

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson
The Athletic
James Richardson and Team Totally are here four times a week throughout the season with all the football news and chat you need - and plenty that you don’t. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 30, 2026 • 55min
Totally Extra: Champions League draw reaction!
Pol Ballus, La Liga and European football observer. Seb Stafford-Bloor, on-the-ground European matches analyst. Tom Williams, tactical voice with Ligue 1 focus. James Horncastle, Serie A and Italy specialist. They react to the Champions League playoff draw. Short takes on Benfica v Real, Bodø/Glimt v Inter, Monaco v PSG and Newcastle’s long trip to Baku. Debate contenders, Marseille’s troubles and who might win it all.

10 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 2min
Benfica goalie glory, Chelsea knock out Napoli + Spurs get ready for Man City
Nick Miller, on-the-ground reporter in Lisbon, and Liam Twomey, football writer and analyst, break down a night of Champions League chaos. They cover Benfica’s unbelievable stoppage-time goalkeeper goal, Chelsea’s comeback win in Naples, and Tottenham’s European form ahead of Man City. Fast-paced match talk and live reaction make for thrilling football storytelling.

10 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 7min
Champions League bonanza, Bayern’s first loss + Mbappe’s Panenka
Tom Williams, French football reporter; Seb Stafford-Bloor, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 expert; Pol Ballus, La Liga and Barcelona commentator; James Horncastle, Serie A specialist. They discuss the Champions League final matchday drama and which teams might progress. Bayern’s shocking first home defeat and its consequences. Mbappé’s cheeky Panenka and Yamal’s stunning goal shaping the La Liga race.

14 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 7min
Man United stun leaders Arsenal + Slot under pressure at Liverpool?
Tim Spiers, lively football columnist with fan-perspective takes. Matt Davies-Adams, tactical writer and broadcaster. Daniel Storey, match-reporting journalist. They unpack Manchester United’s shock win at Arsenal, Arsenal’s jitters and Carrick’s early impact. They also cover Villa’s bright display, Chelsea’s revival, Bournemouth’s late thriller against Liverpool and questions over Liverpool’s rotation and Arne Slot.

Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 4min
Arteta takes on Carrick in the Premier League as English clubs dominate in Europe
Duncan Alexander, a football analyst known for his sharp statistical insights, joins football reporter Natalie Gedra, who offers keen tactical observations, and journalist Mark Carey, who excels in match breakdowns. They dive into English clubs' surprising dominance in Europe and analyze Liverpool's and Chelsea's midweek victories. The discussion heats up with a tactical preview of Arsenal vs. a resurgent Manchester United under Carrick, and they explore whether mid-season managerial changes are leading to increased injuries. Plus, don’t miss their thoughts on key Premier League fixtures!

5 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 50min
Man City battered by Bodø as perfect Arsenal outclass Inter
Tom Williams, a seasoned football writer and commentator, joins the discussion on PSG's last-minute loss to Sporting, highlighting their troubling performance and Luis Enrique's comments on fixture rhythm. The panel marvels at Bodø/Glimt's stunning 3-1 victory over Manchester City, discussing the tactics and Rodri's pivotal red card. Arsenal's dazzling display at San Siro is praised, showcasing their tactical excellence and squad depth. The group also touches on Spurs' mixed fortunes in European and domestic play. A must-listen for football fans!

14 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 13min
The Champions League returns! + Barca’s 11-game winning run is over
Seb Stafford-Bloor, a keen observer of German football, joins Italian football expert James Horncastle and seasoned journalist Tom Williams, alongside Spanish specialist Paul Belous. They dive into the thrilling finish of the midweek Champions League matches, highlighting key fixtures like Spurs vs. Dortmund. Real Sociedad's upset over Barcelona ends their winning streak, prompting discussions on La Liga's tight title race. Tribute is paid to Rocco Commisso after Fiorentina's heartfelt win, while Bayern Munich showcases a stunning comeback against Leipzig.

9 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 12min
Man United dominate City in the derby, plus the incredible AFCON finale
Meher Mazahi, an on-the-ground reporter, shares gripping first-hand accounts from the AFCON final in Rabat. He recounts the electric atmosphere, detailing a controversial disallowed goal and the chaotic scenes of players walking off the pitch. The drama escalates with a contentious Panenka miss and an extra-time winner by Senegal, stunning the crowd. Meher also reflects on the implications for player legacies, particularly for Sadio Mane, and the match's impact on diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, United's tactical prowess shines in their derby win over City.

Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 8min
Totally Extra: George Weah - player, president, pioneer
Join football journalist James Horncastle, who intricately details George Weah's journey from Monrovia to becoming the first African Ballon d'Or winner, alongside Tom Williams, who shares historical anecdotes, and writer Musa Okwonga, who analyzes Weah's unique playing style. They dissect Weah's monumental Verona goal and its significance, explore his transition from football to politics, and discuss his lasting cultural impact across Africa and Europe, cementing his legacy as both an athlete and a leader.

Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 3min
Advantage Arsenal & City in EFL Cup semis as Carrick prepares for Manchester derby
Join Benji Lanyado, a savvy commentator, Art De Roché, a football journalist with a keen eye for stats, and Maher Mezahi, an AFCON specialist, as they dive into thrilling football discussions. They analyze Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 win over Chelsea and Manchester City's solid performance against Newcastle. The team also dissects the upcoming Manchester derby, focusing on Michael Carrick's new role at United. Plus, Maher offers insights into the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, highlighting tactical trends and key players.


