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Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

Joël Matip: Cult icon

Caoimhe O’Neill and James Pearce from The Athletic join Steve Hothersall ahead of Liverpool’s game against Watford this weekend.


On the podcast today, the panel preview the upcoming Premier League fixture against Watford and whether we should expect Alisson & Fabinho to be included in the squad.


Plus Caoimhe and James discuss recent pieces on Joël Matip and Liverpool’s head of nutrition Mona Nemmer. 

More episodes

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  • Rio rising; can Ngumoha spark Liverpool's season?

    40:55|
    Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on a much-needed win over Fulham, headlined by 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who became Liverpool’s youngest-ever league scorer at Anfield.The panel discuss whether this is the emergence of a genuine wildcard option ahead of the decisive Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain — or simply a rare bright spot in an inconsistent campaign.Off the pitch, attention turns to growing fan unrest, with reaction to ticket price protests and wider questions around access, ownership, and the club’s long-term direction. Plus, Andy Robertson’s confirmed departure brings reflection on his legacy and where he ranks among Liverpool’s best ever signings.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Are Liverpool losing their identity?

    42:35|
    Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to reflect on the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain with zero shots on target, just 26% possession, and Arne Slot admitting his side were in “survival mode”.The panel assess Slot’s tactical calls, including the decision to deploy a five-man defence and leave Mohamed Salah, unused, on the bench. There’s also a closer look at Hugo Ekitike’s difficult return to Paris, what Alexander Isak’s comeback could mean for the run-in, and whether the tie is already beyond Liverpool ahead of the second leg at Anfield.Plus, reaction to growing unrest around the club — from ticket price rises to wider questions about FSG’s stewardship — and whether the disconnect between fans, players and ownership is turning into a broader identity crisis.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • PSG showdown - is this make or break for Slot?

    40:00|
    Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on Liverpool’s heavy FA Cup defeat to Manchester City and Slot’s comments on a lack of “fighting spirit.”The panel assess whether Slot was right to question his players so publicly, the recurring defensive issues that continue to cost Liverpool, and whether senior figures like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are doing enough in key moments.Attention then turns to Paris Saint-Germain, with The Athletic’s Tom Williams joining to give the French perspective ahead of Wednesday’s clash. How dangerous are PSG, and how big a challenge do they pose to a fragile Liverpool side?With confidence shaken and the stakes rising, the panel debate just how crucial these next two games are — not just for Liverpool’s season, but for Slot’s future.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce & Tom WilliamsProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • A season on the line — should Liverpool prioritise the FA Cup?

    40:45|
    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
  • No Salah, no problem? Liverpool’s next chapter

    39:39|
    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
  • End of an era as Salah announces his exit

    42:20|
    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
  • Are Liverpool running on empty?

    35:51|
    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
  • Slot's new formula, Salah the striker & Saudi interest in Hughes

    40:38|
    Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down a night that could define Liverpool’s season. After a flat and frustrating run, Anfield came alive as Arne Slot’s side produced a statement performance to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The panel analyse the tactical switch to a 4-4-2 system, Mohamed Salah’s impact in a more central role, and whether this performance finally offers a blueprint for consistency.Off the pitch, attention turns to uncertainty behind the scenes, with speculation linking sporting director Richard Hughes to a move to Saudi Arabia. Plus, with Brighton up next and a tough record following European fixtures, can Liverpool balance their domestic and continental ambitions?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
  • Has Anfield lost faith in Slot?

    38:07|
    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