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

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

PSG v Man City tops the UCL bill, plus is ten Hag the answer to Dortmund's problems?

Jimbo’s got his European gang alongside him as James Horncastle, Seb Stafford-Bloor and Julien Laurens look back on the latest action across the continent - and look ahead to matchday seven in the Champions League. We begin with a look ahead to some of those key UCL ties, including Wednesday night’s heavyweight 25th v 22nd battle between PSG and Manchester City. Plus, Liverpool look to make it seven wins from seven when they host high-flying Lille and Villa make the trip to Monaco. There was lat...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 10 min

Liverpool looking like champions but Spurs and Man United are sunk again

Matt Davies-Adams is in the hot seat with Daniel Storey, Colin Millar and Sasha Goryunov for company after another seismic Premier League weekend. Liverpool have an 11/10 Saturday with a late win over Brentford while Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip against Villa. Hear why the Reds are almost home free and why the Gunners are actually doing well. Everton stun Spurs with their first win under David Moyes since his return to Goodison. What next for Postecoglou’s Tottenham and what next for Amorim’...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 11 min

Title race hots up as Arsenal fight back to beat Spurs

Jimbo welcomes Rory Smith, Natalie Gedra and Duncan Alexander aboard the good ship Totally, sailing through a sea of Premier League football. Arsenal come from behind to win the North London derby and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to 4 points. Are we set for an old-fashioned title race? How many teams are involved? And have Spurs broken Ange? This weekend the Gunners host Villa who broke their hearts last season and ruined David Moyes’ homecoming at Goodison. And the increasingly impressive...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 7 min

Barca stun Real in chaotic Supercopa, while Kvaratskhelia nears PSG move

Jimbo’s joined by a full complement of European experts as Pol Ballús, James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and the returning Seb Stafford-Bloor are on hand to look back on a busy weekend of action. We begin in Saudi Arabia, where Barcelona stunned Real Madrid to win the Supercopa de España in emphatic fashion. Back on home soil, Atleti went top of La Liga after a club record 14th win in a row in all competitions courtesy of their 1-0 victory over Osasuna. The Bundesliga is back after die Winterpaus...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 15 min

Man United overcome Arsenal in the FA Cup, as Moyes returns to Everton

Jimbo is joined by Daniel Storey, Adrian Clarke and Tim Spiers after an enthralling FA Cup 3rd round weekend. Man United show remarkable resilience to play with 10 men for over an hour and progress on penalties at the Emirates. Carl Anka tells us why this could be a turning point for Ruben Amorim. But it’s been a bleak week for Arsenal. Does Mikel Arteta need help in the transfer market? Elsewhere, Tottenham avoid potentially the biggest upset of all time as they need extra-time to see off a ver...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 10 min

Advantage Spurs & Newcastle in EFL Cup, plus FA Cup 3rd round and West Ham pick Potter

Jimbo, Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Jay Harris cast their collective eye over a very big week of football. Tottenham inflict a rare defeat on Arne Slot’s Liverpool as they take a 1-0 lead to Anfield in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals in a month’s time. Can they reach the final and did Ange have a point about VAR? Newcastle get a dream 2-0 win at the Emirates in their first leg. Have Arsenal gone backwards this season and do the Magpies have any weaknesses right now? Big week a...

Jan 09, 20251 hr

Pulisic inspires in the Supercoppa as the Dani Olmo saga continues

Jimbo’s back for the first time in 2025 and he’s got James Horncastle, Pol Ballús and Julien Laurens alongside him to run the rule over all the latest action from across Europe. AC Milan kicked off the new year in style as they fought back from 2-0 down to beat rivals Inter 3-2 in the Supercoppa over in Saudi Arabia as new boss Sérgio Conceição got off to the perfect start. Meanwhile, back on home soil Roma continued their resurgence under Claudio Ranieri with a 2-0 victory in the derby with Laz...

Jan 07, 202555 min

Man United impress in dynamic draw at Liverpool, plus a Saints shambles

Jimbo is joined by Daniel Storey, Adrian Clarke and Tim Spiers after an intriguing Premier League weekend. Man United shock us all with a calm but athletic display at Anfield, holding Liverpool 2-2 and denying Arne Slot’s side the chance to go 8 points clear. Was Trent Alexander-Arnold too distracted by the interest of Real Madrid? Arsenal also draw at Brighton with Mikel Arteta unhappy with the officials, while Chelsea make it 4 games without a win after their 1-1 at Palace. Plus the impressive...

Jan 05, 20251 hr 7 min

Leaders Liverpool take on Man United, as Arsenal stay in touch

Jimbo, Duncan Alexander, Charlie Eccleshare and Jay Harris are in the studio for the first Totally Football Show of 2025! Arsenal are just about keeping in touch with the leaders after their win at Brentford. Hear what Mikel Merino has in common with Tom Hiddleston. Table-topping Liverpool host relegation-threatened Man United on Sunday. Can anyone on the panel make a case for anything other than a Reds win? And what does the future hold for Trent Alexander- Arnold? Red-hot Newcastle head to Tot...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 12 min

Amorim’s United keep losing while Salah hits new heights at Liverpool

Jimbo, Rory Smith, Tom Williams and Daniel Storey are back for the final podcast of 2024! It’s yet another defeat for Man United at home to possibly the second best team in the country right now Newcastle. Can Ruben Amorim really keep losing as he searches for the right formula at Old Trafford? Ipswich make headlines around the world with their first home win of the season against stuttering Chelsea. Which is good news for Liverpool who are flying high at the top of the table. Was it actually a ...

Dec 31, 20241 hr 17 min

Atletico and Atalanta top the tree, plus our 2024 highlights

Jimbo’s got his festive friends alongside him as Julien Laurens, James Horncastle and Pol Ballús bring the pre-Christmas cheer and reflect on all the action from across the continent. There was late, late drama in La Liga as Alexander Sørloth’s 96th minute goal made it 12 wins in a row for new league leaders Atleti following a 2-1 victory over Barcelona - who are down to third and in their worst run of form for over 20 years. Elsewhere, a certain Kylian Mbappé’s starting to look pretty good for ...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 5 min

Liverpool put six past Spurs while the Manchester clubs both lose again

Jimbo is joined by Daniel Storey, Matt Davies-Adams and a host of festive friends after another enthralling Premier League weekend. It’s box-office at Spurs again as league leaders Liverpool win 6-3 in North London. Are we normalising the incredible achievements of Arne Slot? And how long does Ange have left? Man City are in 7th place, a full 12 points off top spot after yet another defeat at Villa. Are they paying for a lack of future-proofing? Tim Spiers and Charlotte Harpur watch a couple of ...

Dec 22, 20241 hr 2 min

Liverpool travel to Tottenham, as Chelsea look to end Goodison hoodoo

Jimbo welcomes Charlie Eccleshare, Adrian Clarke and Benji Lanyado into the studio ahead of the last Premier League matchday before Christmas. The Carabao Cup quarter-finals bring good tidings for a Jesus-inspired Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool. How will the Reds fare at unpredictable Spurs on Sunday? Chelsea could go top of the table but they have to visit their bogey ground - Goodison Park. Will Man City sink further into the mire at Villa Park? And whose fault is their wretched run? The...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 17 min

Inter hit Lazio for six as Barca lose again in La Liga

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. Atletico Madrid took advantage of their faltering rivals Barcelona and Real with a 1-0 win over Getafe to move level on points with Hansi Flick’s side at the top of the table - and with a game in hand. That’s after Barca’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leganes, while Carlo Ancelotti’s men were held 3-3 by Rayo Vallecano. It’s ju...

Dec 17, 20241 hr 9 min

United stun City in Manchester derby, plus Martin, O’Neil sacked

Jimbo, Duncan Alexander, Daniel Storey and Tim Spiers have plenty on their plate after a narrative-packed Premier League weekend. The Manchester derby is won in sensational fashion by Man United with two late goals and Amad Diallo lighting up a drab derby. Is Man City’s place in the top 4 at serous risk? Two managers lose their jobs on Sunday. Gary O’Neil after Wolves’ apocalyptic defeat against Ipswich, and Russell Martin after Southampton’s mauling by Tottenham. Elsewhere Matt Davies-Adams wat...

Dec 16, 20241 hr 9 min

City crisis deepens ahead of Manchester derby, plus the World Cup’s future

Jimbo welcomes Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams into the studio for a bumper edition of the Totally Football Show. Champions League matchday 6 sees Man City lose for the 7th time in 10 matches, this time in Turin against Juventus. Does Pep regret signing that new contract ahead of the most uncertain Manchester derby in years? Elsewhere Real Madrid are victorious against Atalanta in perhaps the game of the season so far, and the Brest fairytale continues. The 2034 World Cup will tak...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 21 min

Defining week for PSG & Real in Europe while Atleti are on the charge

Jimbo’s joined by Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús, Seb Stafford Bloor and James Horncastle for a deep-dive into matchday six of the Champions League - plus a look back at all the weekend’s domestic action from around Europe. PSG are on their worst run of the season - three games without a win in all competitions and just one goal scored. They gear up for a crucial Champions League meeting with Salzburg, while in Ligue 1 Marseille and Monaco closed the gap at the top to five points. Serie A has a new ...

Dec 10, 20241 hr 10 min

Chelsea win 4-3 at Spurs after more embarrassment for Man United

Jimbo, Daniel Storey, Tom Williams and Tim Spiers gather to discuss a Premier League weekend packed full of drama and goals. It’s another sensational Spurs v Chelsea fixture with Enzo Maresca’s Blues running out 4-3 winners. They sit 4 points behind leaders Liverpool while many are questioning how long Ange Postecoglou has left at Tottenham. Man United are beaten for the second time in a remarkable week at Old Trafford and then part company with director of football Dan Ashworth the very next da...

Dec 09, 20241 hr 9 min

Chelsea & Arsenal cut the gap on Liverpool, ahead of the Merseyside derby

Jimbo welcomes Natalie Gedra, Duncan Alexander and Charlie Eccleshare into the studio in the midst of a week packed full of Premier League football. Liverpool drop some rare points after a classic 3-3 draw at St James’s Park. Will there be another slip-up on Saturday in what could be the last ever derby at Goodison Park? Arsenal cut the gap to 7 points after bombarding Man United with corners at the Emirates. Are we living in the golden era of set-pieces? Chelsea are also 7 points behind the lea...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 3 min

Barcelona falter again while Atalanta win eight in a row

Pol Ballús, Julien Laurens, Seb Stafford Bloor and James Horncastle are alongside Jimbo for your weekly fix of continental action. La Liga is getting rather interesting all of a sudden, as Barcelona fell to a shock 2-1 defeat by Las Palmas - their first victory away at Barca since 1971! Real Madrid took full advantage and bounced back from their midweek Champions League disappointment at Anfield with a 2-0 win over Getafe. It means they’re just a point behind Hansi Flick’s side with a game in ha...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 14 min

Liverpool sweep aside Man City - who are their most likely title challengers?

Jimbo assembles Duncan Alexander, Daniel Storey and Matt Davies-Adams onto the pod after a stunning and seismic weekend of Premier League football. Liverpool inflict a 4th successive league defeat on champions Man City at Anfield. Arne Slot’s serene start continues as the Reds go 9 points clear in the title race. Who are the most likely challengers? Is it Chelsea for whom Caicedo and Cucurella are playing sensationally? Or is it free-scoring Arsenal? And are we getting fooled into thinking Bukay...

Dec 01, 20241 hr 14 min

Liverpool conquer Real Madrid, ahead of meeting with fragile Man City

Jimbo welcomes Rory Smith, Duncan Alexander and Tom Williams into the studio after another incredible week in the football. Liverpool take down Real Madrid 2-0 to maintain their 100% record in the Champions League, as Kylian Mbappe has another nightmare night for the visitors. How many more Anfield nights will Mo Salah experience? Next up for the Reds, fragile Man City who are in full-on crisis after letting a three-goal lead slip against Feyenoord. Pol Ballus joins us to try and get inside the ...

Nov 28, 20241 hr 16 min

Liverpool take on Real Madrid as Napoli spoil Ranieri’s return

Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús, Seb Stafford Bloor and James Horncastle join Jimbo for a look ahead to matchday five in the Champions League - and a look back on the return to domestic action across Europe. All eyes on Anfield on Wednesday night as Real Madrid take on old friends Liverpool - having got right back into things in the La Liga title race with their commanding 3-0 win over Leganes which leaves them just four points behind leaders Barcelona with a game in hand. That’s after Hansi Flick’s ...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 7 min