last 36 and sit firmly in the relegation zone. Where’s it all going wrong for Eddie Howe?
Chelsea’s form has completely collapsed in the last month or so, has Lampard been ‘found out’ or are they simply getting unlucky?
Part 3
20 wins from 21. An unprecedented level of dominance during a single league campaign. A victory over every Premier League side. The potential is there to achieve the 3 greatest feats in English football all in one season: becoming an invincible, reaching 100 points and completing the Treble. But just how good are Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, how do they compare to the best Premier League teams and why can’t anyone beat them?
Part 4
Some good news and some bad news. Firstly, the bad news is that there’s FA Cup matches this weekend, and none of them look particularly exciting. The good news is there’s midweek Premier League fixtures to keep us occupied!
But what are the important questions these games pose? Well I’m glad you asked!
Can Sheffield United’s good season continue with the scalp of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City? Can Arsenal avenge their late defeat to Chelsea last month? And can Wolves become only the second side to stop Liverpool from winning this season?
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Part 1This week Sergio Aguero became the top-scoring foreign player in Premier League history, after scoring a hat trick against Aston Villa. He now sits on 177 goals and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, where does Aguero rank among the great Premier League players?
Part 2Tottenham lost once again, Mourinho has been in charge for 2 months and it feels like he’s in his 3rd season already. A man who once thrived on spoiling the day, has now only his own day spoiled.
Part 3It’s been a hectic seven days for Barcelona. First they were knocked out the Spanish Super Cup by Atletico Madrid, a team who won neither La Liga nor the Copa Del Rey last season. After which Luis Suarez suffered an injury that has effectively ended his season.
Then over the weekend, the board held talks with Xavi about taking over the not-vacant managerial position, which Xavi rejected. The board moved on to current Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, who also rejected the position.
All the while Ernesto Valverde has remained in charge of the first team, he even took training this morning despite the speculation surrounding his future. It now looks like Quique Setien will step in to take over on a 2.5 year deal, but the way things have gone who knows what further twists and turns await us. This really poses the questions, what on earth is going on over at the Nou Camp, and is there a way they could’ve handled this scenario any worse than they have?
Part 4What no-one refers to as "The Classic" takes place next weekend. Manchester United travel to Anfield, Solskjaer's men remain the only team to take points off Liverpool this season. Can they repeat their performance from the reverse fixture, or will Liverpool simply be too good for the Red Devils this time out?
Closing
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Part 1Another year passes by and another year where people complain about FA Cup replays. For 2020, please welcome Nuno Espirito Santo to step up to the stand. After his Wolves side drew 0-0 with Manchester United, he said:
"If you ask me what is my preference, I would say straight to penalties.” He added that “the game would become more emotional, for sure. The FA Cup would be more emotional if it goes straight to penalties, as both teams would go for it."
Hello and welcome to the new decade, hope you all had a successful New Year’s celebration. This is the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, you’ve been granted one wish for the FA Cup. What do you do?
Part 2The January Transfer window is now open. The biggest move so far has been Erling Haaland’s decision to join Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg. Do we expect any other big moves?
Mikel Arteta earned his first win as a manager. His Arsenal won convincingly against Man United, 2-0, who have started a no. 20 civil war in the aftermath of this result
Liverpool have now gone a full calendar year unbeaten in the Premier League as they close in on a first league title in 30 years. Can they achieve Arsenal’s unbeaten record and finish the season as Invincibles of their own?
Part 3At the beginning of 2019, Andrew and I put forward our predictions for the year. Now that 2019 has ended, it is time to reflect on whether we were right, wrong, or somewhere in the middle. But, also, we now must look forward to 2020. Here are our predictions for football for the next 12 months.
Part 4After a brief pause for the FA Cup, the Premier League returns this weekend. The action comes to a head at the new White Harte Lane as Jose Mourinho seeks revenge for the match that saw the end of his Manchester United reign. That's right, Liverpool come to town and with them they bring an unbeaten record to protect. Can Mourinho mastermind Liverpool's first league defeat since January 2019?
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Part 1We have reached the halfway point of the Premier League season. When we made our preseason predictions I don’t think many would have said that Liverpool would be 13 points clear of second place Leicester City, that Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur would be in sixth place, that Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton would be in 10th place and that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal would be 12th. It’s a crazy time we’re living in.
Hello and welcome to the final Total Football podcast of 2019. I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, this all makes sense though, right?
Part 2Arteta’s start as Arsenal manager hasn’t exactly gone to plan, picking up 1 point from 6, but have the performances been promising?
Manuel Pellegrini was sacked as West Ham manager, with David Moyes returning to the club on an 18 month deal.
VAR had a busy Christmas, with everything really coming to a head during the Liverpool-Wolves game, but this week saw numerous goals chalked off over very fine margins. IFAB have stepped in to suggest the Premier League are using VAR wrong, but it seems like it’s not very clear how else they can be using it.
Part 3Over the last week every Premier League club has played two times, most playing their games within 48 hours of each other. Wolves in particular drew the short-end of the stick having to play the champions Man City and the champions-elect Liverpool within 40 hours. This saw sides stretching their squad limits, with Brendan Rodgers even making as many as nine changes between fixtures. Now, only two days later, they all must play again on Wednesday. Many managers across the division have been very outspoken in their desire for this fixture congestion to change. What are the solutions to this annual problem, and what effect has this had on this season’s topsy turvy table?
Part 4
The fixture congestion continues as 18 teams take to the field on Wednesday, with the final 2 competing on Thursday. On Wednesday we have the two big games of the matchday. Old foes renew their rivalry in Pep Guardiola versus Carlo Ancelotti. And later that evening Arsenal host Manchester United, can Mikel Arteta pick up his first win as Arsenal manager?
Closing
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Part 1The master versus the apprentice. A story as old as time. And on this occasion the apprentice bested his old teacher as Chelsea came out 2-0 victors over Tottenham Hotspur. This was a bizarre match that was filled with glorious narrative. Unfortunately, this is also another in a string of recent Premier League fixtures to be marred by racial abuse of players.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast, I am your host Declan Harte, and joining me is Andrew Conway.
Andrew, we spoke about this a couple weeks ago but nothing came of it then. Is there anything to suggest we might see a different outcome this time?
Part 2Top 4 race also saw a dent in the neutral’s entertainment value as 4th place Chelsea won 2-0 away at 5th place Tottenham. Was that Chelsea’s best performance of the season, or did Tottenham just implode in front of them?
Liverpool were off to Qatar this week to win the Club World Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Meanwhile their title lead barely took a dent as Leicester City lost at the Etihad despite taking the lead. A good comeback from Man City, but surely that’s the title race over and done with?
Man United’s slim top 4 hopes look dead and buried despite the return of Paul Pogba. A limp display for 70 minutes before Pogba was brought on to liven things up, but United couldn’t score a single goal away at the bottom of the table club Watford
Part 3On Saturday Everton took on Arsenal in what can easily be described as one of the worst and most pointless games of football to have ever taken place. Both teams had announced new managerial appointments within 24 hours of kickoff, but both could only sit in the stands as the 22 men on the pitch played out a dreary and dull 0-0 draw. Which of these two new managers, Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti respectively, have the bigger or more difficult task at hand?
Part 4We’ve got ourselves a holiday treat this week, a festive feast of football appears before us as every club plays 3 games in the next 10 days. Let’s take a look at the next two games and see which fixtures stand out
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Part 1
Winter is a time for lighting the fire, putting up our feet with a cup of hot chocolate and staying in under the blanket for the night. It is a time for a puffy jacket, fluffy hats and gloves that enable us to still use our phones. Except for one man. Forty minutes into Man United vs Everton, one man decided he was too warm, too dry and too calm. Big Duncan Ferguson.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast
He might not be the right manager for the Everton job, but is he the right man for the job?
Part 2
Man United dropped points on a historic day for the club. Mason Greenwood the only bright spark as he came off the bench to equalise.
Liverpool’s gap at the top of the league is now 10 points after a 2-0 win against Watford and Leicester could only manage a 1-1 draw against Norwich
Chelsea have now lost 4 of their last 5 league games, this time it was a 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth
Arsenal’s poor form and poor performances continue. 3-0 to City, who never got out of first gear, and never needed to
Part 3
Last week saw the end of the Champions League group stage. With only 16 teams left, and the knockout round draw due on Monday, it’s time to evaluate the teams left in the competition as well as evaluate the competition’s place on the football calendar. Talks of a breakaway Super League persist, as well as general talk of reforming the Champions League. But one thing is certain, the group stage, in its current guise, is not fit for purpose. So, what’s next for the Champions League, and who will lift the crown come the end of the season?
Part 4
There is a big weekend of Premier League action ahead. With Liverpool away in the Club World Cup, second plays third in a battle to gain ground on the league leaders.
Saturday:
Everton vs. Arsenal @1230
Man City vs. Leicester @1730
Sunday:
Watford vs. Man United @1400
Tottenham vs. Chelsea @1630
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Part 1
Right. It’s December 9th. It’s dark out most of the time. Most Premier League teams have played 16 times this season. Yet, contrary to what happens most seasons, the table still looks funny. Only 9 points separate 5th place from 18th. Only a 5 points further and top 4 gets dragged into this mess.
Hello and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway
Andrew, is the table going to settle down now or will this bizarre future we’re living in continue?
Part 2
Manchester United had a wild week. After a grim draw at home to Aston Villa, Ole has led his side to two victories over Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
Everton sacked Marco Silva this week and Duncan Ferguson took charge as they beat Frank Lampard’s Chelsea on Saturday.
Some European roundup now. Serie A and Bundesliga’s title races had some big results this weekend. Bayern Munich find themselves 7th, 7 points off Borussia Monchengladbach after Monchengladbach converted a 90th minute penalty to beat Bayern 2-1.
And in Serie A, Inter Milan now have a 2 point lead over Juventus, who suffered their first defeat of the season. They lost to 3rd place Lazio 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Part 3
Christmastime is the busiest time of year for many people around the world. But most importantly it is true for Premier League footballers. It is a particularly busy period for Liverpool Football Club. Competing on 5 fronts over the next 5 weeks, they sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League table with an 8-point lead. But for their closest challenger, not Manchester City to our surprise but instead Leicester City, the next few weeks is crucial. As Liverpool’s fixtures come thick and fast, can Leicester pile the pressure on and continue their fine form, or will Liverpool’s incredible winning run continue?
Part 4
Big Champions League games for Liverpool (vs. RB Salzburg) and Chelsea (vs. Lille) on Tuesday. But it's on Super Sunday that the Premier League makes its mark next weekend. Manchester United take on this re-born Everton side where we don't know which version of either team will show up. Meanwhile Manchester City take on Arsenal at the Emirates. Is there any chance Arsenal can pull off an unlikely upset?
Closing
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Part 1
On last week’s show, we evaluated the bookie’s favourites to replace Unai Emery at Arsenal. At this stage, the Spaniard had yet to even be sacked by the club. But on Friday morning, following a 2-1 defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt the previous evening, Arsenal announced the sacking of Emery after 18 months in charge of the club.
Good evening and welcome to the Total Football podcast. I am your host Declan Harte and joining me is Andrew Conway.
What next for the club? Can this season still be salvaged?
Part 2
Manchester City are now 11 points behind Liverpool, do they even want to win this title?
The best VAR moment of the season happened on Sunday as Leicester scored a late, late winner against Everton to keep apace with Liverpool.
The pressure mounts on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a dismal performance at home to Aston Villa. A grim start to a grim week for the club, who are 9th in the table.
Barcelona won at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday evening, but neither side looked impressive. Ter Stegen making crucial saves to keep Barca in it.
Lionel Messi is today expected to beat out Virgil Van Dijk to win his 6th Ballon D’or.
The Euro 2020 draw took place and it’s hard to get excited for a competition that doesn’t really know what it is anymore
Part 3
It’s a big week of Premier League action as all clubs play twice before next Monday. It’s also a week that sees the debut of Amazon as a Premier League platform.
The big midweek fixtures include the Merseyside Derby at Anfield, where Everton have not won in a long time and Silva looks like he’ll be sacked any day now.
Meanwhile, later that evening, Manchester United host the return of Jose Mourinho.
Then on Saturday, United visit the Etihad for the Manchester Derby. Hard to see how United earn any points from these two games with the way they’re playing, but will being the underdog suit the way they play?
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Part 1
And that’s a wrap on the 2018/19 Football season. Any fond memories?
Part 2
Liverpool win their 6th European Cup, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over first time finalists Tottenham 2-0 in the Wanda Metropolitano. Deserved on the day.
Reflection on the CL campaign.
Real Madrid’s re-build continues as they announced the signing of Luka Jovic for roughly 60 million euros from Frankfurt and a deal has finally been agreed with Chelsea for Eden Hazard
Part 3
As we head into another long Summer without top level club football, we thought it might be interesting to assess the Premier League’s top 6 squads. Who should stay, who should go and who could come in?
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Part 1
Between political turmoil, former players, transfer rumours, training ground bust-ups and an empty stadium, the build-up of this Europa League final was steeped in a unique drama. But Chelsea rose to the occasion while Arsenal froze, coming out 4-1 victors and winning their first Europa League title since the last time the fans hated the manager. What will the fallout from this match be?
Part 2
Congrats to Aston Villa on a 2-1 win over “Frank Lampard’s Derby County,” as they’re now known, in the play-off final. Back where they belong?
The Serie A top 4 race came to a head last Sunday and it was amazing. Atalanta and Inter Milan have qualified, AC Milan just missing out over their rivals. Since then, Rino Gattuso has stepped down after 18 months in charge and Inter have officially sacked Spalletti.
And I’d just like to take a moment to say Jaap Stam: the man is still not to be messed with
Part 3
So this is what it’s all come down to. The defining moment of the season: The Champions League Final.
On our path to this destination, the likes of Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Porto, Ajax and Barcelona have been conquered, thus only leaving 2 standing.
Liverpool, 5 times winners and last season’s runners-up go toe-to-toe against Tottenham Hotspur, playing in their first ever European Cup final.
Neither manager has won the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp has come close having lost the final on 2 occasions. Is it third time lucky or can Mauricio Pochettino win it on his first attempt?
Closing
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Part 1
The season hasn’t even finished everywhere yet and the silly season of the Summer Transfer Window has already started. Which transfer rumour have you enjoyed the most?
Part 2
Max Allegri announced he will not stay on as Juventus manager next season. After a successful 5 seasons, where next for both the man and the club?
Gareth Bale was an unused substitute in what is likely to be his last game at Real Madrid.
The Championship Play-Off final will take place between Aston Villa and Derby after a bizarre collapse from Leeds United saw them become the first side to be knocked out of the Championship play offs having won the first leg away from home. However, it looks as though Bielsa will stay on at Leeds.
Part 3
The FA Cup, once the showpiece event of English football, has been reduced to little more than an afterthought. But this year’s final was more than an afterthought for all the wrong reasons. It was harrowing, depressing and it was yet another stage for Manchester City’s money-spending exercise to showcase that nothing can compete with its power. Have Man City ruined football?
Closing
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Part 1
That’s all folks! The Premier League title race is over, congratulations to Manchester City on winning their fourth Premier League championship, commiserations to Liverpool. As far as final days of the seasons go, how did this one live up to previous years?
Part 2
Fortunately for Liverpool, they have the consolation of a Champions League final to look forward to. Liverpool 4 - 3 Barcelona. Valverde to be sacked?
Ajax 2 - 3 Tottenham. Pochettino hinting at leaving. Which comeback was crazier?
Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea, lot of controversy around Baku and the lack of infrastructure to support the event
John O’Shea has played his final match of professional football. We wish him well in retirement. What is your favourite moment from the man, the myth, the legend?
Part 3
Before the season began, Andrew and I made a whole host of predictions for the Premier League season. We haven’t looked at them all year, until now. Let’s see how we got on…
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Part 1
[Audio] that was it ladies and gentlemen, that was Sky’s commentary for the big moment. The Captain, Vincent Kompany, seven years almost to the day since his thumping header gave Manchester City the initiative in the 2012 title race from rivals Manchester United, and he’s done it again. But this time with a 30-yard wonder goal that not even he himself should have been expecting to score.
Hello and welcome to a post-Manchester City vs. Leicester City world, this is the Total Football podcast, I’m Declan Harte and joining me, as ever is Andrew Conway. And making his long-awaited return is Matthijs O’Flaherty…
Part 2
- Liverpool won a dramatic 3-2 thriller against Newcastle on Saturday night, but now it looks like their season will be left with nothing to show for it after City’s win and their 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Nou Camp last season.
- Ajax hold a slim lead against Tottenham going into their second leg, will they hold on? Or is it even about holding on?
- Diego Godin announced today his departure from Atletico Madrid, with it all but announced that he’s off to Inter Milan in the Summer.
- And good news that Iker Casillas appears to be in good health after suffering a heart attack last Thursday during training, we wish him well.
Part 3
It’s been a tumultuous season for all 4 clubs that have been battling it out for the final 2 Champions League positions in the Premier League. At times this season, all 4 clubs have looked imperious, but they have also, at times, looked absolutely dreadful. Besides a bizarre 8 goal swing next Sunday, Tottenham will be in the Champions League once again next season and they will be joined by a returning Chelsea. Unfortunately for Arsenal and Manchester United, another season of Europa League wilderness beckons, unless of course Arsenal win the Europa League itself in 2 weeks time. Where does this leave Arsenal and United? And were Tottenham and Chelsea fortunate to qualify? Are they ready for Champions League action next season?
Closing
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Part 1
This week there is only one place to start: A long, long-overdue Bielsa Watch.
Part 2
- Is the title race even worth mentioning anymore? These teams just keep winning effortlessly.
- Meanwhile in the race for 6th place, these teams just keep losing effortlessly
- In Europe, Barcelona were officially crowned La Liga champions, but PSG lost the Coup de France final 6-5 on penalties in hilarious fashion. Dortmund also collapsed against bitter rivals Schalke, but I’d be a little more sympathetic to their downfall
Part 3
As of recording, the PFA Player of the Year Awards will take place this evening where Virgil Van Dijk has been hotly tipped as favorite to win the overall award for Player of the Year. Recent previous winners include his teammate Mo Salah, Chelsea pair Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante, as well as Riyad Mahrez. Last week the Team of the Year was announced, and rather predictably Liverpool and Manchester City dominated the side, with only Paul Pogba reaching the team from outside the top 2. However, as you may have noticed, the season isn’t over yet. Is there a more practical way to do these awards? Do they accurately reflect the season we’ve had?
Part 4
The Champions League returns this midweek, after a one week break. First up is Ajax vs. Tottenham on Tuesday and on Wednesday Barcelona vs. Liverpool
Closing
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Part 1
There have been many magical twists and turns, but we’re almost at the finish line. The Champions League final 4 have been decided. Between them they’ve won 14 European Cups, which is especially impressive when you consider that one of the clubs is Tottenham Hotspur.
Part 2
Was Man City’s 4-3 win over Spurs in midweek the most dramatic Champions League match of all time? And was City’s 1-0 win over Spurs this weekend the least dramatic?
No one apparently wants to finish in the top 4, we’ve mentioned Spurs losing, but Arsenal lost at home to Crystal Palace and Man United were humiliated 4-0 away at Everton
Part 3
With only 7 games left between Liverpool and Manchester City, this title race is almost becoming boring with how often these teams just keep winning. Liverpool have already reached a club record of Premier League points on 88 and are on course to reach 97. Meanwhile City’s current form could see them pip Liverpool to the title with 98 points. Can title rivals be too good for our own enjoyment? Are they the best title contenders ever or have they simply pushed each other in ways English football has never seen before? And ultimately, who will come out victorious?
Part 4
There are midweek Premier League games this week as everyone catches up on games-in-hand. The big one being the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. Is there any chance that United turn their form around or are they due an absolute spanking, Chelsea-style?
Meanwhile, Arsenal play Wolves and Tottenham host Brighton.
Weekend fixtures include United vs. Chelsea, Spurs vs. West Ham, Leicester vs. Arsenal and Burnley vs. Manchester City
Closing
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Part 1
It's been yet another week of controversy surrounding the FAI as John Delaney was brought out in front of the Oireachtas committee to only answer a grand total of zero questions about his time as CEO. There have also since been reports of Delaney leaving the FAI completely and of his spending using the corporate credit card of the FAI. What did you make of it all, Andrew?
Part 2
Manchester City were comfortable winners away at Crystal Palace, avenging their 3-2 defeat from December. Meanwhile a second half Liverpool blitz saw the Merseyside club blow away top 4 hopefuls Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield
Arsenal have yet to play this weekend but victories for Man United and Tottenham have seen them slip to sixth place.
Cardiff now surely relegated after defeat to Burnley
Part 3
The Champions League quarter final first legs took place look week, the game of the round undoubtedly being Ajax versus Juventus, but Manchester City suffered defeat at the hands of Tottenham, Man United were poor against a not very good Barcelona and Liverpool were as comfortable as expected
Part 4
We’ve looked ahead to the Champions League second legs, but the Premier League title race marches on as City face Tottenham… again. Liverpool go to Cardiff, big chance for Liverpool if City drop points.
Top 4 battle also sees Man United go to Everton, Arsenal host Crystal Palace and Chelsea host Burnley.
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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Part 1
After winning the FA Cup semi final against Brighton 1-0, Manchester City have moved a step closer to the unprecedented Quadruple. Fear not though, Liverpool fans, for I have had a premonition. While looking at the remaining Premier League fixtures, I have identified 4 games in which I think City will definitely drop points in 3 at least of: Crystal Palace away, the Manchester Derby, Tottenham at home and Leicester City away.
Part 2
Liverpool continued their charge towards a 19th title with an uncomfortable 3-1 win at Southampton. Can you imagine conceding to Shane Long?
Big week for Chelsea and Tottenham in the top 4 hunt, as they won midweek while United and Arsenal lost away matches at Wolves and Everton
In European football, Bayern re-took the lead of the Bundesliga in convincing fashion, while Barcelona are now basically champions once again.
Part 3
It was widely reported this week that figures from the top European clubs met to discuss future plans for the Champions League that could see its biggest changes since the early 90’s. The proposal put forward by the likes of Juventus and PSG are not 100% clear, but changes could include moving to 4 groups of 8, while also moving to a promotion/relegation system. Certain clubs are also looking for matches to be played on weekends and that leagues would be reduced from 20 teams to 18 and reducing the number of domestic trophies.
Part 4
Big, big week of action coming up in the next 7 days. First we see the return of European competition. On Tuesday night:
Tuesday: Tottenham vs. Man City & Porto vs. Liverpool
Wednesday: Man United vs. Barcelona & Ajax vs. Juventus
Thursday: Arsenal vs. Napoli
Also a huge weekend in Premier League action, particularly Sunday
Saturday: Man United vs. West Ham
Sunday: Crystal Palace vs. Man City & Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Monday: Watford vs. Arsenal
Closing
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Part 1
Heroes can emerge from the unlikeliest of places at the unlikeliest of times, and it was on this Sunday, the 31st of March 2019, that Thomas Meunier emerged as the modern day man of the people. With a simple 10 word tweet: “Does someone have a streaming link for Portsmouth-Sunderland? Thanks” his name was writ in legend. What a guy, Thomas Meunier…
Part 2
Huddersfield equalled an impressive record this weekend. Unfortunately, it’s not the good kind of record. Relegated in record time, only the second team to be relegated from the Premier League in March. A lovely tribute to that awful Derby County team
Liverpool continued their title charge with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tottenham. Is it fair to say Hugo Lloris dropped that into goal for the winner?
Defeat means Tottenham are now level on points with Man United and only 1 point ahead of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal will surely leapfrog Spurs and United into 3rd on Monday night
Part 3
On Thursday afternoon it was confirmed by Manchester United that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed permanent manager of the club on a 3-year contract. But the first performance of his permanent reign left a lot to be desired. This is a squad that is playing Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Matic, Ashley Young, and expecting to compete against Barcelona in the next few weeks, to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool for the title next season. Where does Solskjaer go from here? Much like with Zidane at Real Madrid, what does the Norwegian need to change this Summer so that his squad can compete at the very top?
Part 4
There are midweek games in the Premier League this week, as teams look to catch up on the number of games played.
Man United go to Wolves on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, Chelsea, Man City and Spurs all play at home against Brighton, Cardiff and Palace respectively. However, first game at the new White Hart Lane for Spurs
Also a big week in the Bundesliga next weekend as Dortmund go to Bayern Munich in a crucial title decider
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Part 1
Last week, during the lull of international break, France Football, the people behind the Ballon D’or, released their ranking of the 50 greatest football managers using the following criteria "club winners, track and inheritance left on the game, personality - in addition to a fourth: the duration and impact of the career".
Part 2
Ireland kicked off the Mick McCarthy era 2.0 with a 1-0 win away at the mighty Gibraltar
After an absolutely disastrous 2018, Germany started 2019 with a 3-2 away win against rivals Netherlands
Part 3
On March 1st, Sunday Times journalist Mark Tighe was ready to break the story of John Delaney’s 100,000 euro bridging loan to the FAI. After reaching out for comment from Delaney himself, the story was eventually brought to court on the 16th as Delaney sought an injunction to prevent the story from reaching the public. On the 17th, the story did break, after the injunction attempt failed. Since then, the FAI have released 8 separate statements on the matter, John Delaney has ‘stepped down’ from his role as Chief Executive, only to then create a new role for himself as the Vice Executive President, which sees him essentially retain all of his old responsibilities except for running the League of Ireland and the Irish National Team.
Part 4
The International break is over and done with, and with it sees the return of the Business End of the Premier League™
Man City vs. Fulham
Man United vs. Watford
Chelsea vs. Cardiff
Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Arsenal vs. Newcastle
Closing
Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com
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Part 1
The last few seasons of Champions League football has graced us with some amazing second round ties. Now that this year’s Last 16 is over and done with, consigned to the history books, how did it compare to recent seasons?
Part 2
We’ve got our FA Cup semi-finalists. Man City escape Swansea scare. United limply go out to Wolves. Brighton win on penalties and Watford?
The Europa League draw took place. Arsenal - Napoli very much the tie of the round
The International Break is now upon us. Are we ready for Mick McCarthy’s long-awaited return as Republic of Ireland manager?
European clubs are reportedly planning a boycott on FIFA’s rebranded Club World Cup, set to take place in 2021. Seems like an ok idea being executed terribly
Part 3
Before the Last 16 of the Champions League, Andrew and I convened here and completed a power ranking of the remaining sides left in the competition. Since then, 8 teams have been eliminated from the competition. With only 8 remaining, let’s see how those sides shape up now.
Closing
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Part 1
In a week in which Arsenal and Manchester United both went to France and played in staggeringly different 3-1’s, the build-up for Sunday’s match at the Emirates essentially wrote itself. Yet, football is a funny old game and it was the side who lost 3-1 that came out the victors yesterday…
Part 2
- The title race is as it was 7 days ago with both challengers winning comfortably enough, but the top 4 race took a wild swing in Arsenal’s way last weekend. Tottenham keep losing, Chelsea drop more points and United finally lose under magic man Solskjaer.
- Was also announced this week that Chelsea’s appeal to overturn/delay their 2 window transfer ban was denied. “Astonished” was the word Chelsea used.
- It was an incredible week for Champions League action. Not only did plucky underdogs Manchester United complete an unbelievable turnaround, but plucky underdogs Ajax also came back from 2-1 down at the Bernabeu. A performance to remember. The end of one era and potentially the start of something special…
Part 3
“I think it’s really a reason of pride when a club where you worked before wanting you back.”
These were the words of Jose Mourinho just a few weeks ago as speculation mounted of his return to Real Madrid. So I’m sure he’ll understand the pride that Zinedine Zidane must be feeling right now. We have no doubt that Mourinho wishes Zidane all the very best…
Part 4
This week’s Champions League is perhaps more in the balance than last week looked, but there’s still plenty of chances for teams to turn around ties in dramatic fashion. Will any of these teams overturn first leg deficits, and who will find the fatal blow in these balanced ties?
- Juventus (0) vs. (2) Atletico Madrid
- Bayern Munich (0) vs. (0) Liverpool
- Barcelona (0) vs. (0) Lyon
- Manchester City (3) vs. (2) Schalke
Closing
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Part 1
It was announced this week that there would be a slight change to the free kick rules. Attacking players are no longer allowed within 1 metre of the defending wall. Of all the possible rule changes to football, why was this the one made?
Part 2
Manchester City go top of the table after the most dominant 1-0 win I’ve ever seen. A 0-0 draw away at local rivals Everton sees Liverpool fall to second
Arsenal and Tottenham played out a 1-1 draw where referee Anthony Taylor took centre stage
Manchester United leap frogged Arsenal to move into 4th place after a frantic 3-2 win over Southampton. Each goal was fantastic, have to go back a while to see so many excellent goals in one match
Barcelona have left Real Madrid for dust, effectively knocking them out of 2, out of the 3 trophies up for grabs in the last 7 days
Part 3
We are left with 9 games to go in the Premier League season, but instead of letting it all unfold before our very eyes, we thought we’d save you the hassle of wondering how it would play out by telling you right now. Going week by week, in chronological
Part 4
Champions League Last 16 Second Legs start this week. Surprisingly underwhelming, but we’ve been underwhelmed before and still been surprised. Will any of these teams overturn first leg deficits?
Ajax (1) vs. (2) Madrid
Dortmund (0) vs. (3) Tottenham
PSG (2) vs. (0) Man United
Porto (1) vs. (2) AS Roma
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Part 1
Despite their being 0 goals over the course of 270 minutes of action during Sunday’s two big games there is still plenty to talk about this week. So much so that I think something important has been overlooked. Claude Puel has been sacked as Leicester City manager. But we remember. Claude Puel, if you’re out there, we’re here for you…
Part 2
Manchester City retained their Carabao Cup, winning 4-3 on penalties against Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Chelsea side
Liverpool re-took first place in the Premier League yesterday but, given the circumstances, it was a very underwhelming way to do it
The Europa League draw was made last Friday afternoon. Is it time to start paying attention yet?
Part 3
Midweek in the Champions League Schalke were awarded 2 penalties against Manchester City. Both of these incidents were inspected by the VAR and the first one proved to be quite controversial. The ball striking Nicolas Otamendi on the arm, but should it have been a penalty? Was it a handball?
Part 4
We’ve got ourselves a midweek feast of Premier League action. Though it’s all on Wednesday, pretty much.
Arsenal vs. Bournemouth; Chelsea vs. Tottenham; Crystal Palace vs. Man United; Liverpool vs. Watford; Manchester City vs. West Ham
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Part 1
This week Declan Rice announced his decision to declare for the English national team. A bitter blow for Irish football, but we wish him the best. What now for Mick McCarthy and the dream team?
Part 2
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered his first defeat as Man United manager after going 11 games unbeaten.
Tottenham, on the other hand, won comfortably enough in the end. 3-0 against Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund
Ernesto Valverde has signed a contract extension at Barcelona to keep him at the club until 2020, which isn’t very far away…
It’s chaos at the moment at Inter Milan. Mauro Icardi has been stripped of the captaincy and is being linked with a move away from the club.
Part 3
It’s been reported over the last week that Maurizio Sarri has only mere weeks left to save his job as Chelsea manager. We’ve talked over the course of this season as to why things haven’t gone so well for the Italian this season, but is this still too soon for trigger-happy Chelsea, or was Sarri always doomed to fail at Stamford Bridge? Who do Chelsea even propose to replace the 14th manager of the Abramovich era?
Part 4
The rest of the Champions League second round first legs take place this week.
Lyon - Barca; Liverpool - Bayern Munich; Atletico - Juventus; Schalke - Man City
In the Premier League we’ve got a huge clash at the top of the table:
Manchester United host rivals Liverpool Sunday afternoon.
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Part 1
It’s been a long 62 days, but we are almost there. This week finally sees the return of the greatest cup competition Europe has to offer. The Champions League is back!
Part 2
With the return of the Champions League, I thought it would be a fun change of pace if we were to rank the 16 teams remaining in the competition, based on their likelihood to win their RO16 tie and ultimately their likelihood of winning the European Cup.
Part 3
There were reports last week that UEFA were considering scrapping the away goal rule. Initially introduced to the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965, and eventually the European Cup a few years later, the rule has been in place ever since. It appears that it shall remain in place, but the discussion has got us thinking. Is the rule archaic and arbitrary, or is it still useful in the modern game?
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It’s been a wild seven days of action in this madcap Premier League season. Manchester City losing to high-spending Newcastle United. Leicester City holding Liverpool to a draw in snowed-in Anfield and Bournemouth dismantling Champions League rivals Chelsea 4-0, but among all the chaos it is comforting to know we have one constant. Poor Huddersfield… Chelsea bounced back Higuain in the goals. Poor Huddersfield. Man City maintain the pressure on leaders Liverpool at the top of the table. An in the end, routine victory over Arsenal. Arsenal fans berated the manager for the first real time in his reign - possibly ignited by Stan Kroenke’s other team, the LA Rams, being in the super bowl, bad luck guys. Ole Time still reigns at United. Another so so performance, but another victory, league winning form. Puel Out? The January transfer window, has the Sky Sports-pushed yellow-tie, flying-dildo hype machine finally ground to a halt? Where is everyone’s money gone? Is there potential for a narrative-shifting weekend of Premier League action ahead? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
What is up with the absolute state of punditry these days? Between pundits not knowing their facts, politics getting in the way of real analysis and cushy commentators happy to hear the sound of their own voice, how do we fix the problem of punditry? 13 time FA Cup Champions Arsenal are out of this year’s edition of the cup. A 3-1 defeat to 12 time Champions Manchester United, who continue their winning run After an arduous, 4 month-long process, we’ve got our League Cup final. Reigning champions Manchester City take on Chelsea Thierry Henry’s short-lived reign as Monaco manager has come to an end after only 104 days. Naturally enough, he’s been replaced by the man he replaced… And finally, it would be remiss of us if we did not mention the tragic story of Cardiff City’s new signing Emiliano Sala disappearing on Monday evening. We would like to share our sympathies to the families of those affected and hope that something good comes out of this awful story. Between crucial league and cup defeats, multiple injuries to key players and rife speculation about the future of the club’s manager and its stadium, it really has been the kind of month for Tottenham where South Korea losing to Qatar is the best news fans have heard all month. After taking the weekend off, the Premier League returns with some mid-week action. Tuesday night: Arsenal vs. Cardiff City Man United vs. Burnley Newcastle United vs. Man City Wednesday: Bournemouth vs. Chelsea Liverpool vs. Leicester City Tottenham vs. Watford Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
In a week in which Marcelo Bielsa delivered a 66 minute lecture in front of the press, it’s impressive that it was, in fact, Maurizio Sarri who gave us the most incredible post-match interview of the season. For Arsenal, it’s been a turbulent week, with it being heavily reported that Sven Mislintat will leave his role at the club, despite only arriving 12 months ago. Man United’s march towards the top 4 continues, 6 league wins in a row now for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Tottenham survived a scare at Fulham thanks to second half goals from Dele Alli and Harry Winks. But can they keep going with such a thin squad? We find ourselves in the midst of the January Transfer Window, and as deals are being ironed out, I’ve found myself wondering… what is the point of all this? Just how useful is the January Transfer window? And finally, we look forward to next week’s big clash between Arsenal and Manchester United. Who will win? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It was a hectic weekend of Premier League action, but it would be remiss of us if we did not begin our coverage down in the Championship. It’s been too long since our latest Bielsa-watch. This time, we’ve got: Spy-gate… “David de Gea also happens to be a line-hogging, genius-level lime green octopus of a goalkeeper.” wrote Barney Ronay in the Guardian of Manchester United’s goalkeeper David de Gea, who put on another classic display. Tottenham 0 - 1 Manchester United. De Gea’s 3rd league clean sheet this season… “Left out for tactical reasons” is how Unai Emery responded when asked about Mesut Ozil on Saturday. 12 months ago the German signed a new, bumper deal reportedly worth 350,000 pounds a week and now he’s unable to get into the side, when fully fit, away at West Ham. What’s going on between Arsenal’s new manager and his highest paid player? The title race continues as Liverpool look to keep City just out of reach. They host Crystal Palace, a team who know all about ruining Liverpool’s title ambitions. City go to Huddersfield. Poor Huddersfield. The battle for the top 4 heats up, Arsenal host Chelsea. The reverse fixture was a mad game, but both managers now have half a season with their squads, how will this be different? And finally, Tottenham go to Fulham, Man United host Brighton Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It’s a potentially big weekend for Premier League football, so Andrew and I have decided that we ought to preview those games for your enjoyment… Premier League Fixtures: Saturday 1230 - West Ham vs. Arsenal: Arnautovic’s head has been turned apparently, Arsenal have a good record against West Ham 1500 - Brighton vs. Liverpool: Can Liverpool handle the pressure 1730 - Chelsea vs. Newcastle: Can Chelsea break down the Newcastle bus? Sunday 1630 - Tottenham vs. Manchester United: United manager play-off? Monday 2000 - Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wolves one of the few teams to take points off City this season, but can they do it again? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It’s been a long footballing Christmas period, each Premier League side having played 4 times within the last 2 weeks. In that time, the title race has completely shifted. Liverpool are now in “control” with a 4 point gap on Manchester City. Will the nearly 30-year-long wait for a league title finally end for Liverpool this season? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure as Manchester United manager has started pretty well. 4 wins, 14 goals, 3 conceded and now only 6 points off the top 4. Chelsea and Arsenal have hit bumpy form, how much of that is down to the congested Christmas period and how much of it is down to regression to the mean? The January Transfer Window has opened, and in no time at all Chelsea have secured the signature of Christian Pulisic for 58 million pounds from Dortmund, where he will spend the remainder of the season on loan. In 2018, France were crowned World Champions for the second time, Real Madrid won a third Champions League title in a row, Manchester City won a third Premier League title, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus continued their title streaks and Barcelona continued to dominate La Liga. Arsene Wenger’s 22 year reign over Arsenal came to an end, Jose Mourinho was sacked again and Julen Lopetegui career totally fell off a cliff within 6 months. 2018 featured the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but what lies ahead of us in 2019? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Three years ago almost to the day from when Jose Mourinho was sacked at Chelsea, the Special One is no more at the Theatre of Dreams… Join us for our in depth analysis of Jose Mourinho’s tenure as Manchester United manager. What next for the Portuguese? What next for the club, where do Man United fo from here and what can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer do to turn fortunes around?
A big win for current Premier League leaders Liverpool as they were victorious over bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Both teams never seem to be at the top level at the same time, why is that? Man United currently are on a downward spiral while Liverpool continue on their record breaking start to a league campaign. How do United catch up to their rivals? Can Liverpool actually go all the way? In the world outside of the Mourinho meltdowns and title races, Arsenal’s 22 match unbeaten run has come to a not-so-dramatic end away at Southampton. They’re winless at St. Mary’s in 8 meetings now… The Champions League draw was made today at 11am, or rather 1114, and it’s thrown up some fresh and potentially exciting matches. Premier League vs. Bundesliga, Man United vs. PSG, Atletico vs. Juventus, Ajax vs. Real Madrid, Lyon vs. Barcelona and of course who could forget the one match with Porto in it that no one watches… Hear our predictions that will surely be hilarious to look back on in 3 months time. Of course Schalke were always gonna beat Man City! And, of course as always, there’s time for a Premier League preview of the weekend’s matches as the festive football period closes in. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Wait a minute… hang on a second… do we… is there… is that… a Premier League title race I see in the distance? Or are Liverpool in a false sense of security now they’ve reached the top of the table? Should we bother with the remaining 22 fixtures left in the season? Since you heard from us last, all of the Premier League sides have played twice. Chelsea with the most bizarre set of results. A disappointing 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Wednesday night, only to beat the Champions 2-0 on Saturday. How did they do it? There’s also the worrying treatment of Raheem Sterling by the English tabloids. How long will this unacceptable behaviour continue? The Copa Libertadores final second leg finally took place this weekend, River Plate ended up victorious in the first ever SuperClasico final. Of course, the match was originally supposed to take place in El Monumental in Argentina. Makes sense, both teams are from Argentina. However, this match took place in the Bernabeu in Madrid. Have Conmebol set an unwanted precedent, or is it really that big a deal to take a football match outside of its country, or even continent, of origin? It’s a huge week of football for Liverpool. Finally on top of the Premier League table after weeks of playing catch up, but now they need to hold on for dear life… but first they need to secure safe passage to the Champions League knockout rounds. Liverpool - Napoli on Tuesday night Barcelona - Tottenham as well, Tottenham have to match Inter Milan’s result vs. PSV Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The North London Derby, over the last ten years, has arguably become one of the Premier League’s finest fixtures. There’s been goals, red cards, handbags, penalties, Mike Dean and big 6-point swings. This weekend’s meeting between the local rivals at the Emirates certainly lived up to expectations… The Euro 2020 qualifying draw was made. Ireland meet teams they know pretty well, avoided Netherlands and Germany. Mark Hughes has been sacked after the disappointment of only drawing 2-2 with Manchester United Jurgen Klopp has been charged with misconduct for his celebration in a late 1-0 victory over local rivals Everton. What a bizarre goal to win it for them. It was announced earlier today that VAR would be ‘fast tracked’ into the Champions League knockout stages a year earlier than initially planned. The Summer is often a time clubs use to change, to seek out alternatives or to start fresh. Last Summer, 4 clubs chose such a path. Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham. Out with the old and in with the new. We are now a third of the way through the season and the frantic, festive period is fast approaching so no time like the present to review how the new men in charge have gotten on in their first few months on the job. Plus there’s midweek action in the Premier League. Can Arsenal break their Old Trafford hex or can Mourinho pull off another incredible result? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Last week, in our breaking news special regarding the Irish national team management position we discussed the future of Irish football. Fast forward to Sunday and not only have the FAI hired their next manager, they’ve also hired the next manager after that! Premier League returned to action this week without much going on. Two title contenders winning comfortably enough. Arsenal continued their unbeaten run. But Man United were the ones who slumped to a laborious 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace. Fans booing the team off the pitch at the end of both halves. Tottenham won comfortably 3-1. By far their best performance of the season. La Liga had another twist in the tale this week. Real Madrid lost 3-0 at Eibar. Atletico drew 1-1 with Barcelona, Diego Costa and Ousmane Dembele the goal scorers Bayern’s form continues to be terrible. Were 3-1 up with 30 minutes to go against Dusseldorf only to draw 3-3. They are now 9 points off Dortmund in 5th place. This week N’Golo Kanté signed a bumper, 5 years, 325,000£ a week contract at Chelsea. On Saturday, his side were on the end of their first defeat of the season and first defeat under new manager Maurizio Sarri. A humiliating and humbling display leaves Chelsea in 4th place and only 1 point ahead of rivals Arsenal. But Kanté’s role remains a mystery. How does Sarri solve the Kanté puzzle? PSG vs. Liverpool/Napoli vs. Red Star Belgrade. Only 2 points between top and bottom in this group, could go any way. Neymar and Mbappe may be out for PSG. Tottenham vs. Inter Milan. Only 3 points separating the sides as they meet at Wembley. There’s a big Sunday ahead of us in the Premier League too, no doubt Sky will be advertising it as some sort of Derby Sunday or some such variation: Chelsea vs. Fulham at 1200 Arsenal vs. Tottenham at 1405 Liverpool vs. Everton at 1615 Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Shane Long. Jonathan Walters. Robbie Brady. James McClean. James McClean again. These were the goal scorers, the match winners, on Martin O’Neill’s most famous nights as Republic of Ireland manager. But in the end, Christian Eriksen and Gareth Bale were the players who put the final nails in the former Ireland managers coffin. It was confirmed today, Wednesday, that the Derryman, and his assistant Roy Keane, were to resign effective immediately from their position within Irish football. Is it the right decision? What will be their legacy? And what next for Irish football?
Last week we opened the show with a discussion of the lack of managerial sackings this season. Well, Fulham owner Shahid Khan must have been listening. Last Friday, it was announced Slavisa Jokanovic had left the club and was swiftly replaced by Claudio Ranieri. Is he the man to turn things around at Craven Cottage? England have won their Nations League group, but Croatia have been relegated at their expense. Meanwhile, Germany have also been relegated and also face the possibility of being seeded second in the Euro 2020 qualifying groups. Last May, Arsene Wenger oversaw his final game for Arsenal. He managed the club for over 20 years, but in no way intends to retire any time soon. Over the last few weeks Wenger has remained in the news, keeping his name in the headlines, as he hints at a return to management in January 2019. But where to next for the Frenchman? And finally, club football is back and without interruption for another 4 months! Just how will the big teams fare on their return from a two week ‘break’? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
We’ve reached the third international break of the season and are yet to see a Premier League manager leave their position. Are teams finally giving managers the time to turn things around? Or are the other options just not particularly inspiring? Slavisa Jokanovic of Fulham is under pressure after a 2-0 defeat at Anfield leaves his side bottom of the table. Was he hard done by the referee on Sunday? Or should he be the first manager to leave his post this season? Elsewhere, a huge victory for Borussia Dortmund over Bayern Munich sees their Bavarian rivals fall even further back in the title race. Can Dortmund hold on, or is this form only temporary? Similarly, in La Liga, Barcelona suffered a set back at home to Real Betis. Losing 4-3 at home leaves the Catalan side only 1 point ahead of their closest rivals, and only 4 points ahead of Real Madrid who sit in sixth. Who will win this exciting title race? Manchester City won against their local rivals Manchester United at the weekend to go back to the top of the table. But in light of recent documentations that have leaked showing Manchester City blatantly breaking the rules of the game, just how easy is it to separate what goes on off the pitch and what goes on it? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Last season when the two sides met at the Emirates, Arsenal and Liverpool played out a frantic and messy 3-3 draw. Last weekend, they played out a similarly frantic, but much more controlled 1-1 draw. How have the 2 sides progressed since that crazy encounter last December? It’s been a tumultuous 10 game run for Newcastle to start this season, but it was on the 11th match that Rafa Benitez’s luck began to turn. A 1-0 win over Watford lifts the merry men of Tyneside out of the relegation zone! Long overdue Bielsa-watch as Leeds go back on top of the Championship. That video doing the rounds of the whole team running back to defend a counter attack is amazing. There’s been an absolutely massive leak of football-related documents recently, with Der Spiegel doing a lot of the reporting. It ranges from financial doping to potentially even an actual positive doping test of a, quote, “multiple time Champions League winner.” And while we won’t sit here and theorise who that player may be, we will instead discuss the very prevalent “European Super League.” The Champions League returns this week. There are a few huge matches that could decide who goes through and who is out of Europe’s elite competition. So we’re here to preview those big games… Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
In recent years, Barcelona have won El Clasico 5-0(h), 4-3(a) 6-2(a), 4-0(a), 3-1(a), 3-0(a), 3-2(a) and 5-1(h). Zidane remains the only Madrid manager to win on his first Clasico since 2007. Rafa Benitez lost 4-0, Jose Mourinho 5-0, Manuel Pellegrini 1-0, Juande Ramos 6-2 and now Julen Lopetegui 5-1. So, congratulations to Pellegrini on being the best loser at Real Madrid… While last week we discussed where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui. This week shall complete his spectacular fall from grace, bowing out as Real Madrid manager off the back of a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of their greatest rivals Barcelona. Supposedly, the man chosen to replace him is Antonio Conte, though perhaps not anymore. But is this the kind of fix-up job that only requires a simple change of manager, or is there a much deeper issue at hand at the Bernabeu? Elsewhere, we look at Arsenal’s unbeaten run coming to an end, as Manchester United potentially start one of their own. We also have another round of Premier League fixtures to look forward to, with Arsenal vs. Liverpool being chief among them… Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
There are many great things about the beautiful game, but really, who among us doesn’t thoroughly enjoy a 96th minute touchline fracas? Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge dramatically finished 2-2. But was it a fair result? Five months ago everything was looking up for Julen Lopetegui. Manager of his national team, one of the favourites to win the World Cup and his side were playing great football. Since then, he’s been appointed Real Madrid manager pre-World Cup, sacked before Spain kicked a ball in Russia, seen his best player be sold and had his side go over 8 hours without even scoring a goal. Yet, Saturday saw his first stroke of luck in months. With el Clasico fast approaching, Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Spanish football’s biggest match. Is the tide beginning to turn, or will Lopetegui even be in charge next Sunday? Man City, Tottenham and Liverpool all continue winning, but it’s a big Champions League midweek for all 3 sides. They’ve all lost ground in their group, it is must win for all 3 if they are to continue in Europe’s elite competition. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Now you might think that the US Open has absolutely nothing to do with football, and normally you’d be right. However, this year, for the first time, the competition was only available to viewers in the UK & Ireland via Amazon. No longer on traditional TV, it was a testing ground for what streaming services can bring to sport. How this relates to football specifically then, is the fact that Amazon have snapped up Premier League streaming rights for the 2019/20 season on a 3 season deal. Is this the future of sports broadcasting? Also, in the last few weeks of club football, provider Eleven Sports have been skirting the UK’s 3pm football blackout rule. We also look at the way Premier League football is structured. Are 3pm kick offs soon to be a relic of the past? We are delighted to close out the show by welcoming back club football. Will Mourinho bring Sarri down to his level or is this the end for his Manchester United reign? Have Tottenham ran themselves into the ground? And will Thierry Henry make for an exciting appointment as manager at Monaco? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
As we head into the October international break, 3 teams sit atop the Premier League table on equal footing. Who will be happiest with their league start? Who has the most work to do? And who will win the title come May? Arsenal have achieved a 9 match winning streak, is Unai Emery’s ideals taking shape at the Emirates, or are they simply making the most of a fortunate fixture list? Tottenham are level on points with their North London rivals, but are they flattering to deceive? Has the fixture list computer been kind to Mauricio Pochettino? This time last season we’d already seen one Premier League manager depart his club, and two more weren’t far behind out the door. However, this year all the managers continue to survive and it doesn’t look like anyone will be relieved of their duties any time soon… or will they? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Manchester United remain a total shambles and will probably continue to be for as long as Jose Mourinho is in charge at the club. But what about big ol’ Zinedine Zidane, ey? Bring him to England for a bit of fun! Speaking of fun, lots of it was to be had at Stamford Bridge last Saturday as Liverpool and Chelsea played out an entertaining 1-1 draw. Can this be the future of high-level football? And finally, why do managers waste great opportunities? Oh, and how could we forget that pesky old Premier League Preview? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Cows are in the news again, which is always nice. Also nice: seeing Sir Alex Ferguson make his return to Old Trafford after his health scare last May. However, he will not have been happy with Manchester United’s limp performance against Wolves. A 1-1 draw at home against a newly promoted side has become the norm for United, but don’t worry because Paul Pogba’s got all the solutions. Tottenham are back to winning ways, but remain unimpressive. Chelsea dropped their first points of the season, is it a sign of poor things to come or just a minor blip that we’ll soon forget? Has the long-awaited return of the Premier League Mid-Table side finally arrived? Is there greater significance to Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Watford last Saturday afternoon? There is, as always, time for a Premier League preview to close out the show. Who will win the big match against Chelsea and Liverpool? How long has Neil Warnock got left? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
On Thursday, the New York Times published a piece detailing FIFA’s plans for the transfer market. A report that was requested by FIFA President Gianni Infantino has put forward some very interesting ideas for the future of football’s marketplace. So, we go through them… There’s also time for a brief Premier League/Champions League Preview. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It’s been a turbulent two week break from club football, but Roy Keane has done us all a solid in giving us something to talk about. Just how many Irish players has he fallen out with? Can him and Martin O’Neill continue on as Ireland manager for much longer? England lost their first competitive game at Wembley since 2007, but at least Luke Shaw played well before his unfortunate injury. How important is the Nations League? Paul Pogba. Zinedine Zidane. Jose Mourinho. How will these 3 men all tie together? Is Zidane the man to turn around Manchester United’s fortunes? How much is Pogba worth to United? The Premier League is back next week and there are plenty of games to look forward to. Can Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford continue their 100% winning start? Will Arsenal keep a clean sheet? Will Fulham score a goal? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
As we head into the first International break of the season, it’s all about the Champions League Draw. Will there be any upsets? Who will win it outright? We discuss this all, and more, on this week’s edition of the Total Football Podcast. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
On this, the first Preview Show of the season, we look ahead to the weekend’s footballing action in the Premier League as well as across Europe’s other big leagues. To kick us off, Liverpool go to the King Power Stadium. They’ve had some poor results there in the past, but now seems like as good a time as any to turn up at Leicester City where it’s not been the most ideal start to the season. Around the grounds at 3pm, West Ham host newly promoted Wolves in what should be an entertaining match. Chelsea also host Bournemouth, who have proven to be a bit of a bogey team for the Blues in recent seasons. Elsewhere, Manchester City host Newcastle on Saturday evening as they look to bounce back from a disappointing draw at Wolves last weekend. On Sunday, Cardiff host Arsenal. Will Cardiff ever score a league goal again? To round off the Premier League fixtures for the weekend, it’s a battle of the 100% winning starts at Vicarage Road as Watford host Tottenham. Also at 4pm on Sunday, Manchester United go to Turf Moor where both sides will be looking to pick up a much needed victory. We also look ahead to some interesting matches across Serie A and La Liga, while reveiwing the opening weekend of Bundesliga action. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Last Saturday saw a record equalling number of red cards received on a single day of Premier League action. 4 in total. What on earth is coming up that they couldn’t get time off for otherwise? Liverpool, Chelsea… and Watford? They’ve all gotten off to a 100% winning start, but can they keep it up? While Arsenal win at last. Chelsea won at St.James’ Park for the first time since 2011, but earlier in the week Roman Abramovich reportedly put the club up for sale at a valuation of 2 billion pounds. What does the future hold for the Blues? We’ll be back next Thursday with a Preview Podcast as we look ahead to the weekend’s action in both England and across Europe’s top divisions. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Another week, another miserable Manchester United performance. What on Earth is going on in the club? Why is it so toxic? Is Mourinho the man for the job? We discuss this, and more, following on from the Red Devil’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Sunday. On Saturday, Chelsea came out on top, also winning 3-2, against London rivals Arsenal. Emery’s 0 for 2 in the Premier League, yet it’s still far too early to criticise his methods. With West Ham coming up next Saturday, is that the real beginning of the season for the Gunners? The big talking point of the week has been the announcement that, from as early as this season, La Liga matches can be played in America. Is this a good idea? What matches will be played there? Will this even be allowed? There was a lot to go through this week, join us for our in depth analysis of all the week’s footballing news and events. We’re sure you won’t regret it. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
After only 3 weeks of agonising wait, the Premier League has graced our screens yet again. It all began on Friday night at Old Trafford where Manchester United got off to a 2-1 victory over Leicester City. But are United’s biggest problems off the field? On the blue side of Manchester, Champions City got off to an impressive start to their title defence with a 2-0 victory over Unai Emery’s Arsenal. Despite a disappointing start for the post-Wenger Arsenal, it’s still too early to judge their new manager. Liverpool’s new look side also got off to a flier, with a 4-0 victory over West Ham. But there will be tougher tests to come for Klopp’s side. We also preview the upcoming European leagues, it’s been a Summer of change off the pitch, but will their be changes at the top on the pitch? Who will stop Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich from dominating? There’s also time to look ahead to next weekend’s Premier League fixtures. Is it too soon to be excited for Arsenal vs. Chelsea? What’s going on with Super Sunday? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Welcome to a new season of the Total Football Podcast. On today’s pod, we preview the upcoming English Premier League Season, discuss our predictions for the top 4, who will go down as well as everything in between. Join us, won’t you? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
A bizarre final that sums up this bizarre World Cup. France came out victorious 4-2 over a tough Croatia side. On this, the final podcast of an incredibly long season, Andrew and Declan look back on this World Cup final. Where was it won and lost? Who performed well? Who didn’t? And of course, what next for these two sides? France have a youthful, exciting side at their disposal, but can they go on and achieve further greatness and become on of the great international sides? Croatia, on the other hand, have an ageing side and many of their top players may be considering retirement from the national side after a very successful campaign. We also look back at the tournament as a whole. Will it be remembered fondly? What were the best moments? Who were the standout players and the standout matches? Who stood out for all the wrong reasons? And finally, we thank you our dear listener for being by our side through this adventure. 2017/18 is now officially in the books and what a year it’s been. We will be back on August 6th to preview the upcoming season. Join us for the ride, won’t you? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
So it’s all led to this: Almost 4 years ago, 211 teams began the qualification process for Russia 2018, but now only 2 are left standing. France and Croatia. There was a long road to get here, but their last victims, Belgium and England must still suffer the indignity of a third place playoff. Saturday England face Belgium as their B side seek revenge over Belgium’s B side in what must surely be the first instance of two teams throwing on the B team against each other in the same tournament twice. An incredible set of circumstances. But, this is what we’ve all been building up to. We’ve seen 30 teams be eliminated, leaving 2 standing tall. France versus Croatia. Who will be the hero? Who will make the dreaded mistake that goes down in infamy? Who will be down on the ground in tears? Who will be World Champions? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
And then there were 4. Only two games separate these sides from World Cup glory, but who will stand in their way, who will deprive them of such joy and wonder, who will be the hero and who will be the scapegoat? There are only 3 more meaningful matches left in what has been an incredible World Cup. Each team has had a bizarre journey to this stage of the competition, but they have all earned it. Tuesday: Belgium - France. Can Belgium repeat the performance that saw them past Brazil or will the quality of this French side see them through yet again? Wednesday: Croatia - England. After 2 penalty shootout wins, can Croatia even last 90 more minutes? Their squad is battered and bruised but one more push could see them into their first ever World Cup final. England had it a little easier but they still just barely survived penalties. Can they be the first English side to reach a final on foreign soil? Will it be coming home? Let’s hope football is the victor in what promises to be an engaging semi finals. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
We started with 32 but now only 8 remain. Who will win the 21st edition of the World Cup? On today’s show the team takes a look at all 4 of the quarter final matches taking place in the next two days. It’s incredibly difficult to say who will win, which leads to an almost total disagreement in predicted semi-finalists. Friday: France - Uruguay @3pm Brazil - Belgium @7pm Saturday: England - Sweden @3pm Russia - Croatia @7pm All times stated in BST Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
After almost 3 weeks of non-stop football (except that one awful day that we’ve all agreed to forget), we’ve whittled the World Cup down to 8 remaning teams. The final two entrants were decided today in one very dramatic match and one… match… Sweden 1 - 0 Switzerland: Not much to say about this one, well done Sweden. Switzerland poor. But can Sweden keep their phenomenal competition going? Colombia 1(3) - 1(4) England: In a competition with so many incredible shock surprises, is England winning on penalties the most surprising of all? Probably not, but it’s still a massive shock and a great result for Gareth Southgate and his merry men. No matches tomorrow, but Andrew and Declan will be back with a full show for everyone’s ears to digest. This is also the final daily diary, it’s been a pleasure to do these and I hope you’ve all enjoyed listen to me yap on about this incredible competition. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
This World Cup is the gift that keeps on giving. While Brazil played out a fairly professional victory, their quarter final opponents just about scraped by in what is instantly a World Cup classic. Day 18 and hopefully this tournament will never end. Brazil 2 - 0 Mexico: Mexico started brightly, but they started to fade from the 20th minute on. They did expose weaknesses in Brazil that Belgium will be looking to exploit, namely Fagner at right back. Casemiro will also be suspended which is a significant blow to the Brazilians. Belgium 3 - 2 Japan: Who knew Japan had it in them? Much improved from the group stages, Japan exposing weaknesses in this Belgian side. But they also exposed that this Belgium team has a lot of fight in it, many teams would have given up at 2-0 down but Belgium powered on and ultimately deserved to go through. Tomorrow’s matches: Sweden - Switzerland Colombia England Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The penalty shootout Gods have smiled down up on us! Not one, but two shootouts for us to enjoy on what was an otherwise entirely ordinary day of knockout football. Spain 1(3) - 1(4) Russia: Spain completed over 1000 passes but failed to use any of those passes to set up any good goal scoring opportunities. They have the superior side, but they seemed to have no idea how to break down that Russian defence. Croatia 1(3) - 1(2) Denmark: Two very even teams reverted to knockout type immediately after a crazy opening 5 minutes. Both teams seemed to realise the ocassion a little too much which ultimately led to a disappointing clash. Disappointment for Schmeichel, who made 3 penalty saves during the match but his team still couldn’t win. Croatia now must be one of the favourites for the competition. Tomorrow’s matches: Brazil - Mexico Belgium - Japan Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
After a difficult 24 hour period of no football, the action restarted in spectacular fashion with a 10 goal blitz over two games. The hope now is that this is a sign of things to come as opposed to a sign of what could have been. France 4 - 3 Argentina: Messi is out of the competition, but Kylian Mbappe re-introduces himself as the heir to Messi’s throne. An incredible performance from the 19-year old immediately raises the question: can he win the 2018 Ballon D’or? But first, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, can he win the 2018 World Cup? Uruguay 2 - 1 Portugal: Ronaldo joins Messi out the door of Russia, but Portugal deserve to be out. Uruguay were immense in an incredible, hard-working performance. Cavani doing all he can to remove the tag of ‘bottler’ that has plagued much of his career. They will now face France in the quarter final, and will the winner of this match determine the winner of the competition? Tomorrow’s matches: Spain - Russia Croatia - Denmark Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It took 2 weeks of non-stop football, but the knockout rounds are upon us! Rejoice at the thought of a penalty shootout! Rejoice at the thought of one simple mistake ruining the hopes and dreams of a nation in a matter of seconds. We now know the bracket, who will play who and who won’t be playing who. One side of the draw looks a lot meaner than the other, but there are no easy games in International football. To win, you must earn it. Who will be our quarter-finalists? What matches are likely to go to penalties? We discuss this, and more, in today’s World Cup Round of 16 Preview! Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The group stages are finally over and while they have been enjoyable, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of tight, tense knockout football. Group H: Farce no. 1 of the day sees Africa’s last hope Senegal knocked out of the group phase on the basis of having earned more yellow cards than Japan. A sad day for African football and yet another day where FIFA needs to inspect their rules. Colombia bounce back from losing their opening game, but how far can they and Japan go? Group G: Farce of the day no. 2 sees England lose to Belgium in a game neither side actually wanted to win. Unfortunately for Belgium, they were the victors today but will it end up costing them? And will English arrogance cost them? They’ve already got their eyes on a semi final clash with Spain… No football tomorrow… How will we cope…? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Wow… Group F: World champions Germany have been eliminated from the competition! One of the most incredible moments in World Cup history, it is the first time since 1998 that the Germans haven’t finished in the top 3, which really emphasises how disappointing this campaign has been. In their place is Sweden and Mexico, but how far can these perennial also-rans go? Group E: An anti-climactic end to what was a dramatic group. Brazil boring in victory, Neymar annoying in triumph. It’s not a vintage Brazil side, but they can go all the way. Switzerland join them, but big cheers for Costa Rica who become the 32nd team of the competition to score a goal! Tomorrow’s matches: Senegal - Colombia & Japan - Poland England - Belgium & Tunisia - Panama Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Correction: In today’s episode Declan wrongly states that Brazil play at 3pm tomorrow when they in fact play at 7pm… This incredible World Cup continues with yet another day of spectacular drama. Argentina got over the line, just. While Iceland’s late comeback is thwarted by Ivan Perisic. Group C: Really the most uninteresting group of the tournament and is summed up by the fact that the first 0-0 of the competition arrived here with France drawing with Denmark in one of the dullest matches ever witnessed. However, both teams comfortably go through to the next round, can they meet again in the final? Group D: From the uninteresting to the sublime. This was marked as the group of death when it was drawn last September but Croatia made it look easy. Argentina, on the other hand, only just got over the line thanks to a late goal from none other than Marcos Rojo. What on earth was he doing up there?? Should he play there more often? Not like they have any other attacking outlets… Tomorrow’s matches: Germany - South Korea & Mexico - Sweden Brazil - Serbia & Costa Rica - Switzerland Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Turns out Russia aren’t very good, but just how bad are Egypt? We now have 4 games a day, with 2 kicking off simultaneously at 3pm and at 7pm and how on earth are we meant to keep up with all the drama?? Group A: Uruguay bat away the hosts with relative ease, winning 3-0 and the result never really in doubt once Luis Suarez put the South Americans in front. Just how far can the Uruguayans go? And will Russia be satisfied to just get out of the group? Group B: Before the tournament, most would have predicted Spain and Portugal to go through first and second and that is exactly what happened, but not many would have predicted it to go down like this. VAR played a helping hand in what was a defining 2 minutes in this group and potentially the entire World Cup. All of a sudden Portugal are in the tough side of the draw and Spain could be in the ‘easier’ path. But what about VAR? Does it add to or take away from the drama? Has it been used properly or is it being abused? Should it stay or should it go? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com for your answers to these questions, and more! Tomorrow’s matches: France - Denmark & Peru - Australia Argentina - Nigeria & Iceland - Croatia Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The second round of group games have been played meaning 50% of all matches have been played, why does it all have to end so soon? In today’s matches, England demolished Panama in a dominant display that makes you wonder is that actually England playing. Can they go on and win the tournament? And is losing to Belgium a good idea? We also consider all the option in group H, while Poland may be offically out of the tournament they could still have a big role to play in deciding who goes through. We also preview the upcoming games in the third round of the group stage. Who’s journey to glory will become clearer and who will fall at the first hurdle? Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It’s day 10 and it’s a 10 out of 10. While Germany v Sweden lived up to the hype, the two matches that preceded it were also of a high quality and sets up a final round of group games perfectly. Belgium 5 - 2 Tunisia: Lukaku now level with Ronaldo for the golden boot, but will he be fit for the England game? Beglium starting to really look like a Roberto Martinez side, whether that’s a good thing or not is yet to be seen. Tunisia were better, but ultimately not a good enough side to take on an exciting Belgian side. Mexico 2 - 1 South Korea: Looks like Son won’t be avoiding military service anytime soon, it’s going to take a miracle to see his side through to the knockout stages, but has Toni Kroos offered them a lifeline? Mexico now surely through to the Last 16, but can they get any further? Germany 2 - 1 Sweden: Toni Kroos, what a man. In the dying seconds, up steps the Real Madrid midfielder to score one of the most important goals of the tournament and potentially one of the most important World Cup goals of all time. Unfortunately for Sweden, it looks like their tournament is over. They must beat Mexico next Wednesday to stand a chance. Tomorrow’s matches: England - Panama Japan - Senegal Colombia - Poland Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Day 9 was an unforgettable day of World Cup action which saw three incredibly enjoyable games and one sad exit from the tournament. Brazil 2 - 0 Costa Rica: Brazil took their time about it, but two late late goals saw them pick up all 3 points against a stubborn Costa Rica. Unfortunately that’s curtains for Costa Rica, but is Neymar this tournament’s villain to root against? Nigeria 2 - 0 Iceland: The two underdogs of group D clash and no one will be happier than the Argentina fans. This leaves the group wide open as each team prepares for the final group game showdown this Tuesday! Serbia 1 - 2 Switzerland: Serbia become the first team in the competition to lose from a winning position, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Despite the loss, however, they’ve left Brazil a lot to think about in their winner takes all match this Wednesday. Tomorrow’s matches: Belgium - Tunisia South Korea - Mexico Germany - Sweden Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Listen in as Declan tries to process what in the world that Argentina performance was. There’s also lament at Peru’s elimination as well as Australia’s good and bad fortune. Denmark 1 - 1 Australia: VAR intervenes on Australia’s behave, but did Denmark even deserve a point? Either way, Denmark all but through now. Peru 0 - 1 France: Pogba in fine form as France keep Peru at bay. As fun and as exciting as Peru have been, unfortunately that is them eliminated from the tournament. Argentina 0 - 3 Croatia: Not like this, Messi, not like this… Tomorrow’s matches: Brazil - Costa Rica Nigeria - Iceland Serbia - Switzerland Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Not a lot of goals, but still plenty to talk about on Day 7 of this the 2018 World Cup. The day started and ended quite well, but there was quite the lul in action in the middle. Portugal 1 - 0 Morocco: An entertaining match that was just missing some goals. Ronaldo did find some time to get on the score sheet though and knockout Morocco who become the fist team officially eliminated from this year’s edition. Uruguay 1 - 0 Saudi Arabia: Who’d have guessed that Uruguay would play out a 1-0 win? It was only the most obvious thing that could’ve happened! Saudi Arabia and Egypt now also officially eliminated from the tournament. Saudi Arabia definitely the worst team to qualify. Iran 0 - 1 Spain: An entertaining defensive display from Iran saw Spain struggle to break them down, but Diego Costa was the difference in the end. But can Spain score goals when Costa isn’t firing them in off his knee? Spain surely now through to the knockout round which will put behind them the embarassment of 2014. Tomorrow’s matches: Denmark - Australia Peru - France Croatia - Argentina Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
After the high of England gracing this Russian stage, we must now go back down to Earth as the first round of World Cup group matches come to a close. Japan 2 - 1 Colombia: Finally! We have our first red card of the tournament and it was the perfect way to do it. Although the Colombians may disagree with that. Japan were better than expected, but how much of that was down to being against 10 men? What next for Colombia? Poland 1 - 2 Senegal: Poland disappoint on the World stage yet again. Will they be able to turn it around this time? Senegal were fortunate with their two goals, but their electrifying pace on the counter proved too much for a slow Polish defence. Russia 3 - 1 Egypt: Mo Salah finally entered the World Cup, but he ultimately left it too late to turn around Egypt’s fortune. Russia all but through to the second round, but can they go any further than that in the competition? Tomorrow’s games: Portugal - Morocco Uruguay - Saudi Arabia Spain - Iran Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Andrew and Declan are reunited to discuss the last 5 days of football. We start where the football has ended, for now, with England and Tunisia. Did England deserve their victory? And is this a lesson learned or a sign of things to come? England will likely make it out of the group, but this performance raises a lot of questions, will they be able to answer them? Beglium were also in action today and we can’t agree on their performance. Were Belgium poor or did they set a good marker for the tournament? Sweden were assisted by VAR in the beginning of their pursuit for World Cup glory. But how will that group shake up? Are Germany in danger of elimination? We also look back on how the big teams have performed, hint: not particularly well. How will round 2 shake up? And will Group H live up to the expectation of open and exciting football? Leave us your thoughts @thetfpod on Twitter or email us at theTFpod@gmail.com and we’ll be posting on Instagram throughout the tournament, if pictures is more your style. Don’t forget to tell family and friends about the show and if this is your introduction to our glorious prodcution then please leave a review on your podcast provider of choice. Have a good week, everybody!
This incredible start to the World Cup continues with 3 more exciting games for us to feast our eyes upon. Serbia 1 - 0 Costa Rica: Serbia get the 3 points expected of them after a disappointing Costa Rica performance that makes us yearn for the quality of their 2014 run to the quarter final. Incredibly, Serbia have now been left top of the group after reuslts went their way earlier in the evening. Germany 0 - 1 Mexico: By far the biggest shock of the tournament so far. Mexico deserving winners, but what on Earth is going on with Germany? Could the champions be knocked out of the group for a 3rd World Cup in a row? Brazil 1 - 1 Switzerland: Brazil started well, but switched off after scoring. Switzerland, conversely, started poorly but gained confidence from equalising. This draw leaves the group finely poised for an exciting round 2 of fixtures. And is Neymar really fully fit? Tomorrow’s matches: Sweden - South Korea Belgium - Panama England - Tunisia Andrew and Declan will be reunited tomorrow for a full episode to run down all the results so far from this entertaining first week of the World Cup. Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The tremendous start to the 2018 FIFA World Cup continues. Day 3 saw 4 matches: France 2 - 1 Australia: VAR and goal line technology help to resolve a match between the skillful French and industrious Australians. Iceland 1 - 1 Argentina: When will Messi stop missing penalties? When will the Iceland bubble burst? Not today, that’s when. Denmark 1 - 0 Peru: Peru shattered expectations today, outplaying the clever Danes. Unfortunatley for them, they missed a VAR awarded penalty and couldn’t finish the dinner worth of chances presented by the lacklustre Scandinavians. Croatia 2 - 0 Nigeria: Nigeria never got out of first gear as the experienced Croatians siezed their chances and their luck in a matchday 1 victory. Tomorrow: Costa Rica - Servbia , Germany - Mexico , Brazil - Switzerland Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram & Facebook or email theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
It has been a sensational start to the World Cup. We waited 4 whole years for this but by gum was it well worth it! Uruguay 1 - 0 Egypt: Egypt now need victory on Tuesday against Russia or else their tournament is over after a late winner for Uruguay that will surely see them into the second round with relative ease. Iran 1 - 0 Morocco: A cruel way for any team’s World Cup dreams to be finished, but with that 95th minute own goal it means Morocco’s tournament is likely over. Iran, however, are in a nice position from which they could threaten to get out of the group. Portugal 3 - 3 Spain: An instant classic, what more needs to be said? Ronaldo finally does it on the World Cup stage and Spain begin their task of trying to get over the whole saga of Julen Lopetegui. Tomorrow: France - Australia Argentina - Iceland Denmark - Peru Croatia - Nigeria Contact us: @thetfpod on Twitter and @totalfootballpod on Instagram or theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Surprise! You didn’t think we’d wait all the way until Monday to talk about the World Cup, did you?? Well wrong you were. Introducing our new World Cup special show: The World Cup 2018 Diaries! We’ll be keeping these short and as to the point as we can. These will be to keep you, the listener, up to date with the 2018 World Cup in between our regular shows. They will only require a single pilot, but don’t worry we will have our classic two-man panel back as soon as this Monday! Now, on with the show… Russia 5 - 0 Saudi Arabia: After 4 years of waiting, the World Cup is finally back and Russia delivered the goods! 5 goals, 2 of extreme quality and have they proven the doubters wrong? Tomorrow’s matches: Uruguay - Egypt Morocco - Iran Spain - Portugal
We are now counting down the hours until Russia kicks off against Saudi Arabia this Thursday. There are 4 groups left to preview from last week and will the winner be coming from one of these groups? In Group E, Brazil, can the 5 time champions win once again? Switzerland and Serbia, a pair of European teams who are always the bridesmaid but never the bride. And what of Costa Rica, they were the most surprising team at Brazil in 2014, can they repeat those heroics? In Group F, the champions Germany. Can they retain the World Cup? Standing in their way is Mexico, Sweden and South Korea. Is this the hardest group to predict? In Group G, well known quantities England and Belgium. Is football coming home? Can Bobby Martinez steer the Belgian golden generation towards world domination? Are Panama and Tunisia likely to stop the European underdogs? In Group H, the H stands for Hipster. Who is your hipster tip for World Cup glory, Colombia or Senegal? Or maybe perhaps Poland or Japan? We try to predict exactly what will happen in Russia, just in case you don’t want to watch the glorious sporting event, we’ll let you in on our well kept secret. Give us your World Cup predictions! Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Rate/Review the show on your podcast service of choice. Do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The World Cup is fast approaching! With it kicking off in just 10 days our team look back at some of the most memorable World Cup moments from Spain 1982 all the way to Brazil 2014. We also preview the first four groups of this year’s World Cup. How important is Mo Salah to Egypt? Will Lionel Messi be able to carry Argentina again? Can France live up to the high expectations set on them? Give us your World Cup predictions! Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Rate/Review the show on your podcast service of choice. Do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
What a week in the footballing world it has been! First there’s Unai Emery’s appointment at Arsenal. Will he show what made him PSG-worthy or will the horrors of the 6-1 in the Nou Camp scar Emery for life? Maurizio Sarri has left Napoli and looks to be on his way to Chelsea, but is he the man for the job? Fulham have been promotoed to the Premier League via the play-offs, they are a welcome return to top division, but what about Aston Villa’s future? And of course, the Champions League final. Club football’s showpiece event. We delve into all the nitty, gritty details of what made it a perfect end to a spectacular Champions League season. So, that is it for the club season. 2017/18 is now history. But, the World Cup is only a couple weeks away and do not fret, we will be here with you every step of the way! Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Subscribe, review/rate the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
The FA Cup final took place in Wembley last Saturday. Did Antonio Conte go out with a bang? And what next for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United Inter Milan qualified for the Champions League in the most dramatic of circumstances. But should De Vrij have played? The World Cup is coming up and some big name players are going to miss out. Alvaro Morata, Radja Nainggolan and Mauro Icardi will be watching from home this Summer, but should they be? Kiev is preparing for Real Madrid and Liverpool meeting this Saturday. Who will be crowned Champions of Europe? Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Rate/Review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
That’s it! That’s a wrap! The 2017/18 season has come to a not-so dramatic end. While it hasn’t been a vintage season, there is still a lot to look back on with fondness. And isn’t about the friends we made along the way? Barcelona’s unbeaten run also comes to an end, and does the manner of the defeat signal the death of football? So, just who deserve to win our end of season awards? Should we even bother with a goal of the season? Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
Last Sunday, Arsene Wenger made his farewell to the Emirates Stadium. After 606 home matches as Arsenal manager, are fans ready for a new man to take over the hot seat? Elsewhere, Chelsea won 1-0 against Champions League finalists Liverpool. Is there any hope for the blues’ top 4 aspirations? In our Topic of the Show, we delve into the debate of League versus Cup, which is more impressive to win? Or is one more impressive than the other? And can we agree with Jose Mourinho on something?? Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Remember to please rate and subscribe to the show, and reccommending to friends, family and enemies alike is just as welcome!
A lot of football happened in the last week, but there wasn’t a lot of discussion surrounding those matches. Though the Premier League relegation race heated up over the weekend with all of the bottom 3 gaining ground on the teams above them. The Serie A title race also came to a devastating end with the 3-0 defeat of Napoli against Fiorentina. Barcelona were also finally confirmed as La Liga champions. We also find some time to go through who has won the Champions League, because it can be easy to forget that Marseille reigned supreme of Europe in 1993 Contact: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Please remember to subscribe, rate and tell friends about the show. Any little helps in supporting the show.
The massive, shocking news this week was the announcement that Arsene Wenger will be leaving Arsenal come the end of the season. We go in-depth on Wenger’s time at Arsenal and what next for the club. We also find some time to review the weekend’s FA Cup action, will it be Manchester United or Chelsea with their name on the trophy on May 19. And of course, with the Champions League semi finals this week, we preview the upcoming ties with our predictions of who will be going to Kiev on May 26. Contact us: theTFpod@gmail.com / @thetfpod Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast service of choice. And do tell your family and friends about the show.
There’s plenty in the news to talk about this week. The big talking point of the weekend is Manchester City officially being crowned Premier League champions for a third time. The Champions League and Europa League semi final draws were made, we look forward to some great ties in the coming weeks. Bayern Munich have announced a new manager for next season, but Eintracht Frankfurt aren’t happy about it. We also discuss whether we have an exciting few years ahead of us in the Champions League… Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Please rate/review the podcast on your service of choice and do tell friends and family about the show!
A lot happened over the course of the last week. Lucky for you our team is at hand to dissect everything from the Manchester Derby to the Madrid Derby. There’s lengthy talk of how the last week has affected everyone’s opinion on whether this Man City side is one of the greatest in Premier League history. We also discuss Bayern Munich’s record 6th Bundesliga title in a row and whether Real Madrid will have to give a guard of honour for Barcelona in a month’s time. Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Don’t forget to rate the show on your podcast service of choice and please do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!
We start off the show this week wondering whether Mark Hughes can get 2 teams relegated this season and what the future could lie for Southampton. We also discuss Thomas Tuchel’s future as he looks more and more likely to be managing PSG next season. There’s also the return of the Champions League, as we preview the upcoming quarter final clashes. Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com Please rate/review the show on your podcast service of choice and don’t forget to tell your friends about the show!
It’s an international friendly filled extravaganza! There’s Germany, France, Spain, England, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil. But will Uruguay win the World Cup? In amongst all the international friendlies, there has been some club news worth mentioning. Well, by news we mean rumour and speculation. Just where will Thomas Tuchel end up next? And is he even that good a coach? Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com
This week we prepare for the International break by going in depth into England’s World Cup squad. Who do they bring? Who actually starts and why is Joe Hart even in this conversation? But first, we look at the Champions League quarter final draw that took place last Friday. Are Real Madrid back to being favourites? And there’s also a look at the FA Cup semi final draw, should Tottenham be allowed play at home in what’s supposed to be a neutral venue? Plus there’s some more chat on VAR… Contact us: @thetfpod / theTFpod@gmail.com
The team is back again for another Monday to analyse the Manchester United - Liverpool match, the top 4 race and PSG’s embarrassing exit of the Champions League. Contact us @thetfpod and thetfpod@gmail.com
This week the team break down Arsenal and Chelsea’s break down. We also round up what’s going on in the top European leagues. And we have time to check in on how Robbie Kean’s Indian journey is going Contact us: @thetfpod and theTFpod@gmail.com
We have a merry old time this week as we dicuss the Carabao Cup final as well as how we’d change the Carabao Cup. We also discuss Suarez’s antics at the Nou Camp on Saturday, Mourinho and Conte’s continued war for top 4 positioning on Sunday and a return to form for Andrew in Guess the Player! Contact us: theTFpod@gmail.com & @thetfpod
Welcome back to The Total Football Podcast, this week there really isn’t that much to discuss so we reminisce on some amazing player outburts. There’s an interesting conversation on the future of elite level football. Are Madrid and PSG the sign of a depressing future to come? We also discuss VAR once again, and probably not for the last time either… And is this the week Andrew finally fails to guess the player?? Contact us: @thetfpod & theTFpod@gmail.com
This week it’s the long awaited return of the Champions League so we go in depth discussing all the possibilties in the round of 16. Exciting times ahead! We also discuss where everything went wrong for Arsenal and Manchester United and where they should put their focus for the last few months of the season. Contact us: theTFpod@gmail.com and @thetfpod on social media
There was a lot to talk about following the Liverpool and Tottenham match and we do our best to cover it all. There’s also chat on the Premier League TV rights which go up for auction in the coming weeks. This week’s episode was also broadcast live on Twitch, which you can watch every Monday evening at twitch.tv/totalfootballpodcast Contact us: @thetfpod and theTFpod@gmail.com
The January Transfer window has closed so this week we decided to get together to discuss how the Premier League teams fared with their transfer dealings. Our regular show will be returning on Monday, so stay tuned… Contact us: @thetfpod & thetfpod@gmail.com
A bumper edition of the Total Football Podcast, but we found time to question Matthijs’ weird saying. This week there’s midweek Premier League fixtures to preview and final transfer dealings to discuss We finally got a good look at how VAR will work in England and wonder the pros and the cons of how it worked Contact us: theTFpod@gmail.com & @thetfpod
It’s a jam packed news week on this edition of the Total Football Podcast. We discuss Marco Silva, the January transfer window and the new-fangled Euro Nations League. This week it was a struggle for Andrew and Matthijs, but can they guess the player? Guess the player suggestions are welcome as always: Contact us at theTFpod@gmail.com and @thetfpod
At last Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have lost! So, obviously his time is up at the club, they’re only 15 points clear at the top at the time of recording. Who will come in? Stuart Pearce back in? In reality, we discuss the very real problems at Chelsea and Arsenal and wonder what’s going wrong with their big Summer strikers, also looking at the misfiring Lukaku. Matthijs also returns to try help Andrew as he struggles to guess the player! Contact us: @thetfpod and theTFpod@gmail.com
On this week’s show we discuss what a wonderful life Matt Le Tissier has got for himself. We also talk about Coutinho’s long awaited transfer to Barcelona. We question if the FA Cup is losing its magic and can Andrew figure out who the player is this week? contact us: theTFpod@gmail.com and/or @thetfpod
On this week’s edition we look ahead to the year in football. Will our predictions come true or will we be way off the mark? We also discuss the major incidents at Selhurst Park on Sunday as well as welcome Virgil Van Dijk to Liverpool. And can Andrew figure out who the player is this week? Contact us: @thetfpod and theTFpod@gmail.com
On this week’s show we discuss the festive football period, El Clasico and whatever is going on with Jose Mourinho. We also review the first half of the Premier League campaign and can Andrew guess that player?? Contact us: @thetfpod or thetfpod@gmail.com
On this week’s show, we discuss not only football but also nature. What actually is the least threatening part of an animal? We also wonder what’s gone wrong with Tottenham and is Mark Hughes on his last days as Stoke manager? Only 3 teams remain unbeaten in Europe’s top 5 leagues, how long can they remain unbeaten? We also play a new game! Contact us at: thetfpod@gmail.com
On this week’s episode we discuss what happened both on and off the pitch in Manchester and in Merseyside at the weekend. We also look forward to the Last 16 of the Champions League after today’s draw while also previewing the upcoming midweek Premier League fixtures. Sandwiched in between all that we look back on the Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho rivalry. Has Pep put the nail in Mourinho’s coffin? Contact us: thetfpod@gmail.com
On this week’s show we ponder whether Gary Lineker is a sell-out or a good host, as well as discussing the actual World Cup draw. We also discuss the happenings in Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga and the Premier League. We answer the question of who is going down in the Premier League and we wonder just how everything unfolded at the Emirates on Saturday evening. Contact us: thetfpod@gmail.com or @thetfpod
On this week’s show, Matthijs O’Flaherty joins again as we chat about Everton’s slide into mediocrity, the future of Chelsea, Jose’s influence on referees and technology in football officiating. Along the way we review the weekend’s action across Europe’s big leagues and preview a full set of mid-week fixtures in the Premier League. Contact us: thetfpod@gmail.com or @thetfpod
On this week’s show we have a very special guest host who joins us to talk through the issues facing Spurs after a dismal derby defeat to rivals Arsenal. We also speak about the sacking of West Brom’s Tony Pulis and ask where they go from here. We preview the Champions League matches and speak of Zidane’s future at Real Madrid.
On this week’s international inspired show, we talk about the European teams slogging it out in the playoffs for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Italy’s dismal performance and where they go from here dominate the show. We also talk about the Danish Victoria Secret store hitting the headlines as a dour Ireland hang in there for a second leg against Denmark in Dublin. Get in touch @thetfpod or thetfpod@gmail.com
Join on this week’s edition of the Total Football podcast where we discuss the axing of Slaven Bilic from West Ham, the return of David Moyes to the Premier League, United’s woes against Chelsea and have Manchester City won the league already? Follow us @thetfpod or get in touch thetfpod@gmail.com
On this week’s episode we delve into the psyche of Jose Mourinho and discuss his football ideology. Meanwhile, does Zidane have an ideology at his Real Madrid side or is his now being found out? All this plus we speak about the weekend’s other action as Man City and Napoli stay top in their respective leagues before meeting this week in the Champions League. Get in touch at thetfpod@gmail.com or on social media @thetfpod
On this week’s show we direct Everton’s woeful start to the season and Ronald Koeman’s departure from the Merseyside club. We touch on all the teams in the relegation battle already, Neymar’s appalling behaviour in France and Serie A hotting up. All this and more on this week’s edition of the Total Football podcast. Follow us @thetfpod or get in touch by emailing thetfpod@gmail.com
As Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side put on a dour performance in a scoreless draw against Liverpool, we ask do these “big” matches even matter to the clubs in them anymore, especially if the “big” teams can’t even beat the Premier League’s supposed weaker sides. We chat about the fallout from the international break, the USA failing to make the World Cup, Panama’s triumph, Argentina’s survival plus our predictions for the European playoffs. All that with a Champions League preview while we cower in away from Hurricane Ophelia. Contact us @thetfpod or thetfpod@gmail.com Rate, review, subscribe.
Another international break is upon us and this time nations are officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. England join 14 others as automatic qualifiers but are lacklustre under Southgate, again. Wales face off in a playoff for the playoff against Ireland in Cardiff meanwhile the Club v Country debate rages on once more. Get involved with us @thetfpod or email us thetfpod@gmail.com Remember to subscribe, rate & review.
On this week’s show, we ask the important questions - Is N’Golo Kante’s time at the top done & is Barcelona’s position in La Liga at risk? Meanwhile we discuss the sacking of King Carlo at Bayern and preview the important international qualifiers coming up across the world this weekend?
Nearly all the big teams won in Europe’s top leagues this weekend - so we ask the big question…What is the purpose of football? Is survival more important to teams than the football itself? Is there anything football can learn from the way US sports are operated? Have we gone too far? Let us know @thetfpod and email thetfpod@gmail.com
On this episode of the Total Football podcast, we discuss the goal scoring exploits of the Manchester clubs in the Premier League while the other challengers struggle to draws. In Topic of the Show, is football ingenuity dead? Have the predominance of systems in football destroyed the genius of the soccer player? Get in touch @thetfpod or thetfpod@gmail.com
In this week’s edition of the Total Football Podcast we delve into the mind of Sadio Mané as he raised his boot into Ederson’s face. We also talk about the rest of the Premier League matches and where next for Everton. We speak about the action in Europe as well as the long-awaited return of European’s Elite competition: The Champions League
On today’s pod, we discuss all things international - football that is. We go through the awful performance of Ireland away in Georgia, Wales coming alive in the same group, France being crazy, the Dutch revival and the bores of England’s World Cup qualifying. Team that with a brief Premier League and even briefer European Preview - join us for another edition of the Total Football podcast.
Arsenal - what to do with that mess + Premier League review, European action & the Internationals
On this week's show, we speak about the second weekend of Premier League action, we preview forthcoming fixtures as well and speak about the proposed changes to the transfer window in England.
We also speak about the start of the European leagues on the continent & try to reignite your love affair with Serie A.
A comprehensive review of the first weekend of Premier League action, mixed in with a bit of European football action and a smattering of fantasy football for good measure.
In this show, we speak about the Neymar transfer saga & preview the new Premier League season.