Football Daily

Juventus and Real Madrid win but big praise for Atalanta and Club Brugge. John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague, Mina Rzouki and Kristof Terreur to unpick another dramatic week in the Champions League. They discuss a much-needed victory for Juventus over the increasingly beleaguered Manchester City before analysing a sensational match between Atalanta and Real Madrid. There is discussion around why Alessandro del Piero is so important for the development of Kenan Yildiz and why it did not work out for Charles De Ketelaere at AC Milan but has turned around for him at Atalanta. Is Thibaut Courtois back to his best? And how good has David De Gea been at Fiorentina this season? Plus – what’s the secret behind Club Brugge’s great form in the Champions League? Timecodes…. 0 mins: Intro – with Guillem's tips on the attractions of Girona. 2.24: What the team make of the Champions League table. 4.51: The team discuss a big win for Juve – and explain why Alessandro del Piero is so important for the development of Kenan Yildiz. 11.22: Guillem gives his takes on some of the issues at Man City. 17.35: Have Real Madrid turned a corner? 20.50: The form of Thibaut Courtois. 22.14: Why it is working out for Ademola Lookman at Atalanta – and whether there is a big move for him on the horizon. 24.24: Why it did not work out for Charles De Ketelaere at AC Milan but has turned around for him at Atalanta 30.29: David De Gea’s impressive stats at Fiorentina. 34.20: Club Brugge – and the sensational story of their rise under Nicky Hayen.

What next for Millwall? Is Mike Phelan the answer to Wayne Rooney and Plymouth’s problems? Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith joins Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff to discuss Neil Harris leaving Millwall and what will come next for the club and who they'll appoint next? Plus, they discuss the managerial merry-go-round as Ruben Selles joins Hull with Noel Hunt taking over at Reading, while former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan joins Wayne Rooney at Plymouth.

Kelly Cates is joined by John Murray, Pat Nevin and Gary Cahill as Manchester City lose two-nil to Juventus to deal a big blow to their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage. Hear from boss Pep Guardiola on the defeat that means Manchester City have won just one of their last 10 games in all competitions, with this being their seventh loss during that run. Elsewhere Conor McNamara joins the pod as Arsenal see off Monaco in a comfortable three-nil victory with Saka getting a double and assist. Manager Mikel Arteta gives his thoughts on the win and the role of 18-year-old Myles Lewis–Skelly making his second start.Timecodes: 00:20 Intro 03:00 What’s happened to City? 06:40 Lack of cutting edge 12:40 What do City need to do? 22:30 Pep Guardiola 26:10 Arsenal 28:30 ArtetaBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Thu 12 Dec, 2000: Rangers v Tottenham Sat 14 Dec, 1500: Liverpool v Fulham Sat 14 Dec, 1730: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Sun 15 Dec, 1400: Brighton v Palace Sun 15 Dec, 1630: Man City v Man Utd Sun 14 Dec, 1430: Liverpool v Arsenal WSL, 5 Sports Extra

It's been confirmed the FIFA World Cup will be returning to the Middle East in 10 years' time after FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia the hosting rights to the 2034 tournament. Securing football’s most high-profile tournament is just the latest example of the Kingdom’s growing influence on global sport, which its critics say is in an effort to 'sportswash' the regime's reputation.Katie Smith is joined by BBC sports editor Dan Roan and Tariq Panja, global sports correspondent for The New York Times, to provide the background to Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid.We hear from the president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al Misehal, and from Amanda Staveley, who was part of the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United in 2021, on why the tournament will be a great success, while BBC sports news correspondent Laura Scott speaks to Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness about Norway's decision to abstain from the voting process for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments.Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of housing, workers rights, and sport, and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder David Wheeler, the PFA’s sustainability champion, also join the podcast to discuss their concerns over human and the environment.And we ask what all this means for Saudi Arabia’s huge investments in domestic football, particularly at Newcastle United.

Mark Chapman has reaction to wins for Aston Villa and Liverpool. He’s joined by Paul Robinson, Mark Albrighton and Ali Bruce-Ball. Hear from Unai Emery, Arne Slot, Virgil van Dijk and Brendan Rodgers after Celtic’s stalemate at Dinamo Zagreb. Mina Rzouki joins the pod to talk Atalanta and Juventus. And hear from Pep Guardiola ahead of Man City’s trip to Turin.00:35 Duran helps Aston Villa beat Leipzig 09:50 Unai Emery: ‘Our target is now higher’ 11:30 Arne Slot: ‘Alisson showed why he’s the best’ 12:15 Virgil van Dijk: ‘Happy Alisson is back’ 17:10 Brendan Rodgers: Celtic ‘gaining confidence’ 18:50 Real Madrid beat Atalanta 20:30 Juventus v Man City preview 22:55 Pep Guardiola: ‘I love my players’BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Wed 11 Dec, 2000: Juventus v Man City Thu 12 Dec, 2000: Rangers v Tottenham

Ellen White, Nedum Onuoha and Ben Haines talk return of the WSL after the international break and the brilliant form of Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw. Nedum and Ellen look at why Bunny Shaw is so good beyond scoring goals and Chelsea extending their unbeaten run. BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders joins the pod to talk Manchester United’s Sporting Director Dan Ashworth leaving the club and what it means for the women’s squad. The panel discuss where United find themselves and how they can become a club really challenging for titles. Plus Champions League is back this week and is this Chelsea’s best chance to win it?Timecodes: 00:20 Intro 03:00 WSL returns + Bunny Shaw 06:40 Why is Bunny Shaw so good? 12:40 United & Ashworth departure with Emma Sanders 16:30 What does it mean for the women’s side? 26:30 Arsenal & Slegers future 30:00 Champions LeagueBBC Sounds / 5 Live European commentaries this week: Tue 10 Dec, 1745: Girona v Liverpool Tue 10 Dec, 1745: Dinamo Zagreb v Celtic – 5 Sports Extra Tue 10 Dec, 2000: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Wed 11 Dec, 2000: Juventus v Man City Thu 12 Dec, 2000: Rangers v Tottenham

Are Chelsea truly back, can Ange turn things around at struggling Spurs & why are Brentford so good at home & not away? Those are the all-important questions that Chappers, Rory Smith, Chris Sutton and Andros Townsend try to answer on the MNC pod. Chelsea are up to second in the Premier League table with the youngest team in the league – so are some of the guys eating their words now? (They take a little trip with Rory down memory lane...)Focus then turns to Tottenham and why Ange Postecoglou is struggling to get the club where their fans think they should be – as usual on the MNC, Rory and Chris have differing views – surprise, surprise! And Brentford take the spotlight after having the best home record in the league. Many say it’s down to manager Thomas Frank and the culture he has created at the club – after a dressing-room video went viral with him praising his players. But not everyone has experienced that in their footballing career….Timecodes: 1’00 – Playing during the festive period. 2’46 – Chelsea and their recent success. 23’38 – Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou. 37’23 – Brentford and their amazing home form.

Chelsea close in on Liverpool at the top as Tottenham collapse. Hear from Enzo Maresca and Ange Postecoglou. Darren Fletcher is joined by Nigel Reo-Coker and Kevin Nolan. Ashley Williams from Match of the Day 2 drops in as well. And the panel discuss Arsenal’s set-piece prowess and the latest developments at Manchester United.02:30 Best wishes to Michail Antonio 05:35 Chelsea beat Tottenham to close in on Liverpool 08:35 Are Chelsea genuine title contenders? 12:55 Enzo Maresca: ‘We’re ahead of my expectation’ 17:10 Ange Postecoglou: ‘It’s a sore one’ 28:10 Half-time teaser 29:54 Arsenal score from another set piece 39:35 Sporting director Ashworth leaves Man Utd 47:40 Is Amorim being cut too much slack?BBC Sounds / 5 Live European commentaries this week: Tue 10 Dec, 1745: Girona v Liverpool Tue 10 Dec, 1745: Dinamo Zagreb v Celtic – 5 Sports Extra Tue 10 Dec, 2000: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Wed 11 Dec, 2000: Juventus v Man City Thu 12 Dec, 2000: Rangers v Tottenham

In this special episode of the Football Daily Nedum Onuoha travels to Italy to have a typical Milanese dinner with AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham to discuss his many career highlights, relationship with Jose Mourinho and how life abroad has changed him as a player and person. Tammy chats to Nedum about the importance of embracing Milan and how he has found settling in to a new environment, including the fashion!

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball reveal the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From commentating in the pouring rain with colleagues in their underwear, to a big medical drama, they tell the tales you don’t normally get to hear. And the ‘Wheel of Spiel’ makes a return!01:35 John gets a surprise 03:30 Ian has an apology to make 04:20 Commentating in the rain 09:20 Ian nearly ends his career 14:30 ‘Wheel of Spiel’ goes deep 19:00 Favourite commentary positions 22:55 Tottenham-Chelsea preview 27:10 John’s big medical drama 29:45 Ali’s new toys! 31:20 The Great Dictionary of Football CommentaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 7 Dec, 15:00 – Crystal Palace v Man City - 5 Live Sat 7 Dec, 17:30 – Man Utd v Nottingham Forest - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Fulham v Arsenal - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Leicester v Brighton – 5 Sports Extra Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Ipswich v Bournemouth – BBC Sport website Sun 8 Dec, 16:30 – Tottenham v Chelsea - 5 Live

We have the latest on Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove who is out of intensive care following his cardiac arrest on the pitch at the weekend.Fan anger at perceived ineffectual ownership is the key theme at the bottom of La Liga with Real Valladolid owner Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) facing calls to step down whilst there’s a very real threat of only a second relegation in Valencia’s history.In France, Roberto De Zerbi is becoming one of the faces of Ligue Un and just ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup draw we find out who is excited and why.TIMECODES 01:47 – Guillem on Julen Lopetegui’s job security 05:37 – Edoardo Bove latest 11:02 – Unpopular owners at the bottom of La Liga 24:05 – Roberto De Zerbi rides the Marseille rollercoaster 32:23 – FIFA Club World Cup excitement levelsBBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 7 Dec, 15:00 – Crystal Palace v Manchester City - 5 Live Sat 7 Dec, 17:30 – Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Fulham v Arsenal - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 16:30 – Tottenham v Chelsea - 5 Live

After an incredible 3-3 draw between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park, Arne Slot gives his reaction to his side dropping points for just the third time this season. Kelly Cates rounds up all six of Tuesday’s Premier League matches, we hear from Mikel Arteta after Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates, and from Pep Guardiola after Manchester City ended their seven-match winless run, beating Nottingham Forest at the Etihad. There’s reaction to a big win for Chelsea at St Mary’s and an important win for Sean Dyche as Everton move 6 points clear of the relegation zone with a win over Wolves. Timecodes: 00:44 – Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool with Ian Dennis and Pat Nevin 04:45 – Arne Slot interview 08:16 – Eddie Howe interview 11:30 – Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United with John Murray and Izzy Christiansen 19:19 – Mikel Arteta interview 21:08 – Ruben Amorim interview 27:12 – Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest with Lee Blakeman and Jen Beattie 30:12 – Pep Guardiola interview 32:13 – Enzo Maresca interview 33:29 – Sean Dyche interviewBBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this week:Thu 5 Dec, 19:30 – Fulham v Brighton – 5 Sports Extra Thu 5 Dec, 20:15 – Bournemouth v Tottenham – 5 Live Sat 7 Dec, 15:00 – Crystal Palace v Manchester City - 5 Live Sat 7 Dec, 17:30 – Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Fulham v Arsenal - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 16:30 – Tottenham v Chelsea - 5 Live

Jen Beattie, Ellen White and Ben Haines react to the EURO 2025 play-off finals which saw Wales make history, booking their place at next summer's European Championships in Switzerland, but heartbreak for Scotland as their golden generation miss their golden hour.The team react to an incredible night in Dublin for Rhian Wilkinson's side and a night of deja vu for Scotland in Finland. Hear from an emotional Claire Emslie and Jen discusses where it went wrong for Scotland and what next for Pedro Martínez Losa and his team.Ellen chats England's two friendlies against the Olympic champions, the USA, and EURO 2025 hosts, Switzerland. Hear from Grace Clinton and Millie Bright after the Lionesses' last outing of the year, plus the team ask what we have learnt from Sarina Wiegman's 'experimenting'.Timecodes: 1:05 - A historic night for Wales as they qualify for their first ever major tournament 4:46 - Goals from Hannah Cain and Carrie Jones. 8:18 - Reaction from Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson 10:28 - Heartbreak for Scotland at the hands of Finland again. 16:00 - Should Scotland have made changes sooner? 18:57 - Reaction from Claire Emslie 21:40 - What next for Scotland and Pedro Martínez Losa? 24:19 - EURO 2025 play-off round up. 25:20 - England v Switzerland and Sarina Wiegman’s experimenting 27:25 - Reaction from Grace Clinton and Millie Bright 30:30 - England v USA, thoughts on the change of formation. BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this week:Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Newcastle v Liverpool – 5 Sports Extra Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Man City v Nottingham Forest – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Southampton v Chelsea – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Everton v Wolves – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 20:15 – Arsenal v Man Utd – 5 Live Wed 4 Dec, 20:15 – Aston Villa v Brentford – BBC Sport website Thu 5 Dec, 19:30 – Fulham v Brighton – 5 Sports Extra Thu 5 Dec, 20:15 – Bournemouth v Tottenham – 5 Live

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff speak to Tamworth FA Cup hero Jas Singh. They’re joined by Joe Jacobson as Wycombe make it 11 wins in a row. Luton and Plymouth struggling in the Championship, managers turning on players, and a tight promotion race at the top. Plus the latest on the Reading takeover, with another bid rejected.

Mark Chapman presents the Monday Night Club with Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Shay Given. They start the podcast with a guest appearance from Leyton Orient's heroic goalkeeper Josh Keeley, who scored a crucial goal in their FA Cup second-round tie against Oldham.They then react to the third-round draw, before moving on to digest the weekend's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.There is also time for reflection on the recent dip in form suffered by Aston Villa and Newcastle United, before touching on the managerial jobs facing Ruud van Nistelrooy, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney at Leicester City, Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle respectively. TIMECODES:00:20 - Leyton Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley 05:40 - FA Cup third-round draw reaction 08:51 - Manchester City 23:56 - Liverpool 32:52 - Aston Villa and Newcastle 41:16 - Leicester City and Ruud van Nistelrooy 45:11 - Frank Lampard at Coventry and Wayne Rooney at PlymouthBBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this week:Tue 3 Dec, 19:30 – Ipswich v Crystal Palace – 5 Live Tue 3 Dec, 20:15 – Leicester v West Ham – 5 Sports Extra Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Newcastle v Liverpool – 5 Sports Extra Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Man City v Nottingham Forest – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Southampton v Chelsea – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Everton v Wolves – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 20:15 – Arsenal v Man Utd – 5 Live Wed 4 Dec, 20:15 – Aston Villa v Brentford – BBC Sport website Thu 5 Dec, 19:30 – Fulham v Brighton – 5 Sports Extra Thu 5 Dec, 20:15 – Bournemouth v Tottenham – 5 Live

Liverpool go nine points clear after their 2-0 win vs Man City. Hear from Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola as Michael Brown and Nigel Reo-Coker have their say. Arsenal and Chelsea are very much in the mix. What kind of job does Ruud van Nistelrooy have on his hands at Leicester? And catch Ruben Amorim after Man Utd’s 4-0 win vs Everton.01:10 Browny’s padel prowess 03:30 Are Man City out of the title race? 05:45 Arne Slot on Liverpool going NINE clear 14:50 Pep Guardiola defends his record 18:25 Are any players letting Pep down? 21:50 Noel Gallagher sees the future 23:45 Arsenal and Chelsea in the mix 28:00 A Holland-themed ‘half-time teaser’ 30:05 Ruud awakening for new Leicester boss 32:55 Everton lose 4-0 at Manchester UnitedBBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this week: Tue 3 Dec, 19:30 – Ipswich v Crystal Palace – 5 Live Tue 3 Dec, 20:15 – Leicester v West Ham – 5 Sports Extra Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Newcastle v Liverpool – 5 Sports Extra Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Man City v Nottingham Forest – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Southampton v Chelsea – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 19:30 – Everton v Wolves – BBC Sport website Wed 4 Dec, 20:15 – Arsenal v Man Utd – 5 Live Wed 4 Dec, 20:15 – Aston Villa v Brentford – BBC Sport website Thu 5 Dec, 19:30 – Fulham v Brighton – 5 Sports Extra Thu 5 Dec, 20:15 – Bournemouth v Tottenham – 5 Live

In a special interview, new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim speaks to Mark Chapman about his appointment.Amorim explains why he already feels a connection with the club’s fans, and why his new role won’t change him as a person. He also talks about his time in Portugal, including how being released as a player by Benfica impacted him. TIMECODES 02:30 Making a connection with Man Utd fans 04:00 Being an emotional character 11:00 On seeing a psychologist as he came to the end of his playing career and prepared to become a coach 14:00 Getting inspiration from Jorge Jesus and Leonardo Jardim 18:00 The driving force behind each managerial move he’s made 21:00 On how moving to the club will change his life

Alistair Bruce-Ball, John Murray and Ian Dennis tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries, from getting lost in Portugal to navigating the new Champions League table. What’s it like preparing for a big game like Liverpool vs Man City? And who will take round two in Clash of the Commentators? Plus catch the latest entries into The Great Dictionary of Football Commentary.01:00 John’s tip troubles 03:00 Ian’s Portugal problems 08:05 Liverpool-Real Madrid reflections 14:05 Getting used to the UCL table 17:30 ‘New series’ of Liverpool-Man City 23:30 Training the commentators 28:30 Clash of the Commentators 33:55 Working at Selhurst Park 38:15 The Great Dictionary of Football CommentaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: 15:00 Sat 30 Nov: Crystal Palace v Newcastle – Premier League 17:30 Sat 30 Nov: West Ham v Arsenal – Premier League 13:30 Sun 1 Dec: Man Utd v Everton – Premier League 13:30 Sun 1 Dec: Chelsea v Aston Villa – Premier League – 5 Sports Extra 13:30 Sun 1 Dec: Tottenham v Fulham – Premier League – BBC Sport website 16:00 Sun 1 Dec: Liverpool v Man City – Premier League

Why the new Champions League has been far from easy for PSG and Real Madrid. John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague and Julien Laurens as they unpick the big stories after another week of drama in the Champions League. How deep are the issues at PSG and Real Madrid – and is there any chance they will fail to qualify? Plus, Robert Lewandowski has joined elite company after reaching 100 goals in the Champions League and Diego Simeone has reached a staggering 700 games in charge of Atletico Madrid.

Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff and Yeovil Town forward Frank Nouble react to the news that Frank Lampard is Mark Robins’ replacement as Coventry manager. Mike White from BBC Radio Humberside drops in to react to Hull City sacking Tim Walter, just a day after speaking to owner Acun Ilicali, who said his job would not be under threat. Plus, Russ Wilcox, manager of Gainsborough Trinity – the lowest ranked team in the FA Cup second round – joins the pod, and the panel chat about a 10/10 run for Wycombe.Time Codes:03:15 – Frank Lampard to Coventry 14:35 – Mike White on Hull City 26:20 – Wycombe 36:10 – Russ Wilcox of Gainsborough Trinity