The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Have Liverpool stopped the rot?

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: James Pearce (Liverpool correspondent), Thomas Hill (La Liga/Real Madrid correspondent)

Episode Overview

The episode centers around Liverpool’s resurgence after a tumultuous few weeks, focusing particularly on their impressive Champions League victory over Real Madrid. The panel discusses whether this marks a turning point for Liverpool's season, delves into tactical tweaks by manager Arne Slot, examines player performances (notably Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz), and explores the broader implications for both Liverpool and Real Madrid. The show also touches on fan and player reactions to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield, new signings at both clubs, and managerial challenges on both sides.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Liverpool’s Recent Form and Turning Point

[01:49–03:43]

• Liverpool broke a negative streak with a 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, following a resurgence against Aston Villa in the domestic league.
• James Pearce: “That was by far and away Liverpool's most complete performance probably since they thrashed Tottenham to secure the Premier League title in April... real fluency... creative spark... But the biggest change was out of possession—they just looked so much more disciplined and organized.” (03:09)

2. Florian Wirtz’s Role and Tactical Changes

[03:43–05:06]

• Slot’s use of Florian Wirtz off the left, collaborating closely with Andy Robertson, is highlighted as a key tactical shift.
• The return to last season’s trusted midfield trio (Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai) restored balance and security.
• James Pearce: “Wirtz was also given freedom to drift into central areas and find pockets of space... the combination between him and Andy Robertson clicked.” (04:06)

3. Real Madrid’s Struggles Against Liverpool & Xabi Alonso’s Era

[05:06–06:42; 09:44–11:38]

• Madrid, under new coach Xabi Alonso, lacked intensity and failed to match their La Liga standards.
• Thomas Hill: “The Champions League for a while now has been something totally different to La Liga... that's maybe the thing that worried fans the most, the lack of intensity.” (05:26)
• Discussion on Madrid's inexperience: “I think it's also true that there's a lot of inexperience in that team full stop... a lot of unnecessary fouls that come down to inexperience as well.” (10:09)

4. Conor Bradley’s Breakout Performance

[07:12–09:44]

• Immense praise for Conor Bradley, who “pocketed” Vinicius Jr. and showcased composed aggression both defensively and in attack.
• James Pearce: “Vinicius in the end went from being lively early on to completely losing heart because Bradley absolutely pocketed him... a sensational display of controlled aggression.” (08:16)
• Bradley’s evolution from a “rash, off the pace” player to a mainstay discussed.

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Return and Fans’ Reaction

[11:38–16:17]

• Intense boos greeted Trent after his move to Madrid, reflecting raw emotion and the complicated nature of such transfers.
• James Pearce: “It was a real booming, you know, rendition of jeers and boos that then grew louder and louder with every touch that he had... I just think the rules of engagement were always going to be different this time around.” (12:10)
• Virgil van Dijk’s response was “pretty blunt,” emphasizing distance between ex-teammates (15:05).

6. Assessing Liverpool and Real Madrid’s New Signings

[21:36–26:08]

• James Pearce: “Ekitike has definitely been the pick of the new arrivals... just looks the part... a natural finisher.” (21:46)
• On Wirtz: “It's naive to think just because he cost such a crazy amount of money that he just comes in and lights the place up straight away... still only 22.” (22:19)
• Robertson’s recall and Frimpong’s fitness issues noted.
• Thomas Hill: Madrid also opted for youth in signings, facing their own teething issues as Alonso refines the squad (24:48).

7. Arne Slot’s Management: Are Criticisms Fair?

[25:51–26:49]

• Calls for patience with Slot amid high expectations as he transitions the team from Klopp’s era.
• Thomas Hill: “We need to give him a bit more respect for what he did in his first season... a tough summer of transition.” (26:08)
• Upcoming clash at the Etihad against Man City highlighted as pivotal (26:49).

8. Real Madrid: Squad Management & Internal Tensions

[34:25–39:09]

• Player-coach tension reportedly bubbling under the surface, linked to Alonso’s more structured style versus Ancelotti’s laissez-faire.
• Thomas Hill: “There was this great quote by an individual close to a senior Madrid player: ‘He thinks he's Pep Guardiola, but for now he's just Xabi.’” (34:39)
• Endrick’s lack of playing time and Rodrigo’s sporadic form illustrate challenges fitting all stars into the lineup.

9. Transfer Rumors and Squad Building

[39:09–40:24]

• Madrid’s eye on Premier League center backs (Saliba, Konate), though neither move appears imminent.

10. Looking Ahead: Defining Fixtures and Statements

[26:49–29:31]

• Liverpool’s visit to Manchester City framed as a statement match that could solidify their recovery.
• Man City’s Erling Haaland, “two goals away from 100 Premier League goals,” flagged as the danger man.
• James Pearce: “If they can go there and put on a display and win... talk about changing the mood.” (27:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• James Pearce (on Liverpool’s win):

  “That was by far and away Liverpool's most complete performance probably since they thrashed Tottenham... The biggest change was out of possession—they just looked so much more disciplined and organized.” (03:09)

• James Pearce (on Conor Bradley):

  “Vinicius... went from being lively early on to completely losing heart because Bradley absolutely pocketed him... a sensational display of controlled aggression.” (08:16)

• Thomas Hill (on Madrid’s youth and style change):

  “Ancelotti’s approach was more laissez faire... Alonso’s wanting to change the team's style of play completely—and often that actually goes against the grain of how Madrid have been successful.” (10:59)

• James Pearce (on Trent’s return):

  “A real booming... rendition of jeers and boos... Grew louder with every touch... I just think the rules of engagement were always going to be different.” (12:10)

• Thomas Hill (Madrid’s tension):

  “‘He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi.’” (34:48)

• James Pearce (on Ekitike):

  “Ekitike has definitely been the pick of the new arrivals so far. He's been a revelation really since, since joining Liverpool.” (21:46)

• James Pearce (future outlook):

  “If they can go [to the Etihad] and put on a display and win... it would send out a hell of a statement.” (28:41)

• Thomas Hill (on Haaland’s form):

  “It really does seem like... a player that picks up the ball and you just know he's going to score, basically.” (29:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:49] — Episode content begins: Liverpool’s Champions League win over Real Madrid
• [03:09] — Liverpool's tactical and psychological revival after their bad run
• [04:06] — Wirtz’s role and tactical tweaks
• [07:12] — Conor Bradley’s breakout display
• [11:38] — Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return: reaction, context, and teammate responses
• [21:36] — Discussion of new arrivals at Liverpool & their performances
• [24:48] — Real Madrid’s signings and squad-building philosophy compared
• [26:49] — The critical upcoming fixture: Liverpool vs. Manchester City
• [29:00] — Highlight on Haaland’s form and significance
• [34:39] — Real Madrid: Managerial tensions and squad adaptation
• [39:09] — Madrid’s transfer plans, including center-back targets

Additional Insights

• Both clubs are described as undergoing transitions—Liverpool following Klopp’s departure, Madrid with Alonso’s efforts to instill a new philosophy. Patience and adjustment are recurrent themes.
• Player development, especially among new signings and academy products, featured as a vital storyline for Liverpool.
• Madrid’s internal politics and player power remain a significant challenge for any manager attempting more “systematic” modernization.
• The upcoming Liverpool vs. Man City clash is set as a potential inflection point for Liverpool’s season.

Conclusion

This episode offers an incisive look at the recent Liverpool-Real Madrid Champions League clash as a barometer for Liverpool’s recovery, provides inside context on squad evolution, and underscores the persistent pressure and drama enveloping two of Europe’s great clubs. Both clubs’ current challenges—integration of new signings, tactical evolution, and management under scrutiny—are discussed candidly, setting up high stakes for the coming fixtures.