Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to preview the FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Saturday and debate where Arne Slot should be focusing his attention. The panel weigh up the importance of the FA Cup against the demands of the Premier League and Champions League, with a packed schedule forcing tough decisions. Should Slot go full strength, or rotate with PSG looming?There’s also a deep dive into listener questions — from whether a true “Liverpool way” still exists under Slot, to who carries the most responsibility for an underwhelming season, and concerns around the manager’s man-management style.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down the reasons behind Salah’s departure. The panel discuss the role Slot played in Salah’s exit, the tensions that emerged during the season, and whether this feels like a natural conclusion or a slightly sour ending to a remarkable chapter.There’s also talk around Liverpool’s future and whether abandoning the plan of Arne Slot at the helm would actually set the club further back. There are heated discussions around PSG’s successful attempt to postpone their league match, giving them an edge in the Champions League, plus Jürgen Klopp has been back at Anfield.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones are alongside Tony Evans to react to the news Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.The Egyptian King, who has scored 255 goals in 435 games for the Reds will bring to a close his career at Anfield after nine seasons after he announced the decision on Instagram.The panel give their reaction to the announcement, take a trip down memory lane looking back on the key moments Salah has provided in his time at Anfield as well as assessing how the news could impact the rest of the season, Arne Slot's role as head coach and Liverpool's push to finish in the top five of the Premier League.Share your favourite Salah memories and moments on email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce and Andy JonesProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to dissect another damaging result in the race for the top five. From European euphoria to Premier League frustration, Liverpool were brought crashing back down to earth with defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.The panel explore the now-familiar pattern of Liverpool failing to back up big Champions League performances, with Arne Slot admitting his side once again couldn’t match their previous level. Is this simply fatigue — or a deeper issue with the squad?There’s discussion around defensive errors, the growing injury list with Hugo Ekitike forced off early, and whether the absence of key forwards like Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak has left Liverpool short in attack.Plus, with just one point from their last three league games, the guys assess the state of the top-five race — and whether this side can stumble over the line.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes, tactical analyst who breaks down formations, and James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent with match insight, dissect a defining Anfield night. They explore Arne Slot’s switch to a 4-4-2 and how Salah thrived centrally. Off the pitch, they discuss Richard Hughes and reported Saudi interest. They also preview a tricky trip to Brighton and the challenge of sustaining momentum.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to ask the big question: with boos ringing out following Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur, where does this leave Arne Slot?The panel dissect the disappointing performance, the late goal conceded, and the growing frustration among supporters as Liverpool let another opportunity slip. With questions mounting around team selection, squad planning and the mood around the manager, is this becoming a turning point in Slot’s tenure?Plus, attention quickly turns to a huge night in Europe as Liverpool prepare for a season-defining Champions League clash with Galatasaray. Can they keep their campaign alive — and perhaps change the narrative around the season?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack the 1–0 defeat away to Galatasaray in the Champions League. It was a frustrating night that once again highlighted familiar problems — defensive lapses and missed chances. The guys ask whether the tie is still there for Liverpool to turn around at Anfield next week.The panel also reflect on Arne Slot’s first 100 games in charge and explore why fan sentiment feels surprisingly mixed despite a record no Liverpool manager has ever bettered.Finally with Tottenham Hotspur heading to Anfield this weekend, the guys preview Sunday’s Premier League clash and assess whether it’s the perfect fixture for Liverpool to bounce back.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They dissect Rio Ngumoh’s eye-catching debut moments and debate how to manage his minutes and development. Andrew Robertson’s two-minute game-changing impact and his future at the club get close attention. Contract moves like Ryan Gravenberch’s new long-term deal and the wider recruitment picture are discussed. The team also preview the tricky trip to Istanbul and what must change tactically to avoid a repeat defeat.

James Pearce, an experienced football journalist and Liverpool correspondent, breaks down Liverpool's stoppage-time loss at Wolves. He discusses defensive errors and the sequence that led to the late winner. Conversation covers tactical starting issues, questionable substitutions, fading impact of a striker, and worrying form from the wide players. The impact on Champions League qualification and off-field European matters are also debated.

Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a goal-fest at Anfield, where set-pieces once again proved decisive — prompting a wider debate sparked by Arne Slot’s claim that dead-ball dominance may be taking some of the joy out of football.The panel dig into standout performances from Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, ask why Liverpool look so dangerous from corners all of a sudden, and question the consistency of VAR decisions after yet another controversial weekend.There’s also a deep dive into Liverpool FC’s newly released financial accounts — record revenues, a Premier League-high wage bill and what it all means for future spending — plus a look ahead to Wolves under the lights on Tuesday night.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.