

Tifo Football Podcast
The Athletic
In-depth tactical, historical & geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. From the team behind the Tifo Football YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Bruno’s Man Utd future & what’s going on at Tottenham Hotspur?
Dan Kilpatrick, Deputy News Editor at The Athletic, shares his insights on Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. He discusses Bruno Fernandes' uncertain future and the club's potential acceptance of a Saudi offer. The conversation shifts to Spurs' underwhelming performance under Thomas Frank, touching on ownership support and realistic league expectations. They also debate transfer strategies, including Antoine Semenyo as a January target, and examine how modern tactics influence player profiles. It's a thought-provoking look at two of football's big clubs!

9 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 48min
Are Man City back in the title race? Unlucky Wolves and Sunderland’s victory
Manchester City's decisive victory over Crystal Palace raises the stakes in the title race, putting pressure on rivals like Arsenal. Wolverhampton's struggles this season are examined, with injuries and poor form threatening their Premier League status. The Wear-Tyne derby steals the spotlight as Sunderland pulls off an impressive win against Newcastle, amidst drama and an own goal. Meanwhile, St Mirren shocks Celtic with a Scottish League Cup triumph, leaving fans buzzing and discussing future match predictions.

20 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
Alonso’s Real Madrid trouble & the Premier League’s new financial rules
Guest analyst Abhishek Raj, a football finance specialist, dives into the challenges Xabi Alonso faces at Real Madrid. They discuss whether the Galactico era is over and how shifting to system coaches could reshape club dynamics. Abhishek also explains new Premier League financial rules, including the Squad Cost Ratio and its implications for clubs, revealing how these changes may either constrain mid-table teams or further empower big clubs. The conversation is filled with insights about the future of football finance, blending analysis with engaging banter.

10 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Will Salah leave Liverpool? Villa beat Arsenal & Palace are fourth!
Mohamed Salah's candid post-match comments stir up discussions about his future at Liverpool. Aston Villa's stunning victory over Arsenal raises questions about their sustainability in the title race. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's rise to fourth place catches everyone by surprise, showcasing their tactical prowess. The hosts also delve into Leeds United's impressive resilience and Liverpool's ongoing defensive struggles. Plus, a cheeky segment links players through club legends adds a fun twist to the analysis.

21 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 5min
Liverpool held by Sunderland, Leeds stun Chelsea & Arsenal win again
Liverpool found themselves frustrated by Sunderland in a tense draw, exposing defensive weaknesses. Leeds shocked Chelsea with a powerful, direct victory, showcasing their tactical shift under Daniel Farke. A nail-biting clash between Fulham and Man City highlighted the latter's vulnerabilities despite a thrilling high-scoring match. Meanwhile, Arsenal continued their winning momentum, with Mikel Merino's decisive contributions proving crucial. The discussion also danced around the evolving tactical landscape and the impact of young players in a volatile league.

17 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 11min
Chelsea hold Arsenal, Liverpool & Man Utd win & Spurs lose again
Ten-man Chelsea surprisingly held league leaders Arsenal to a draw, showcasing tactical adaptability. Liverpool secured a win without Salah, raising questions about his evolving role and Dominik Soboslai’s impact. The panel explored Tottenham's ongoing struggles and discussed Manchester United’s revival, highlighting Bruno Fernandes' key contributions. They also played a trivia game linking football legends, and analyzed the competitive landscape of the Premier League, with Villa and Brighton making waves among the top contenders.

9 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Pogba’s back, could Vini Jr leave Real Madrid? And Noni Madueke’s one-to-one coach
Saul Isaksson-Hurst, an individual skills coach known for working with talents like Noni Madueke, shares insights into his unique training methods. He reflects on Paul Pogba’s return and the challenges he faced in his career. The discussion pivots to the tense dynamics between Vinícius Júnior and Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, delving into how top players adapt to coaching changes. Saul highlights how tailored, one-on-one sessions can enhance players' match readiness and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of both individual and team coaching.

22 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
Arsenal hammer Spurs, Liverpool lose again, Newcastle beat Man City
Arsenal delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over Tottenham, with talks about their game plan and the reactions from fans. Newcastle shocked Manchester City by exploiting midfield mismatches, showcasing their strength. Meanwhile, Liverpool's struggles continued with a disappointing loss at Anfield, prompting discussions on their tactical identity and potential changes. Eberechi Eze's standout performance highlighted the North London derby, raising questions about Tottenham's choices. Plus, the hosts engaged in a fun game, connecting obscure football players through history.

8 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
Scotland get to World Cup, where will Semenyo go & who will win the North London derby?
Scotland's thrilling World Cup qualification brings joy and cultural pride, highlighted by McTominay's spectacular goal. The team discusses potential destinations for Antoine Semenyo, weighing his future against the backdrop of a hefty release clause. As anticipation builds for the North London derby, Arsenal emerges as the favorites thanks to their solid squad and tactical control. Insights on the Premier League's recent dullness spark debate, while John's new hobby of vintage watch repair adds a personal twist to the conversation.

10 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 59min
England's perfect record, are Newcastle in crisis & is Fabregas the next top coach?
England shines with a perfect qualifying record, while the Republic of Ireland celebrates a miraculous playoff entry. Newcastle United faces scrutiny over recent poor form, raising questions about a potential crisis. Meanwhile, Cesc Fàbregas embarks on a promising managerial journey at Como, showcasing his tactical skills and player development. The hosts also explore the excitement surrounding upcoming fixtures, predicting outcomes for key matches. Join them for lively discussions and football insights!


