International Break Round Table: Multi-Club Check-in

In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, the hosts are joined by a gaggle of past guests for a lively round table discussion on the current football season. Abhi (Brentford), Adam (ManU), Christopher (Spurs), Mike (Fulham), and Paul (Leeds), join Ian and Sarah (both Liverpool fans) - with Karlo chipping in. We discuss Sunderland's amazing run as well as the impact top of table clubs Arsenal and City are having on the rest. The discussion touches on the dramatic changes in the season over the past six weeks, key defining moments for each club, and expectations for the remainder of the year. Guests provide predictions, highlight standout players and moments, and discuss managerial performances. The episode wraps up with thoughts on necessary January transfers and future outlooks for each team.

00:00 Lightning Round Intros

03:40 Current Season Overview

04:08 Impact of Arsenal and City on the Table

06:00 Club-Specific Updates

14:39 Managerial Performance Discussion

26:26 January Transfer Wishlist

27:36 Goalkeeper Woes and Hopes

30:23 Winter Transfer Strategies

38:21 Sunderland's Surprising Form

42:35 Season Predictions and Hopes

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Exploring Leeds United's Rich History and Present with Paul

In this engaging episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' hosts Carla Marcelo, Sarah Hamilton, and Ian Storer delve into the history, culture, and current state of Leeds United with guest Paul. The discussion covers the club's prestigious past, including its heyday in the 70s under Don Revy, notable players, and the passionate fan base. Paul shares his personal journey from Yorkshire to Kansas City, his love for Leeds, and his insights into the club's performance in the Premier League 2025/26 season. The episode also explores the cultural aspects of being a Leeds fan, from iconic kits and songs to the atmosphere at matches and local foods. Tune in for a deep dive into football history and contemporary insights from a dedicated Leeds United supporter.

00:00 Paul's Background and Journey to the US

05:33 Leeds United's Cultural Impact and Rivalries

14:38 Leeds Historical Highlights

17:59 Current State of Leeds United

21:49 Leeds Traditions and Fan Culture

29:26 Leeds United's Branding

31:38 Stadium and Training Ground

34:44 Football Culture in Kansas City

43:18 Leeds United's Current Season and Squad

49:40 Upcoming Matches and Ticket Challenges

54:26 Conclusion

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JP - a Chicago lad finds his way to Man City: Standing By City From the South Side of Chicago

In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, our hosts engage in conversation with Manchester City fan JP from the South Side of Chicago. JP shares his journey of becoming a City fan during the '90s and explains how being a Chicago native influenced his choice, drawing comparisons between City and the Chicago White Sox. The discussion delves into his early influences, including playing FIFA video games and enjoying Manchester City's underdog status during United’s ascendancy. They also discuss the impact of Pep Guardiola’s long tenure and speculate on the future post-Pep era. Further, the conversation touches on the pervasive issue of gambling in football, its potential impacts, and the sustainment of values within the sport. The episode wraps up with exciting prospects of upcoming matches and camaraderie among friends despite football rivalries.

00:00 JP's Journey to Becoming a Manchester City Fan

08:16 Comparing Manchester City to American Sports Teams

15:36 Current Manchester City Squad and Key Players

18:47 The Future of Manchester City Post-Pep Guardiola

23:08 Manchester City's Current Form

26:38 Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern

41:53 Nation State Money in Football

45:10 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions

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Data-Driven Insights: Revolutionizing Soccer with Brett Myers

In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, the hosts welcome Brett Myers from Villanova University to discuss his significant contributions to soccer analytics. Myers shares his journey from professional soccer player (playing for two seasons for the Richmond Kickers and competing internationally, winning Gold for Team USA in the 11th Pan American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2008) to academic researching football (aka soccer) He discusses his pivotal research on optimal substitution timings and the tactical implications of maintaining offensive pressure. He also delves into his consultancy work with MLS teams like Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC, helping them leverage data for improved performance. The conversation covers the growing acceptance of analytics in soccer, the challenges of implementing data-driven decisions, and the future potential of AI and advanced metrics in the sport. Myers also offers insights into the US Men's National Team's prospects for the upcoming World Cup and discusses the importance of developing grassroots soccer in the United States.

00:00 Brett Myers' Background and Research Journey

03:50 Consulting in Major League Soccer

08:36 The Evolution of Data Analytics in Soccer

13:00 Changing the Timing of Subs in Football

16:31 Impact of Data on Player Management

25:37 Balancing Business and Fan Engagement

28:28 The Pitfalls of Parking the Bus

29:21 Empirical Study on Attacking Behavior

32:53 Goalkeeping Metrics and Their Impact

39:44 Key Performance Indicators in Soccer

46:50 Challenges and Expectations for the US Men's National Team

53:19 Developing Grassroots Soccer in the US

57:04 Final Thoughts and Predictions

https://www1.villanova.edu/university/experts/expert-detail.html?expert=bret.meyers

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A Superfan Free Agent's Journey

In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, hosts Ian, Sarah, and Karlo welcome special guest Connolly, a sports enthusiast from Chicago who doesn't have a favorite football team. The conversation delves into Connolly's journey with sports, from playing various sports as a child to attending high-profile international matches. The hosts discuss the challenges and opportunities for growing soccer fandom in the U.S., the differences between American sports and football culture, and speculate on what might increase the sport's popularity domestically. Connolly shares personal anecdotes about attending games, following the U.S. Men's National Team, and mulling over choosing a Premier League team to support. The episode also touches on broader topics like the impact of social media, youth sports development in the U.S., and the nuances of global football leagues.

00:00 Meet Connolly: The Club Curious Guest

01:20 Connolly's First Football Experiences

04:45 The Quest for a Favorite Team

13:01 The American Football Fan Experience

20:25 The Growing Popularity of Soccer in the US

22:17 Anticipation for the World Cup

22:49 The Impact of Star Players

23:20 Challenges for US Men's Soccer

25:21 Rift Between Generations

30:47 American vs. International Football Culture

42:29 Youth Soccer Development in the US

45:15 Concluding Thoughts and Onward Fan Journey

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Premier League Roundtable: Early Season Reactions and Surprising Standings

In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, hosts Ian and Karlo are joined by returning guests Brendan, Scott, and Yuvaraj for a roundtable discussion on the current Premier League season. The conversation kicks off with quick temperature checks from fans of Everton, Manchester City, and Arsenal, covering their feelings about their clubs' performances in the early part of the season. The group also delves into surprising standings, particularly the unexpected placements of Crystal Palace, Sunderland, and Bournemouth in the top half of the table. The impact of recent managerial changes and standout transfers across various teams are analyzed, along with individual club perspectives. Additionally, the episode includes a football trivia segment and wraps up with the panel looking ahead to the most anticipated matches in the next six weeks. Comprehensive and engaging, this roundtable provides insightful perspectives from different club supporters.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Initial Impressions of the Season

01:21 Team Performance Reviews

03:25 Surprises in the Top Four

11:20 Transfer Window Insights

21:14 Everton's New Stadium and Transfers

29:33 Surprising Performances and Manager Changes

36:42 Trivia Time: Current Season Knowledge

40:40 Upcoming Matches to Watch

47:34 Special Stories and Rivalries

50:02 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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Understanding Football Terms: Dummy, Nutmeg, and Golazo Explained!

In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football - Training Grounds, hosts Ian, Sarah, and Karlo dive into some specific football terms to make the sport more accessible for newcomers. They start with explaining what a 'dummy' is, using examples from recent matches. Next, they break down the term 'nutmeg' and compare it to a dummy, citing memorable instances involving famous players like Messi. Finally, they explore the term 'golazo,' a spectacular goal, and discuss its characteristics and the passion behind the pronunciation. Tune in to learn and enhance your understanding of football commentary.

00:00 Explaining the Term 'Dummy'

04:44 Understanding 'Nutmeg'

09:56 Defining 'Golazo'

Image from “BTFC07041814” by Terry Gilbert, CC BY 2.0. Background removed and cropped.

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From Afghanistan to Houston: Zed Sultani's Journey in Football

In this episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' we welcome Zed Sultani, a rising star in international football from Afghanistan, along with Sarah, who supports her career. Zed shares her inspiring journey from playing football in Afghanistan to joining the Afghan women's national team and ultimately relocating to Houston. She discusses the challenges faced by Afghan female athletes, her training routines, and her current play with Houston Shine FC. We also touch on the impact of geopolitical issues and choices FIFA has made on her career and the collective effort to support Afghan women in football through community initiatives. Tune in to hear Zed's extraordinary story and the resilience and hope that continue to drive her.

00:00 Welcome and Zed's Journey into Football

02:14 Early Football Career in Afghanistan

03:19 Transition to the United States

07:01 Training and Playing in Houston

11:58 Life Beyond Football

12:42 Team Dynamics and Friendships

15:10 Leaving Afghanistan: A New Beginning

18:29 FIFA's Role in Assisting Afghan Players

24:26 Formation of Houston Shine FC

28:35 Life and Aspirations of Afghan Players in Houston

29:56 Support Needed for Afghan Players

32:11 Conclusion and Future Hopes

Cover Art: Photos by Peter Molick

Houston Shine FC: https://houstonshinefc.org/

Donate to support Zed and the team: https://houstonshinefc.org/donate.html

See the film teaser about these Afghan women's team players' journey to Houston: https://houstonshinefc.org/thefilm.html

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