The Totally Football Show with James Richardson - podcast cover

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

The Athletictheathletic.com
James Richardson and Team Totally are here three times a week throughout the season with all the football news and chat you need - and plenty that you don’t.

Episodes

PSG almost champions as Mbappe and Lukaku bag big goals in title races

Jimbo’s joined by Pol Ballús, Julien Laurens, Rory Smith & Seb Stafford-Bloor as the domestic action returns across Europe with the end of the season in sight. Inter remain three points clear at the top of the Serie A table after their 2-1 win over Udinese, while Romelu Lukaku scored the 400th goal of his career in Napoli’s vital victory over struggling Milan to keep the pressure on the leaders. Over in Spain, three points is also the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid - who both recorded win...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 14 min

It’s Man City v Forest and Palace v Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals

Jimbo welcomes Duncan Alexander, Tom Williams and Tim Spiers into the studio after FA Cup quarter-final weekend. Man City come from behind to beat Bournemouth and progress to a 7th successive semi-final. Can Pep’s side save this from being a trophyless season? And is Bournemouth’s campaign petering out? City will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley, who beat Brighton in another penalty shootout. Hear more on why Forest have managed to have a successful season, including wearing dark glasses indoor...

Mar 30, 202556 min

Argentina thrashing Brazil, Trent moving to Madrid (?) and fun FA Cup quarter-finals

Jimbo is joined in the studio by Michael Cox, Charlie Eccleshare and Benji Lanyado as the international break ends and club football returns. Holders Argentina qualify for the World Cup with a scintillating display as they thrash Brazil 4-1. Hear why they might just be more exciting without Messi. Plus Natalie Gedra joins us to detail the crisis in Brazilian football right now. England are two for two under Thomas Tuchel. What’s the best solution for the Three Lions down the left-side? Right-bac...

Mar 27, 20251 hr

Spain, France, Germany & Portugal progress on epic Nations League night

Jimbo welcomes Daniel Storey, Tom Williams and Seb Stafford-Bloor into the pod after an incredible weekend of international action. Germany throw away a 3-0 lead against Italy but still earn the right to compete in the Nations League finals and indeed to host them. But what happened with the Jamal Musiala goal that embarrassed the Azzurri? Cristiano Ronaldo’s on the scoresheet for Portugal in their extra-time victory over Denmark. France win on penalties against Croatia as Michael Olise really s...

Mar 24, 20251 hr 4 min

Talking Tuchel, defeat for France and a big win for Brazil

Jimbo is joined in the studio by Duncan Alexander, Jack Lang and Tom Williams on that most blessed of occasions - international week. Thomas Tuchel gets ready for his first game as England manager in World Cup qualifying and we’re all very impressed with how he’s handled the media so far. The Nations League quarter-finals see Germany win in Italy and Croatia overcome France thanks to another ridiculously good Luke Modric performance. Belgium lose a 4th game in a row in what was Rudi Garcia’s 4th...

Mar 21, 202555 min

Barcelona stun Atletico and can PSG win the treble?

Jimbo’s got Julien Laurens, Rory Smith, Seb Stafford-Bloor and Pol Ballús in tow to put all the action from across the continent under the microscope. It’s advantage Inter in Serie A as the Nerazzurri moved three points clear at the top of the table thanks to their 2-0 win over title rivals Atalanta. Napoli lost ground after being held to their seventh draw of the season by lowly Venezia in a game they somehow failed to score in. In La Liga, Barcelona came from two goals down to stun Atléti 4-2 ...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 11 min

Newcastle finally end their trophy drought to add to Liverpool’s miserable week

Jimbo has Daniel Storey, Tim Spiers and Jay Harris for company on a historic weekend of football. Chris Waugh also joins us from Wembley after Newcastle finally win their first domestic trophy in 70 years, upsetting Premier League leaders Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. All hail Eddie Howe and the job he’s done at St James’s Park. But did Arne Slot get it wrong on Sunday? And where was Mo Salah? It’s a good weekend for Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in terms of securing their top 5 place whil...

Mar 17, 202559 min

Real Madrid & PSG progress on pens - now time for Liverpool v Newcastle at Wembley

Jimbo welcomes Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams into the studio with high-stakes drama everywhere you look. Real Madrid break Atletico hearts again on penalties in the Champions League, with all the post-match discussion centred on Julian Alvarez’s double-touch penalty disallowed by VAR. PSG are also victorious on penalties at Anfield. Hear about the heroics of Vitinha and Donnurumma, plus why PSG can take advantage of other teams’ exhaustion. Or will Marco Asensio come back to bit...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 15 min

Atleti and Real go again in Madrid derby as Bayern, Bayer and Dortmund all lose

Jimbo’s joined by Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús and Seb Stafford-Bloor for a deep-dive into domestic and European matters across the continent. Last week’s Champions League first legs left some results more conclusive than others… we’re looking at you, PSV 1-7 Arsenal! But there’s still plenty of intrigue with the ties between Liverpool and PSG, Real and Atleti and Barca and Benfica finely poised. In La Liga, Real warmed up for their trip across the capital with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, while...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 5 min

Man United frustrate Arsenal again while Forest formula foils Man City

Jimbo is joined in the studio by Daniel Storey, Tim Spiers and Adrian Clarke as the race for Champions League football hots up. Arsenal can only draw at Old Trafford, allowing Liverpool’s lead to extend to 15 points. With goals still proving an issue outside of Eindhoven, could their place in the top 5 be under threat? The same question has to be asked of Man City who lose to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. How did Pep get Nuno’d again? Maybe the game of the weekend is at the Tottenham Hot...

Mar 10, 20251 hr 3 min

Liverpool pick PSG’s pockets, as Arsenal hit seven ahead of Old Trafford trip

Jimbo is in the studio with Duncan Alexander, Natalie Gedra and Charlie Eccleshare after a mind-blowing Champions League midweek. PSG dominate Liverpool and have all the shots but lose 1-0 thanks to an inspired performance from Alisson. Julien Laurens ponders whether this young team can go to Anfield and outplay the Reds again. Art De Roche was in Eindhoven to see Arsenal secure a scarcely believable 7-1 win over PSV. Where did that come from and could we see it again at Old Trafford on Sunday? ...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 8 min

PSG well prepared for Liverpool but Real lose again ahead of Madrid derby

Joining Jimbo are Julien Laurens, Michael Cox, Pol Ballus and Seb Stafford-Bloor ahead of a mouthwatering midweek in the Champions League. PSG versus Liverpool might be the tie of the round as two of the continent’s in-form teams clash. Are Luis Enrique’s side finally ready to banish the ghosts of previous knock-out defeats? Real and Atletico meet in a Champions League Madrid derby, with Real slipping to 3rd in the Liga title race after defeat at Betis. Bayern and Leverkusen also clash. Despite ...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 14 min

Fulham and Brighton knock Man United and Newcastle out of the FA Cup

Jimbo has Daniel Storey, Duncan Alexander and Matt Davies-Adams for company after an FA Cup 5th round weekend that has a bit of everything. Holders Man United are knocked out on penalties at Old Trafford as their deficiencies are laid bare again. But for Fulham, could Marco Silva be about to earn some tangible reward for the phenomenal job he’s done? Earlier on Sunday, Brighton are victorious at Newcastle after extra-time. It’s a truly costly afternoon for the Magpies as they lose Anthony Gordon...

Mar 02, 20251 hr 1 min

Liverpool’s huge lead, Man United’s controversial cuts & FA Cup 5th round weekend

Jimbo is joined in the studio by Duncan Alexander, Benji Lanyado and Matt Davies-Adams after a Premier League midweek and ahead of FA Cup 5th round weekend. Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points with a routine win over Newcastle. What records are in sight for Salah and the Reds? The most impressive display of the week comes from Crystal Palace who hammer Villa 4-1, leaving our panel purring over the performance of Adam Wharton. And asking if Robin Olsen should have let...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Cesc’s Como shock Conte’s Napoli, while intriguing last 16 ties await

Jimbo’s got Julien Laurens, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Rory Smith and Pol Ballús alongside him for all the latest continental chatter. Friday afternoon’s Champions League draw presented some fascinating match-ups including Real v Atleti, Bayern v Bayer and PSG v Liverpool. We’ve got a closer look at all those ties with the round of 16 looming… In La Liga, it was a rare weekend where all three title challengers registered three fairly comfortable wins! It leaves Barca and Real locked on 54 points at the...

Feb 25, 20251 hr 16 min

Liverpool go 11 points clear after City win - is the relegation battle over too?

Jimbo has Daniel Storey, JJ Bull and Adrian Clarke for company after a pivotal weekend in the Premier League season. Liverpool make light work of Man City at the Etihad, going 11 points clear at the top of the table. With 7 of their 11 remaining fixtures at Anfield, Liverpool will surely be worthy champions. But is City’s place in the top 4 or 5 under threat? Arsenal are beaten at the Emirates by Graham Potter’s West Ham. Next up, as part of a full midweek programme, a trip to a Forest side beat...

Feb 23, 20251 hr 6 min

Man City humbled by Mbappé’s Real Madrid - next up leaders Liverpool

Jimbo welcomes Charlie Eccleshare, Tom Williams and Liam Tharme into the studio after the conclusion of the Champions League knock-out play-offs. Man City are taken apart by a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick at the Bernabeu. The chase for Champions League qualification resumes with the visit of Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday. Liverpool draw 2-2 on a Wednesday night again, this time at Villa Park. James Pearce reviews that game and looks ahead to a game with previously the Reds’ fiercest rivals for si...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 6 min

Real Madrid and Man City go again, as Kompany’s Bayern edge closer to the title

Jimbo’s joined by Julien Laurens, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Pol Ballús and Michael Cox for your weekly dose of European action. We begin with the big F-bomb controversy which has taken La Liga by storm, Nabil Bentaleb’s dream return to action for Lille - and a look ahead to the all-important Champions League Knockout Round Play-off second legs, with Real v Man City topping the midweek billing. Elsewhere in Spain, the costly red cards for Bellingham and Barrios meant Real and Atleti left the door wide ...

Feb 18, 20251 hr 7 min

Marmoush, Merino, Man United, Marco Silva and the misery at West Ham

Jimbo welcomes Tim Spiers, Colin Millar and Adrian Clarke into the pod after an eyebrow-raising weekend in the Premier League. Liverpool make it past Wolves to stay 7 points clear but it’s a very edgy finish at Anfield. Are nerves setting in with the finishing line in sight and with trips to Villa and Man City to come this week? City themselves recover from defeat to Real Madrid to thrash Newcastle 4-0. Pol Ballus tries to give Pep and his players cause for optimism ahead of the trip to the Bern...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 9 min

Man City broken by Real Madrid, plus Merseyside Derby drama

Jimbo is joined by Duncan Alexander, Jack Lang and Alex Aljoe after a midweek packed full of late drama. Real Madrid complete a late comeback at the Etihad to take a 3-2 lead to the Bernabeu next week in the Champions League. Was it a result that broke Man City once and for all? The last ever derby at Goodison saw James Tarkowski hammer in a last-gasp equaliser for Everton against Liverpool. Patrick Boyland tells us about an emotional and heated night on Merseyside. The Premier League weekend gi...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 3 min

Barca, Real and Atleti neck and neck, plus Champions League play-off preview

Jimbo’s got Pol Ballús, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Julien Laurens and Rory Smith alongside him as the Champions League Knockout Round Play-offs get underway. We start with a look at some of the big ties across Tuesday and Wednesday including the small matter of Manchester City v Real Madrid - for the fourth season in a row in Europe! Elsewhere, there’s the all-French affair between Brest and PSG, Celtic host Bayern Munich and Feyenoord v Milan just got a bit more interesting following the dismissal of ...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 10 min

Plymouth knock out Liverpool in the FA Cup, amid more misery for Spurs

Jimbo welcomes Charlie Eccleshare, Tom Williams and Tim Spiers into the studio after an enthralling FA Cup weekend. The shock of the season so far sees the Championship’s bottom club Plymouth beat the Premier League leaders Liverpool. Hear more about these Pilgrims heroes. And will Slot’s rotation be justified by victory in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday? At Villa Park, Spurs are knocked out of a second cup competition in 4 days as pressure mounts on Postecoglou. Where does the blame lie? And...

Feb 10, 20251 hr

Newcastle return to Wembley as Man City head to Orient in the FA Cup

Jimbo, Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Charlie Eccleshare are in the studio to break down all the cup action. Newcastle beat Arsenal yet again to confirm their place in the Carabao Cup final, for the second time in 3 years. Chris Waugh tells us why this time will be different. Plus the panel tell us why the League Cup is far from worthless. It’s FA Cup 4th round weekend, with vulnerable Man City heading to Leyton Orient, before then taking on Real Madrid. Elsewhere, the Magpies head to Birming...

Feb 06, 202555 min

La Liga title race takes another turn as Dembele dazzles again

Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús, Seb Stafford-Bloor and James Horncastle join Jimbo for a deep-dive into all the latest Continental action and transfer news as the window officially *slammed* shut. Over in Italy, the spoils were shared in the Derby della Madonnina after Stefan De Vrij bagged a 93rd minute equaliser, while league leaders Napoli conceded a last-gasp goal of their own to draw 1-1 in Rome. Plus - it’s farewell, not goodbye to James as he embarks on an important project… In Ligue 1, Ousma...

Feb 04, 20251 hr 8 min

Arsenal 5-1 Man City, Forest 7-0 Brighton and much much more

Jimbo, Daniel Storey, Jay Harris and Adrian Clarke are together in the studio to take in a weekend packed full of Premier League goals. Arsenal stun Manchester City with a 5-1 victory at the Emirates to stay in touch with Liverpool in the title race. Will Myles Lewis-Skelly be central to England’s plans? And central to Arsenal’s midfield plans? Man United are beaten at home yet again by Crystal Palace. Does Ruben Amorim have licence to experiment wildly with this United team and if so why? Notti...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 5 min

Champions League draw live reaction: Man City v Real Madrid again

Jimbo’s got Julien Laurens and James Horncastle alongside him for a bonus live pod hot off the back of the Champions League play-off round draw. And it didn’t disappoint, with some tasty ties including Manchester City v Real Madrid, Celtic v Bayern Munich and an all-French affair as Brest take on PSG. So how did the draw shape up? Are Atalanta best-placed to be serious dark horses in this year’s competition? And how does Jules rate PSG’s chances of finally getting their hands on the trophy?! Plu...

Jan 31, 202549 min

Champions League phase over, Arsenal v Man City & Bournemouth v Liverpool

Jimbo is joined by Rory Smith, Tom Williams and Adrian Clarke after a mammoth midweek and ahead of a mouthwatering weekend. Man City and PSG stay in the Champions League as part of the matchday of mayhem with 18 games happening simultaneously. Delicious bite-size football or visions of a terrifying future? City travel to Arsenal on Sunday in a match that should have plenty of needle after their meeting earlier this season. But perhaps the biggest game of the weekend sees the two form teams and b...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 11 min

Champions League fates to be sealed as Barca put 7 past Valencia

Jimbo’s joined by his continental crew - James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús and Seb Stafford-Bloor - to look back on the latest week of action from across Europe AND look ahead to the decisive Champions League matchday 8 ties. Nine teams have already been eliminated from the competition with three more to go, but can Manchester City avoid being one of them? Belgian football expert Kristof Terreur joins us to preview their must-win game against Club Brugge. Elsewhere, it’s also finely p...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 19 min

Arsenal’s red cards, Tottenham’s crisis and Bournemouth’s brilliance

Jimbo welcomes Duncan Alexander, Carl Anka and Daniel Storey into the pod late night Sunday for the conclusion of the Premier League weekend. Tottenham are beaten at home by struggling Leicester to make it 1 point from the last 21 available for Spurs. What next for Ange Postecoglou? Jay Harris was there. The result of the weekend sees Bournemouth batter Nottingham Forest 5-0. Sam Davis from the Back of the Net podcast tells us why now is the time for the Cherries to reach Europe. The gap at the ...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 11 min

PSG power past Man City, plus a big weekend for Amorim and Ange

Jimbo is in The Athletic studio with Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams after more sensational Champions League action. It’s a milestone win for Luis Enrique’s PSG, coming from 2-0 down to inflict more pain on Pep Guardiola’s Man City and cast some doubt over their Champions League future. Elsewhere, there’s a heavyweight clash between Simeone and Alonso and the first ever 5-4 in the Champions League era as Barca beat Benfica. Was it too unserious to be called a classic? It’s a big P...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 11 min