Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to discuss whether Manchester City’s guilty verdict changes how we view Liverpool’s title battles over the years between the two clubs. Does it make Liverpool’s achievements under Klopp even more impressive — and should clubs potentially be entitled to compensation?Attentions soon turn to Liverpool’s new sporting director Julian Ward and what he needs to sort out at the club, plus we check in on the latest international action (and injuries!) and hear from the non-league clubs taking part in our international-break assignment.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony Evans With: James Pearce & Andy Jones Producer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce & Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to look ahead to Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth and ask what we learnt from the youngsters’ impressive display against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.Dominik Szoboszlai produced a stunning strike against Spurs, but should he be playing as a No.10 instead of Florian Wirtz? Alexis Mac Allister has been excellent in recent games, while Trey Nyoni impressed in midweek — so who should make up Liverpool’s midfield three at Bournemouth?The guys also discuss Andoni Iraola’s return to his former club, whether Sunday’s game carries extra significance before the international break, and what Liverpool’s League Cup win means for their squad depth.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Simon HughesProducer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce & Andy Jones join Tony Evans to dissect Saturday’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Fulham and the growing concerns over Liverpool’s midfield balance.Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz struggled to control the game at Anfield, with Liverpool looking much better after Alexis Mac Allister was introduced. Can those three players work in the same midfield, and has Liverpool’s decision not to sign a midfielder this summer left Andoni Iraola with a problem to solve?We also discuss whether Trey Nyoni should be given a run in the team, the worrying situation at left-back, and James Milner’s return to Liverpool as part of Iraola’s coaching staff.Plus, we look ahead to Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham. Should Iraola take the competition seriously, and could it be the perfect opportunity for Nyoni and some of Liverpool’s fringe players to make their case?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce & Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to reflect on Liverpool’s dramatic Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid — a fifth consecutive win against Spanish opposition in Europe.Alexis Mac Allister stole the headlines with a stunning winner, just days after revealing he was left “very sad” by Liverpool’s decision not to offer him a new contract. Was this the perfect response, and should the club now reconsider his situation?We also discuss Ronald Araujo’s impressive start at right-back, the growing understanding between Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, and whether Liverpool’s midfield is beginning to look like a strength rather than a weakness.And with Fulham next up at Anfield, we look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League clash and the latest team news.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Simon HughesProducer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce & Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to assess Richard Hughes’ time at Liverpool, from appointing Arne Slot and overseeing a Premier League title win to spending more than £670m on reshaping the squad. Was Hughes a success or a failure, and what does Liverpool’s next sporting director need to fix?We also look at Alexander Isak’s flying start to this season after his two goals against Ipswich, his growing understanding with Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz, and whether Gakpo’s form means Bradley Barcola will have to wait for his chance.And with Champions League football returning, Liverpool face a much tougher test against Atletico Madrid. Who starts and will this be the first real chance to judge whether Iraola’s ideas can work against elite opposition?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Simon HughesProducer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce joins Tony Evans to assess Liverpool’s business after deadline day and ask whether the Reds have done enough to challenge this season.Bradley Barcola arrived for a huge fee but Liverpool chose not to sign a specialist No.6 or another full-back. Was that the right call? Can Andoni Iraola fix Liverpool’s defensive problems through coaching and structure, and was rejecting Manchester City’s £80m offer for Cody Gakpo the right decision?Plus the guys look ahead to Friday night’s trip to newly promoted Ipswich Town.What did you make of Liverpool’s transfer window? Let us know in the comments.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to look back on the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest and ask what we’ve learned from Andoni Iraola’s first two games in charge. Is his style beginning to take shape, and why are Liverpool starting matches so slowly?The panel discuss an encouraging first Anfield start for Victor Muñoz, Alexander Isak’s first goal of the season, as well as the controversial penalty decision.There’s also plenty of transfer talk, with Bradley Barcola’s arrival confirmed and uncertainty continuing around Cody Gakpo. Could Liverpool really sell Gakpo to Manchester City, and should we be worried about the full-back positions?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool’s huge move for Barcola and whether the France international could be the attacking signing that transforms their season.How big a boost is Barcola? Does his arrival change Liverpool’s plans for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr? And with Cody Gakpo attracting interest, has his status suddenly changed from one of Liverpool’s most expendable attackers to an essential member of the squad?The panel also discuss Andoni Iraola’s impact around the AXA, how his approach differs from Arne Slot’s, and look ahead to Saturday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson