Football Weekly – “Is the Chelsea project finally working?”

Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Max Rushden
Panel: Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, Sam Dalling
Episode Theme:
A wide-ranging, lively, and frequently hilarious examination of a midweek European set of fixtures, with particular focus on Chelsea’s demolition of Barcelona, what it says about the ongoing “Chelsea Project”, and broader discussion of the state of top clubs across Europe, from Man City’s Carabao-esque experiment to chaos at Newcastle and the funny, surreal world of slapping your own teammates.

Overview

This episode’s main theme is an in-depth look at Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Barcelona and what it signals for the much-discussed “Chelsea project.” The panel also covers notable action from across the Premier League and European competitions, with typically irreverent digressions into VAR controversies, celebrity TV boxes, away day nightmares, and the farcical dealings of football’s authorities.

1. Chelsea 3–0 Barcelona: The Chelsea Project Arrives

Key Segment: [00:34]–[13:21]

Discussion Points & Insights

Chelsea dismantled Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, dominating in every area and even before Barca’s red card “looked like a team with a plan.”
Mark Cucurella, Estevao, and Neto were standouts. Panelists note how players like Cucurella, once dismissed, are now among Europe’s best (“he’s a complete shithouse, but he’s their shithouse”—Barry, [07:50])
Estevao’s goal, initially appearing lucky, was actually “all him” on repeat viewings—a demonstration of elite close control and footballing intelligence.
“It’s about making the really complicated, the really difficult things look so simple...” —Sam, [05:13]
Comparison between Estevao and Lamine Yamal both as rising stars, and how football media feeds on these match-up narratives.
Barcelona’s malaise: Flaws in Hansi Flick’s new aggressive pressing, over-reliance on young midfielders, and lack of defensive solidity. “Something is very close to going quite wrong there…” —Lars, [03:17]
Max lauds Lars for prescient patience on Chelsea, recognising their “if you hoover up enough wonderkids, some will become superstars” model and a midfield (“Fernandez and Caicedo … possibly the best in the country”—Lars, [09:52]).
Chelsea’s “stock market” style of squad-building discussed, with envy mixed into the criticism from the football world.
“There’s a lot of envy in the people that knock them”—Sam, [11:59]

Notable Quotes

“He is a complete shithouse, but he’s their shithouse. When he’s playing badly, he’s conspicuous. When he’s playing well, he’s conspicuous. At the moment he’s playing very, very well.” —Barry, on Cucurella [07:50]
“Estevao is a joy … It’s all about efficiency, right?” —Sam [05:13]
“If you buy enough of the most talented 19- to 23-year-olds on the planet… so it stands to reason you’re going to hit gold at some point.” —Lars [09:52]

2. Europe Elsewhere – City’s Loss and Group Stage Oddness

Key Segment: [13:21]–[18:09]

Discussion Points & Insights

Manchester City’s 0–2 home loss to Leverkusen dissected, Pep having made a raft of changes, treating it “with big Carabao energy”—Lars, [14:42]
Even City’s second-string cost £400m+, still outspent Leverkusen two-to-one.
The new group format means teams like City treat games as throwaways.
City looked flat and missed Haaland’s unique qualities up front.
“Any defeat for Man City is a big story”—Max, but panel agrees not to over-analyse this one.

Notable Quotes

“It had big Carabao energy, this lineup…” —Lars [14:42]
“It’s just Pep taking a gamble. It didn’t pay off…” —Barry [16:31]

3. Newcastle’s European Adventure – Atmosphere & Chaos

Key Segment: [19:31]–[31:54]

Discussion Points & Insights

Sam shares a harrowing account of being an away fan in Marseille: enforced arrival 3+ hours early, strong police presence, being kettled post-match—“turned something safe into something potentially dangerous.” [21:00]
Match-wise: Newcastle led but lost to Aubameyang’s sublime strike after Pope’s disastrous rush of blood.
Nick Pope’s error analysed in the context of his “old school shot-stopper, but not a modern sweeper-keeper”—Sam, [28:06]
Repeated theme: Newcastle are chaos merchants, enthralling but unable to manage games or protect leads. “There’s a real lack of control … we go one nil up and we don’t know what to do.”—Sam, [30:05]
Parallel to more methodical teams like City and how Newcastle’s style must evolve.
Lars on broader evolution: “For a team aspiring to be near the top, do they need to try to evolve into a team that can control things a little bit more?... It’s like watching a rugby highlight sometimes.” [29:11]

Notable Quotes

“If your support base is that idiotic … not sure you should have the privilege of being in UEFA competitions.” —Sam, [21:00]
“Pope is a brilliant old school goalkeeper. He is a shot stopper. He’s also not a good kicker.” —Sam, [28:04]

4. Around Europe: Quick Hits

Key Segment: [31:54]–[38:47]

Bodø/Glimt 2–3 Juventus: The Norwegian minnows almost earned a famous point, but “perhaps should just have sat on the ball” at 2–2—Lars, [32:18]
Napoli v Qarabag: McTominay scored one and forced an own goal; Napoli dominant, but Qarabag keeper kept the score down—Barry, [34:50]
Dortmund’s goalscoring exploits: Top Champions League scorers despite “going back to basics”—Lars, [35:33]
Ajax’s meltdown: “How the mighty have fallen” as they lose to Benfica; “closer to the bottom than the top” of Eredivisie—Barry, [37:16]

5. Man United 0–1 Everton: Moyes, Slapping, and United’s Punctured Balloon

Key Segment: [39:47]–[47:14]

Discussion Points & Insights

The match itself overshadowed by Idrissa Gueye slapping Michael Keane and getting sent off. Moyes says “I quite like it when my players fight”—[40:30]
Laughter as panel recalls Newcastle’s infamous Dyer/Bowyer brawl (“People forget that game…”—Sam, [41:26])
Lars on the rules: “One of the rules of this sport is that you have to go 90 minutes without slapping a co-worker.” [44:29]
United shambolic, create little, despite playing vs 10 for much of the game. Only Diallo emerges with credit. “They were hopeless.”—Barry, [45:29]
Moyes’ wry take and win at Old Trafford is a table-turning moment.

Notable Quotes

“If you’re going to get sent off for slapping your own teammate, at least leave a mark, right?” —Sam [40:30]
“One of the rules of this sport is that you have to go 90 minutes without slapping a co-worker.” —Lars [44:29]

6. Ronaldo’s FIFA “Parole” & Classic Football Administrivia

Key Segment: [48:22]–[50:41]

Ronaldo’s red card in qualifying earns a two-game suspended sentence after he sits out one—hilarious, but also “sets a dangerous precedent.”
- “It’s not a parole hearing!”—Sam [49:44]
- “This is Janny’s FIFA … it is not remarkable because this is what FIFA are.” —Lars [48:22]

7. “In the Box” and Fan Content Follies

Key Segment: [51:12]–[56:42]

Sky Sports “In the Box” experiment (celebrities watch highlights, not the game): universally ridiculed.
The panel wonders who the target audience is, laughs at the cost, and pines for “Fan Zone” nostalgia.
Lars: “How far down the list of ideas were you when you arrived at put people in a room and don’t show them the game?” [55:00]
Spitballing future formats: “Barry in a box, not watching football”—potential TikTok gold.

Notable Quotes

“I am also available to be in the box. If I'm getting McIntyre money, there are many football matches, Barry, that you actually don’t want to see, aren’t there?” —Barry [56:10]

Memorable Moments & Panel Banter

Cucurella’s Hair: The “s–thousery” extends off the pitch—golf buggy tales abound.
Fan experience in Marseille: Sam’s first-hand account is equal parts terrifying, frustrating, and a tribute to the devotion of traveling supporters.
Football violence, slapstick: From Dyer/Bowyer to Idrissa Gay, football’s still producing absurd, viral red card moments.
Meta TV: The show revels in self-parody about pundits in boxes, and the endless spiraling of footballing spectacle.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Topic / Key Discussion | Timestamp | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Chelsea–Barcelona | Chelsea dominance, Estevao, Cucurella, Chelsea Project | 00:34–13:21 | | Man City–Leverkusen | Pep’s rotation, meaninglessness of group matches, reliance on Haaland | 13:21–18:09 | | Newcastle in Marseille | Away fan hell, Nick Pope’s howler, Newcastle’s chaos | 19:31–31:54 | | Europe Roundup | Bodø/Glimt miss glory, Napoli & McTominay, Ajax crisis | 31:54–38:47 | | Man Utd–Everton | Slapstick red card, Moyes’ delight, Man Utd’s shambles | 39:47–47:14 | | Ronaldo/FIFA | Suspended sentence absurdity, FIFA’s priorities | 48:22–50:41 | | ‘In the Box’ TV Concept | Sky Sports’ new experiment ridiculed, fan nostalgia for Fan Zone | 51:12–56:42 |

Tone and Style

Relentlessly witty, laced with sarcasm and good-humored ribbing.
Hosts and panelists mix sharp tactical insight with the show’s trademark irreverence.
Willing to dive into the ridiculous—be it on the pitch (slaps, own goals), off it (TV boxes, FIFA blunders), or in the stands.

Conclusion

A showcase Football Weekly: thorough, funny, and full of expert discussion that grapples with top-level football and the absurdity that surrounds it. From Chelsea’s supposed coming-of-age, through the existential malaise of Spanish and Dutch giants, to Newcastle’s away day adventures and the slap heard around England, it's quintessential Football Weekly—part analysis, part riotous group chat, all very listenable.

Memorable Quote of the Episode:
“One of the rules of this sport is that you have to go 90 minutes without slapping a co-worker.”
—Lars Sivertsen, [44:29]

Football Weekly – “Is the Chelsea project finally working?”

Overview

1. Chelsea 3–0 Barcelona: The Chelsea Project Arrives

Key Segment: [00:34]–[13:21]

Discussion Points & Insights

Chelsea dismantled Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, dominating in every area and even before Barca’s red card “looked like a team with a plan.”
Mark Cucurella, Estevao, and Neto were standouts. Panelists note how players like Cucurella, once dismissed, are now among Europe’s best (“he’s a complete shithouse, but he’s their shithouse”—Barry, [07:50])
Estevao’s goal, initially appearing lucky, was actually “all him” on repeat viewings—a demonstration of elite close control and footballing intelligence.
“It’s about making the really complicated, the really difficult things look so simple...” —Sam, [05:13]
Comparison between Estevao and Lamine Yamal both as rising stars, and how football media feeds on these match-up narratives.
Barcelona’s malaise: Flaws in Hansi Flick’s new aggressive pressing, over-reliance on young midfielders, and lack of defensive solidity. “Something is very close to going quite wrong there…” —Lars, [03:17]
Max lauds Lars for prescient patience on Chelsea, recognising their “if you hoover up enough wonderkids, some will become superstars” model and a midfield (“Fernandez and Caicedo … possibly the best in the country”—Lars, [09:52]).
Chelsea’s “stock market” style of squad-building discussed, with envy mixed into the criticism from the football world.
“There’s a lot of envy in the people that knock them”—Sam, [11:59]

Notable Quotes

“He is a complete shithouse, but he’s their shithouse. When he’s playing badly, he’s conspicuous. When he’s playing well, he’s conspicuous. At the moment he’s playing very, very well.” —Barry, on Cucurella [07:50]
“Estevao is a joy … It’s all about efficiency, right?” —Sam [05:13]
“If you buy enough of the most talented 19- to 23-year-olds on the planet… so it stands to reason you’re going to hit gold at some point.” —Lars [09:52]

2. Europe Elsewhere – City’s Loss and Group Stage Oddness

Key Segment: [13:21]–[18:09]

Discussion Points & Insights

Manchester City’s 0–2 home loss to Leverkusen dissected, Pep having made a raft of changes, treating it “with big Carabao energy”—Lars, [14:42]
Even City’s second-string cost £400m+, still outspent Leverkusen two-to-one.
The new group format means teams like City treat games as throwaways.
City looked flat and missed Haaland’s unique qualities up front.
“Any defeat for Man City is a big story”—Max, but panel agrees not to over-analyse this one.

Notable Quotes

“It had big Carabao energy, this lineup…” —Lars [14:42]
“It’s just Pep taking a gamble. It didn’t pay off…” —Barry [16:31]

3. Newcastle’s European Adventure – Atmosphere & Chaos

Key Segment: [19:31]–[31:54]

Discussion Points & Insights

Sam shares a harrowing account of being an away fan in Marseille: enforced arrival 3+ hours early, strong police presence, being kettled post-match—“turned something safe into something potentially dangerous.” [21:00]
Match-wise: Newcastle led but lost to Aubameyang’s sublime strike after Pope’s disastrous rush of blood.
Nick Pope’s error analysed in the context of his “old school shot-stopper, but not a modern sweeper-keeper”—Sam, [28:06]
Repeated theme: Newcastle are chaos merchants, enthralling but unable to manage games or protect leads. “There’s a real lack of control … we go one nil up and we don’t know what to do.”—Sam, [30:05]
Parallel to more methodical teams like City and how Newcastle’s style must evolve.
Lars on broader evolution: “For a team aspiring to be near the top, do they need to try to evolve into a team that can control things a little bit more?... It’s like watching a rugby highlight sometimes.” [29:11]

Notable Quotes

“If your support base is that idiotic … not sure you should have the privilege of being in UEFA competitions.” —Sam, [21:00]
“Pope is a brilliant old school goalkeeper. He is a shot stopper. He’s also not a good kicker.” —Sam, [28:04]

4. Around Europe: Quick Hits

Key Segment: [31:54]–[38:47]

Bodø/Glimt 2–3 Juventus: The Norwegian minnows almost earned a famous point, but “perhaps should just have sat on the ball” at 2–2—Lars, [32:18]
Napoli v Qarabag: McTominay scored one and forced an own goal; Napoli dominant, but Qarabag keeper kept the score down—Barry, [34:50]
Dortmund’s goalscoring exploits: Top Champions League scorers despite “going back to basics”—Lars, [35:33]
Ajax’s meltdown: “How the mighty have fallen” as they lose to Benfica; “closer to the bottom than the top” of Eredivisie—Barry, [37:16]

5. Man United 0–1 Everton: Moyes, Slapping, and United’s Punctured Balloon

Key Segment: [39:47]–[47:14]

Discussion Points & Insights

The match itself overshadowed by Idrissa Gueye slapping Michael Keane and getting sent off. Moyes says “I quite like it when my players fight”—[40:30]
Laughter as panel recalls Newcastle’s infamous Dyer/Bowyer brawl (“People forget that game…”—Sam, [41:26])
Lars on the rules: “One of the rules of this sport is that you have to go 90 minutes without slapping a co-worker.” [44:29]
United shambolic, create little, despite playing vs 10 for much of the game. Only Diallo emerges with credit. “They were hopeless.”—Barry, [45:29]
Moyes’ wry take and win at Old Trafford is a table-turning moment.

Notable Quotes

“If you’re going to get sent off for slapping your own teammate, at least leave a mark, right?” —Sam [40:30]
“One of the rules of this sport is that you have to go 90 minutes without slapping a co-worker.” —Lars [44:29]

6. Ronaldo’s FIFA “Parole” & Classic Football Administrivia

Key Segment: [48:22]–[50:41]

Ronaldo’s red card in qualifying earns a two-game suspended sentence after he sits out one—hilarious, but also “sets a dangerous precedent.”
- “It’s not a parole hearing!”—Sam [49:44]
- “This is Janny’s FIFA … it is not remarkable because this is what FIFA are.” —Lars [48:22]

7. “In the Box” and Fan Content Follies

Key Segment: [51:12]–[56:42]

Sky Sports “In the Box” experiment (celebrities watch highlights, not the game): universally ridiculed.
The panel wonders who the target audience is, laughs at the cost, and pines for “Fan Zone” nostalgia.
Lars: “How far down the list of ideas were you when you arrived at put people in a room and don’t show them the game?” [55:00]
Spitballing future formats: “Barry in a box, not watching football”—potential TikTok gold.

Notable Quotes

“I am also available to be in the box. If I'm getting McIntyre money, there are many football matches, Barry, that you actually don’t want to see, aren’t there?” —Barry [56:10]

Memorable Moments & Panel Banter

Cucurella’s Hair: The “s–thousery” extends off the pitch—golf buggy tales abound.
Fan experience in Marseille: Sam’s first-hand account is equal parts terrifying, frustrating, and a tribute to the devotion of traveling supporters.
Football violence, slapstick: From Dyer/Bowyer to Idrissa Gay, football’s still producing absurd, viral red card moments.
Meta TV: The show revels in self-parody about pundits in boxes, and the endless spiraling of footballing spectacle.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Style

Relentlessly witty, laced with sarcasm and good-humored ribbing.
Hosts and panelists mix sharp tactical insight with the show’s trademark irreverence.
Willing to dive into the ridiculous—be it on the pitch (slaps, own goals), off it (TV boxes, FIFA blunders), or in the stands.

Conclusion

Memorable Quote of the Episode:
“One of the rules of this sport is that you have to go 90 minutes without slapping a co-worker.”
—Lars Sivertsen, [44:29]

Is the Chelsea project finally working? – Football Weekly

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Summary

Football Weekly – “Is the Chelsea project finally working?”

Overview

1. Chelsea 3–0 Barcelona: The Chelsea Project Arrives

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

2. Europe Elsewhere – City’s Loss and Group Stage Oddness

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

3. Newcastle’s European Adventure – Atmosphere & Chaos

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

4. Around Europe: Quick Hits

5. Man United 0–1 Everton: Moyes, Slapping, and United’s Punctured Balloon

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

6. Ronaldo’s FIFA “Parole” & Classic Football Administrivia

7. “In the Box” and Fan Content Follies

Notable Quotes

Memorable Moments & Panel Banter

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Style

Conclusion

Summary

Football Weekly – “Is the Chelsea project finally working?”

Overview

1. Chelsea 3–0 Barcelona: The Chelsea Project Arrives

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

2. Europe Elsewhere – City’s Loss and Group Stage Oddness

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

3. Newcastle’s European Adventure – Atmosphere & Chaos

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

4. Around Europe: Quick Hits

5. Man United 0–1 Everton: Moyes, Slapping, and United’s Punctured Balloon

Discussion Points & Insights

Notable Quotes

6. Ronaldo’s FIFA “Parole” & Classic Football Administrivia

7. “In the Box” and Fan Content Follies

Notable Quotes

Memorable Moments & Panel Banter

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Style

Conclusion