Loading summary
Transcript128 lines
- [00:00]
TurboTax Advertiser
It's that time of year again for taxes. We all know the stress of the old way of filing. You send your documents off and then absolute radio silence. You're stuck refreshing your inbox and sending awkward just checking in texts, wondering if they've even started. But with TurboTax Expert full service I know my TurboTax Expert takes taxes fully off my plate and updates me every step of the way so I don't have to worry. That way I can get back to the things that matter to me, like going on vacation in the spring or enjoying the NFL off season. So stop chasing updates. It's time to switch to the modern tax filing Solution with Intuit TurboTax. The best part? You can get experts progress right on your phone while you go about your day. So go for a run or grab a coffee. You'll know your dedicated expert is handling it, looking for every last deduction to get you the best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve. File with confidence. Visit turbotax.com, only available with TurboTax Full Service Experts real time updates only in
- [00:57]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
iOS mobile app we optimize hydration, movement, supplements and sleep but most people completely ignore the air they're breathing, and when your air is off, your body feels it first. The Blu Signature Air Purifiers by blueair quietly remove airborne pollutants, odors, smoke and allergens, supporting deeper sleep, better recovery and clearer focus. It's the most customizable air purifier you can get, with exclusive accessories designed to fit your space and your style. Visit blueair.com and use code signature30 to elevate your wellness routine.
- [01:31]
Verizon Advertiser
Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT and T or T Mobile bill to a Verizon store today, and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walk in, run in, Pogo stickin' Teleport. If you can ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or flyin on the wings of a majestic falcon. Any way you can bring your AT and T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal on the best network based on RouteMetric's best overall mobile network performance. US second half 2025 all rights reserved. Must provide a very recent postpaid consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
- [02:01]
Ayo Akamolere
Foreign. Welcome to the Athletic FC podcast with me, Ayo Akimbole, Harry Kane's 49th goal of the Season helped by Munich to victory at the Bernabeu. Luis Diaz, Michael Elise also played a starring support role. With the front three to be feared. Our Vincent Kompany side, the best in Europe. All right, in with us for this one. We've got our German football correspondent, Seb Stafford Blu. We've also got Karl Anchor as well. So Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich is the most played fixture in Champions League history. Bayern won at the 29th meeting on Tuesday night. Seb, just how significant was this victory for Bayern?
- [02:49]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Felt very significant because that record historically is not in their favour. They've not beaten Real in a knockout game since 2012. This was actually the first time they'd won at the Bernabeu since 2001 in the semifinal of a Champions League, which they went on to win. Players in that team, Stefan Effenberg, Oliver Kahn, Giovanni Elbes. It really was a long time ago and so mentally it felt important. It was also, you get that thing with, with Bayern sides when, when they dominate the Bundesliga, it gets discredited, people disparage the league, it doesn't matter. You know, all that kind of, that kind of chat. And so this felt an endorsement of everything they've done this season, but also the potency of the attack. I would say it's a front four rather than a front three, just because I chuck Serge Gnabry, who has had an amazing latter stage of career recovery.
- [03:37]
Ayo Akamolere
A renaissance, I might say.
- [03:39]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yeah, a real renaissance is playing extremely well under Vincent Kompany and it shows. Right. So this isn't just a team that looks potent against werder Bremen or St. Pauli or Bochum. This is a team that can take Real Madrid apart, which has already taken Paris Saint German apart this season. So hugely significant. Very, very important for them.
- [03:58]
Ayo Akamolere
Yeah. I look at last night's game and I know they took Real Madrid apart, but Manuel Nuya Carl played an absolute blinder. I mean, for the age. He looks back to his very best. Let's have a little word on Kylian Mbappe's goal as well, because Real Madrid are still in this tie thanks to that goal.
- [04:16]
Karl Ankers
Absolutely. I did the extended highlights this morning and this is what the Champions League was initially envisioned to be. These are the sort of games that the broadcasters that the various UEFA stakeholders and everyone else wants to have season on season on season. This is a old money clash between two teams that in every any given season have two to three of the best attackers in the world on either side. And thankfully it made for really, really fun moments of attacking transition in that this Real Madrid team structurally, I think is quite mediocre. But give two or three of these players the ball in open space and they can hurt you tremendously. Kylian Mbappe, who I'm still not quite convinced of him as a center forward rather than the left sided interior forward, if that makes sense. But he was dangerous throughout. I think Vinicius Jr. Had two or three chances that you'd expect him to score at least one of them. So Real Madrid probably could have been done and dusted, actually, such was the way Bayern structurally seemed to be superior. But because they've got these two or three players that on any given day can just win, whip a ball and come alive for five minutes, Real Madrid have got a goal and it's going to be a really intriguing second leg. It's not done yet, but it probably could have been. And I think that's probably what Vincent Co. Was saying, would have said full time in the dressing room of good game, but we could have been three or four. Two or three goals, I should say, not three or four. Let me behave myself.
- [05:40]
Ayo Akamolere
Get ahead of yourself. All right, well, Biden's record in the Champions League this season is absolutely outstanding. 11 matches, 10 wins, 34 goals scored, 11 conceded. Now, I was looking at the Opta stats before the match against Real Madrid and Opta has them with a 64.5% chance of making the semi finals and a 20.9% probability of being crowned Champions. Are they the team to beat in the Champions League this season?
- [06:09]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
It's between them and Arsenal at the moment, I think. And that's really interesting because obviously a huge clash of styles there and two very, very different ways of winning football matches. I say Arsenal are more pragmatic, not going down the road of reducing them to simply a set piece team, but they are more organization based, whereas I think there's a bit more room for flair in that Bayern team. The front four is certainly more fluid. There's a lot more movement, a lot more vertical movement from full back, at least one of the center halves. Dave Mecano is a bit more proactive than someone that you would find in the Arsenal system. But what I would say, and this is a little bit of a cop out, but I would say if you beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season, you will probably win the competition because they are formidable if you can cope with all the weapons that they have. And also, like to Karl's point, I did think Kylian Mbappe and Villius JR were really destructive on Tuesday night. And were it not for Manuel Neuer producing really a game from his mid-20s, I would say he was absolutely outstanding. His form over the last couple of years has been okay, but it's peaked in trough in a way that wasn't typical when he was in his prime. I would say that defence had a little bit of an off night too. I'm not sure whether that was about Mbappe and Vinicius or more about Tar and of Meccano. I'm not sure about that. But you know, that would be a level lower than I would expect them to reach. So if that's going up as well and is supporting that attacking performance, hey, you know what? If you beat that team, you deserve to be European champions.
- [07:35]
Karl Ankers
Mahohnoi has a save against Vinicius junior yesterday where he goes for the starfish. But you watch it in slow motion. At the briefest of seconds he managed to shut his legs, you know, sort of doing the cricket long barrier technique at the last second. And I was, I was seeing it in slow motion. I was just really taken aback at how quickly, within a split second he was able to make an adjustment on his goalkeeping technique. And yeah, I absolutely agree with Seb. He has his peaks in troughs. He definitely, when he came back from his skiing accident injury, just one of the more bizarre injuries we've seen, didn't seem to be the same goalkeeper. But he does have these things where you can come alive, especially in Champions League games. I mean, I remember when he was playing for Schalk and he has that Champions League semi final against Manchester United where he was phenomenal. One of the greatest goalkeeping performances I've seen, a Champions League knockout from a goalkeeper. And yeah, knowing that his best is not just one of the best in the world, but probably one of the best of all time.
- [08:32]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
I think what's really interesting with him is you mentioned that broken leg just after the World cup in 2022 and since then every season he's kind of had this sort of steady rhythm of soft tissue injuries, which you'd expect of someone who is now 40, but was approaching his fort at the time. It's just the reality of getting older, which I'm sure we can all relate to unfortunately. But as a result, Neuer is kind of when he's coming back into the team, initially he's trying to find some rhythm again, like every other player coming back into a first team, having spent a few weeks out and that happened to him last weekend. So he'd been injured for three or four weeks. That was the precursor to almost a 16 year old new York born goalkeeper having to make his debut for the club in the Champions League against Atalanta. Didn't quite happen, but this is part of life for Bayern now, having to accommodate these disruptions. Noah comes back in against Freiburg as culpable for both goals. Big misjudgment for Johan Mazambi's first. And then flat to the corner which led to Lucas Herlo scoring a second. Really not very typical Neuer moments. And there are even people ahead of this game saying, not that he shouldn't play in it, but yeah, this is a weak point, this is where we're most vulnerable at goalkeeper. And there's something great, there's something so defiant and wonderful about watching a guy who's 40 years and about 11 days old, he just says, no, I'm going to shut the door one last time on the biggest stage. And also the last time he played at the Bernabeu was a nightmare. It was that semi final in 2024 where he dropped the shot which allowed Joslou to equalise in the 88th minute. Cost Bayern Champions League final. Back at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund. That's a heavy burden. And then comes back, perhaps never expected to play a competitive game at the Bernabeu again, but went back, made that brilliant save from Mbappe under the same set of posts as well. That's great. And that's kind of what you want to see from the game's greats, right? You want that symmetry and you want them to go out on their own terms. So just a great night. Yeah.
- [10:26]
Ayo Akamolere
Can we talk about Vincent Kompany as well? Much was made of this move to by Munich after obviously what happened with Burnley going down with him at the helm. But his pitch side fits are becoming just as beautiful as the style of football he's playing in this second season in charge. Seb.
- [10:46]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Cool guy, right? You know. You know, I actually think there's a serious point to make here. I think Vincent Kompany has the perfect temperament to coach Bayern Munich in so many different ways. First point, an amazingly good communicator, which you have to be because you're dealing with a lot of different personalities from a lot of different countries who speak a lot of different languages. But Vincent Kompanyi speaks about 10 different languages, all perfectly, you know, it's ridiculous. Don't know how much, how that much information fits inside one man's head, to be honest. The other thing is he has a. He has a gravitas this is not someone, whatever anybody said about him when he got the Bayern Munich job, this is not someone that walked in with the. I don't know, with a lack of strut. He knew his place within the organization. He knew he was there not to take over recruitment, not to become responsible for all the macro stuff that Max Ebolt and Christoph Freund, that's within their job description. He was an employee within a structure, sure. But this is a guy that walked in as if he belonged there and carried himself with confidence and who the players respected as a result, particularly the younger ones. In the early days, when he got there the first summer, a couple of guys were laid back because they'd been involved in the Euros. And so a lot of the first team coaching was focused on younger guys who were sort of transitioning between the youth squads and the senior ones. And they love the level of detail, they love the individual instruction that you could get from, Remember one of the great centre backs of his generation, a truly great player, like an icon of Belgian football, a terrific centre half. And so you have all of this stuff in one package. A guy who was a great player, but also a guy who's kind of in normal, you know, average person at times, like he's an adult and he's able to communicate as a sort of a statesman and that's very, very powerful because image is very important to Bayern. And, yeah, as time has gone on and he's got the coaching record at Bayern to back it all up, all of this stuff has only grown more potent. He's done a wonderful, wonderful job.
- [12:42]
Ayo Akamolere
Yeah. Kyle, I don't know if you saw it, but there was a really lovely moment between Kompany and Vinnie Jr. Hugging after the game. Kompany obviously defended Vinnie Jr. After the alleged racial abuse he suffered versus Benfica earlier this season.
- [12:55]
Karl Ankers
Absolutely. I've spoken to company several times in the past. I've met his dad before. His dad's a fascinating, brilliant man. First ever black mayor of their hometown. And he's incredibly well read, he's incredibly well structured. Company once recommended a book to me called When Teams Collide. And it was the idea of business principles if you're in charge of a multinational corporation. And he said this was a book he read when he first got the captaincy at Manchester City. And he wanted to understand how to relate to different players across from different backgrounds and to make them understand certain things that the city hierarchy wanted to do. Number one of them was punctuality. And one thing in the book that's described was this idea of how different countries, different cultures, their idea of punctuality might not be necessarily seen as a guarantee. So therefore it can't necessarily become a virtue. And I think we've spoken about this before when we talked to Liam Rasegna as well. And company was saying he read all this book and went, right, okay, now I have a better idea of how to, to talk to people from say, the South American nations at Man City and be like, right, okay, five minutes early is late and getting that sort of idea across. And he's telling me all this, I'm going, if you're, if you were doing this at age of your mid-20s, you're trying to communicate, not just work out the message you want to translate, but also understand why that person might be hesitant to that message as well. That's been phenomenal. So, and then of course, I mean, tactically, this Bayern Munich team off the off ball structure is fascinating to me. We're now in a version of the Champions League version of European football where Pepcara describes it and Atatura describes it as well. We're seeing increasingly more man to man pressing structures off the ball, which means now it's more and more about do you have an attacking player who has a skill move or a dribble move or a burst pace to get past someone? And if football is increasingly becoming a series of 1v1 battles, you need to make sure that everyone involved on your team when defending is on job. Because if you blink or take a step or you're flat footed, particularly for in the Champions League final up against Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr. Is going to hurt you massively. So the fact that company is, I know people go, oh, it's the Bundesliga, but sometimes when Bayern Munich got off the ball, the confidence they have in that off ball structure. So it's not just we're going to mark man to man, but we're going to mark man to man and we're going to take the front foot, we're going to dictate where you're going to be able to play, we're going to dictate what areas and what passes you're going to be able to make. And they're doing it with, with such a repetition and ambition that, yeah, absolutely deserves to be applauded. So, yeah, I totally agree with Seb. The Champions League final, to my mind will probably be Bayern Munich vs Arsenal. I'd be surprised, slash disappointed if those two teams don't win the final. And at this current point in time, going by the attacking quality of Bayern Trent 4, they might just win it. Wow.
- [15:39]
Ayo Akamolere
He's going there.
- [15:39]
Karl Ankers
He's going. Yeah, yeah. Go on. Let's be super brave. Let's be super brave today.
- [15:46]
Podcast Producer/Host
This is the Athletic FC Podcast with IO Akimolere. This episode of the Athletic FC Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Financial stress affects far more than just our bank accounts. It can take a serious toll on mental health and relationships. With 88% of Americans feeling some form of financial stress at the start of 2026, money worries often bring shame, anxiety, sleep disruption and even depression, and are one of the leading sources of conflict for couples. But struggling with money doesn't mean you've failed. Sometimes it's just about accessing the right kind of support. Therapy can help people unpack their relationship with money, build healthier coping strategies, and feel less alone in the process. BetterHelp is one of the world's largest online therapy providers, serving over 6 million people globally. Just fill in a short questionnaire and they'll pair you with a therapist based on your preferences, needs and goals. If you aren't happy with your match, you can switch to a different therapist at any time, safe in the knowledge that BetterHelp therapists work according to a strict code of conduct and are licensed in the US when life feels overwhelming, therapy can help. Sign up right now and get 10% off@betterhelp.com fcpodcast that's better. H E L p.com fcpodcast.
- [17:03]
TurboTax Advertiser
It's that time of year again for taxes. We all know the stress of the old way of filing. You send your documents off and then absolute radio silence. You're stuck refreshing your inbox and sending awkward just checking in texts, wondering if they've even started. But with TurboTax Expert full service, I know my TurboTax Expert takes taxes fully off my plate and updates me every step of the way so I don't have to worry. That way I can get back to the things that matter to me, like going on vacation in the spring or enjoying the NFL off season. So stop chasing updates. It's time to switch to the modern tax filing Solution with Intuit TurboTax. The best part? You can get experts progress right on your phone while you go about your day. So go for a run or grab a coffee. You'll know your dedicated expert is handling it, looking for every last deduction to get you the best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve. File with confidence. Visit TurboTax.com only available with TurboTax full service experts real time updates only in iOS mobile app.
- [18:03]
Verizon Advertiser
Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walkin runnin' pogo stickin' teleport. If you can't ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or flying on the wings of a majestic falcon, any way you can bring your AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal on the best network based on RootMetric's best overall mobile network performance. US second half 2025 all rights reserved. Must provide very recent postpaid consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
- [18:39]
Karl Ankers
And Elise is skating towards the edge of the box.
- [18:42]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
There's space for Kane on the edge of the area. And it's the worst possible start to
- [18:46]
TurboTax Advertiser
the half for Real Madrid. It's perfect for Vincent Co. And Bayern Munich.
- [18:53]
Ayo Akamolere
Well, let's move on because we need to talk about Harry Kane. He grabbed the crucial second goal for Bayern on Tuesday night, his 49th of the season, that is. Listen to this. 134 goals in all competitions in three seasons at Bayern. So far, Seb, Bayern are on course to win the Bundesliga, potentially the German Cup. You know, Carlos put them as favorites for the Champions League. Could this be the closest Harry Kane has come to winning the Ballon d'? Or?
- [19:23]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yeah, I think the stars are aligning pretty nicely. I think the Ballon d' or awards are always slightly kind of. You're a little bit of a victim of fate and circumstance here because you need. You need things to line up. It's an individual award that's based on team performance and team achievement. Right. So it's kind of like a bonus award for winning the Champions League or the World cup or the European Championship. I think we kind of privilege some competitions over others in quite a. In a way which doesn't really reflect that well on global football.
- [19:52]
Karl Ankers
Yes.
- [19:52]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
You know, that's a very few AFCON winners. That's a sadio mane podcast. But yeah, if you look at it, if Bayern win the Champions League, Kane might also beat Robert Lewandowski's single season scoring record in the Bundesliga. That stands at 41 at the moment. He might get 42 goals. It's unlikely, but it's still possible. So Champions League individual record, England goes to the World cup and potentially do very Very well. I don't think you need to win the World cup to win the Ballon d'.
- [20:19]
TurboTax Advertiser
Or.
- [20:19]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
It's a weird one.
- [20:20]
Karl Ankers
I'm in the face.
- [20:22]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
It kind of. Well, it depends.
- [20:24]
Ayo Akamolere
He's going to come back at you. You know this. But.
- [20:25]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yeah, but the thing is, like, if you. If you. Then if you give the. If the World cup is won by a group of players, none of whom are in the running, or none of whom have won a Champions League, I think you have quite an interesting tension between club and international football. I'm not saying it doesn't happen. I'm saying that, like, it's very hard to. You see, you see, you're still making your doubtful face, and that makes me doubt myself.
- [20:49]
Karl Ankers
I get the point. Yeah. I see where you. I see where you're coming from.
- [20:52]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
It's a little bit of a recency bias because of the Osman Dembele situation. Like, I think Osman Dembele just had a fabulous Champions League season and was the best player in the competition, maybe certainly the most prominent in the attacking sense. I can make some argument, an argument for some others, but I felt like in a non World cup year, maybe. Maybe it was more about that. I don't know. But I think the Ballon d' or
- [21:14]
Karl Ankers
voting, the Ballon d' or voting is very much who has the best story, not so much who is the best football player. And unfortunately, Harry Kane's never particularly had the compelling story on the same level. I mean, Ousmane Dembele's story was rise
- [21:30]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
and then rise again.
- [21:30]
Karl Ankers
Perfect.
- [21:31]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yeah, perfect, perfect, perfect. Redemption arc. Absolutely wonderful. Kane has been on this sort of steady climb for probably 10 years. It's not. It's not as seductive.
- [21:40]
Ayo Akamolere
But you say that, you look at that pirouette against Atalanta, and I'm like, who is this guy on the field? That beautiful goal. He scores. That is incredible.
- [21:50]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
You know what was interesting? When I. When the ball broke for him for the second goal, I saw who it was going to, and it was 20 yards out. I remember just thinking, goal. I remember thinking, there is not a doubt in my mind that he's missing this. He is never, ever, ever missing this. Not quite fit for the game it's going in. And that is a very special territory for a forward to inhabit, I think. And I think maybe we get a little bit jaded with Kane's standard of finishing just because it's so good and so consistent. There's a kind of a new example of it most months, most weeks,
- [22:25]
Ayo Akamolere
but,
- [22:25]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
yeah, I would love him to win the Ballon d' or because I think he deserves it. And I think what he's done at Bayern is underappreciated. I think it'd be great if this was his year. Everything lined up. I don't think he was well treated at Tottenham. I think Tottenham used his abilities and his excuse not to build a team around him. Sorry, but I think that's. I don't think that's.
- [22:41]
Karl Ankers
No, that's a fair. He papered over so many cracks. The Tottenham hierarchy were not really concerned about addressing those cracks because it was very much. Kane will sort it.
- [22:49]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yeah, exactly. Exactly. And so for him to get this opportunity at this stage of his career, I hope he takes it. I think he's a great professional. He'd be very deserving.
- [22:58]
Ayo Akamolere
What do you think, Karl? Harry Kane, Super Saiyan mode.
- [23:02]
Karl Ankers
I mean, if he wins the Ballon d', or, that probably means England reached the semi finals or the final of the World Cup. So I don't think Harry Kane's going to win the Ballon d', or, but I would like to see the universe in which he does.
- [23:13]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yes.
- [23:14]
Karl Ankers
Like this series of events that need to occur for him to do it. Yes.
- [23:17]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
I would happily. You would happily experience that run of. Run of. Run of events. Yeah.
- [23:22]
Karl Ankers
The level of consistent brilliance. And he makes spectacular football seem mundane. And that is. That is both a compliment. And it's like this end up. Absolutely, absolutely. Seb, you watch the highlight. The ball's coming across to him and two things were happening. He was either going to score that or it was going to hit the post because that's how Harry Kane shoots. He shoots hard, low, with loads of topspin to the corners. He very rarely. You don't really see too many. Kane's through on goal, has a shot, and it's too central to the goalkeeper because he's. He's very much going, how do I maximize every single shot I do? And these are shots that are going to the corner in places that the goalkeeper can't reach. So it's either just pulls it past the post, just goes over the top bins, or it's that sort of postage stamp finish. And to do that over and over and over again, there's this. I always push back at this idea that this is someone's a natural goal scorer, because no, there is no way any football player you are watching twice a week on television has practiced the actions of football so many thousands of hours of time. That is not okay. Maybe there was a natural seed there, but it's just hours and hours and hours and hours of pure refinement. And I think particularly with Kane. Kane's never been shy to hide how hard he's working. He's never cheated you in how many repetitions, how hard he works, how many shots he's taking, how many double, triple, quadruple movements he's making as the winger is going down the line so he can get there for the cross. And because he makes it seem. He makes it seem functional rather than fun. And I think that can be less captivating, romantic compared to someone like Usman Dembele or. Deep down. I'm sorry, The Ballon d' or winner tends to go to a player who's really good at dribbling, innit? And Kane is like, we're talking really good at dribbling. Nice comments.
- [25:13]
Ayo Akamolere
This is why I brought the Atalanta goal. I've never seen Harry Kerry's back away from goal, take that ball down, turn around and just hit it beautifully. I mean, that is what dreams are made of as a footballer. And I've never seen him score that kind of goal in the Premier League or even Istanbul, Bayern, which shows he's adding more and more and more to his game. What more does a man have to do to lift the Ballon d'?
- [25:36]
Karl Ankers
Or?
- [25:36]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Can I add another layer to that? Just because I think when. When Kane moved to Bayern, I think a lot of people said, and we'll all be familiar with this narrative, he's gone to pick up his trophies, go and collect it, and it'll be easy. Two or three years. A little bit of a victory lap, actually. Since he arrived, Kane has been just a great measure of professionalism in the way he's held himself. He's assimilated into the local culture as well as possible, which is not easy. It's pretty different, you know, North London to Bavaria is a pretty dramatic change. In addition to which, he's become very pliable. And he's become not just the guy that stands in the box and converts chances or pouts when the chances don't come to him. He's allowed himself to be reinvented and tweaked and changed in a way that allows Bayern to be as good as they currently are. Now, that's not absolutely unique, I'm not saying that, but that is still quite a rare quality in a player of his class. You're England captain, right? You have an unimpeachable status certainly within your home country as a goalscorer. You are probably going to win trophies, you maybe have a shot at the Champions League. And yet he's given everything to it. And the version of Harry Kane you see now, I'm allowed to say this again, I'm a Spurs fan. I've watched it all from minute zero, right? This is the best version of him right now. And that's quite something in your early 30s when you've, you know, you're quite a physical player, you've taken quite a few injuries, but your appetite for the game never really diminishes or drops. And I think that's a story that's a hard sell in reference to Karl's point, because it's a little bit too subtle, but it's still there and it still makes him such a deserving candidate. It's why it's kind of a Champions League now would be everything he deserves.
- [27:19]
Ayo Akamolere
Okay, let's relish in that front four or three, whichever way you might look at it. Let's talk about the supporting cast, gents. Yesterday we spoke about Liverpool, a bit of a joke and how they sort of won the transfer window in England. But you have to look at the addition of Luis Diaz to this sort of front three with Michael Elise and also Harry Kane and think, goodness me, these guys look absolutely ruthless. Seb.
- [27:46]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Yeah, I think the key with those four players that they're all slightly different. So Kane is a centerpiece, has the kind of the broadest set of abilities. But then you have Diaz brings the dynamism, the pressing. He's also an excellent back post finisher to crash the box, provide that. Gnabry is very direct player, very good goal scorer. Also very creative in a way that I don't think he's often seen as being, for instance, like people made a lot of paid a lot of attention to Harry Kane picking the ball up from between his center halves in Bundesliga games. Gnabry has been doing the same thing, not quite as regularly, but he has been doing the same thing. He is trusted in those phases of possession too. And then you have Elise, who is as stylish and classy footballer as there is in Europe at the moment. A guy that can do things at several different paces. He can play in a very languid, almost kind of disdainful way, and then he can play a great surge of acceleration and he is just ruining defenders one on one to the point where I almost felt the game against Real Madrid was almost a kind of. It was a moment when Real Madrid needed to show a little bit of humility because you do not leave a Young fullback, one on one with Michael Lease because he's going to get torn apart. And he did. And there was a point which he thought, this guy needs to get taken off now because it's not going very well. He also should have given Carreras given away a penalty in stoppage time. It's an appalling refereeing decision. That's a penalty every day of the week. No idea how that wasn't given or at least reviewed properly and then given, but then at least say is if you think about all the components and all the attributes and virtues contained within that attacking group. We haven't even talked about Musiala.
- [29:23]
Ayo Akamolere
Oh, Musiala. Do you know what? It's because the injury.
- [29:26]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
He's been injured and Musiala. But the argument being is like if you'd said to me in July last year after Musiala went down with an injury against PSG when he collided with Donnarumma, we will get to what, the 8th of April and between the ties of the Champions League quarter final and we won't really be talking about the fact that Jamal Messiala wasn't a factor because he wasn't really fit. That is a measure of what these guys have been able to do. And hey, look, it would be remiss of me not to mention the fact that within those four brilliant. You've got all the abilities in the world. You've also. And this is one of Kompany's great successes which goes under the radar. Look what he's done with Konrad Lima, right? Yes, Lima. This, this kind of utility player, probably known to many people outside Germany as just kind of a destroying defensive midfielder, sort of a bit Leipziggy. Right, Whatever. He's just squad player. He's one of the best attacking fullbacks in Europe. He's. Okay, look, he's not Ashrafakimi, but the effect and his role within the system, look at what he's been turned into. And he's part of it too. And Pavlovich and like Carl made a really good point at the beginning of the show. It's how it all fits together. The centerpiece, yes, it's the attacking players. But this is just a marvel of a team to watch and to have seen it grow and develop has been a real privilege for me as a journalist.
- [30:48]
Ayo Akamolere
I think it's been wonderful to watch just how Bayern managed to just turn around teams. It feels like the team moves forward together and before you know it, you look at the box. Carl, they've literally peppered players in that Box and all the key components we're talking about are in that box at this moment in time. But I also want to talk about Michael Elise. I just think ah, like buying him has been an absolute godsend. He's now currently only four assists away from matching Lionel Messi's record for most assists throughout a season in the 21st century. So Lionel Messi, 32 assists in 60 games. Michael Alise currently is on 28 assists in 40 games. This young man is having the time of his life at Bayern Munich, isn't he?
- [31:31]
Karl Ankers
Yeah, he's the football player. You, you upgrade your TV package. Got your YouTube compilations. If you don't watch Bundesliga, you should be watching Bundesliga. For him and the form he is in, obviously his final season in the Premier League, he's just phenomenal for Crystal Palace. And I think yeah, sometimes he can get overlooked a little bit because he's near monosyllabic. Very shy.
- [31:54]
Ayo Akamolere
It's a very nice way of putting it.
- [31:55]
Karl Ankers
Yeah, very shy. Doesn't really want to do too many interviews. I, I love that video where Patrick Vieira is introducing him to Arsene Wenger and he's Elise like holding his arm as he figure's like this guy's amazing. And Venga's like oh, how are you doing young man? And he's like okay, fine. My friend, my, my friend my always says it's a bit like when you've gone to open day, big school and your dad is introducing you to the head teacher, which that boy is so funny. I love him to pieces. At least I'm my friend Mo and I think Seb is absolutely right. Me. Arteta once used this term to describe Martinelli about how one of the big things you have to do with Martinelli is teach him gears and how very early on when you're at Yarwinger, you do everything 100 miles an hour. You get the ball. It's like I'm going to run at this person as fast as possible. And the best way for me to beat this fullback is, is I am faster than him. Can I do this trick move or skill move or flip, flap or whatever at the fastest way possible? Because the speed gives the deception, the speed gives the weapon. Whereas Elyse now has, yes, he's very, very quick, but the way he can manipulate up the ball and manipulate his body and also manipulate the fullback now doesn't necessarily require him to burst past them every single time. And yeah, Carreras was on toast. It was, it was a classic.
- [33:14]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Help.
- [33:15]
Karl Ankers
This guy needs help. Which yeah, horrible. Feeling if you're. You're a fullback. Tremendous. If you're a winger. Yeah.
- [33:21]
Ayo Akamolere
I'm paraphrasing what Thierry Henry said on cbs, but he said he doesn't talk much off the field, but he does his talking on the pitch.
- [33:28]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Don't need to. When you comply like that, you don't. You need a word. Right. Why do you need to talk to. That word speaks for yourself.
- [33:33]
Ayo Akamolere
It's so interesting. On the Bayern social media feed, they've started doing a little trail of his pre game rituals and he walks on the pitch, does a little shuffle, gets a feel of the grass and then walks off.
- [33:43]
Karl Ankers
Yeah, quite nice. And he's added a slide. He does sliders as well.
- [33:47]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Right.
- [33:47]
Karl Ankers
To check the pitch. And the firmness and the slippiness, which is. Yeah, he's brilliant. Yeah, he's why we watch football.
- [33:55]
Ayo Akamolere
Yeah, you're absolutely spot on. Is this the best, would you say, currently, right now, the best front three in European football. 140 goal contributions between them. Because I look at the likes of Suarez, obviously, Messi and Neymar. Who else could even look at the Salah Firmino mane as well? And also, let's not forget the Real Madrid trio, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and also Gareth Bale. Are we looking at the best right now, gents?
- [34:20]
Karl Ankers
A goal every single game for Bayern Munich this season. I think they've not drawn a blank. Seb, flash the four when you said front three there because you really.
- [34:27]
Ayo Akamolere
I know. I don't want to forget Serge. I know, I know. Just. Just stick with me on this.
- [34:32]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
He's such an important part of it. I can't have it as a three. It's a four. It's a four.
- [34:37]
Karl Ankers
This is probably my bias because I don't watch as much Bundesliga as I do or Bundesliga highlights as I do La Liga ones. But I think Barcelona, when everyone's fully fit. So Lewandowski Raphinha and Nemina Mao just edges it. And that might just be my own preference for the way they play, but yeah, you are splitting hairs now. I mean, you need to double up each player because each one is so good. We've just really skimmed the airs. But I really do want to talk about it, just how phenomenal he is. And I'm sure there's many Liverpool fan guys. We should have kept him and probably moved on Gakpo instead in the change round because the way he leads the press and starts the defensive work is phenomenal. And again, like I said, I said earlier, the sheer repetition he does at the back post. You will never go hungry as a winger. If you keep popping up at the back post, you'll get. That's five goals a season. Just keep making.
- [35:30]
Ayo Akamolere
That was Raheem Sterling for so many years.
- [35:32]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
That was Raheem Sterling.
- [35:33]
Karl Ankers
Keep crashing the back post. Five goals a season. You do it, Pedro. You attack that space, Pedro. And he does it superbly, tremendously. The way Seb described company about an adult. Luis Diaz goes about wingplay like an adult. He's a football player of great flair, but also maximal efficiency. So Trena's front three, just while we're
- [35:54]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
on Diaz, because he was part of my favorite moment of the season and actually many other seasons. So his famous goal against Union Berlin at the Alster Forster. I. I was in the press box there, and it's pretty tight to the pitch. And so that goal happened to me. It happened about 30, 40 foot away from me. And, like, I like to think of myself as a pretty cool, reserved guy in the press box. Don't celebrate, don't react. I'm, you know, I'm a jaded old, you know, journalist that, you know, that kind of jazz, that's the vibe I like to put out because, you know, my heart's jumping inside every time. I'm completely lying. But when he scored that goal, I kind of had a sort of involuntary. I can't. I can't say the word on a podcast, but I was just like, you know, an involuntary expletive left my mouth in the middle of what is still the Union Berlin section. Right. Oh, Diaz. Brilliant.
- [36:44]
TurboTax Advertiser
From Luis Diaz.
- [36:47]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Oh. When Biden were looking for a moment of individual brilliance, Luis Diaz has produced an absolutely spellbinding. It was just outrageous. It was one of those moments where, like, as Janice, you're a bystander, right? You get to watch other people do amazing stuff and report on it, and every now and again, you get to be in the vicinity when someone does something truly amazing. That was one of those moments because everything we said is true. Box crasher, great press, a great worker, great, you know, dynamic dribbler, all of that stuff. But also capable of just outrageous technique at times as well. And I think sometimes that gets lost. So, yeah, he's been an incredible addition. Absolutely incredible addition.
- [37:37]
TurboTax Advertiser
It's that time of year again for Texas. We all know the stress of the old way of filing. You send your documents off and then absolute radio silence. You're stuck refreshing your inbox and sending awkward. Just checking in texts, wondering if they've even started. But with Turbotax Expert Full Service I know my TurboTax expert takes taxes fully off my plate and updates me every step of the way so I don't have to worry. That way I can get back to the things that matter to me, like going on vacation in the spring or enjoying the NFL off season. So stop chasing updates. It's time to switch to the modern tax filing Solution with Intuit TurboTax. The best part? You can get experts progress right on your phone while you go about your day. So go for a run or grab a coffee. You'll know your dedicated expert is handling it, looking for every last deduction to get you the best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve. File with confidence. Visit turbotax.com Only available with TurboTax Full Service Experts Real time updates only in
- [38:35]
Podcast Producer/Host
iOS Mobile App Insurance isn't One size fits all. That's why drivers have enjoyed Progressive's name your price tool for years now. With the name your price tool, you tell them what you want to pay and they'll show you options that fit your budget. So whether you're picking out your first policy or just looking for something that works better for you and your family, they make it easy to see your options. Visit progressive.com find a rate that works for you with the name your price tool Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates Price and Coverage Match limited by state
- [39:06]
Verizon Advertiser
law Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT and T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walking, Running, Pogo Sticking? Teleport. If you can ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or flyin on the wings of a majestic falcon. Any way you can bring your AT and T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal on the best network based on RouteMetric's best overall mobile network performance. US second half 2025 all rights reserved. Must provide a very recent postpaid consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
- [39:42]
Podcast Producer/Host
You're listening to the Athletic FC podcast with Ayo Akamolere Martinelli.
- [39:48]
Ayo Akamolere
Use this extra two minutes. Lovely ball through and they've got the
- [39:53]
TurboTax Advertiser
goal at the end.
- [39:54]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Kai Havertz, the scorer of big goals in big games.
- [39:58]
Ayo Akamolere
Okay, let's talk about the other game that was played on Tuesday night. That was Arsenal versus Sporting. They left it late. Carl Kai Havertz has a habit of coming up clutch in the Champions League. If you think about the Champions League final for Chelsea in 2021 got the job done, but sporting made it hard for them.
- [40:17]
Karl Ankers
Yeah, this was a tough one. Look, Arsenal now are. They're submission specialists rather than knockout artists. They are in mile 21 of a marathon is how I describe it recently. And they're gutting it out and that's what you got to do at this point in the season. I think this version of the Champions League with the League phase and how the brackets are constructed and how football seems to be now when you've got so many extra games, we are seeing more Champions League games that are less about domination. Total domination of the ball, possession, space, however you want to describe it, from minute one to minute 90 that we may have seen in 2019, 2020, with the sort of Barcelona, some brilliant Barcelona, Manchester City and other teams. And now it's a little bit more of. Your football team will have 15 minutes on top. Can your strikers get the job done in those 15 minutes? And I think in this current moment, the Arsenal squad is best equipped for the challenges and the. The amount of games that you have over the current season. Now, they're deep and they're big and they're nasty in a way that very few squads in Europe can do. Which means, yeah, it might not be pretty, but they are. There are some games Arsenal win and there are some games where Arsenal outlast the opponent.
- [41:29]
Ayo Akamolere
They're the Djokovic of football. Is that what you're saying? Just keep returning, just keep returning.
- [41:34]
TurboTax Advertiser
Grinding.
- [41:35]
Ayo Akamolere
Grind it out. Right?
- [41:37]
Karl Ankers
And I think. I think the sporting. The sporting game was one where they. They outlasted. Yeah, they outlasted their opponent and just. Just ground down a team that I know people go, oh, Arsenal should. Arteta should release the handbrake. They should be a bit more expansive. They should play. Blah, blah, blah. Look, scoreboard got it done and they'll probably keep getting it done until, again, I think they should be. They should make the final. I'd be disappointed if they didn't. I think Barcelona, Barcelona, thrilling team to watch. Very, very good. But the nature of their very high line and imperfect front press means they will give you an opportunity or two every game to score a goal. And I think Arsenal being such a pragmatic defensive contrast means I expect them. If it is a semi final of Arsenal versus Barcelona, I expect Arsenal to outlast Barcelona rather than win that game. These are compliments. I'm sorry. Arsenal fans, I genuinely think this squad is amazing and they should get at least one of the big trophies. You don't get extra points with title. And I think they're just going to get it done.
- [42:37]
Ayo Akamolere
Yeah. I mean, many would say this squad should have beaten Southampton in the FA Cup, Seb. And also probably put on a bigger fight against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final. But it is a good result at the right time in one of the biggest, if not the biggest, competition in Europe.
- [42:54]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Absolutely. And also think like, the Southampton result was what it was. It's disappointing. There's really no way of dressing that up as being anything other than a massive upset and a big disappointment. But at the same time, I think sometimes we underestimate just how thin the margins are at this part of the season. You're dealing with a Southampton attack which. Or Southampton team which had absolutely nothing to lose and just kept attacking, just kept attacking, kept going, get going, get going. And I preyed on a few weaknesses. I don't like goalkeeper rotation in cup games. I'm not sentimental like that. My best goalkeeper always plays. If I'm a head coach, I'm really sentimental.
- [43:31]
Ayo Akamolere
I'm just like, let him play. I prove wrong heavily, twice.
- [43:36]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
I remember when Mauricio Pochettina did this at spurs and it cost him so many cup games. Just because it's like, you feel like somebody deserves the minutes. And I'd be like, no, I don't care. This is what you signed up for. You either be good enough to be picked or don't play. That's just the way of it. Right. That's a bit harsh. Well, no, because the goalkeeper is such an important part of a defense car.
- [43:53]
Karl Ankers
I've never seen this side of you before, but.
- [43:56]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Well, it's because I hide it when I come into the office like just a nice guy. Everyone gets to play.
- [44:03]
Ayo Akamolere
It's really a hooligan. It's really a football hooligan. That's what we're dealing.
- [44:06]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
Participation, medals out for everybody. That. That's my. That's my image. But my core is. Is. Is more ruthless. But I think this is also. Carl's nailed it. It's about outlasting. It's about going over the line at this end of the season. It's about survival, really, because that's what we've turned football into. Big slog. Particularly for these Premier League teams. Yes, they have the money and the resources to equip themselves for it, but it's so attritional that nothing matters other than the score. Everything else is irrelevant. Just get it Done. And I felt like the Sporting game was the perfect example of that. They depended upon all their strengths to get over the line. So the goalkeeper, excellent. His contribution is immeasurable to whatever Arsenal achieved this season. I've lost count of the amount of excellent saves that he's made. But also the other great Arsenal quality is you survive, you defend really well, and when the chance presents itself, you take it. And that's exactly what happened against Sporting. Great ball from Martinelli. Didn't think Martinelli had that in his locker. Didn't think that club was in his bag, actually, I'll be honest. And a really nice Kai Havertz finish. And I think also, if there's one player that you want to be in that position with that chance at the moment in the Arsenal squad, it's Havertz. I actually, I'm not as down on Jocores as everybody else seems to be. I think he serves a purpose and an important one. But Havervitz is the nerveless guy, right? When drops at his feet, you want someone to remember they've got time. And he's almost. He takes that chance like he takes penalties, like it's that very deliberate style. And so, yeah, and it's all about progress. All about progress and style be damned. It doesn't matter.
- [45:42]
Ayo Akamolere
You spoke about him, the keeper, David Raya. Seven clean sheets now in the Champions League this season. It was obviously missing those two cup defeats, but I'm trying to be as unbiased as I can be. And I'm just trying to wake up and think, is this the Arsenal fan in me? Is he the best goalkeeper in Europe right now, gents? Is he
- [46:03]
Karl Ankers
right now? Yeah. Courtois injured. Courtois and Alisson injured.
- [46:07]
Ayo Akamolere
So, yeah, yeah, okay, fair.
- [46:09]
Karl Ankers
If by foot of those technicalities. No, I'll be. I'll be more serious. I think my personal opinion is, I think Courtois and Alison Becker, when everyone is fully fit and everyone's in their top form, I think those. Those two are the best in the world, in my personal opinion. And then you have a bit of a gap, and then it's Raya at the front of the chasing pack and the peloton right at the start of the season. So opening game of the season for Arsenal was against Manchester United, Old Trafford. I was talking to some Arsenal reporters. I sort of asked them what they thought about the current state of Goalkov, and their opinion was Ryus saves every single shot you expect him to save. He does not make mistakes. And he does everything to A B. And that is a phenomenal. And that is what you want from a goalkeeper. He doesn't do clangers. His reaction to. He doesn't really do any clangers. And if he does do a clanger, Goldfish brain blink forgets doesn't hang over him in the same way. Whereas there have been moments where I'm looking at Alisson, Becker, I'm looking at Courtois. And there are more games where you're looking at those two goalkeepers. Specifically infamy, where you're going. You had no right to make that save. How did you do that? Ryer is getting there and I think he will get to that stage eventually.
- [47:18]
Ayo Akamolere
Do you not think he's had some of those moments this season so far? Even yesterday. Sporting hit. Clip the bar.
- [47:23]
Karl Ankers
I mean, he's getting there.
- [47:24]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
He's.
- [47:25]
Karl Ankers
He's getting there. And again, this was a comment that was raised me by an Arsenal report at the start of the season. So here we go. This is probably now the time where. And if, if Arsenal are to get over the line, which I think they will, Premier League, big thumbs up. Gonna win that one. Champions League, make the final. Otherwise I'm gonna be texting you. I. I don't want that text.
- [47:44]
Ayo Akamolere
I do not want that text.
- [47:47]
Karl Ankers
And I think, yeah, if Arsenal are going to get there, Rya's gonna have to do. The conversation will then have to shift from, Ryan makes all the saves you expect. Can he start making those? How on earth did you do that? Which, yeah, why not at this point in time? Absolute best in the world. Be really interested to see him at the World cup because Spain have a collection of.
- [48:06]
Ayo Akamolere
I was going to say he's still
- [48:06]
Karl Ankers
not the Spanish B plus goalkeepers. Paul did a brilliant piece of the international break about how Spain just have a joy of goalkeepers and I need to figure that one out.
- [48:16]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
So is that the collective noun for goalkeepers now? A joy of goalkeepers? Why not? Okay, right, let's leave it there.
- [48:25]
Ayo Akamolere
Carl did earlier mention that Arteta's not releasing the handbrake. If you want more reaction, do check out the dedicated Arsenal podcast Handbrake off for more on Mikel Arteta.
- [48:37]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
That is a fail. I didn't even write that one.
- [48:40]
Ayo Akamolere
I didn't even write that one.
- [48:41]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
How you can play, you take responsibility for it. You read it. You are the face of that segue.
- [48:50]
Ayo Akamolere
That was a Ron Burgundy moment. Say what you see. Say what you see.
- [48:55]
Seb Stafford-Bloor
That was a modric, esque change of direction. Goodness me.
- [48:59]
Ayo Akamolere
It's a good way to wrap it up. All right. Let's leave it there. Seb, Carl, appreciate your time and also thank you guys for joining us as well. Don't forget the handbrake off. We'll catch you next time.
- [49:10]
Podcast Producer/Host
You've been listening to the Athletic FC Podcast. The producers were Guy Clark, Mike Stavroo and Jay Beal, with editing by Paul Iliff and Nick Thompson. The Executive producer is Ady Moorhead. To listen to other great athletic podcasts for free, including our dedicated club shows. Search for the Athletic wherever you get your podcasts. You'll also find us on YouTube at the Athletic FC Podcast, so make sure you subscribe. The Athletic FC Podcast is an athletic media company production. You're listening to this podcast, so I know you've got a curious mind. Here's a helpful fact you might not know yet. Drivers who switch and save with Progressive save over $900 on average. Pop over to progressive.com, answer some questions and you'll get a quick quote with discounts that are easy to come by. In fact, 99% of their auto customers earn at least one discount. Visit progressive.com and see if you can enjoy a little cash back. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates national average 12 month savings by $946 by new customers surveyed who saved with Progressive between June 2024 and May 2025. Potential savings will vary.
- [50:22]
Verizon Advertiser
Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT and T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walk in, run in, Pogo stickin' Teleport. If you can ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or fly in on the wings of a majestic falcon. Any way, you can bring your AT and T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal on the best Network based on RootMetric's Best Overall Mobile Network Performance Performance US 2nd Half 2025 all rights reserved. Must provide very recent postpaid consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Hey, it's Paige from Giggly Squad.
- [50:54]
Ayo Akamolere
And if you've been thinking about tackling
- [50:56]
Verizon Advertiser
any home or yard projects lately, this is your sign. Lowe's Spring Fest is on. Lowe's Spring Fest is happening right now at Lowe's, featuring great deals to help you refresh your homes and outdoor spaces. Just in time for spring. We talked about airing out your home and Lowe's is just taking it to the next level. You can save up to 40% on major indoor appliances and help supercharge your chores. Springfest is happening now, and our best lineup is here at Lowe's, valid through April 22, 2026, while supplies last selection varies by location. See lowe's.com for details. Mulch offer excludes Alaska and Hawaii.