Don't Know Much About Football

International Break Round Table: Multi-Club Check-inIn 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 Intros03:40 Current Season Overview04:08 Impact of Arsenal and City on the Table06:00 Club-Specific Updates14:39 Managerial Performance Discussion26:26 January Transfer Wishlist27:36 Goalkeeper Woes and Hopes30:23 Winter Transfer Strategies38:21 Sunderland's Surprising Form42:35 Season Predictions and Hopes

Exploring Leeds United's Rich History and Present with PaulIn 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 US05:33 Leeds United's Cultural Impact and Rivalries14:38 Leeds Historical Highlights17:59 Current State of Leeds United21:49 Leeds Traditions and Fan Culture29:26 Leeds United's Branding31:38 Stadium and Training Ground34:44 Football Culture in Kansas City43:18 Leeds United's Current Season and Squad49:40 Upcoming Matches and Ticket Challenges54:26 Conclusion

JP - a Chicago lad finds his way to Man City: Standing By City From the South Side of ChicagoIn 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 Fan08:16 Comparing Manchester City to American Sports Teams15:36 Current Manchester City Squad and Key Players18:47 The Future of Manchester City Post-Pep Guardiola23:08 Manchester City's Current Form26:38 Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern41:53 Nation State Money in Football45:10 Concluding Thoughts and Predictions

Data-Driven Insights: Revolutionizing Soccer with Brett MyersIn 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 Journey03:50 Consulting in Major League Soccer08:36 The Evolution of Data Analytics in Soccer13:00 Changing the Timing of Subs in Football16:31 Impact of Data on Player Management25:37 Balancing Business and Fan Engagement28:28 The Pitfalls of Parking the Bus29:21 Empirical Study on Attacking Behavior32:53 Goalkeeping Metrics and Their Impact39:44 Key Performance Indicators in Soccer46:50 Challenges and Expectations for the US Men's National Team53:19 Developing Grassroots Soccer in the US57:04 Final Thoughts and Predictionshttps://www1.villanova.edu/university/experts/expert-detail.html?expert=bret.meyers

A Superfan Free Agent's JourneyIn 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 Guest01:20 Connolly's First Football Experiences04:45 The Quest for a Favorite Team13:01 The American Football Fan Experience20:25 The Growing Popularity of Soccer in the US22:17 Anticipation for the World Cup22:49 The Impact of Star Players23:20 Challenges for US Men's Soccer25:21 Rift Between Generations30:47 American vs. International Football Culture42:29 Youth Soccer Development in the US45:15 Concluding Thoughts and Onward Fan Journey

The Heart of Argentinian Football: Pablo's Journey with Boca JuniorsIn this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, Pablo, a devoted Boca Juniors fan from Argentina, joins the hosts to share his love for football and his personal journey with the sport. He recounts his initial membership with Boca Juniors as a child and the challenges faced when he moved to the US. Pablo provides an in-depth look at Argentine football culture, touching on its history, notable teams, and key players like Maradona and Messi. He also discusses the socio-economic background of teams like Boca Juniors and River Plate, and shares his observations on the differences in football culture between Argentina and the US. The central theme of the discussion is the idea that 'the way you play is the way you live,' highlighting how football shapes and reflects one's values and social interactions. Pablo also offers insights into how the lack of organic, street-level football in the US impacts the development of the sport.00:00 Welcome - Pablo's Boca Juniors Journey02:26 Argentina and Schoolyard Football Culture05:06 Argentinian Soccer Philosophy09:20 Urban Planning and Soccer Culture14:34 Professional Football in Argentina15:28 Boca Juniors vs. River Plate23:05 Argentinian Football Legends25:33 Batistuta: Argentina's Legendary Striker Before Messi29:36 Rosario: The Cradle of Football Talent and Argentine Stars Returning to Local Clubs35:08 Challenges of Watching MLS and American Soccer Culture40:23 The Cultural Differences in Football Development44:02 The Role of Infrastructure in Football Development52:05 End