Football Daily

The podcast dives into the thrilling semi-final victories of Manchester United and Tottenham, setting the stage for an all-English Europa League final. There’s a focus on tactical triumphs, with United's comeback against Athletic Bilbao stealing the spotlight. Discussion ensues about the emotional stakes for both teams, as Tottenham seeks to end a trophy drought while United eyes Champions League qualification. The hosts also sprinkle in insights from other playoff matches, adding layers to the excitement of the football season ahead.

Guillem Balague, a seasoned football journalist, joins Julien Laurens, a French expert, and Mina Rzouki, who covers Italian football. They dive deep into Inter Milan's tactical brilliance against Barcelona and the rising star Yann Sommer. The trio discusses Barcelona's struggles and the pressure ahead of El Clasico. Julien shares his nerves about ticket requests for the PSG final, while Mina highlights Napoli's tight race for a Champions League spot. They also touch on the exciting rivalry brewing as Paris FC ascends to Ligue 1.

Chris Sutton, a football pundit and former player, joins journalist Rory Smith, ex-footballer Pat Nevin, and Bristol City manager Liam Manning to discuss key moments in football. They dive into Trent Alexander-Arnold's surprising exit from Liverpool and the emotional reactions from fans. Liam shares insights on leading Bristol City into the Championship playoffs. The conversation shifts to Harry Kane’s monumental first trophy with Bayern Munich, examining its impact on his legacy and future in football.

Join lively conversations about the emotional highs of football commentary and the joy of lawn bowls drama. Reflect on Liverpool's triumphant season and the exciting Champions League semifinals. Hear anecdotes blending humor and nostalgia while debating football terminology. Learn about a potential adventure to the Arctic and the cultural weight of commentary language, including quirky phrases that fans love. Get ready for a trivia challenge that showcases memorable jersey numbers and highlights unique idioms from the beautiful game!

From PSG’s great win to the thrilling draw at Barca – this week’s Champions League action unpicked. Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and James Horncastle reflect on a brilliant week of action in the Champions League. The team discuss the superb performances from Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and PSG's Gianluigi Donarumma among others – and pick who they think will go through to the final. James also gives some insight into the latest sensation from Argentina football after his trip to Buenos Aires. Plus, what is happening with Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil? And who is the man called Trousers who has just won promotion in France? Oh, and with Liam Rosenior signing a new deal at Strasbourg a year after being sacked by Hull, who are on the verge of relegation from the Championship, which other clubs made managerial sackings they lived to regret?TIMECODES 0 mins – Intro, with James talking about his trip to Argentina. Also, where is the presenter? 3 mins – James gives some insight into Franco Mastantuono, the new wonderkid of Argentine football. 6.50 mins – The brilliance of Lamine Yamal – and the difficulties he posed for Inter Milan. And who will go through from the tie? 18 mins – Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazil national job – will it happen? 22 mins – PSG and their win over Arsenal – how good was Gianluigi Donarumma? 33.53 mins – Lorient’s promotion – under Mr Pantaloni. 35.26 mins – Liam’s Rosenior’s new deal and terrible managerial sackings.FOOTBALL COMMENTARIES THIS WEEK Thursday 1st May EUROPA LEAGUE: Athletic Club v Manchester United - LIVE ON 5 LIVE - Ian Dennis and Paul Robinson. EUROPA LEAGUE: Spurs v Bodo Glimt – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA - Alistair Bruce-Ball and Rob Green. Saturday 3rd May PREMIER LEAGUE: Everton v Ipswich 1500 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE - Conor McNamara and Chris Sutton. PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal v Bournemouth 1730 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE - John Murray and Rob Green. Sunday 4th May WOMENS SUPER LEAGUE: Manchester United v Manchester City 1200 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA - Maz Farookhi and Lindsay Johnson PREMIER LEAGUE: Brighton v Newcastle 1400 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE - Alistair Bruce-Ball and TBC PREMIER LEAGUE: Brentford v Manchester United 1400 KO – LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA - John Acres and Daniel Gabbidon PREMIER LEAGUE: West Ham v Spurs 1400 KO – LIVE ON BBC SPORT WEBSITE - Chris Wise and Matt Jarvis PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea v Liverpool 1630 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE - John Murray and Pat Nevin.

Do Arsenal still have what it takes to make it to the Champions League final? An early goal from Ousmane Dembélé and another impressive european night for Gianluigi Donnarumma means they're 1-0 down against Paris Saint Germain after the first leg of their semi final. Kelly Cates is joined by Matthew Upson, Julien Laurens and John Murray at the Emirates to analyse the first leg loss and assess what Arsenal need to do differently if they’re to turn things around in the second leg. We hear from Mikel Arteta who believes his side have to “do something special” if they’re to make the final. Plus, we look ahead to the first leg of the other semi final between Barcelona and Inter Milan. Timecodes: 03:18 – Were Arsenal off balance without Thomas Partey? 04:40 – PSG’s transformation this season 07:02 – Are Arsenal lacking depth? 08:04 – Mikel Arteta reaction 10:31 – What do Arsenal need to change in the second leg? 17:52 – A Gianluigi Donnarumma masterclass 24:29 – Barcelona v Inter Milan previewCommentaries this week: Wednesday 30th April 20:15 - Manchester United v Chelsea – Women’s Super League – 5 live 18:00 - Aston Villa v Arsenal – Women’s Super League – 5 Sports ExtraThursday 1st May 20:00 - Athletic Club v Manchester United – Europa League – 5 live 20:00 - Spurs v Bodo Glimt – Europa League – 5 Sports ExtraSaturday 3rd May 15:00 - Everton v Ipswich – Premier League – 5 live 17:30 - Arsenal v Bournemouth – Premier League – 5 liveSunday 4th May 12:00 Manchester United v Manchester City – Women’s Super League – 5 Sports Extra 14:00 - Brighton v Newcastle United – Premier League – 5 live 14:00 – Brentford v Manchester United – Premier League – 5 Sports Extra 14:00 – West Ham v Spurs – Premier League – BBC Sport Website 16:30 – Chelsea v Liverpool – Premier League – 5 live

Recently retired assistant referee Darren Cann joins Mark Chapman, Steph Houghton, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith on the Monday Night Club to provide some amazing insight into life on the touchline. Among other things, he discusses his career - explaining what a week in his life looked like. He also explains how VAR has changed the role of an assistant referee and explains how officials block out hostility from players and fans. And - the big question - is Chris Sutton or Darren Cann a better footballer? Oh - and how many miles has he run sideways? The answer is really rather amazing.Timecodes: 00:31 Darren Cann's background. 07:46 How do referees analyse their performances? 12:20 Has VAR changed the role of an assistant referee? How do referees communicate? 18:36 Darren's best moments and the 2010 World Cup. 22:20 How do assistant referees train and what skills do they need? 25:28 What is a refereeing team like and why is a good relationship with that team so important?BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Tue 20:00 - Arsenal v PSG in the UEFA Champions League. Wed 20:15 - Man Utd v Chelsea in the Women’s Super League. Thu 20:00 - Athletic Club v Man Utd in the UEFA Europa League. Thu 20:00 - Tottenham v Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League.

In June 2004, Jose Mourinho made headlines around the world by claiming ‘I think I’m a special one’ at his unveiling as Chelsea manager. Just under a year later, he lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time, delivering Chelsea their first league title in 50 years. Robert Huth was part of the Chelsea defence that conceded only 15 goals in the league that season – and he joins Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith 20 years later to reflect on an incredible achievement. They look back on Jose Mourinho’s management style – what was it like to be coached by him? Can he be credited with bringing the 4-3-3 to English football? Hear from midfielder Claude Makelele on his role within the team and from Sir Alex Ferguson on his rivalry with Jose Mourinho. They also discuss what nearly became a domestic treble for Mourinho in his first year in English football, and remember one of the Premier League’s most memorable seasons.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball discuss Liverpool and Celtic being on the verge of titles. They’re joined by Conor McNamara after he went viral for his 5 Live Man Utd-Lyon commentary. Will Ali be toppled by Ian in Clash of the Commentators? How high will the high bar be for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? And John bowls us over with his plans for the weekend in London.01:30 Liverpool and Celtic on the verge of titles 06:10 Conor McNamara reflects on going viral 25:15 Some big 5 Live commentaries this weekend 33:35 More Clash of the Commentators controversy? 41:25 Will anything be added to the Great Glossary? 53:35 John reveals his exciting weekend plansBBC Sounds / 5 Live / Radio 5 Sports Extra weekend commentaries: Sat 1500 Newcastle v Ipswich in the Premier League, Sat 1715 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa in the FA Cup semis, Sun 1400 Bournemouth v Man Utd in the Premier League, Sun 1400 Chelsea v Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Tottenham in the Premier League, Sun 1630 Nottingham Forest v Man City in the FA Cup semis.

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines react to the Women’s Champions League semi-final first legs. They are joined by BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders who was in Barcelona, to dissect what went so wrong for Chelsea, who trail 4-1 heading into the second leg. They also react to Arsenal’s first leg against Lyon – will they regret not making more of their chances against a Lyon team with an impressive home record? Plus they focus on Liverpool’s Olivia Smith after an impressive few weeks – what does she need to do to continue her upwards progression?TIME CODES: 1’17 Reaction to Barcelona v Chelsea 5’27 Emma Sanders joins the pod 24’06 Reaction to Arsenal v Lyon 24’17 Renee Slegers post Lyon 36’55 One to watch: Liverpool’s Olivia Smith