

Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show
The Athletic
The Athletic's James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to bring you the very best insight into Liverpool Football Club twice a week, every weekFollow for expert knowledge of the club from breaking news to entertaining and informed discussion around the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2025 • 43min
Kenny Dalglish: the player, manager & his significance to Liverpool
Asif Kapadia, the Oscar-winning director behind films like 'Senna' and 'Amy,' joins to delve into his new documentary on Kenny Dalglish. He shares personal insights about the legendary player's off-camera humility and warmth, and the challenges of balancing Dalglish's football highlights with difficult events like Hillsborough. The conversation also touches on making the film accessible to younger fans and showcases rare footage that highlights Dalglish’s technical brilliance and impact on Liverpool's legacy.

Nov 15, 2025 • 45min
Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool with James Pearce: Klopp's departure, Slot's appointment & winning the title
James Pearce, a long-serving Liverpool reporter and author, talks about his book focusing on the club's transition following Jurgen Klopp's departure. He delves into the complexities of replacing Klopp with Arne Slot, highlighting early signs of burnout and the seamless handover process. Pearce reveals how Slot's tactics transformed the squad and discusses key moments in their title-winning season, including critical matches and contract negotiations with star players. He provides fresh insights from his deep reporting that unveils the inner workings of the club during this transformative period.

Nov 13, 2025 • 39min
How does Arne Slot fix Liverpool?
James Pearce, an experienced Liverpool correspondent, and Andy Jones, a club analyst, dive into Liverpool's pressing issues after their defeat to Manchester City. They dissect the PGMOL's defense of the controversial Van Dijk offside call and what it reveals about current refereeing standards. The discussion also focuses on Mohamed Salah's dip in form, the challenges faced by Florian Wirtz, and how AFCON might shape Liverpool's future tactics. Additionally, they question whether Arne Slot's system effectively accommodates a traditional number nine.

Nov 10, 2025 • 37min
Is the title defence over already?
James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent known for his match insights, joins the discussion but bows out mid-show due to a sore throat. The panel dives into Liverpool's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City and debates the controversial disallowed goal by Virgil van Dijk. They analyze tactical failures and question the impact of VAR on the matchday experience. With Liverpool eight points adrift, discussions turn to whether the title defense is over and if they should focus on the Champions League instead.

Nov 6, 2025 • 40min
Liverpool find form ahead of City test
The discussion kicks off with the thrill of Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Real Madrid. Connor Bradley's impressive play against Vinicius Junior steals the spotlight. There's praise for Florian Wirtz, especially his standout performances in Europe. As the panel gears up for the crucial match against Manchester City, they dissect recent wins and tactics that suit Liverpool's style. The ongoing debate about Wirtz's potential starting spot adds excitement to their analysis of the upcoming clash.

8 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 39min
Corner turned ahead of Trent's return?
Joining Tony Evans are James Pearce, an experienced Liverpool correspondent and author, and Andy Jones, a football journalist specializing in tactical analysis. They discuss Liverpool's relieved win against Aston Villa and the implications for the team's confidence. They dive into Mo Salah's improving form and Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield against Real Madrid, speculating on fan reactions. The panel weighs whether the upcoming match against Manchester City holds more importance for Liverpool's ambitions than the European clash.

Oct 30, 2025 • 38min
Is the Villa game a must-win for Slot?
Gregg Evans, a football journalist known for match analysis, and Simon Hughes, an experienced football writer, join Tony Evans for a deep dive into Liverpool's recent cup exit. They debate whether Arne Slot's strategy with fringe players cost them the match and how crucial the upcoming game against Aston Villa is for both title hopes and Slot's future. The panel also evaluates the psychological impact of the defeat, tactical adjustments needed, and key players to watch from Villa. It's a critical moment for Liverpool as they seek to restore their confidence at Anfield.

Oct 27, 2025 • 39min
Have Liverpool been figured out?
Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans for a debrief of another bad weekend for Liverpool, falling to Brentford (and 'Keith Andrew's well-oiled machine') 3-2. The panel discuss why Liverpool can't seem to do the basics right, and whether the other English clubs have figured them out.They also touch on how much credit Arne Slot has in the bank, and how long that will last if this season descends into disaster.Finally, there's a look ahead to the Carabao Cup visit of Crystal Palace to Anfield. Should the domestic cups now be prioritised given the slumping title defence?Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon Hughes Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 2025 • 39min
Frankfurt, formations & Frenchmen
Simon Hughes and James Pearce are alongside Tony Evans for this episode as we relive the 5-1 victory away in Germany - and find out how man Frankfurters James managed to consume.The panel look at the change of system, with Arne Slot turning back the clock and rolling out a 4-4-2. Is this something that we could see more of going forward?And what does the victory mean for Mohammed Salah, with the Egyptian on the bench as the team clicked. Will he start against Brentford at the weekend?Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon Hughes Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 39min
Where is Liverpool's title-winning identity?
The panel reacts to Liverpool's frustrating 2-1 loss to Manchester United, questioning if panic has set in with four straight defeats. They dissect tactical issues under Arne Slot and explore the inconsistency in midfield. Discussion highlights include whether Mohamed Salah should be benched due to poor form and Virgil van Dijk's defensive struggles. As they look ahead to the match against Eintracht Frankfurt, they contemplate if the Bundesliga will be the perfect setting for players like Florian Wirtz to regain their confidence.


