The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

In this engaging discussion, experts Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús, James Horncastle, and Seb Stafford-Bloor dissect the early action in European football. PSG starts strong but face rising competition from Marseille and Monaco. They explore La Liga's dynamics, with Barcelona poised as favorites over a revamped Real Madrid. In Serie A, injury woes for Romelu Lukaku present opportunities for challengers to Napoli's title. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, boosted by Harry Kane, looks to solidify its Supercup triumph amid a competitive Bundesliga landscape.

Daniel Storey, Chief football writer for The Eye, and Adrian Clarke, a football pundit specializing in Arsenal, dive into the latest Premier League drama. They unpack Arsenal's gritty win at Old Trafford and the tactical brilliance behind Man City's depth, even when missing key players. Liverpool’s chaotic triumph over Bournemouth raises eyebrows about their defensive strategy. Plus, insights on Nottingham Forest's revival and Sunderland's strong start spice up the discussion as they analyze the shifting dynamics of the league.

Welcome to your Saturday morning dose of Totally!This is a space where we let our figurative hair down and free ourselves from the relentless merry-go-round of this season. We’ll have nostalgia, we'll have trivia, we'll have whatever nonsense tickles our fancy really. And we'll be taking a look back through the annuls into the week in football that was through the years... Today we're taking a trip down memory lane and charting the remarkable life and career of Mario Balotelli - who happened to celebrate his 35th birthday on the 12th of August. A great entertainer, social media legend, fireworks enthusiast, bib denier, misunderstood character, sensational striker and hugely significant cultural figure - from Inter to Genoa and everywhere in between. Produced by Lucy Oliva.RUNNING ORDER:• PART 1: Welcome to Totally Extra - Cotswolds recommendations, sausage pasta, road trips and a quiz question (00.40)• PART 2: This week in football - Triffic Niko Kranjčar, the start of the Premier League and crazy lockdown scorelines (12.00) • PART 3: Why Always Me? The life and times of Mario Balotelli (16.35)• PART 4: AOB, James' hotspot password and a correct answer? (55.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining the discussion are Daniel Storey, a writer for The Athletic; Tim Spiers, a football journalist; Chris Weatherspoon, a Mackem and finance expert; and Laurie Whitwell, a reporter who covered Manchester United's pre-season. They tackle Sunderland's return to the Premier League and their potential to stay afloat. The conversation also dives into Manchester United's struggle for improvement and whether they can defy expectations. Other teams like Everton and Brighton are highlighted for their exciting strategies and possible upsets in the upcoming season.

Journalist George Caulkin, known for his insights on Newcastle United, joins the conversation to shed light on the latest Alexander Isak situation, as he refuses to play for the Magpies. The hosts discuss Liverpool's attempts to defend their title amid exciting summer signings and assess the title chances of contenders like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Plus, they dive into Tottenham's revival hopes under Thomas Frank and reflect on Newcastle’s mixed emotions as they navigate a challenging season ahead.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Cox, author of "The Mixer," and regular contributor Matt Davies-Adams delve into the unforgettable 1995-96 season. They analyze Newcastle United's rollercoaster campaign under Kevin Keegan, exploring the tactical missteps and memorable outbursts. Key moments, such as the iconic 4-3 match against Liverpool, showcase the drama of the time. The duo also reflects on Manchester United's rise and the impact of young talent, sharing anecdotes about technology's absence leading to Man City's relegation.

Join Michael Cox, a tactical expert, Daniel Storey, a Premier League historian, and commentator Matt Davies-Adams as they revisit the thrilling 1992/93 season—the birth of the Premier League. They discuss Manchester United's long-awaited title, the game-changing arrival of Eric Cantona, and Norwich City's surprising rise. Dive into the tactical shifts ignited by the new back-pass rule and the incredible escape of Oldham Athletic, all painted against the nostalgic backdrop of a transformed English football landscape.

Raphael Honigstein, a German football journalist, joins Alvaro Romeo, a Spanish football expert, and Duncan Alexander, a football data analyst, to discuss the thrilling 2001/02 Champions League season. They explore the legendary Zidane volley in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, questioning whether it deserves the title of the greatest goal. The conversation dives into Leverkusen's rollercoaster journey, Real Madrid's Galactico era, and memorable moments from iconic matches. Nostalgia and the impact of past performances blend seamlessly with the challenges faced in modern football.

Tom Williams, an author and broadcaster, faces off against former champion Producer Charlie in the thrilling climax of the Inter Totally Cup final. The atmosphere is electric as they battle wits in a lively quiz filled with football trivia. Reflecting on past matches, the rivalry adds an exciting layer to their competition. Amidst playful banter and amusing anecdotes, they navigate tense moments, culminating in a nail-biting conclusion. Will Tom finally claim that coveted quiz crown? Tune in for all the action and camaraderie!

Julien Laurens, a renowned French football journalist, dives into the thrilling 1994/95 Champions League season. He reflects on Ajax's iconic unbeaten streak, highlighting stars like Seedorf and Kluivert. The discussion captures the memorable moments, like their semifinal victory over Bayern and the dramatic final against AC Milan. Laurens also touches on the Ballon d'Or controversy and Ajax's lasting impact on football. This nostalgic journey through a pivotal campaign reveals the blend of homegrown talent and strategic brilliance that defined Van Gaal's Ajax.