Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Nick Ames, a Guardian journalist reporting from Ukraine, alongside analysts Barry Glendenning, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, and Nedum Onuoha. They preview the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City, touching on the team's player prospects like Mateta and Eze. Ames also sheds light on the resilience of Ukrainian football amidst adversity, sharing inspiring narratives from a recent cup final. They highlight Sunderland's playoff victory, combining thrill with emotional stories from fans and the pressing concerns of player welfare and club dynamics.

Phil Kitromilides joins the gang to dive into the thrilling aftermath of Barcelona's dominance over Real Madrid in El Clásico, highlighting the strategic shifts within both clubs. The discussion takes a sharp turn to Sheffield United's intense playoff dynamics and the emotional rollercoaster faced by their fans. They also delve into the evolving definitions of football's elite, critiquing the cultural significance of underperforming teams. Plus, a light-hearted look at pronunciation quirks adds humor to this insightful analysis of the beautiful game.

Newcastle's big win over Chelsea boosts their Champions League hopes, while the team’s tactical dominance is up for discussion. Liverpool fans express mixed emotions after a controversial match against Arsenal, reflecting on player loyalty and fan entitlement. A heated debate emerges over a recent dangerous tackle, leading to anticipation for the Liverpool-Arsenal showdown. Additionally, Brentford showcases resilience in the Premier League, and heartfelt remembrances commemorate Bradford City’s tragic history, blending joy with reflection.

Paul Watson, a passionate Bristol City fan and host of the Sweeper podcast, joins the discussion on the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. They dive into Tottenham's tactical evolution and recent performance against Bodo Glimt, exploring the irony of winning a trophy and its implications for their manager. The conversation shifts to the economic disparities in football, highlighting the struggles of underdog teams. They also reflect on the historical significance of the upcoming final, comparing legacies and the psychological pressures at play.

Philippe Auclair joins the discussion, bringing his sharp football analysis to the forefront. They dissect Arsenal’s Champions League exit against PSG, pointing out missed chances and tactical concerns. The panel digs into VAR's controversial role in officiating, sparking debate on its effectiveness. The team’s future is scrutinized, especially in recruitment and the manager's approach. From penalties to personal anecdotes about parenting, the episode balances serious football talk with light-hearted moments, keeping fans engaged throughout.

The thrilling semi-final clash between Inter Milan and Barcelona is the talk of the town, with Inter's unexpected triumph after a heart-stopping 7-6 aggregate victory. Key performances and dramatic moments are dissected, celebrating what many are calling a historic knockout tie. The conversation also humorously touches on the fashion choices of managers amidst the excitement of matches. Tactical insights on Arsenal's approach against PSG add a strategic layer to the discussion, while Nottingham Forest's Champions League hopes are analyzed with genuine concern.

Dan Bardell joins the discussion, sharing insights on Chelsea's impressive 3-1 victory over Liverpool that reignites their Champions League hopes. They analyze standout performances, particularly Cole-Palmer’s, and discuss Chelsea's tactical evolution. The conversation dives into the challenges teams face in converting leads into wins and the impact of VAR controversies. They also touch on coaching styles, player emotions, and upcoming matches, all sprinkled with humor and anecdotes from the football world.

Sid Lowe, a seasoned Spanish football journalist, joins the conversation to dissect thrilling football action. The panel dives into the electrifying 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Inter Milan, highlighting standout players like Pedri and Ansu Fati. They tackle Real Madrid's reaction to their Copa del Rey defeat, questioning their self-criticism. The discussion also contrasts La Liga's creativity with the Premier League's structure, while exploring the dynamics of European football competitions and their implications for team participation.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair and Nicky Bandini as Arsenal try and lick their wounds after they failed to gain an edge at home against PSG in the first leg of their semi-final clash in the Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod

Robyn Cowen, a passionate sports journalist, joins Max Rushden and the team to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title win. They discuss the emotional highs of the triumph, especially for first-time fans, and how pivotal players like Mo Salah contributed to the success. The conversation shifts to the thrilling FA Cup semi-finals, where Crystal Palace impressed with a stunning victory over Aston Villa. Additionally, they tackle the financial burden fans face when attending matches and reflect on intense rivalries within the league.