The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

Guillermo Rai, a journalist for The Athletic, joins to discuss the shock departure of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid. He explains the internal tensions that led to the decision and Álvaro Arbeloa's swift promotion from the reserve team. The panel also dives into Barcelona's Supercopa victory and the implications for La Liga's title race. Shifting to Germany, Bayern Munich's crushing 8-1 win over Wolfsburg raises questions about record-breaking potential, while Dortmund sparks excitement with a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Join Daniel Storey, an experienced journalist, Adrian Clarke, a tactical analyst, Tom Williams, a match reporter, and Maher Mezahi, a Moroccan journalist, as they explore an unforgettable FA Cup weekend. Macclesfield pulled off a monumental upset by defeating Crystal Palace, while Wrexham triumphed over Forest in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Plus, hear about Man City's 10-1 thrashing of Exeter, and an exciting preview of the AFCON semi-finals featuring Nigeria against Morocco and Senegal clashing with Egypt.

Jay Harris, a football journalist and correspondent reporting from Morocco for AFCON, joins the discussion to share insights on the thrilling upcoming quarter-finals. He expects Senegal to advance against Mali, highlighting their attacking strength. In the Morocco vs Cameroon match, he notes the pressure on the hosts and Cameroon’s dynamic play. Nigeria's internal drama and standout player Adam Olorunwunmi come into focus before Jay evaluates the Ivory Coast vs Egypt clash, emphasizing squad changes and Mohamed Salah's pivotal role.

Duncan Alexander, a football data journalist; Charlie Eccleshare, a tactical commentator; and Liam Tharme, a matchday reporter, dive into the chaotic Premier League week. They dissect Manchester City's unexpected draws and issues with Pep's side, while also discussing Chelsea's managerial turmoil and fan frustrations. Liam explains how Brentford's tactical ingenuity is setting trends for other teams. Plus, with the FA Cup 3rd round approaching, they highlight exciting matchups, including non-league clashes that promise underdog stories.

Laurie Whitwell, a football reporter, dives deep into Ruben Amorim's sacking by Manchester United, providing insights on the tensions and future implications. Meanwhile, Louis Vix, a Ligue 1 specialist, shares highlights from the long-awaited Paris derby, where PSG narrowly outplayed Paris FC. The conversation also touches on Vinicius Junior's ongoing struggles at Real Madrid and Marseille's instability under De Zerbi. Listeners get a comprehensive feel of the latest football dramas across Europe!

Chelsea stunned Man City with a last-minute equalizer, keeping Arsenal six points clear at the top. Liverpool's struggle continued as they drew with Fulham, thanks to a spectacular late strike from Harrison Reed. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim made headlines, asserting he wants to be a manager, not just a head coach, in the wake of Man United's draw against Leeds. Newcastle secured a solid victory, while Wolves celebrated their first league win of the season. Brentford showed remarkable form, overwhelming Everton with a hat-trick from Thiago.

Simon Johnson, a football journalist, dives into Chelsea's surprising decision to part ways with manager Enzo Maresca. He discusses the chaotic factors behind this exit, including media tensions and contract disputes. Maher Mazahi, an Africa Cup of Nations correspondent, shares insights on group-stage trends and the upcoming last-16 fixtures. The podcast also covers Arsenal's commanding victory over Aston Villa, and the struggles of Manchester United as they gear up for a rivalry match against Leeds.

Jay Harris, an on-the-ground correspondent for AFCON, shares thrilling insights from Morocco. He discusses Nigeria's performance, revealing their strengths and weaknesses as favorites. The conversation also highlights the intense atmosphere of the tournament and Nigeria's tactical changes. Additionally, they touch on Ivory Coast's draw with Cameroon and emerging dynamics in the group stages. Jay wraps up with key upcoming fixtures that fans should watch out for, making it a must-listen for football enthusiasts!

Duncan Alexander, a football researcher renowned for his stats and historical insights, joins journalist Daniel Storey, known for his engaging anecdotes, and writer Charlie Eccleshare, a familiar face in football banter. They dive into the festive tradition of Boxing Day matches, recalling the iconic 66-goal bonanza of 1963. The panel also discusses memorable Christmas managerial sackings and the cheeky tactics players use to secure time off. A festive quiz caps off their light-hearted yet informative exploration of football's holiday spirit.

Jacob Tanswell, a Birmingham-based football reporter focused on Aston Villa, shares insights into Villa’s impressive winning streak and their potential title challenge. He discusses the club’s revival under Unai Emery and the importance of upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Mahir Mezahi, an AFCON correspondent in Morocco, covers the tournament's opening days, highlighting standout moments, including Mo Salah's late heroics for Egypt and a sensational overhead kick from Morocco's Carby. The podcast captures the excitement surrounding both Premier League and international football.