Episodes

  • Don't Know Much About Football - Episode 1: Exploring Manchester United Fandom


    In this inaugural in-person episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' hosts Ian and Karlo welcome their guest Kurston to discuss their passion for the beautiful game. Broadcasting from a newly converted podcast studio in Oakland, they delve into Kurston's journey as a lifelong football enthusiast and a dedicated Manchester United supporter. The episode covers the history of Manchester United, including its iconic players and managers, as well as the team's current state and future prospects under manager Erik ten Hag. The conversation also explores the broader state of football in America, touching on the challenges and opportunities for youth soccer development. The episode concludes with predictions for Manchester United and Liverpool for the upcoming Premier League season and a lighthearted discussion about the complexities of supporting rival clubs while maintaining close friendships.


    00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

    00:47 Introducing Our Special Guest

    03:25 Kurston's Journey to Manchester United Fandom

    10:02 Rivalries and Friendships

    13:35 Football Quiz Time

    20:05 Learning More About Manchester United

    24:44 Modern Football Systems and Ten Hag's Challenges

    26:08 Ineos Investment and Manchester United's Business Strategy

    27:44 Coordinated Pressing and Player Transfers

    29:25 The Future of Football in America

    31:14 Challenges in Youth Soccer Accessibility

    32:56 American Football Style and Statistics

    44:37 Manchester United's Season Predictions

    47:05 Liverpool's Prospects and Combined 11 Discussion

    51:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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  • Liverpool's Season Opener: A Tale of Two Halves


    In this episode, the hosts discuss Liverpool's mixed performance in their season opener against Ipswich Town. The analysis covers the slow and sloppy first half, attributed to returning players shaking off rust from the preseason and international break. The conversation highlights positive aspects such as Liverpool's solid defense, lack of threat from Ipswich Town, and admiration for the new Liverpool kit. The second half sees an improvement with a tactical substitution and standout performances from players like Salah, who continues to break records. The episode also contrasts the coaching styles of Slot and Klopp, noting Slot's calmer demeanor and its potential benefits for the team throughout the season. Overall, the hosts express cautious optimism and satisfaction with the initial victory and three points earned in the Premier League opener.


    00:00 Match Begins with Disappointing Start

    00:17 Analyzing the First Half Performance

    00:52 Liverpool's New Kit and Ipswich's Appearance

    01:55 Second Half Changes and Key Players

    02:45 Comparing Coaching Styles: Slott vs Klopp

    04:27 Match Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    05:47 Looking Ahead: Season Expectations


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  • Diving into Manchester City with Special Guest Scott


    In this episode of Don't Know Much About Football, the hosts welcome special guest Scott to discuss his journey as a Manchester City supporter. They delve into Scott's background in football, from playing as a youngster to supporting Man City during the pandemic. Scott talks about the club's history, key players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, and provides insights into current team dynamics and prospects for the season. They also explore the evolution of football in the U.S., youth development, and factors affecting the sport's popularity. The episode concludes with a fun quiz on Manchester City's history and achievements.


    00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Guest

    01:10 Scott's Personal Football Journey

    02:11 Becoming a Manchester City Fan

    04:20 Erling Haaland: The Star Player

    06:48 Youth Football in the U.S.

    09:51 Challenges in U.S. Youth Soccer

    12:58 The Future of Soccer in the U.S.

    22:28 The Inclusivity of Football

    23:30 Switching Gears: The Quiz Begins

    24:03 Manchester City's Early History

    25:28 Stadium and Nicknames Trivia

    26:38 Hall of Fame Inductees

    27:55 Supporters and Rivalries

    31:35 Season Predictions and Key Players

    37:58 Pep Guardiola's Impact

    38:48 Conclusion and Farewell


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  • Liverpool Fandom: Deep Dive into Football Passion and Heritage


    In this episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' hosts Ian and Carlo are joined by their guest Sarah, a passionate Liverpool FC fan. The episode explores Sarah's journey to becoming a Liverpool supporter, starting from her first exposure to football during the 2006 World Cup and evolving through her relationship with her husband, a lifelong Liverpool fan. The conversation covers a range of topics including the emotional experience of attending a live match at Anfield, the cultural and social aspects of football in the UK, and the unique elements that make Liverpool FC special. They also delve into the expectations for Liverpool's new manager, tactics, and potential transfer strategies, alongside a fun quiz that tests Sarah's and the hosts' knowledge about Liverpool FC trivia. The episode concludes with discussions on Liverpool's playing style and what fans hope to see in the upcoming season.


    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

    01:46 Sarah's Journey to Becoming a Liverpool Fan

    05:07 The Impact of the World Cup on American Soccer

    07:05 The Rise of Women's Soccer in the U.S.

    13:03 Discussing Liverpool's Kits and Apparel

    19:41 Sarah's Favorite Clubs and Football Culture

    22:34 Experiencing Anfield: A Unique Perspective

    28:52 Entering the Stadium: A Visual and Emotional Experience

    29:27 The Anthem and the Crowd: An Overwhelming Experience

    29:56 The Unique Atmosphere of a Liverpool Match

    30:55 Reflecting on the Communal Experience

    33:07 Football Culture in Scotland

    36:17 Quiz Time: Test Your Liverpool Knowledge

    43:26 Expectations for Liverpool's New Coach

    45:23 Transfer Market and Team Strategy

    51:14 Hopes for the Upcoming Season

    54:00 Closing Thoughts and Farewell


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  • Reflecting on Season One: Journey into Podcasting and Football


    In this episode, hosts Karlo and Ian reflect on their journey through the first season of their podcast 'Don't Know Much About Football.' They discuss their inspirations, the creation process, and learnings from covering major international football events like the Euros and Copa America. They also share their excitement for upcoming Season Two, which will dive deeper into club football by having conversations with fans of Premier League teams. Karlo and Ian outline plans for new segments, including quizzes and predictions, and emphasize the accessible nature of podcasting, encouraging others to start their own.


    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

    00:32 Reflecting on Season One

    01:20 The Origin Story

    02:22 Podcasting Journey and Learnings

    05:43 Season One Highlights

    17:50 Looking Ahead to Season Two

    27:11 Conclusion and Call to Action


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  • Addressing Racism, Safety, and Violence in Football


    In this episode, the hosts discuss the troubling resurgence of racism and violence in football, highlighted by a recent incident involving the Argentine squad singing a racist and transphobic song about the French team. The conversation explores the complexities of racism in football, mentioning historical and current events, such as the abuse faced by black players, and how different countries respond to these issues. They also address a violent episode involving player Darwin Nunez defending his family during a match, highlighting the need for better safety measures and management in high-stakes games. The episode ends with brief mentions of coaching changes in England and the US and the future of football teams.


    00:00 Is Racism Going Underground in Football?

    01:18 Racism in Football: A Global Perspective

    03:55 Football's Response to Racism

    08:29 The Role of Players in Combating Racism

    10:42 Violence in Football: A Growing Concern

    14:02 Ensuring Safety in Football Events

    17:43 Leadership Changes in Football

    19:47 Wrapping Up


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  • The Longevity of Football Stars and the Rise of Youth Talent


    In this episode, Carlo and Ian dive into the topic of whether veteran football stars like Messi and Ronaldo are staying in the game too long. They discuss their recent performances in international tournaments and the advancements in sports science that allow athletes to extend their careers. The conversation then transitions to the emergence of young football talents such as Lamine Yamal and contrasts their rapid progress with other sports. They examine how different development systems and cultural attitudes impact young athletes' careers. The discussion also touches on the importance of grassroots investments and local clubs in developing future stars, suggesting a cohort-based management approach for national teams to optimize talent growth.


    00:00 Introduction and Main Question

    00:15 Messi and Ronaldo: Past Their Prime?

    00:52 The Impact of Advanced Sports Science

    01:57 Young Players Rising

    02:05 Nostalgia vs. Performance

    05:05 The Future of Football: Young Stars

    07:48 Youth Development Systems

    13:32 Grassroots and Local Clubs

    18:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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  • Does football need halftime shows?


    In this episode, Carlo and Ian discuss the recent events and observations from the summer's international football tournaments, particularly the Euros and Copa America. They talk about the standout performances, the differences in quality and organization between the two tournaments, and specific matches that caught their attention. The conversation also touches on the impact of refereeing decisions, the challenges of playing in different conditions like humidity and watered pitches, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of halftime shows and American sports production techniques. The episode concludes with ideas on enhancing the viewing experience and making the sport more accessible to diverse audiences.


    00:00 Recap of International Tournaments

    01:15 Comparing Euros and Copa America

    03:24 Refereeing Controversies

    04:27 Highlights and Standout Players

    09:09 Watering Pitches and Game Dynamics

    15:11 Halftime Show and Americanization of Football

    19:06 Enhancing Football Viewing Experience


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  • Understanding the Role of a Sporting Director and Insights on Football Substitutions


    In this episode, the hosts discuss the often-misunderstood role of a sporting director in football, using Liverpool's new coach Arne Slott and sporting director Richard Hughes as focal points. They explore the parallels between sporting directors and general managers in American sports, emphasizing the strategic long-term roles they play in the club's success. The conversation also covers the dynamics of football substitutions and penalties, particularly in international competitions like the Euros and Copa America. The hosts reflect on Gareth Southgate's strategies for England, the importance of fitness data in decisions, and the differences in substitution strategies across various leagues and tournaments.


    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

    00:04 Understanding the Role of a Sporting Director

    02:26 Insights from Arne Slott's Press Conference

    03:22 Richard Hughes: A Biographical Note

    04:04 Accents and Communication in Football

    04:58 First Impressions of Arne Slott

    10:00 Substitutions and Penalties in Football

    16:18 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell


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  • The Future of American Soccer: Challenges and Opportunities


    In this discussion, hosts delve deep into the current state and future prospects of American men's soccer, with a particular focus on Copa America and its impact. They explore themes like the importance of success in fostering national interest, the role of infrastructure, and the significance of market strategies to fill stadiums. They analyze various factors that affect the sport's growth, including youth development, ticket pricing, and the perception of the sport among mainstream audiences. The conversation also touches upon broader implications such as international player fees and the long-term vision for U.S. soccer. Throughout, the hosts maintain a focus on constructive criticism and brainstorming to foster the growth of soccer in the United States.


    00:00 Introduction to COPPA and American Football

    00:55 Copa America and Its Impact on American Football

    02:22 Challenges Facing American Football

    03:56 Marketing and Audience Engagement Strategies

    07:13 Refereeing and Fair Play Concerns

    10:56 Future Prospects for USA Men's Team

    16:17 Infrastructure and Grassroots Development

    20:14 International Fees and Financial Aspects


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  • Football Talk: Predictions, Penalties, and Perspectives


    In this episode, hosts Carlo and Ian discuss various football tournaments including the Copa America and the Euros, sharing their thoughts and predictions on upcoming matches. The duo chats about the nuances of penalty shootouts and even draw parallels to ESPN's 'Pardon the Interruption' for analyzing mistakes. Their conversation delves into the socioeconomic impact of football, highlighting Sadio Mane's universal basic income program in Senegal. With a mix of light-hearted birthday banter and serious football analysis, they reflect on their evolving understanding of the sport and the broader societal implications.


    00:00 Introduction and Birthday Wishes

    00:50 Football Topics Overview

    03:34 Semi-Finals Predictions

    06:07 Penalty Kicks Discussion

    09:27 Copa America Matches

    11:55 Upcoming Matches and Predictions

    17:00 Economic Power of Football

    18:51 Conclusion and Call for Interns (jk)


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  • Euros Recap: Netherlands Dominance, Turkey’s Surprise, and England's Narrow Escape


    In this episode, we dive into the latest action from the Euros, starting with the Netherlands' impressive win over Romania. We discuss Donyell Malen's standout performance and speculate on his future prospects. The conversation moves to Liverpool players like Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez and their potential roles in the squad. We also analyze the surprising outcomes from teams like Austria and Turkey, and track the progress of other noteworthy teams like France and Spain. Finally, we break down England's tight match against Slovakia and critique Gareth Southgate's coaching decisions, particularly around substitutions. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the current state of play in the Euros and what to expect in the upcoming quarterfinals.


    00:00 Euro 2024: Netherlands' Performance

    04:31 Euro 2024: Underdogs and Surprises

    09:47 Euro 2024: Portugal's Journey and Ronaldo's Role

    12:51 England vs. Slovakia: Coaching and Substitutions

    22:24 Quarterfinal Predictions and Wrap-Up


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  • Analyzing Copa America & Speculations on Football Transfers


    In this episode, we delve into the recent Copa America matches, focusing on the USA vs. Uruguay game and the performance of key players like Darwin Nunez. We discuss the different football environments and refereeing standards around the world. Transitioning to football business, we cover the complexities of transfer rumors, particularly surrounding Anthony Gordon, and the implications of the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR). The episode also touches on the impact of international vs. club football and the ongoing fiscal dynamics in the sport.


    0:00 Episode 12

    08:15 Transfer Season and Business of Football

    13:00 Premier League's Competitive Balance

    13:36 Newcastle's Financial Struggles

    15:20 Homegrown Talent at Liverpool

    15:51 Liverpool's Attacking Needs

    18:17 Business of Football: PSR and Structures

    19:48 Analyzing Gordon's Potential


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  • Analyzing Team USA's Performance & Treasuring Football Culture: A Deep Dive


    Join us in this insightful session as we discuss the journey of Team USA in recent games versus Uruguay, reflect on the importance of football culture in smaller countries, and assess America's current football dynamics. From download statistics of previous episodes to personal anecdotes, this video explores the technical aspects and the broader implications of soccer in the U.S. We'll also touch on topics such as training methodologies, youth engagement, and the potential impact of global players like Ronaldo. Learn how international teams and competitive sports culture can influence American football's growth, and enjoy our tactical breakdowns of recent matches.


    00:00 Introduction and Listener Stats

    00:51 Geographic Breakdown of Listeners

    01:54 Podcast Goals and Future Topics

    03:19 Discussion on USA vs Uruguay Match

    06:18 Challenges in US Men's Soccer

    15:16 Youth Soccer Development in the US


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  • Euro Cup Drama: Italy's Last-Minute Goal, Controversial Referees, and Portugal's Star Power


    Join us as we dive into the latest Euro Cup action! We'll discuss Italy's thrilling last-minute equalizer against Croatia, which left Croatia in a tough spot. We'll also examine the controversial refereeing decisions in the goalless match between the Netherlands and France, and highlight Portugal's star-studded squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Don't miss our insights on the teams and players who are making this tournament unforgettable.


    00:00 Introduction and Group B Overview

    00:11 Italy vs Croatia: A Dramatic Finish

    01:29 Spain and Italy: Football Heavyweights

    01:49 Netherlands vs France: Controversial Match

    02:40 Refereeing Controversies in European Football

    04:00 Group F Spotlight: Portugal and Ronaldo

    05:32 Portugal's Football Legacy and Future

    06:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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  • Euro 2024 Group Stage Update: Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, England and More!


    In this episode, we discuss the Euros group stages, focusing on Groups A and C. Group A's completion sees Germany and Switzerland advancing, with Hungary likely following as one of the best third-placed teams. The hosts also analyze England's performance in Group C, along with Denmark and Slovenia's challenges. Implications of coach Gareth Southgate's strategy and team fitness are scrutinized alongside commentary on the international team management dynamics. Don't miss insights on Portugal's Ronaldo and his role in the competition.


    00:00 Introduction to the Euros

    00:21 Group A Analysis: Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Scotland

    03:28 Group C Analysis: England, Denmark, and Slovenia

    04:01 Criticism and Challenges for England's National Team

    06:29 Coaching Dynamics in International Competitions

    09:05 Media Pressure and Expectations on English Players


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  • Liverpool Updates: Alan Hanson's Health and New Head Coach Arne Slott's Interview


    In this episode, the hosts discuss the positive news about Alan Hanson's recovery and discharge from the hospital. They also delve into a recent 15-20 minute interview with Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slott, highlighting his communication skills, clear vision for the team, and his respectful approach to Jurgen Klopp's departure. The hosts share their impressions of Arne Slott’s style, his engaging personality, and his plans to integrate new coaching members from Feyenoord to elevate Liverpool's performance.


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  • Don't Know Much About Football Session 2: Session 1 Recap and Small Countries


    In this episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' hosts Ian Storrar and Karlo Marcello reflect on the progress and reception of their podcast. They discuss various matches from the Euros and Copa America, highlighting key performances and mistakes. Special topics include the performance of national teams relative to the size and resources of their countries and a detailed look at Liverpool's new coach, Arne Slot. The episode concludes with thoughts on how socio-economic factors influence football success.


    00:00 Introduction and Week One Recap

    00:54 Reflecting on Football Knowledge and Fanaticism

    05:08 Discussing Small Country National Teams and Performance


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  • The DKMAF team wrap up the first session with a discussion of Liverpool F.C. looking back at the last season and a little bit about the transfer window and next season.

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