The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "2024 Reviewed: Sackings, Snubs, and Seismic Shocks"

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: IO Akimolere
Guests: Laura Williamson (Editor-in-Chief), Adam Crafton (Senior Writer)

Introduction

In the December 23, 2024 episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host IO Akimolere teams up with Laura Williamson and Adam Crafton to delve into the most startling and impactful moments that shaped the football world throughout the year. From unexpected managerial changes to controversial award snubs, the trio offers in-depth analysis and spirited discussions on twelve pivotal events that defined 2024 in football.

Key Moments of 2024

12. The Club World Cup in Miami

The episode kicks off with the anticipated Club World Cup set to take place in Miami. Adam Crafton expresses concerns about the tournament's organization, noting the absence of Premier League leaders like Liverpool.

[04:11] Adam Crafton: "The Club World Cup is happening. Not sure we've got all the best clubs. We don't have the leaders of the Premier League. Liverpool won't be there."

Laura Williamson shares her skepticism about FIFA President Gianni Infantino's marketing prowess, emphasizing the lack of public awareness and enthusiasm surrounding the event.

[05:38] Laura Williamson: "Nobody knows what it is... It doesn't seem the best recipe for success."

11. Real Madrid Snubs the Ballon d'Or Ceremony

Real Madrid's absence from the Ballon d'Or ceremony sparked outrage and bafflement. Laura Williamson criticizes the club's display of "petty" behavior, highlighting their refusal to attend despite their champions' status.

[07:58] IO Akimolere: "It was the most relevant, though, that the Ballon d'Or ever felt to me in some ways."

Podcast Host underscores the unprecedented nature of Real Madrid's actions, contrasting it with traditional award ceremony etiquette.

[07:20] Podcast Host: "They're just sort of politely clapping and they're still there... This just broke all those rules."

10. Jurgen Klopp's Departure from Liverpool

A seismic shock unfolded as Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, only to swiftly join Red Bull. This unexpected move left fans and journalists scrambling for explanations.

[12:22] IO Akimolere: "Klopp joined Red Bull, which seemed to take the football world by surprise."

Laura Williamson discusses the backlash in Germany, where Klopp's move is seen as a betrayal to community-driven clubs.

[12:54] Laura Williamson: "People were really hurt by the decision... to join the Red Bull conglomerate."

9. Xavi's Management Saga at Barcelona

Barcelona's tumultuous year saw manager Xavi announce his resignation in January, only to retract and subsequently be sacked in May after a period of fluctuating performances.

[14:26] IO Akimolere: "Barcelona are never far from the headlines. This was particularly strange of events for that club."

Podcast Host attributes part of the chaos to Barcelona's financial struggles and La Liga's stringent financial controls.

[14:26] Podcast Host: "La Liga has been pretty strong in getting a grip of its club's finances... Barcelona have got a young team now."

8. Mauricio Pochettino Takes the US Men's National Team Helm

Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team marked a surprising shift in international football dynamics.

[20:42] Podcast Host: "Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the next US Men's national team head coach."

Laura Williamson praises the strategic move despite early challenges, noting Pochettino's potential to galvanize the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

[21:16] Laura Williamson: "Potch was their man... the ability to converse in Spanish and engage the big Hispanic audience in the US."

7. England Appoints Thomas Tuchel as Manager

In a move that ignited controversy, England appointed Thomas Tuchel, a German manager, following Gareth Southgate's departure.

[25:02] IO Akimolere: "England hire a German. Some tabloids in the UK were absolutely outraged."

Laura Williamson defends the decision, arguing that managerial nationality should not be a barrier to coaching effectiveness.

[27:35] Laura Williamson: "A manager does not have to be English to coach England."

6. Saudi Arabia Awarded the 2034 Men's World Cup

The decision to award the 2034 Men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia drew significant criticism, particularly concerning human rights and workers' conditions.

[27:52] Matt Slater: "Saudi Arabia wants to bring mega events... to diversify the economy."

Adam Crafton voices concerns over FIFA's transparency and the ethical implications of hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

[31:27] IO Akimolere: "But we are still talking about football. Money talks a lot when you want to do something right."

5. Manchester United's Turmoil Under Erik Ten Hag

Despite a dramatic FA Cup victory, Manchester United's poor league performance led to Erik Ten Hag's dismissal.

[38:32] IO Akimolere: "Erik Ten Hag should have stayed? Should he have gone?"

Laura Williamson criticizes the club's ownership for inconsistent decision-making and poor management, exacerbating the team's struggles.

[42:22] Laura Williamson: "It felt inevitable."

4. Dan Ashworth's Brief Tenure as Manchester United's Sporting Director

Dan Ashworth's five-month stint as Manchester United's Sporting Director ended abruptly, reflecting deeper organizational issues.

[43:32] Podcast Host: "It's total disaster."

Laura Williamson highlights the negative impact of such rapid turnovers on the club's credibility and future prospects.

[44:37] IO Akimolere: "It's affecting their commercial deals and long-term strategy."

3. Manchester City's End-of-Year Collapse

Contrary to expectations, Manchester City experienced a severe downturn, winning only one out of twelve games, raising doubts about their competitive edge.

[48:25] Adam Crafton: "Just One win in 12 games now for City."

Podcast Host discusses the potential repercussions of ongoing investigations and poor form on the team's future.

[49:15] IO Akimolere: "Pep seems to think the verdict is in spring, but it feels like it will take forever."

2. Jamie Carragher's Controversial Comments on CBS

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher made headlines by openly criticizing Jose Mourinho, leading to professional fallout and public debate.

[53:06] Podcast Host: "Jamie Carragher going so far over the line on CBS..."

Laura Williamson reflects on the incident, emphasizing the negative impact on Carragher's reputation and the broader implications for referees' trust.

[58:08] Laura Williamson: "Don't video things and get some better mates, to be honest."

1. David Coote's Career Demise Following Controversial Comments

The most shocking moment of the year involved referee David Coote, who made disparaging remarks about Jurgen Klopp, coupled with allegations of drug use, leading to his dismissal.

[56:14] Adam Crafton: "Jurgen Klopp's a kitten..."

Laura Williamson expresses sympathy for Coote, acknowledging the harsh realities referees face in the public eye.

[58:08] Laura Williamson: "I have a lot of sympathy... it's a very horrible story in many ways."

Honorable Mentions

• Neil Warnock's Interim Role at Aberdeen: IO Akimolere briefly touches upon the short-lived managerial appointment of Neil Warnock at Aberdeen, highlighting the fleeting nature of such roles.

• Ivory Coast's AFCON Triumph Despite Managerial Changes: The Ivory Coast's sacking of their manager mid-tournament, followed by their unexpected victory in AFCON, underscores the unpredictable dynamics of international tournaments.

Concluding Remarks

As the podcast wraps up, IO Akimolere invites listeners to share their thoughts and reflections on the year’s events, encouraging engagement through reviews and comments. The hosts express gratitude to their guests, Laura Williamson and Adam Crafton, for their insightful contributions, and sign off with a festive note, anticipating another year of thrilling football narratives.

[61:43] IO Akimolere: "Let us know your thoughts, your disagreements... Have a good break."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Adam Crafton on the Club World Cup:
  "[04:11] 'The Club World Cup is happening. Not sure we've got all the best clubs. We don't have the leaders of the Premier League. Liverpool won't be there.'"

• Laura Williamson on Real Madrid's Snub:
  "[07:58] 'I thought it was pettiness of the most extraordinary order... brilliantly petty.'"

• Laura Williamson on Jurgen Klopp's Move:
  "[12:54] 'People were really hurt by the decision... to join the Red Bull conglomerate.'"

• Laura Williamson on England Hiring Tuchel:
  "[27:35] 'A manager does not have to be English to coach England.'"

• Laura Williamson on David Coote:
  "[58:08] 'I have a lot of sympathy... it's a very horrible story in many ways.'"

Conclusion

The 2024 Reviewed episode of The Athletic FC Podcast offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the year's most significant and controversial moments in football. Through expert analysis and candid discussions, IO Akimolere, Laura Williamson, and Adam Crafton provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the events that will shape the future of the sport.

For more insights and in-depth football analysis, subscribe to The Athletic FC Podcast on Acast or your preferred podcast platform.