The Athletic FC Podcast: Is the New Champions League Format Better?
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Ayo Akinwolere, James Horncastle, Phil Hay, and Jacob Tanswell delve into the recent developments in European football, focusing on Manchester City's dramatic escape from Champions League elimination and the broader implications of the newly implemented Champions League format. The discussion navigates through match analyses, transfer speculations, and the sustainability of the revamped competition structure.
Manchester City’s Champions League Comeback
The episode kicks off with a high-stakes analysis of Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Club Bruges, which secured their progression to the Champions League playoffs. Phil Hay sets the stage:
Phil Hay [01:08]: “On an evening of mayhem across Europe, Manchester City got the job done and avoided Champions League elimination.”
James Horncastle reflects on the intense experience of covering multiple simultaneous matches:
James Horncastle [02:09]: “Having 18 games simultaneously was, dare I say, a lot. It was like doing a marathon, but at 100 meter sprint pace.”
Sam Lee’s Insight from Etihad
Manchester City’s performance is further dissected through the eyes of Sam Lee, the podcast’s Manchester City correspondent:
Sam Lee [04:48]: “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.”
Sam emphasizes Manchester City's resilience and ability to overturn deficits, highlighting John Stones' missed header and the tactical impact of substituting Savinho at halftime.
Challenges and Criticisms of Manchester City
James Horncastle critiques Manchester City's consistency:
James Horncastle [05:57]: “They might get away with that against Bayern because this isn't a prime Bayern Munich team. But if they're as open as they were last night, Real Madrid will murder them.”
Jacob Tanswell adds to the skepticism regarding City's defensive solidity:
Jacob Tanswell [06:00]: “They might get away with that against Bayern... but Real Madrid will murder them.”
The discussion touches upon City's drop in Premier League standings and structural issues that might undermine their Champions League ambitions.
PSG and Real Madrid: A Comparative Analysis
The conversation shifts to analyze PSG's evolving dynamics and Real Madrid's enduring legacy in the Champions League. James Horncastle praises PSG’s newfound collective strength:
James Horncastle [07:38]: “Dembele feels like, oh, actually, you have to step up and be the person who delivers in these games. Perhaps it is leading to a better collective PSG than some of the star-studded ones we've seen.”
He contrasts this with Real Madrid's consistent pedigree:
James Horncastle [09:49]: “They have signings who can be added for the knockouts. But until Pep manages to retrain City in the art of defending or does something effective with his structure, they're not really scared of anybody.”
Jacob Tanswell underscores Real Madrid's resurgence:
Jacob Tanswell [25:19]: “They reached the Europa League final, they've reached the Champions League final, and this year I think they only conceded one goal in the group stages.”
The New Champions League Format: Benefits and Drawbacks
A significant portion of the podcast debates the efficacy of the new Champions League format. James Horncastle voices concerns about the format favoring established big clubs:
James Horncastle [11:00]: “One issue with this format for me is that it allows underperforming big teams still to qualify. It makes it harder for big clubs to fail because ultimately the 16 teams that went through last night as the 16 richest clubs... it kind of favors the establishment.”
Jacob Tanswell echoes this sentiment, highlighting the financial advantages entrenched teams possess:
Jacob Tanswell [12:08]: “UEFA want it to be massive for the clubs that they really want to be in the knockout stages. It is very much painted as... it kind of favors the establishment.”
Phil Hay questions the sustainability and entertainment value of the new format:
Phil Hay [21:07]: “It's the individual games that stick with you. If we all accept that the most powerful clubs in Europe are the most powerful... there wasn't much wrong with the format as it was last season. It kind of worked.”
James Horncastle reflects on the entertainment aspect amidst format changes:
James Horncastle [21:15]: “I'm just entertained by watching high-quality European football anyway. There are moments throughout last night where you look at some goals and you're like, wow, that's incredible.”
The hosts agree that while the format introduces complexity and may marginalize smaller clubs, the core appeal of football—exciting matches and standout performances—remains intact.
Aston Villa’s Transfer Speculations and On-Pitch Performance
The spotlight then shifts to Aston Villa’s remarkable 4-2 victory over Celtic at Villa Park. Transfer rumors surrounding key players Ollie Watkins and John Duran take center stage.
Phil Hay introduces the topic:
Phil Hay [28:31]: “One of the stories of the night unfolded at Villa Park... the transfer speculation around the futures of both Ollie Watkins and John Duran.”
Jacob Tanswell analyzes the potential impact of these transfers:
Jacob Tanswell [35:30]: “John Duran is going to be the future of Aston Villa. Far be it for me to criticize Monchi again, but... it’s odd that he hasn't made more of an impact.”
James Horncastle discusses the strategic importance of Watkins and the implications of his possible departure:
James Horncastle [38:56]: “He’s 29 and a high earner at the club. Surely, your transfer strategy should be to sell Watkins because Duran is 21 and the succession plan is there.”
Ayo Akinwolere adds context regarding Villa’s financial strategies and Player Status Rating (PSR) constraints:
Ayo Akinwolere [35:00]: “They were very close to breach and PSR last summer... Villa needs something that's got all-round materials.”
The discussion highlights Villa’s balancing act between maintaining competitive performance and managing financial and regulatory pressures.
Implications of the New Format on Club Strategies
The hosts examine how the new Champions League format influences club strategies, particularly regarding squad depth and transfer markets. Jacob Tanswell points out:
Jacob Tanswell [16:21]: “...the money's not bad. So, yeah, it's the money that's no bad... but it's one of those weird quirks.”
Phil Hay emphasizes the competitive nature and financial incentives:
Phil Hay [19:39]: “Finishing in the top eight... the prize money is significant. It’s not mega, but it’s useful to have.”
James Horncastle questions whether the format genuinely enhances competition or perpetuates existing hierarchies:
James Horncastle [19:39]: “Is the interest... sustainable or fleeting? Once we get used to it, does it feel more complicated than it needs to be?”
The consensus suggests that while UEFA's intentions aim to increase competitiveness and financial incentives, the practicality and fairness of the format continue to spark debate.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with reflections on the new Champions League format's initial reception and its potential long-term impact on European football. The hosts acknowledge that while the format brings fresh dynamics and financial benefits, concerns about its fairness and complexity persist. The enduring passion for high-quality football and standout performances remains the unifying thread for fans and pundits alike.
As the competition progresses, the true efficacy of the new format will unfold, shaping the future landscape of European club football.
Notable Quotes
- James Horncastle [02:09]: “Having 18 games simultaneously was, dare I say, a lot. It was like doing a marathon, but at 100 meter sprint pace.”
- Sam Lee [04:48]: “City can flip that switch pretty quickly.”
- James Horncastle [05:57]: “Real Madrid will murder them.”
- Phil Hay [21:07]: “It's the individual games that stick with you.”
- James Horncastle [38:56]: “Surely, your transfer strategy should be to sell Watkins because Duran is 21 and the succession plan is there.”
Final Thoughts
Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned as the new Champions League format continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and opportunities for clubs across Europe. The Athletic FC Podcast remains committed to providing in-depth analyses and expert insights into the ever-changing world of football.
Produced by Guy Clark, Mike Stavroot, and Jay Beal. Executive Producer: Aiding Moorhead. Listen to more great Athletic podcasts by searching for The Athletic on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms.