Men In Blazers Should Xabi Alonso start Mbappé vs. PSG? Are Chelsea favorites? Club World Cup Semifinals Preview with Rory Smith: Men in Blazers 07/08/25
Jul 8, 2025
Rory Smith, a renowned soccer writer for The New York Times, joins to preview the Club World Cup semifinals. He discusses Kylian Mbappé's return to face PSG, diving into its emotional significance. The conversation highlights Chelsea's aspirations and whether the tournament is vital for the club. They also reflect on the pressing challenges facing managers like Pochettino and examine the impact of young talents while sharing humorous anecdotes from their recent New York adventures.
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Jota's Tragic Passing Impact
- The tragic loss of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother deeply affected football and beyond.
- Players and fans mourn publicly, showing the profound human impact beyond the sport itself.
Footballers as Life Symbols
- Celebrities in sport unify us and reflect our dreams, so their loss connects deeply to our identities.
- The death of Jota made fans confront fragility and arbitrariness of life beyond football.
Grief: Be Kind, Mourn Fully
- Be kind to yourself when grieving over a loss, even if it feels irrational.
- Talk about your pain and allow yourself to mourn fully to heal over time.