Synopsis
The latest football news from BBC Radio 5 live with results, analysis, debate & exclusive interviews.
Episodes
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Monday Night Club: Is modern Premier League football rubbish?
07/04/2025 Duration: 54minAfter the Manchester Derby turned into a damp squib, Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Michael Brown discuss whether over-coaching, micro-management and a fear making mistakes has become an "illness in the game". They also ask why derbies have seemingly lost their spark.And after Ivan Juric left Southampton following their relegation, Glen de la Cour from the Total Saints podcast joins the MNC to discuss where the Saints go from here.Topics: 03:14 - What next for Southampton? 12:40 - Glen de la Cour from the Total Saints podcast 20:01 - Why won't promoted clubs adapt their style of play to suit the Premier League? 34:08 - Is modern Premier League football rubbish? 40:19 - Have derbies lost their spark? 48:44 - Where do you draw the line between coaching and micro-management?BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week:Arsenal v Real Madrid - Champions League - 20:00 - Tuesday 8th April PSG v Aston Villa - Champions League - 20:00 - Wednesday 9th April Lyon v Man Utd - Europa League - 20:00 - Thursday 1
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How to win the Champions League: Liverpool 2019
05/04/2025 Duration: 29minIn the latest episode of our mini-series on how to win the Champions League, Andy Robertson and Alisson look back on Liverpool’s win in the 2019 edition.They talk us through the dramatic run through the group stages and the iconic semi-final comeback against Barcelona. We get insight into how Jurgen Klopp inspired his team to win the tournament, why he was a father-figure to the squad and what it was like to receive a Klopp hug.They also explain why it was so emotional on the pitch after the final victory over Tottenham in Madrid.A BBC iPlayer documentary, featuring exclusive interviews and insight, is available to watch: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00276py/how-to-win-the-champions-leagueEpisode 1: How to win the Champions League: Real Madrid - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0kkgywsTIMECODES 02:00 The dramatic run through the earlier rounds, including THAT comeback v Barcelona 11:00 Pre-match ahead of the final – Jurgen Klopp and walking on the pitch 17:00 The emotional scenes after winning t
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The Commentators’ View: Stonewall penalties & Skjoldar/Vats/Vik/Vind
04/04/2025 Duration: 53minJohn Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk commentary life. From Ian’s penchant for pies at Celtic to whether the ‘dull’ Premier League should have play-offs to make it more interesting. One listener sets a new record for clubs with a slash in their names, and there’s a whole heap of controversy in a Clash of the Commentators basement battle. Plus, BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty joins for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary.02:55 Who ate all the pies? 05:40 Would Arsenal fans rather have Saka or Gabriel? 11:35 5 Live’s weekend commentaries 14:10 Should the ‘dull’ Premier League have play-offs? 20:35 A new record for clubs with a slash in their names 28:10 Controversy in Clash of the Commentators 37:20 Phil McNulty joins for the Great GlossaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Fri 2000 England women v Belgium in the UEFA Women's Nations League, Fri 1915 Wales women v Denmark on the BBC Sport website, Sat 1500 Crystal Palace v Brighton in the Premier League, Sat 1730 Aston
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In Focus with Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott
29/03/2025 Duration: 27minChelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze speaks exclusively to Alex Scott about her autism and ADHD diagnosis. Lucy's mum, Diane, had long suspected she may be autistic, but it wasn't until four years ago that Bronze was officially diagnosed as having autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).Lucy has had outstanding success as a footballer, both at home and abroad, and during this chat she tells Alex how her neurodiversity has impacted her life both on and off the pitch and why some of her differences have been her strengths.TIMECODES: 1:02 - On receiving her autism diagnosis and ADHD four years ago. 3:13 - The process of getting diagnosed 5:00 - On her most notable neurodivergent traits 7:10 - Do her teammates know? 9:20 - Being ‘obsessed’ with football and how her differences have been her strengths. 10:26 - How does it affect her on the football pitch? 12:25 - Masking and copying the behaviours of Jill Scott. 15:54 - Her experiences of playing abroad and being in diverse environments. 16:
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The Commentators’ View: Peckish for pies & Ali Bruce-Burglar
28/03/2025 Duration: 51minThe trio are back together as John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk commentary life. Expect more football lookalikes, a tight Clash of the Commentators and which football terms will make it into the Great Glossary of Football Commentary?04:35 More clubs with a slash in their name 07:50 The famous ‘One team in Tallinn’ match 11:20 Another soundalike to test your ears 17:15 An update on the Golden Mic goal ratios 20:05 Ali explains his ‘Bruce-Burglar’ nickname 25:00 Ian looking forward to a Celtic pie 31:20 The guys are ‘all back’ for Clash of the Commentators 37:50 Another ‘top corner’ term goes in the Great GlossaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Sat 1215 Fulham v Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, Sat 1500 Celtic v Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, Sat 1715 Brighton v Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, Sun 1330 Preston v Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
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Euro Leagues: Pet turtles and the two-metre Messi
27/03/2025 Duration: 39minWho keeps four turtles in their fridge? And who is the two-metre Messi? John Bennett is joined by Julien Laurens, Rafa Honigstein and Mina Rzouki for some interesting chat about European football and so much more. The team discuss a novel approach to match coverage in French broadcasting. Have Germany unearthed a new number nine? Do Italy have an identity under Luciano Spaletti? And have France filled the gap left by the retirement of Antoine Griezmann? Plus – were Juventus right to sack Thiago Motta? And how furious are Bayern Munich after a serious injury suffered by Alphonso Davies playing for Canada. TIMECODES: 0 mins: Intro 1.06: The reaction in Germany to Thomas Tuchel’s start as England manager 4.09: Live coverage of the 12th tier of French football 8.33: Germany’s search for a number nine – featuring Tim Kleindienst (who keeps turtles) and Nick Woltemade (who is very tall). 16.24: Have the Italian team got an identity? 19.54: Why can Italy no longer produce world-class players? 22.20: Can Michael Ol
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That Season When: Blackburn won the league
26/03/2025 Duration: 01h14minSir Kenny Dalglish, Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer are among the guests as Kelly Cates looks back on Blackburn's famous title win in 1995.Midfielder Mark Atkins explains how the club was rejuvenated by owner Jack Walker's investment, while Rob Coar, then club chairman, gives the view from the boardroom.And is it fair to say the club bought the title? Football finance expert Kieran Maguire goes through the figures. TIMECODES 10:00 Mark Atkins on Blackburn's redevelopment; 15:20 Alan Shearer on his famous partnership with Chris Sutton; 29:00 Sir Kenny Dalglish's reflections as manager; 50:00 Robert Coar's view from the boardroom 01:05:00 Kieran Maguire on Blackburn's finances that season.
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The Commentators’ View: Sadiq Mourinho & Roy of the Rovers
21/03/2025 Duration: 57minJohn Murray & Ian Dennis are joined by former BBC Wales football correspondent Rob Phillips. They discuss his journey following the Wales national team and seeing Gareth Bale’s rise from the youth team. Herr Chapman claims another sticky-handed victim dipping into their sweets on the radio. More football lookalikes, England v Wales in Clash of the Commentators and there’s a high bar to get into the Great Glossary of Football Commentary.03:00 Rob Phillips’ journey following Wales 09:50 Following Gareth Bale’s rise from the start 19:50 Herr Chapman is at it again… 21:40 John’s Mike Gatting incident 24:05 More football lookalikes & soundalikes 29:10 Play-by-play commentary sharing 36:20 England v Wales in Clash of the Commentators 45:20 What will enter the Great Glossary?BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Fri 1945 England v Albania in World Cup qualifier, Sun 1430 Man City v Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, Mon 1945 England v Latvia in World Cup qualifier.
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Mark Chapman meets….JJ Watt
19/03/2025 Duration: 30minNFL legend and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt chats to Mark Chapman. They discuss everything from bench pressing with the Burnley players to the uncertainty of the NFL draft. Watt opens up on why he decided to invest in Burnley – and why once he did so, he was determined to win over the fans, just as he did after moving to Houston as an American footballer. They also discuss goalkeeper James Trafford, the difference between sports that do and do not have relegation and the contrasting schedule between the NFL and the EFL.TIMECODES 0 mins: JJ’s interest in learning about the business of football 4 mins: The importance of community when you join a club 5 mins: The danger element of investing in a sport that has relegation 8 mins: The insight that JJ can offer the board as a former professional athlete. 12 mins: James Trafford – and the art of goalkeeping 16 mins: The difference in football and NFL schedules 19 mins: JJ’s experiences in the NFL draft 25 mins: The big salaries paid to sportsmen and how they handle them
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Destination New Jersey: Host tensions, expansion beneficiaries & the Comoros dream
18/03/2025 Duration: 50minIs the tension between World Cup co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico a concern? Can Comoros complete the ultimate underdog story? Plus, will Chris Wood and Erling Haaland be firing in the goals for New Zealand and Norway next year?Kelly Cates and Rory Smith get our countdown to 2026 underway in Destination New Jersey. JT Batson, CEO & Secretary General of the US Soccer Federation, joins us to discuss their preparations for the tournament. Former New Zealand manager, Ricki Herbert, talks up their chances of making it to next summer’s World Cup 16 years after he guided them to South Africa. President of the Norwegian Football Association, Lise Klaveness, explains the pressure on them to ensure Erling Haaland and their talented generation can reach the finals. And we’re joined by former Wolves boss Stefano Cusin as he bids to take Comoros to their first World Cup. TIMECODES: 02:10 - JT Batson – CEO & Secretary General of US Soccer Federation 17:50 - Stefano Cusin – Comoros manager 26:19 – Ricki Herbert – Fo
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BONUS: A first glimpse at Tuchel’s England
18/03/2025 Duration: 20minWhen did Dan Burn find out he was in the running for a place in the England squad? And how did Thomas Tuchel break the ice with Morgan Gibbs-White to call him up having initially left him out of the 26-man squad? Both Burn and Gibbs-White have been speaking to John Murray, who’s with Ian Dennis at St George’s Park for a first glimpse of Thomas Tuchel’s England. TIMECODES: 02:08 – Dan Burn Interview 07:10 – Is Tuchel looking for character in his call ups? 07:45 – Which Under 21s trained with the England squad? 08:29 – What’s different at St George’s Park under Tuchel? 12:45 – Morgan Gibbs White interview 18:47 – Just 24 training sessions to the 2026 World Cup?
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The exclusive Michail Antonio interview: 'I was close to dying'
17/03/2025 Duration: 11minIn an exclusive interview with BBC Morning Live’s Helen Skelton, Michail opens up about just how badly injured he was, what he remembers of the day, how his children have been shielded from the worst of the news, and why he is so certain he will play at the highest level in the near future.
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The psychology evolution in football – how elite managers cope with pressure
15/03/2025 Duration: 30minRick Edwards heads to Brentford’s training ground to speak to head coach Thomas Frank and the club’s psychologist Michael Caulfield.They sit down in the manager’s office to discuss the evolution of psychology in football, dealing with the extreme highs and lows and unique pressures.Thomas Frank was appointed Bees boss back in October 2018 making him the second longest serving manager in the Premier League behind Pep Guardiola. As well as Brentford Michael Caulfield has worked with a number of other football clubs and managers including Gareth Southgate and a wide range of other sports from horseracing to darts.
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The Commentators’ View: Arriving late & Ian’s caught sticky-handed
14/03/2025 Duration: 56minConor McNamara returns with Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball to tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. On the agenda this week: being late for games, who brings the sweets and what it’s like splitting a commentary between commentators. What will be added/removed when it comes to the Great Glossary? And a new record is set in Clash of the Commentators!02:00 Conor recounts his first 5 Live commentary 03:25 How did Ali fare with his new glasses? 04:25 Who is Chris Sutton’s lookalike? 05:45 Man Utd turn another corner? 07:15 Sweets during commentary 10:35 Being late for commentaries 17:20 More lookalikes and soundalikes 20:45 Conor goes ‘back to the future’ 25:30 Clash of the Commentators 32:20 Commentators splitting a commentary 40:35 Great Glossary of Football CommentaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 1500 Ipswich v Nottingham Forest, Sat 1730 Bournemouth v Brentford, Sun 1330 Arsenal v Chelsea, Sun 1330 Fulham v Tottenham on 5 Sports Extra, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Newcastl
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks Man Utd finances, stadium plans & Ruben Amorim
10/03/2025 Duration: 37minManchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sits down exclusively with BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan. They discuss his ‘challenging’ first year at the club, manager Ruben Amorim, the club’s finances, ticket price rises, his cost-cutting programme, plans for a new stadium and more. Find more on this interview across the BBC Sport website and app and watch the conversation on BBC iPlayer.BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Tue 11 Mar 2000 Liverpool v PSG in the Champions League, Wed 12 Mar 2000 Aston Villa v Club Brugge in the Champions League, Thu 13 Mar 2000 Man Utd v Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
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Introducing......Football on Trial: The Manchester City Charges
09/03/2025 Duration: 26minClive Myrie tells the football story of the century: the rise of Manchester City and the Premier League allegations of financial rule-breaking that threaten to bring the club crashing down. Football on Trial is a Tortoise Media production for BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Live.
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In Focus with Frank Lampard and Dion Dublin
08/03/2025 Duration: 22minDion Dublin visits Coventry City's training ground to speak with manager Frank Lampard.The Sky Blues find themselves 5th in the Championship, with eight wins in their last nine games, having been 17th in the table when Lampard took charge. He talks about benefiting from 18 months out of management, his previous jobs, his time at Coventry so far and ambitions for the final 11 games of the season.
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The Commentators’ View: Media caviar & the Bayern buffet
07/03/2025 Duration: 56minIan Dennis is back with John Murray & Ali Bruce-Ball to tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From John’s fancy food at PSG to seeing ‘episcopal purple’ in Notre-Dame. It’s Ian vs John in a Liverpool-themed Clash of the Commentators. And what will make it into the Great Glossary of Football Commentary?04:00 Ali gets glasses & football lookalikes 06:50 Using visual identifiers when players look similar 13:30 ‘Smash and grab’ for the Great Glossary? 18:40 Ian sees eight goals in Eindhoven 25:10 Caviar and runny cheese in Paris! 28:15 Back to the league in Clash of the Commentators 35:50 Great Glossary criteria are tightened up 40:20 Ali and John called into the Commentators’ Dock 52:30 ‘In and around’BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 8 Mar 1500 Liverpool v Southampton, Sat 8 Mar 1730 Brentford v Aston Villa, Sun 9 Mar 1400 Chelsea v Leicester, Sun 9 Mar 1630 Man Utd v Arsenal.
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The Commentators’ View: Peter Drury & episcopal eutopia
28/02/2025 Duration: 57minPeter Drury goes behind the microphone with John Murray and Alistair Bruce-Ball. He talks through his early days as a 5 Live football commentator, his relationship with words and how he thinks he may have put the commentator’s curse on Manchester United! Also Peter goes head-to-head with John Murray in a heavyweight Clash of the Commentators. And clarification on the Great Glossary criteria!03:45 Peter’s route into the industry 05:50 Peter’s first radio commentary 11:30 Peter’s broadcasting inspirations 17:45 Peter ‘showing off’ on Sports Report 20:05 ‘Words have been my best friend and my worst enemy’ 22:25 What is the best ‘Commentators’ View’ in sport? 27:00 Guilty examples of the ‘commentator’s curse’ 32:20 Heavyweight ‘Clash of the Commentators’ 43:45 The ‘Great Glossary’ rules are ironed outBBC Sounds / 5 Live FA Cup commentaries this weekend: Fri 28 Feb 2000 Aston Villa v Cardiff, Sat 1 Mar 1215 Crystal Palace v Millwall, Sat 1 Mar 1215 Preston v Burnley on BBC Sport website, Sat 1 Mar 1500 Bournemouth
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In Focus with Matheus Cunha
22/02/2025 Duration: 31minWolves forward Matheus Cunha welcomes Kelly Somers to the club for a sit-down, where he talks about life in the Premier League, battling relegation and his aspirations on the international scene with Brazil.