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The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

The Athletic

James Richardson and Team Totally are here three times a week throughout the season with all the football news and chat you need - and plenty that you don’t. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson is a podcast dedicated to all things football, also called soccer in the US. Host James Richardson used to present Channel 4's Football Italia in the UK in the 1990s. He's known to his fans as AC Jimbo and is passionate about the sport. Joining him are guests and experts from The Athletic, who produce this podcast. These guests include Serie A correspondent James Horncastle and writer Michael Cox. Matt Davies-Adams also hosts some episodes of this popular podcast.

Soccer fans may appreciate this podcast's comprehensive nature. Totally Football Show with James Richardson reviews the latest matches with detailed analysis. How will the latest games impact the league? What do the top teams need to do to stay where they are? Plus, it offers a complete football overview, including weekend and midweek fixtures. With some clubs not performing, the podcast team debates who's at fault. Is it time for a manager reset, and who should lead that role? And which teams are heading for the trophy? It's always a fast-paced conversation with many matches to discuss and opinions to share.

The Totally Football Show spends a lot of time talking about UK soccer action. Outside of the Premier League, James also shares updates from across the continent. The podcast discusses players such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as they continue to perform. Newcomers are also placed under scrutiny as they play their first international games. The show also discusses the World Cup and other tournaments.

The team also recognizes key milestones in football throughout the podcast. Writer Duncan Alexander shares his thoughts on the first million-pound signing. This, in 1979, was a record-breaking moment in the history of football. He examines the cost of goods in 2023 if inflation had increased at the same rate as Premier League footballers' salaries. With this in mind, he discovers that a pint of beer would cost quite a bit.

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson is great for soccer fans. The podcast releases new episodes three times a week.

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Episodes

PSG v Man City tops the UCL bill, plus is ten Hag the answer to Dortmund's problems?
Yesterday
PSG v Man City tops the UCL bill, plus is ten Hag the answer to Dortmund's problems?
Jimbo’s got his European gang alongside him as James Horncastle, Seb Stafford-Bloor and Julien Laurens look back on the latest action across the continent - and look ahead to matchday seven in the Champions League.  We begin with a look ahead to some of those key UCL ties, including Wednesday night’s heavyweight 25th v 22nd battle between PSG and Manchester City. Plus, Liverpool look to make it seven wins from seven when they host high-flying Lille and Villa make the trip to Monaco.  There was late drama in Serie A as Romelu Lukaku scored the winner in a 3-2 victory in Bergamo to further derail Atalanta’s hopes of a first Scudetto. It means Antonio Conte’s side are three points clear at the top of the table, but have played a game more than chasers Inter Milan who picked up their own 3-1 win over Empoli to keep up the pressure.  Over in La Liga, promoted Leganes pulled off yet another shock as they ended Atlético Madrid’s club-record 15-game winning run. It’s a result that handed the advantage over to Real - with Mbappé and co fighting back from conceding after just 28 seconds to beat Las Palmas 4-1. In Germany, Bayern Munich’s lead at the top stays at four points after forgotten man Leon Goretzka bagged a brace in their 3-2 win over Wolfsburg. Chasers Leverkusen made it 11 wins in a row, with lateness no problem this week for Florian Wirtz who got an assist and brace of his own in their victory over Monchengladbach - an 11th win in a row in all competitions for the reigning champions. Plus, could a certain former Manchester United manager be parachuted in to save Dortmund as their season continues to implode? And in France, you guessed it… PSG’s unbeaten run continues - this time coming from behind to beat Lens 2-1 and extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points. That’s after closest challengers Marseille were held to a 1-1 draw by Strasbourg.  Produced by Lucy Oliva. RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moments of the weekend (00.45) • PART 2: Champions League previews (12.30) • PART 3: Serie A review - Napoli beat Atalanta to strengthen title hopes (23.25) • PART 4: La Liga review - Atleti’s 15-match winning run over as Real go top (36.25) • PART 5: Bundesliga review - Big trouble for Dortmund as Leverkusen keep winning (41.10) • PART 6: Ligue 1 review - PSG’s lead stretched to nine points (51.25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Barca stun Real in chaotic Supercopa, while Kvaratskhelia nears PSG move
14-01-2025
Barca stun Real in chaotic Supercopa, while Kvaratskhelia nears PSG move
Jimbo’s joined by a full complement of European experts as Pol Ballús, James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and the returning Seb Stafford-Bloor are on hand to look back on a busy weekend of action. We begin in Saudi Arabia, where Barcelona stunned Real Madrid to win the Supercopa de España in emphatic fashion. Back on home soil, Atleti went top of La Liga after a club record 14th win in a row in all competitions courtesy of their 1-0 victory over Osasuna.  The Bundesliga is back after die Winterpause - and it returned in style on Friday night as Leverkusen made it nine wins in a row and inflicted Dortmund’s first home defeat of the season as they ran out 3-2 winners. Plus, which striker who scored a remarkable goal this weekend gets a comparison to Mark Viduka?! Over in Serie A, Napoli sit top of the pile after their 2-0 win over Verona - but it looks like Kvaradona could be on his way out... Meanwhile, Atalanta stuttered to their second consecutive draw to fall behind Inter in the table. Draw specialists Juve made it a remarkable 12 stalemates from their 19 league fixtures after it finished 1-1 in the Turin derby.  And in Ligue 1, PSG stay unbeaten and seven points clear at the top of the table after their 2-1 win over Saint-Étienne, while Marseille try to keep up the pressure with their 2-1 victory at Rennes. Plus, Didier Deschamps will be leaving his role as France manager after the 2026 World Cup - but was it wise to announce the news now?  Produced by Lucy Oliva. RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moments of the weekend (00.45) • PART 2: La Liga review - Barca blow away Real (again) as Atleti can’t stop winning (8.25)  • PART 3: Bundesliga review - Leverkusen shine without Wirtz as Kane keeps his cool from the spot (19.05) • PART 4: Serie A review - Napoli are top but prepare to lose Kvaradona (31.25) • PART 5: Ligue 1 review - Didier Deschamps era given end date while PSG eye invincible season (50.15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Man United overcome Arsenal in the FA Cup, as Moyes returns to Everton
13-01-2025
Man United overcome Arsenal in the FA Cup, as Moyes returns to Everton
Jimbo is joined by Daniel Storey, Adrian Clarke and Tim Spiers after an enthralling FA Cup 3rd round weekend. Man United show remarkable resilience to play with 10 men for over an hour and progress on penalties at the Emirates. Carl Anka tells us why this could be a turning point for Ruben Amorim. But it’s been a bleak week for Arsenal. Does Mikel Arteta need help in the transfer market? Elsewhere, Tottenham avoid potentially the biggest upset of all time as they need extra-time to see off a very positive Tamworth side. And Plymouth do take the scalp of Premier League Brentford. Maybe the biggest surprise of the weekend was Everton parting company with Sean Dyche and bringing back David Moyes. Hear from the fans as to why the reception to the return of the former Toffees boss has been mixed. And there’s a big Premier League midweek to look forward to. Are Forest about to cement themselves as title challengers with another win over Liverpool? Produced by Charlie Jones. RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1a: FA Cup 3rd round highlights (01.30) • PART 1b: Man United knock out Arsenal, with Carl Anka (07.00) • PART 1c: Tamworth 0-3 Tottenham AET (21.00)  • PART 1d: Brentford 0-1 Plymouth (26.00) • PART 2a: David Moyes back at Everton, with Les Roberts (32.00) • PART 2b: Elsewhere in the FA Cup (42.00) • PART 3: Forest v Liverpool and the Premier League midweek (49.00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pulisic inspires in the Supercoppa as the Dani Olmo saga continues
07-01-2025
Pulisic inspires in the Supercoppa as the Dani Olmo saga continues
Jimbo’s back for the first time in 2025 and he’s got James Horncastle, Pol Ballús and Julien Laurens alongside him to run the rule over all the latest action from across Europe.  AC Milan kicked off the new year in style as they fought back from 2-0 down to beat rivals Inter 3-2 in the Supercoppa over in Saudi Arabia as new boss Sérgio Conceição got off to the perfect start. Meanwhile, back on home soil Roma continued their resurgence under Claudio Ranieri with a 2-0 victory in the derby with Lazio.  In La Liga the Dani Olmo debacle rumbles on… He’s with Barcelona in Saudi Arabia, but he’s not eligible to play after Spain's football authorities rejected the club’s attempt to register the midfielder. On the pitch, Jude Bellingham atoned for his missed penalty with a 95th-minute winner as 10-man Real Madrid snatched a dramatic victory at Valencia to move top of the table.  And in France, PSG picked up the first silverware of the season courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s stoppage-time winner in their 1-0 victory over Monaco in the Trophée des Champions over in Doha. Back in Ligue 1, Marseille closed the gap at the top of the table to 7 points courtesy of their big 5-1 win over Le Havre. No German action to speak of as die Winterpause continues - BUT we do have Dortmund v Leverkusen to look forward to on Friday night as the Bundesliga finally returns.  Produced by Lucy Oliva. RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moments of the weekend (00.45) • PART 2: Serie A review - Milan stun Inter in the Supercoppa while Roma beat Lazio (08.15) • PART 3: La Liga review - Olmo saga rumbles on as Real leave it late to go top (20.00) • PART 4: Ligue 1 review - PSG lift first silverware as Marseille and Lyon continue good form (32.55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Atletico and Atalanta top the tree, plus our 2024 highlights
24-12-2024
Atletico and Atalanta top the tree, plus our 2024 highlights
Jimbo’s got his festive friends alongside him as Julien Laurens, James Horncastle and Pol Ballús bring the pre-Christmas cheer and reflect on all the action from across the continent.  There was late, late drama in La Liga as Alexander Sørloth’s 96th minute goal made it 12 wins in a row for new league leaders Atleti following a 2-1 victory over Barcelona - who are down to third and in their worst run of form for over 20 years. Elsewhere, a certain Kylian Mbappé’s starting to look pretty good for Real Madrid…  It was all about the Coupe de France in, well, France - including humiliation for Montpellier at the hands of fourth tier Le Puy Foot, memorable penalty saves and disappointment for Andy Carroll.  Meanwhile in the Bundesliga it looks like we’ve got a two-horse race on our hands for the title, as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen both registered big 5-1 wins to keep things nicely poised heading into die Winterpause. And it’s even tighter in Serie A, with Napoli just two points behind Atalanta -  the leaders having extended their winning run to 11 straight games in a tight 3-2 victory at Empoli.  Plus, we say goodbye to 2024 with some… potentially unconventional picks for our best moments of the past 12 months.  Produced by Lucy Oliva. RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moment of the weekend, festive plans and Christmas food (00.40) • PART 2: La Liga review - Sorloth stuns Barca and Mbappe finds his form (08.45) • PART 3: Ligue 1 review - damaged Donnarumma and Coupe de France upsets (21.25) • PART 4: Bundesliga review - Bayern and Leverkusen bag five before die Winterpause (31.10) • PART 5: Serie A review - De Ketelaere stars as Napoli keep up the pace (34.55) • PART 6: Moments of 2024 - judo, comebacks and Knights (45.15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inter hit Lazio for six as Barca lose again in La Liga
17-12-2024
Inter hit Lazio for six as Barca lose again in La Liga
Jimbo’s joined by his continental crew - James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús and Seb Stafford-Bloor - to look back on the latest week of action from across Europe.  Atletico Madrid took advantage of their faltering rivals Barcelona and Real with a 1-0 win over Getafe to move level on points with Hansi Flick’s side at the top of the table - and with a game in hand. That’s after Barca’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leganes, while Carlo Ancelotti’s men were held 3-3 by Rayo Vallecano.  It’s just as exciting over in Italy, with Atalanta flying high after their historic 10th consecutive league win. Napoli got back to winning ways to sit two points behind, while Inter also kept up the pressure with a statement 6-0 win over Lazio on Monday night. In the Bundesliga Bayern tasted defeat for the first time courtesy of a lacklustre 2-1 loss at bogey side Mainz, meaning Leverkusen closed the gap to four points courtesy of a 2-0 win at Augsburg. Plus, are Leipzig in the process of getting their season back on track? And in Ligue 1, PSG remain unbeaten and sit seven points ahead of the rest of the pack after their 3-1 win over Lyon. Elsewhere Lille extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions courtesy of a late 1-1 draw with Marseille, their longest unbeaten run for 51 years.  Produced by Lucy Oliva. RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moments of the weekend (00.45) • PART 2: Serie A review - Six of the best from Inter while Atalanta make history (06.45) • PART 3: La Liga review - Barca lose again as Atleti close the gap (23.15) • PART 4: Ligue 1 review - PSG still unbeaten and seven points clear (34.15) • PART 5: Bundesliga review - Bayern taste defeat for the first time as Leverkusen slash their lead (47.55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defining week for PSG & Real in Europe while Atleti are on the charge
10-12-2024
Defining week for PSG & Real in Europe while Atleti are on the charge
Jimbo’s joined by Julien Laurens, Pol Ballús, Seb Stafford Bloor and James Horncastle for a deep-dive into matchday six of the Champions League - plus a look back at all the weekend’s domestic action from around Europe.  PSG are on their worst run of the season - three games without a win in all competitions and just one goal scored. They gear up for a crucial Champions League meeting with Salzburg, while in Ligue 1 Marseille and Monaco closed the gap at the top to five points. Serie A has a new leader - with Atalanta taking advantage of Napoli’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Lazio to move two points clear at the summit courtesy of their own 2-1 win over Milan. So, could Gasperini’s men get the better of Real Madrid in their European showdown on Tuesday night in Bergamo? In the Bundesliga Dortmund warmed up for their midweek meeting with Barcelona by drawing 1-1 with Gladbach, while Bayern Munich’s lead at the top of the table stands at six points following their 4-2 win over Heidenheim.  And in La Liga Barcelona’s slump in form continued with a 2-2 draw at Betis - meaning Real and Atleti are breathing down their necks, both with games in hand over Hansi Flick’s men. It was Diego Simeone’s side who picked up the most dramatic result of the weekend, coming back from 3-1 down with an hour played to win 4-3 against Sevilla.  Produced by Lucy Oliva.  RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moment of the weekend and Champions League previews - (00.45) • PART 2: Ligue 1 review - Goal-shy PSG flatter to deceive - (13.00) • PART 3: Serie A review - Atalanta take top spot as Lazio get the better of Napoli (twice) - (23.25) • PART 4: Bundesliga review - Marco Rose spared as Bayern go six points clear - (37.55) • PART 5: La Liga review - Atleti win nine in a row as Barca slip up again - (50.00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Barcelona falter again while Atalanta win eight in a row
03-12-2024
Barcelona falter again while Atalanta win eight in a row
Pol Ballús, Julien Laurens, Seb Stafford Bloor and James Horncastle are alongside Jimbo for your weekly fix of continental action. La Liga is getting rather interesting all of a sudden, as Barcelona fell to a shock 2-1 defeat by Las Palmas - their first victory away at Barca since 1971! Real Madrid took full advantage and bounced back from their midweek Champions League disappointment at Anfield with a 2-0 win over Getafe. It means they’re just a point behind Hansi Flick’s side with a game in hand. But who’s that in third and just a point further behind… a resurgent Atlético Madrid?! Atalanta are showing they mean business in Serie A this season as they recorded their eighth straight win in all competitions with a 2-0 victory at Roma on Monday night. They’re just a point behind leaders Napoli, who were 1-0 winners at Torino thanks to Scott McTominay’s first half strike. But there were scary scenes in Fiorentina as their match with Inter was suspended and then abandoned when Edoardo Bove collapsed in the 16th minute. Thankfully the news since has been positive after receiving treatment in hospital.  It ended 1-1 in Der Klassiker between Dortmund and Bayern on Saturday evening, but there’s concern for Harry Kane who went off early with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Eintracht Frankfurt were big 4-0 winners in Heidenheim on Sunday to close the gap on Bayern at the top of the table to four points. And in Ligue 1, PSG’s poor week continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nantes - the first time they’ve come from behind to take a point all season. But despite dropping points Luis Enrique’s side are seven points clear at the top of the table - and have Marseille to thank following their 2-1 win over Monaco.  RUNNING ORDER:  • PART 1: Moment of the weekend and latest on Edoardo Bove - (00.45) • PART 2: Bundesliga review - Dortmund and Bayern share the spoils as Leipzig’s horror season continues (13.00) • PART 3: Ligue 1 review - Disgruntlement in Paris as PSG held (26.40) • PART 4: La Liga review - Barcelona’s mini slump continues while Real and Atleti close the gap (37.40) • PART 5: Serie A review - Napoli’s slender win keeps them ahead of a charging Atalanta (50.30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices