What if Rupert Murdoch had put his money into a fledgling MLS instead of a fledgling Premier League, and many more listener questions
Oct 4, 2024
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What if a media tycoon had backed Major League Soccer instead of the Premier League? The hosts dive into this intriguing scenario while exploring unique kickoff strategies and the evolving role of local sports journalism. They also discuss the complexities of college teams participating in the US Open Cup, debating whether it would benefit the tournament. With playful banter and insightful analyses, they shed light on the impact of strategic thinking in soccer and the challenges faced by emerging talents in the sport.
58:56
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Quick takeaways
The podcast explores an alternate history where Rupert Murdoch invests in MLS instead of the Premier League, highlighting different potential trajectories for American soccer.
Brentford's effective kickoff tactics show the evolving strategic landscape in soccer, emphasizing the importance of early scoring opportunities akin to set plays.
The discussion on the balance of ego and talent in soccer players illustrates the need for individual brilliance to coexist with teamwork for sustained success.
Deep dives
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Revolutionizing American Soccer Coverage
The podcast tackles an intriguing alternate history question: what if Rupert Murdoch had invested in Major League Soccer (MLS) instead of the English Premier League? The discussion revolves around the idea that such an investment might have created a different trajectory for soccer in the U.S., potentially leading to a league focused more on TV revenue rather than grassroots development. However, many contributors expressed skepticism about whether this could have made MLS the globally dominant league, citing cultural differences and existing structures in American sports. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that without the foundational support seen with the Premier League, a Murdoch-backed MLS might have faced similar struggles as past leagues.
Kickoff Tactics in Soccer
Brentford's recent strategy of scoring early during matches has sparked interest in the effectiveness of kickoff tactics, treating them similarly to set pieces. Teams are beginning to recognize the potential for planning and executing set plays at kickoff, aiming to gain immediate advantages. Brentford's innovative approach involves managing positioning and anticipation to create scoring opportunities right off the bat, showcasing how soccer strategies can evolve just like other sports. The conversation highlights the untapped potential of kickoffs in football, encouraging teams to explore more tactical flexibility.
The Balance of Ego and Talent
The discussion of ego in players, particularly how it interfaces with talent, reveals a complex dynamic that varies per individual. Big names like Zlatan Ibrahimović illustrate how a strong personality can complement exceptional skill, while others might disrupt team harmony with their self-focus. The podcast underscores that a creative and competitive environment can tolerate high egos, provided they do not overshadow teamwork or disrupt club culture. Ultimately, a careful balance must be maintained, where individual aspirations can coexist with collective objectives for long-term success.
The Full Foursome is here to answer your listener questions, including kickoff routines, the ego-to-talent ratio, and college teams in the US Open Cup. Plus, a question that divides the panel over what is being asked, leading to a situation that can only be described as People Who Are Right vs. People Who Are Joe and Ryan.
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