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Football journalist Julien Laurens joins to discuss the thrilling news that Chris Richards has been named USMNT Player of the Year. The panel dives into Richards' impressive versatility and leadership on the field. They also tackle the latest on Weston McKennie's transfer prospects and the left-back competition between Antonee Robinson and Max Arfston. Lastly, Laurens shares insights from his exclusive interview with Folarin Balogun about his experiences at Monaco and ambitions for the upcoming World Cup.

Ian Darke, a seasoned football commentator, and Luis Garcia, former professional footballer, dive into Barcelona's hard-fought victory in the Copa del Rey, spotlighting Ferran Torres' impact. They also discuss Real Madrid's shocking elimination by Albacete and the locker room turmoil that followed. The panel debates Xabi Alonso's brief tenure and the deeper issues plaguing Real Madrid. Additionally, insights on Arsenal's tactical prowess in set-pieces are explored, alongside a preview of the Manchester Derby, setting the stage for an exciting weekend ahead.

Sam Tighe, a football writer and analyst making his debut, joins Gab Marcotti to dissect Real Madrid’s shocking dismissal of Xabi Alonso after a Super Cup defeat. They delve into the tactical challenges Alonso faced, including counter-pressing and squad dynamics influenced by Vinicius Jr. Tighe also discusses the pressing need for a strong manager at Madrid and the potential market value of Alonso post-sacking. The conversation touches on high-stakes League Cup matches and insightful updates from other major leagues.

Football journalist Colin Udoh joins to discuss the surprising AFCON matches, highlighting Senegal and Morocco's path to the final. He provides insights into Senegal's gritty performance against Egypt and shares his predictions for a tight final. The crew also reacts to Albacete's shocking upset of Real Madrid, questioning manager Álvaro Arbeloa's choices. Additionally, they analyze Chelsea's loss to Arsenal, deeming the scoreline flattering despite a tough match. Insights on player mentality and team dynamics round out the conversation.

Join Frank Leboeuf, former France international, and Sid Lowe, Spain football specialist, as they analyze Manchester City's impressive win over Newcastle and the quick adaptation of Antoine Semenyo under Pep Guardiola. They delve into the impact of Xabi Alonso's departure from Real Madrid and the new managerial challenges facing Alvaro Arbeloa. Expect lively discussions on player dynamics, reactions to social media, and the future of managerial roles in top football clubs.

The hosts dive into the implications of Ricardo Pepi's arm injury on his World Cup prospects. They discuss Josh Sargent's refusal to play amid transfer tensions and the potential fallout. Alejandro shares his top five all-time USMNT midfielders, sparking lively debate. The panel reacts to Jesse Marsch’s insights on Canada’s World Cup draw and unpacks Chucky Lozano's struggles with San Diego FC. The episode offers a mix of injury updates, player controversies, and an engaging historical discussion of American soccer talent.

The discussion kicks off with shock exits in the FA Cup, focusing on Manchester United's poor attendance and lackluster performance. The potential appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager raises questions about stability and player motivation. Meanwhile, Tottenham's troubles are examined, with fans growing restless and whispers of Thomas Frank's precarious position. The panel also highlights thrilling FA Cup giant-killings, and the evolving roles between head coaches and sporting directors in modern football.

Xabi Alonso has parted ways with Real Madrid, and the crew dives into the reasons behind this surprising move. Alex Kirkland highlights style issues and player reactions, particularly the notable absence of Vinicius Jr. The conversation shifts to how Álvaro Arbeloa will handle the squad’s big personalities. Mark Ogden and Mario Melchiot reflect on managerial pressures and potential future roles for Alonso, including a possible return to Liverpool. They also critique Liverpool's recent performance after a decisive FA Cup win, raising broader questions about team direction.

The hosts dive into Barcelona's thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa, analyzing Hansi Flick's tactical influence. They critique Real Madrid's lack of creativity, especially in the absence of Mbappé. The conversation shifts to shocking FA Cup upsets, including Macclesfield's giant-killing act. There’s also a discussion on Premier League coaching challenges, particularly at Manchester United. The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming fixtures and highlights from dramatic matches across Europe.

Luis García, a former professional footballer, shares insights on Barcelona's thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid, focusing on key tactical moments and Rafinha's impactful dual role. Gab Marcotti, a seasoned football journalist, delves into the Inter vs Napoli draw, discussing the implications for Serie A. The crew also critiques Manchester United's recent failures and debates their focus moving forward, while examining the potential for Barcelona to make a strong Champions League run, highlighting their improved team coherence.