Summary of "Is the New Champions League Format Better?"

Podcast Information

• Title: The Athletic FC Podcast
• Host: Ayo Akinwolere
• Guests: James Horncastle, Phil Hay, Rory Smith, Sam Lee, Jacob Tanswell
• Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction

In the January 30, 2025 episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the intricacies of the newly implemented Champions League format. Joined by football analysts James Horncastle, Phil Hay, Rory Smith, Sam Lee, and Jacob Tanswell, the discussion navigates through recent match outcomes, the impact of the new format on top-tier and emerging clubs, and transfer speculations surrounding Aston Villa's key players.

Overview of Last Night’s Action

The episode opens with a recap of Manchester City's critical 3-1 victory over Club Bruges, which secured their passage to a playoff spot in the Champions League. Sam Lee, the show's Manchester City correspondent, provides on-the-ground insights from the Etihad Stadium.

Sam Lee ([06:45]):

“As much as City have got their problems, and as much as they can struggle and look vulnerable in terms of the atmosphere in the stadium, it didn't really have too much of a chance to be too downhearted, because City can flip that switch pretty quickly.”

Despite initial setbacks, including a missed header by John Stones ([06:45]), City's strategic halftime substitutions, notably Savinho, shifted the game's momentum in their favor. This victory, while securing their advancement, leaves room for concern regarding their defensive solidity and consistency.

New Champions League Format: Analysis and Opinions

The newly revamped Champions League format has introduced a more extensive group stage, expanding opportunities and challenges for clubs across Europe. The panel discusses whether this change has enhanced the competition's quality and unpredictability.

Rory Smith ([05:11]):

“We did something similar in the Athletic FC newsletter this morning, which was every game, a report on every game in five words. And I have to say, I leaned on the TNT goal show really heavily.”

James Horncastle highlights the demanding nature of covering 18 simultaneous matches, comparing it to “a marathon, but at 100 meter sprint pace” ([04:50]). This format has intensified the competition, making it both an exhilarating and exhausting endeavor for analysts and fans alike.

Rory Smith ([14:31]):

“It is very much painted as, oh, there's a hell of a lot more jeopardy involved here. And, and I suppose there is to a certain extent, but it's still set up in a way that kind of favors the establishment, isn't it?”

The consensus among the panel is that while the new format promises increased excitement and more high-stakes matches, it still predominantly benefits established powerhouses due to financial clout and deeper squads.

Manchester City’s Performance

Manchester City's journey this season has been a blend of high achievements and underlying inconsistencies. Their recent Champions League performance showcases both their offensive prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.

Rory Smith ([07:54]):

“I think more than anything, structurally, they do seem to be failing. And they might get away with that again against Bayern because this isn't a prime Bayern Munich team.”

Phil Hay adds that while City remains a formidable force, their defensive lapses could spell trouble against Europe's elite, such as Real Madrid.

Phil Hay ([07:54]):

“They are so porous. I was going to look at the contrast in the league tables. They've gone from 34 in the Premier League last season to 30 by this stage already this season.”

This underscores the importance of structural and tactical refinements for City to remain contenders in both domestic and European competitions.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG’s Prospects

The panel evaluates the prospects of traditional giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG within the new format. Real Madrid appears to be regaining their competitive edge, while Bayern Munich’s current form is questioned.

James Horncastle ([09:36]):

“Real Madrid would murder them [City]. I mean, I just think there's no doubt about that at all.”

PSG, under new strategic directions, shows signs of maturation with players like Kylian Mbappé settling into consistent performance roles.

James Horncastle ([11:47]):

“Dembele, at 27, looks like he is maturing and is finding the kind of consistency that he was unable to show at Barcelona.”

The evolution of these clubs underlines the dynamic nature of European football, where even the most storied institutions must adapt to new challenges.

Aston Villa’s Transfer Speculations: Watkins and Duran

A significant portion of the episode centers on Aston Villa's transfer window dramas, particularly concerning key players Ollie Watkins and John Duran. The speculation around Watkins potentially moving to Arsenal and Duran's imminent transfer to the Saudi league has stirred considerable discussion.

Jacob Tanswell ([33:01]):

“Duran is set to complete his move to Al Nasser. There was always a feeling... that he's raw still, he's unrefined.”

The impending departure of Duran, despite his memorable goals, raises concerns about Villa’s offensive strategy and squad depth. Watkins' potential transfer is seen as a pivotal moment for both Villa and his prospective suitors.

James Horncastle ([43:10]):

“He is Mile ahead in that respect [striking ability].”

Villian manager Mikel Emery faces the challenge of balancing player sales with the need to strengthen the squad, highlighting the financial and tactical complexities clubs face in the modern transfer market.

Implications of the New Format on Big and Smaller Clubs

The new Champions League structure is scrutinized for its impact on both established giants and emerging teams. While it ostensibly offers more opportunities, the panel debates whether it genuinely democratizes success or merely stretches the dominance of wealthy clubs.

Rory Smith ([19:01]):

“It's an annual spectacle as time goes on. Rory Smith was writing about this on Wednesday morning, saying it is almost like the sort of event that football will stop for because it is so weird and wonderful.”

Despite increased fixtures potentially enriching the competition, financial disparities remain a significant barrier to parity, with top clubs leveraging their resources to maintain supremacy.

James Horncastle ([22:20]):

“It makes it harder for big clubs to fail because ultimately the 16 teams that went through last night are the 16 richest clubs...”

This insight emphasizes that while the format aims to enhance competitiveness, economic realities continue to influence outcomes.

Conclusion

The panel concludes that the new Champions League format introduces fresh excitement and logistical challenges but does not fundamentally alter the established power dynamics within European football. The discussions highlight that while emerging stories and underdog narratives add flavor, the financial and structural advantages of top-tier clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and PSG largely dictate the competition's trajectory.

Rory Smith ([26:43]):

“Nobody comes for the format. Nobody is here for the format. It's the individual games that and I suppose the tournament as a whole, once you see how it's flowed from, you know, particularly the last 16 onwards, it's what happens over 90 minutes that sticks with you.”

Ultimately, the episode underscores that the essence of the Champions League remains rooted in the quality of football and the unpredictability of individual match outcomes, rather than in the structural changes of the competition itself.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Lee ([06:45]): “As much as City have got their problems... City can flip that switch pretty quickly.”

• Rory Smith ([05:11]): “It's like the sequel to Rain man that nobody ever made...”

• James Horncastle ([09:36]): “Real Madrid would murder them.”

• Jacob Tanswell ([33:01]): “Duran is set to complete his move to Al Nasser.”

• Rory Smith ([19:46]): “It's an annual spectacle as time goes on...”

This comprehensive discussion on The Athletic FC Podcast provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the new Champions League format, its ramifications for various clubs, and the ongoing transfer saga at Aston Villa, all while maintaining a keen focus on the evolving landscape of European football.