Sam Lee

David Ornstein, a renowned football correspondent for The Athletic, and Sam Lee, the dedicated Man City writer for The Athletic, dive deep into the departure of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City. They discuss his monumental impact on the Premier League and what his legacy means for the club. The duo critically assesses how Pep Guardiola will navigate the tough task of replacing such a key player. They also reflect on De Bruyne's peak moments and what strategies City might consider to evolve their squad moving forward.

Sam Lee, Manchester City writer, shares insights as City grapples with just one win in ten games. Mark Critchley, a Manchester football expert, discusses United's recent struggles and their resilience in Europe. Thom Harris dives into the tactical battles ahead in the Manchester derby, assessing injury impacts and managerial decisions. The panel explores contrasting strategies, key players, and the historical rivalry, anticipating an intense clash that could redefine both teams' seasons.

James Pearce, a Liverpool writer for The Athletic, joins Manchester City expert Sam Lee and newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to dissect the recent clash where Liverpool triumphed over City, moving nine points clear. They dive into City's alarming struggles, questioning if their title reign is truly over. The trio analyzes tactical missteps, player injuries, and the emotional rollercoaster for fans, while also celebrating Liverpool's impressive resurgence under their new manager.

Carl Anka, a Manchester United writer, and Sam Lee, a Manchester City correspondent, dive into the dynamics of the upcoming derby. They discuss United's struggle near the relegation zone while City faces challenges without Erling Haaland. The conversation touches on fan frustrations over ticket pricing at City and how players like Jack Grealish are perceived amid rising pressure. The tactical strategies of both teams reveal a fierce rivalry, as they gear up to battle for local pride and critical points in the league.

Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent for The Athletic, provides deep insights into the team's recent challenges, while Jack Pitt-Brooke contributes his expert analysis. They discuss City's bounce-back victory over Tottenham and the return of Erling Haaland. The duo debates the scale of the team's rebuild, the impact of new signings like Khusanov and Gonzalez, and the aging key players that may need replacement. Additionally, they explore Guardiola's tactical challenges and the emerging talents boosting City’s squad.

Join Tim Spiers, a Premier League expert from The Athletic, alongside Sam Lee, who covers Manchester City, and James McNicholas, the voice of Arsenal fans. They break down the highly charged 'stay humble' derby between Arsenal and Man City, recapping the drama of their last encounter. The trio dives deep into Arsenal's current struggles with injuries and pressure, while also shining a light on City's tactical strengths. Expect insights on player dynamics and crucial strategies for the weekend showdown!

David Ornstein, a renowned football correspondent, reveals his exclusive scoop on Erling Haaland's stunning nine and a half year contract with Manchester City. Sam Lee adds insights on how this affects the club's long-term strategy. Transitioning to Tottenham, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jacob Whitehead dissect the pressure on Spurs as they face Everton, both aiming for a crucial win amid their recent struggles. The discussion also touches on the wider title race implications and the pressing issues at Chelsea.

Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent for The Athletic, and Rory Smith, Senior writer for The Athletic, dive deep into the struggles plaguing Manchester City this season. They discuss the team's alarming stats—one win and eight losses in recent matches—and explore tactical missteps that have led to disappointing performances. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for a strategic overhaul to rejuvenate an aging squad, touching on potential solutions through player acquisitions and the impact of external pressures. Can the team navigate their current hurdles and reclaim their former glory?

In this episode, Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee and Barcelona writer Pol Ballus unpack Pep Guardiola's surprising contract extension. They dive into the strategic complexities of managing a team facing adversity. The duo discusses how Guardiola plans to navigate pressures, including recent losses. They also explore the influences behind his decision to stay, from team dynamics to stability in the competitive Premier League. With insights into player management and strategic adaptations, it's a deep dive into the mind of one of football's greatest tacticians.

Oli Kay, a football analyst for The Athletic, joins Phil Hay, lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter, and Sam Lee, Manchester City writer, to dissect City's first league loss this season against Bournemouth. They detail the impact of injuries on City's performance and prospects in the title race. Mark Carey adds depth with statistical insights into the Premier League standings. The discussion also touches on Guardiola's parallels between football and NBA fixture pressures, highlighting the intense demands on players this season.