Football Daily

The hosts dive into Thomas Tuchel's surprising England squad selections, leaving stars like Bellingham out. They explore a quirky beard contest inspired by listener suggestions and share amusing travel stories. A tattoo tribute to commentary sparks a lively discussion on memorable phrases, with entries for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. Plus, there's a playful quiz as the trio competes in the Clash of the Commentators. The spotlight also shines on Crystal Palace's potential Premier League ambitions!

Julien Laurens, an experienced football journalist, and James Horncastle, a commentator with a keen focus on tactics, discuss the standout performances of PSG's young strikers, Senny Mayulu and Goncalo Ramos, in their win over Barcelona. They also dive into Victor Osimhen's surprising stay at Galatasaray amidst transfer rumors. Mjällby’s assistant coach, Karl Marius Aksum, shares insights on his team's pressing philosophy and their historic title chase. Lastly, Julien and James recount their amusing experiences with 'spying' on team line-ups.

Join Chris Sutton, a former pro striker turned insightful pundit, and Matt Upson, an ex-Arsenal defender with a keen tactical eye, as they dissect thrilling Champions League action. They debate a controversial late penalty for Monaco that denied Manchester City victory and analyze City’s dominance yet missed chances. The duo also praises Newcastle’s impressive 4-0 away win and discusses Arsenal's solid performance against Olympiakos, including Martinelli's standout form and defensive resilience. Their banter offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of top-tier football.

Phil Brown, former Hull City manager and current Peterborough Sports boss, shares insights into managing part-time footballers. He discusses his lively team talks and reflects on Chris Wilder's controversial sending off during a match. The chat also dives into Steve Cotterill's return to Cheltenham and the challenges he faces with the struggling team. Additionally, the hosts lightheartedly debate which chocolate bars best represent footballers, ending with a fun look at their Ultimate All-Time EFL XI, inviting listener suggestions.

This discussion features Pat Nevin, a former professional winger turned expert analyst, and Paul Robinson, an ex-England goalkeeper with insights on match performances. They dissect Liverpool's lackluster showing in Istanbul, pinpointing defensive frailties and sloppiness in build-up play. Nevin critiques the impact of recent defensive changes while Robinson reflects on Chelsea's win over Benfica, emphasizing their need for a true striker. Additionally, they touch on Spurs’ comeback against Bodo/Glimt and the wider European football scene.

Chris Sutton, a former pro footballer turned pundit, joins ex-pro Steph Houghton and Observer writer Rory Smith. They dive into Arsenal's impressive mentality and Mikel Arteta’s tactical choices. Arne Slot discusses Liverpool’s defensive woes, highlighting set-piece issues and player accountability. The trio also debates Crystal Palace’s potential to recreate Leicester's fairy tale and Wayne Rooney's stark criticism of Manchester United's fading soul. Plus, they celebrate Sunderland's strong start in the league!

Joined by award-winning journalist Jonathan Northcroft and former England goalkeeper David James, the discussion dives into Arsenal's dramatic late winner against Newcastle, highlighting tactical brilliance and set-piece dynamics. They also analyze whether Gyökeres was denied a penalty and assess Nick Pope's performance intricately. Ruben Amorim's future at Manchester United sparks debate, as the guests dissect Brentford's growing confidence and Crystal Palace's upset over Liverpool, raising questions about Liverpool’s struggles and managerial pressures at Chelsea.

Andoni Iraola, AFC Bournemouth's head coach and former Athletic Club player, shares his journey from the Basque region to coaching in England. He reminisces about playing football with childhood friends Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso and the formative impact of managers like Marcelo Bielsa. Iraola discusses balancing family life with the demands of coaching, the lessons learned from his time in the USA, and his love for spontaneous family adventures. His ultimate ambition? Ensuring a stable and fulfilling life for his children beyond football.

Iain Carter, a golf correspondent, and Kat Downes, a versatile sports commentator, bring their expertise to the Ryder Cup conversation. They discuss why this tournament stands out from regular golf events, sharing stories about the unique atmosphere and high-stakes drama. John humorously recounts his travel mishaps and a surprising shopping trip for Ryder Cup attire. Kat dives into the challenges of on-course commentary, while the group shares engaging anecdotes about commentators getting hit by golf balls and the creation of a glossary for football phrases.

Guillem Balague, a renowned football journalist, Julien Laurens, a tactical analyst, and Rafa Honigstein, a German football specialist, discuss Ousmane Dembele's stunning Ballon d'Or win amid a competitive field. They delve into Aitana Bonmati's controversial women's award and explore the implications for players like Lamine Yamal. The trio reflects on Diego Simeone's precarious position at Atletico Madrid and welcomes Jose Mourinho back to Benfica. Expect insights on player emotions, tactical shifts, and the evolving football landscape.