Heroes & Humans of Football

Jose Mourinho, the charismatic yet divisive football manager, discusses his controversial rise in football. He shares insights from his early days in Portugal to his successes with Chelsea and Inter Milan. The hosts dive into Mourinho's clever media tactics, his charm and appearance, and how he navigated complex relationships with players, particularly African talent. The conversation highlights his genius as a strategist and the toxicity that can accompany his coaching style, providing a nuanced look at a truly complex figure in football.

Sven-Göran Eriksson, former England and Lazio manager, has died at the age of 76.In this tribute episode, Mehreen and Simon discuss the colourful life and career of the small-town Swede who shook up English football as the country's first foreign national team coach and electrified the British tabloids at the height of media intrusion into the private lives of celebrities. Mehreen and Simon are joined by Olof Lundh, Swedish sports journalist, on how Sven's career went from managing part-time players with Gothenburg in the '80 and ended in ignominy after an elaborate fraud involving the ghost owners of Notts County and a trip to North Korea. He was a perennial nearly-ran with England's "golden generation" of footballers, was duped by a "fake sheikh", and led a financially-doped Lazio in their greatest years, winning seven trophies in three years.  This is the story of Sweden's greatest ever coach and a remarkable footballing life. RIP Sven. Timestamps:00:20 Introduction07:44: Humble beginnings and discovering football13:25: Breakthrough with Gothenburg15:51: Moves around Europe17:50: The first foreign England manager25:20: A calm demeanour in the hysterical noughties media31:37: An English culture clash34:08: Love affairs and the News International phone hacking scandal 38:19: Flirting with other jobs and the ‘fake sheikh’45:31: Simon’s take on interviewing Sven49:35: Penalties misery and protection of players52:58: The end of England55:16: The Scam move to Notts County57:43: Naivete and a move away from European football1:02:05: Sven reveals he has cancerJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is making football history with 63 league goals in two seasons. Tipped as a future Ballon d'Or winner, the 6ft4 speed machine seems to attract both rampant adoration and mockery.In this episode, Simon and Mehreen chronicle Haaland’s short life and rise to glory - from growing up extraordinary in a culture that prioritises equality, and the influence of his sporting family. They chronicle his choices to go for growth over short-term glory, and his move to and impact at Manchester City.During the episode, Simon and Mehreen discuss the paradoxes of Haaland’s personality - as both typical and ‘anti-Norwegian’, the awkward persona that makes him constantly go viral on social media, and his holy pursuit for longevity à la Cristiano Ronaldo - in contrast to more ‘stereotypical’ footballers such as Jack Grealish.Time stamps:00:32: Introduction to Erling Haaland 05:37: Early years in England with a footballer father09:46: Growing up special in an equal society14:17: The awkward teen years and rise of the ‘anti-Norwegian’19:38: The influence of super-agent Mino Raiola and move to Salzburg25:10: Rise to stardom at Dortmund30:05: Becoming a viral social media sensation34:37: Haaland’s Ronaldo-inspired quest for longevity40:30: Manchester City and the precarious position of being Number 945:93: What would Haaland do without football?Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ten Hag’s slow rise to coaching success seems to have come to an abrupt stop at Manchester United. Can the man who led other teams to glory turn the club around on his third attempt? Or is his tenure simply doomed?In this episode, Mehreen and Simon chronicle the rise and fall of Erik ten Hag. They cover the hyper-organised, football-obsessed Dutchman’s rise from middling footballer to his slow and successful rise to Head Coach of Ajax. On the way they investigate the influence of Pep Guardiola on his coaching style and his entrepreneurial obsession with becoming a Ferguson-style football ‘CEO’.Timestamps:00.35 - Introduction 05:50 - Childhood coaching-mindset to middling football player11:47 - The dreamer assistant coach that thinks like a football CEO13:54 - Assistant at Twente under Steve McClaren 16:34 - Successful stint as Head Coach with the Go-Ahead Eagles 20:37 - The influence of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich 24:31 - Back to the Netherlands and rise in Utrecht 27:45 - Move to Ajax - from mockery to success32:33 - The iconic Spurs v Ajax Game, 201937:54 - Setting up at Man U and taking control of transfers49:27 - Man U’s first season: Rocky beginnings or stable start?56:54 - Staying resilient among increasing uncertainty1:01 - The winning formula to being a good coachJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Q&A episode, hosts Mehreen Khan and Simon Kuper answer questions from listeners around the globe. From the Olympics to the intricacies of modern football management, Mehreen and Simon tackle a wide range of topics, providing insights and sharing personal anecdotes. Join us as we explore the world of football through the lens of your questions.Timestamps:01:25 - Discussion on the Olympics and its significance in football06:20 - Emma Hayes' mixed Olympics with the US Women's Team10:08 - The debate on a UK football team in the Olympics15:02 - Chelsea's business model and financial strategies18:12 - The controversial transfer market practices and financial fair play21:00 - The future of Chelsea under new management23:30 - The eternal debate: Who is the GOAT of football?26:40 - Comparing players from different eras and the evolution of the GOAT debate30:00 - Quickfire round: Hero or Villain?33:08 - Reflecting on Gareth Southgate's tenure with England36:58 - The role of modern football managers and their influence39:35 - Speculation on Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United45:55 - The impact of American ownership on Premier League clubs48:02 - Fantasy Premier League tips and Mehreen's starter squad50:10 - The concept of "Brat" in football and notable examples52:31 - The common traits among great footballers54:49 - How Mehreen and Simon met and started the podcast57:28 - Teaser for the upcoming Jose Mourinho special episodeJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past 20 weeks, Mehreen and Simon have covered the stories of the so-called ‘heroes’ of football, as well as the game’s undercover (and not so undercover) ‘villains’.As the duo take a week off to end their debut season, they reflect on their favourite episodes so far, muse on what they’ve learned, and provide behind-the-scenes insights into the podcast.  Heroes and Humans will return on Thursday 8th August for an Olympics special. If you have any Olympics- and general football-related questions you’d like answered by Mehreen and Simon, contact us on Instagram, TikTok and X. Find us under the handle @HeroesAndHumans.Thank you for listening. Remember to recommend the podcast to your friends and family (or even your enemies) and make sure to leave a review!Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Tuchel, a polarizing German football coach known for his brilliance and fanaticism, dives into his tumultuous career, marked by staggering successes and dramatic failures. The conversation explores his unconventional training methods and how his strict lifestyle sets him apart in the football world. Tuchel discusses his journey from injuries to coaching innovations, challenges at top clubs like PSG and Chelsea, and the ongoing speculation about his candidacy for England's manager, offering insights into the enigmatic persona that captivates and divides fans.

Emma Hayes, one of the most influential figures in women's football, is embarking on a new chapter in her illustrious career. After 12 transformative years as the manager of Chelsea Women, Hayes is set to take on the role of head coach for the United States Women's National Team (USWNT). This episode explores Hayes' remarkable journey, her impact on the sport, and the legacy she leaves behind at Chelsea.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Emma Hayes and her career transition02:30 - Hayes' early life and journey into football management05:15 - Building Chelsea Women from the ground up09:45 - Hayes' coaching philosophy and leadership style14:30 - Pioneering approaches to women's health in football18:20 - Major achievements and trophies at Chelsea22:10 - Personal challenges and growth as a leader26:35 - Hayes' impact on the professionalisation of women's football30:50 - The move to USWNT and future aspirations34:15 - Legacy at Chelsea and in women's footballJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode before the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, Mehreen Khan and Simon Kuper answer your questions about the heroes and humans featured in the tournament. They discuss the performances of key players, why France and England have been so boring, and the perennial issues of politics, race and multiculturalism that have been a constant over the last month. Will Gareth Southgate’s controversial tenure be extended ? And why has Jude Bellingham evolved from golden boy to internet meme? How did the Netherlands go from Johan Cruyff to Wout Weghorst? And Simon refuses to self-sabotage by predicting who will win Sunday's final, but they do argue about Spain and England.Don't forget to get in touch to add your thoughts on the heroes and humans of Euro 2024 via social media @heroesandhumans. Timestamps:00:22 Special episode ahead of Euro 2024 final between Spain and England00:45 Simon's experiences in Germany and reflections on the Dutch team03:18 Talking about the final, Spain, and England05:29 Question about Didier Deschamps staying on as French national team manager06:24 Discussion about Gareth Southgate's future with England13:39 Comparison of Spain and England's team compositions for the final16:15 Political activism in football: French players' stance against the far-right21:21 Analysis of Jude Bellingham's public perception and "villain arc"28:28 Analysis of Euro 2024 compared to past tournaments34:13 Question about the impact of urban planning on footballing styles38:28 Discussion on playing styles in Euro 2024 including the Dutch shift to long-ball tactics41:21 Predictions and analysis for the Spain vs England final44:25 Final question about explaining Johan Cruyff to children at Taylor Swift concertsFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special pre-Euro 2024 final episode, Mehreen and Simon delve into the stories of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, the two young stars who have lit up the tournament and represent a new, diverse Spain. They discuss the remarkable journeys of these players, their backgrounds, and the societal and cultural implications of their success. From Yamal's record-breaking goal to Williams' impactful presence on the field, this episode is about football and so much more.Timestamps:00:00:29 - Introduction to Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams00:02:23 - Background on Lamine Yamal's early life and football journey00:12:00 - Nico Williams' incredible family story and his rise in football00:20:02 - Discussion on the significance of Yamal and Williams in modern Spain00:26:35 - Analysis of their playing styles and contributions to the Spanish team00:31:58 - Historical context and comparisons with past Spanish teams00:35:03 - Issues of race and identity in Spanish football and society00:45:07 - The future prospects of Yamal and Williams00:50:29 - Closing thoughts and reflections on Spain's new era in footballJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices