Vicky Gomersall is joined by Charlie Wyett, Jonathan Northcroft and The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke to reflect on the weekend’s sporting action.
We begin with looking at the pressure Ange Postecoglou is under. Jonathan questions whether Forest are worried about league position and want solidity. Charlie is surprised some of the fans have turned on Ange already. What’s gone so wrong for Ange?
We then turn to England news, firstly to Jude Bellingham and the criticism he has received for his lack of presence with the press; Charlie questions whether he would be a good future England Captain but considers Declan Rice a better candidate. Then to Elliot Anderson, and Jack praises how natural he looks in a position so important to Tuchel’s side ahead of the World Cup. And on the UEFA committee’s meeting to revive interest in the International break, we ask whether the no-jeopardy games are too boring.
We also look at The Telegraph’s story that Strasbourg have turned into a Chelsea feeder-club. Jonathan explains the fans’ reason to protest; how multi-club ownership can affect the lesser clubs involved and how the fans believe their identity is being diluted.
Next, news that Barcelona want to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal; Jonathan believes £25m is a great price in today’s market for the Spanish side, but bad-selling business from Man United. We move on to Mo Salah’s current form; Jack considers last season’s Liverpool playing to Salah’s strengths, whilst this year transitioning with Slot’s new signings and tactics.
We then explore the story that Europe’s elite clubs answer to nobody as they carve up football’s billions. Jonathan criticises the distribution of funds, with £6billion coming in for Champions League sides, but lesser clubs not getting parity with very little filtering down to clubs missing out.
And finally, we conclude this week’s pod on a sombre note, with the sad news that England Rugby star Lewis Moody is diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.
Running Order:
3mins – Ange Under Pressure
20mins – England News
38mins – Downside of Multi-Club Ownership
42mins – Rashford permanent Barca deal?
57mins – Europe’s elite clubs carve up football’s billions
61mins – Lewis Moody diagnosed with MND