Football Weekly - podcast cover

Football Weekly

The Guardianwww.theguardian.com
Join Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning and fan favourites, including Barney Ronay and Jonathan Wilson, as Football Weekly goes daily for the entire World Cup. Follow the team across the USA, as they break down all the action, the results and of course, the drama. Football Weekly is the Guardian's award-winning football podcast, bringing together some of football’s most respected journalists, writers and broadcasters for expert analysis, opinion and debate throughout the World Cup. On World Cup Daily, the team reviews the biggest matches, discusses the latest news and talking points and analyses the performances shaping football's biggest competition. Whether you're following England, Scotland, USMNT, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, Australia or any of the other nations competing at the World Cup, World Cup Daily provides comprehensive coverage from the opening match to the final. The podcast regularly discusses the world's biggest players, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior, Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Mohamed Salah, Neymar, Virgil van Dijk and many more. Expect reaction to the tournament's biggest moments, tactical analysis, VAR controversies and the stories making headlines on and off the pitch. Beyond the World Cup, Football Weekly covers the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Women's Super League, Women's World Cup, European Championship, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, the Championship and international football from around the globe. The show regularly discusses clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Inter, Milan, Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain. Featuring journalists and contributors including Barney Ronay, Jonathan Wilson, Suzy Wrack, Lars Sivertsen, Nicky Bandini, Sid Lowe, Johnny Liew, Robyn Cowen, Nedum Onuoha and many more, Football Weekly combines informed punditry, football journalism and entertaining discussion to deliver one of the most popular football podcasts in the world. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full episodes on YouTube.
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Episodes

Why are English teams dominating the Champions League? Football Weekly Extra

The Guardian Football Weekly panel, featuring Jonathan Liew, Lars Sivertsen, and Paul Watson, dissects the Premier League's success in the Champions League, attributing it partly to financial power and physical play. They offer in-depth analyses of Liverpool's tactical display, Newcastle's significant win, and Chelsea's struggles, alongside a discussion on the new Champions League format's impact. The episode also previews major Premier League clashes and sheds light on the fascinating, yet challenging, journey of football in Greenland, concluding with a touching listener tribute.

Jan 22, 202654 min

Manchester is red and chaos at the Afcon final – Football Weekly

Max Rushden and the panel dissect Manchester United's dominant derby win over City, analyzing Michael Carrick's tactical impact and the revitalized Old Trafford atmosphere. They delve into the precarious positions of Thomas Frank at Tottenham and Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, exploring the pressures of results, fan sentiment, and club governance. The discussion then shifts to the chaotic AFCON final, featuring a deep dive into controversial refereeing, Morocco's dramatic walk-off protest, and Brahim Diaz's infamous penalty miss, before touching upon broader issues of governance in African football and FIFA's controversial "Peace Prize."

Jan 19, 20261 hr

The Carabao Cup semis and more upheaval at Real Madrid: Football Weekly Extra

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair, Dan Bardell and Sid Lowe as Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid and the Carabao Cup semi-finals begin. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Jan 15, 202658 min

Afcon special: Morocco’s moment, Nigeria’s surge and more: Football Weekly

The episode offers an in-depth analysis of the AFCON semi-finals, covering Morocco's strong performance despite immense pressure and infrastructure investment, and Nigeria's potential overshadowed by coaching instability and bonus payment scandals. It examines Egypt's unique ability to win crucial games through tactical adjustments and historical heritage. A significant portion critiques CAF's decision to shift AFCON to a quadrennial schedule, with expert Osasu Obayiuwana arguing it's detrimental to African football development and influenced by FIFA's Gianni Infantino, calling it "neocolonialism" that disrespects the continent's traditions.

Jan 13, 202655 min

The greatest upset in FA Cup history: Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Sam Dalling as sixth-tier Macclesfield FC beat the holders Palace. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Jan 12, 202652 min

Premier League thrills while Dr Tottenham leaves it late: Football Weekly Extra

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Liew as Manchester City draw their third game in a row and Manchester United slip up at Burnley too. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Jan 08, 202647 min

The West Ham crisis deepens and an EFL roundup – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala as Nottingham Forest beat West Ham away in a huge relegation six-pointer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Jan 07, 202655 min

Ruben Amorim axed: what now for Manchester United? Football Weekly

Following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, this episode dissects the multifaceted reasons behind his short and tumultuous tenure at Manchester United, including his tactical intransigence, conflicts over transfer funds, and perceived immaturity. The panel criticizes Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe for alleged interference in footballing decisions, a flawed sporting director structure, and a track record of mediocre sporting ventures. The discussion highlights United's systemic dysfunction, the "impossible job" for any manager, and the need for clear leadership and autonomy to escape a perpetual cycle of failure.

Jan 06, 202644 min

Chelsea dagger for Guardiola as Arsenal move six points clear – Football Weekly

The panel unpacks a dramatic Premier League weekend, highlighting Chelsea's caretaker manager outwitting Pep Guardiola and Arsenal's growing lead in the title race. Discussions also cover West Ham's concerning form, Liam Rossenia's potential Chelsea appointment, and the unexpected heroics of Harrison Reid. The episode further critiques FIFA's controversial Peace Prize for Donald Trump and analyzes the Glasgow Derby fallout.

Jan 05, 20261 hr 2 min

The end for Enzo Maresca and what now for Chelsea? Football Weekly Extra

Max Rushden and the panel dissect Enzo Maresca's inevitable departure from Chelsea, examining the club's unusual approach to management, internal interference from medical staff, and their high spending contrasted with their trophy ambitions. The episode also critiques a Premier League weekend marred by multiple 0-0 draws, highlighting strong defensive performances from Sunderland against Manchester City and Leeds United against Liverpool, alongside Tottenham's lacklustre display at Brentford. Finally, they cover Gabon's extraordinary government intervention in their national football team and share some lighthearted Christmas dinner stories.

Jan 02, 202652 min

A two-horse race after Arsenal thrash Aston Villa? – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Will Unwin, Paul Watson and Dan Bardell as Arsenal stroll past Aston Villa to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Dec 31, 202559 min

Are Aston Villa genuine title contenders? – Football Weekly podcast

Max Rushden is joined by Jacob Steinberg, Sam Dalling and John Brewin as Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa all win at the top of the Premier League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Dec 29, 202556 min

Fulham fell Forest and who’s top of the tree around Europe? – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Philippe Auclair to wrap up the big stories from around Europe as their winter breaks begin.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Dec 23, 202552 min

Celtic’s crisis grows and drama in the Carabao Cup – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Sam Dalling, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and BarcaJim to discuss Celtic’s alarming start under Wilfried Nancy, late drama in the Carabao Cup and look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League fixtures.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast...

Dec 18, 202553 min

Sunderland’s derby joy and Mo Salah returns – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Robyn Cowen and Nedum Onuoha as Sunderland win their first Wear-Tyne derby in a decade and Arsenal stay top thanks to a very late Wolves own goal. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Dec 15, 202557 min

Is Xabi Alonso’s time up at Real Madrid? – Football Weekly Extra

Following Real Madrid's defeat to Manchester City, the panel questions Xabi Alonso's tactical approach amidst dressing room egos, recruitment issues, and a leadership vacuum. The discussion extends to other European fixtures, examining Newcastle's draw, Arsenal's strong performance, and Napoli's struggles. Additionally, the episode tackles the contentious relationship between football club ownership and betting, exemplified by the Tony Bloom controversy, and scrutinizes FIFA President Gianni Infantino's political affiliations and the new World Cup rules.

Dec 11, 202552 min

Liverpool win at Inter while Mo Salah lifts weights alone – Football Weekly

The Guardian Football Weekly analyzes Liverpool's crucial Champions League win against Inter Milan, sparking debate about Mo Salah's benching and public reaction, while Chelsea's recent losses raise questions about their consistency. The panel also reviews Tottenham's comfortable victory, Barcelona's high-risk style, and Bayern Munich's rising star Leonard Karl. The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to a loyal Charlton fan and a look at the charming eccentricities of non-league football.

Dec 10, 202549 min

Salah fallout, Arsenal slip and a wild World Cup draw – Football Weekly

Max Rushden and guests delve into the fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview, questioning his future at Liverpool and the impact on the team and manager Arne Slott. The panel also dissects Arsenal's late defeat to Aston Villa, discussing their title race anxieties and the quality of Villa's performance. Elsewhere, Manchester City's attacking flair is highlighted, while Brighton's decision to ban Guardian reporters is scrutinized. The episode concludes with a humorous and critical look at the "cringe-worthy" World Cup draw ceremony.

Dec 08, 202558 min

Chelsea lose at Leeds and Liverpool scrape a point – Football Weekly

The panel discusses a weekend of surprises, including Chelsea's unexpected 3-1 defeat at Leeds and Liverpool dropping points at home against an impressive Sunderland side, fueling questions about their form and Salah's future. Aston Villa's thrilling comeback against Brighton and Arsenal's solid victory are also analyzed. The episode further explores the dire situations of Wolves and West Ham, previews upcoming fixtures, and addresses listener questions on punditry and travel advice.

Dec 04, 202547 min

A nine-goal thriller at Fulham and Romero rescues Spurs – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Liew and Will Unwin to discuss the Premier League, with David Conn discussing the IOPC report on policing at Hillsborough. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Dec 03, 202545 min

Arsenal triumphant as Liverpool’s crisis deepens: Football Weekly Extra

Another home defeat for Liverpool has piled pressure on Arne Slot. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Archie Rhind-Tutt and Nicky Bandini to discuss that, Arsenal’s win against Bayern Munich and Tottenham’s high-scoring defeat in Paris. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast...

Nov 27, 202558 min

Is the Chelsea project finally working? – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Sam Dalling as Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League, while Manchester City and Newcastle both lose. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Nov 26, 202555 min

Was this the best week of the season so far? – Football Weekly Extra podcast

Has this been the best international break in living memory? For Ireland and Scotland fans, it will take some beating. Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Paul Watson and Seb Hutchinson to look back on it all, and ahead to the return of the Premier League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast...

Nov 20, 202559 min

Scotland in dreamland – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Ali Maxwell and Sanny Rudravajhala to discuss Scotland’s incredible last-gasp winning goals against Denmark that took them to the World Cup. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Nov 19, 202559 min
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