Soccer 101

With Messi's final Argentina farewell looming, Graham and Taylor take a look back at his time with the national team: from a red card on his debut to somehow still looking elite as a 39-year-old in 2026, we trace his time with Argentina to understand the lowest lows and the highest highs.

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On this week's episode, we're diving into football in India: it's the world's most populous country, but why can't it qualify for a World Cup? We get into the history of the sport in the country, the growth of the domestic professional league, and the possible explanations for why the world's most popular sport still hasn't quite caught on yet.

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With young talent, a manager full of potential, wealth that would make Scrooge McDuck look like a pauper, and an idyllic location, Como has become one of the biggest stories in Italian football. How have they had such a meteoric rise? What role have players and tactics played in those successes? What does the future hold, both for this season and beyond? All that and much more on this week's episode!

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This week, we dive into the dominance of the Premier League: when did it take the top spot in terms of global popularity and league strength? What factors allowed it to become the dominant league in the world? Can any other leagues challenge them, anytime soon?

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Paul Pogba went from teenage wonderkid to World Cup winner to a doping ban that nearly ended everything. And now, out at Monaco but battling fresh injury setbacks, his career is at another crossroads. We trace the full ride: his breakout at Juventus, his blockbuster return to Manchester United (and why it never quite clicked), the positive drug test that derailed everything, his comeback attempt in France, and what might come next — including whether MLS could be the final chapter.

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Graham and Taylor are together again on the 101 feed to discuss the return of Ted Lasso! How did the show go from NBC ad to beloved series? What role has it played in helping grow the game in the US? What are our personal opinions on the show, the storylines, and what's worked (and not worked).

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The Premier League of Bosnia was born in 2000 out of the wreckage of a brutal civil war, and served as a deliberate attempt to unite three separate ethnic football cultures under one roof. It hasn't always worked cleanly, but out of that turbulence came something remarkable: a golden generation that took a young, war-scarred nation to its first World Cup in 2014, and now back again in 2026.

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This week, we head back to South America to do a little World Cup previewing... and this week, it's Ecuador! How have they risen to such prominence so quickly? Where does their talent come from geographically, and what does that say about the socioeconomics of the region? Plus, biggest and most successful clubs, legendary players, and an insane ranking in terms of the league's quality. All that and much more!

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We spend some time in the country that has been several other countries in its footballing history: Czechia. From uncommon German roots to the impact of The Iron Curtain to modern challengers to the conventional favorites, we get into it all!

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This week, we're spending some time in a nation with a complicated soccer history that mirrors its own complicated history: South Africa! From apartheid pitches to match fixing scandals, how soccer in the country has grown from an act of resistance to the nation's most popular sport.

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This week, we spend some time on a topic that seems absurd but is actually already widespread: Artificial Intelligence in modern soccer. What are its present applications, how common is it today (and who uses it), its positive uses versus negative drawbacks, and its future in the sport.

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Disclaimer - This is Taylor. I edited this episode. I talk A LOT. Even by my standards. But it's the first time I've gotten to talk about Turkiye in detail in a very long time, from its massive history (soccer and non-soccer), political upheaval, 3-club-dominance, Kemalism, Gulen vs Erdogan, and much much more! Plus, why Hakan Suker went from national superstar and up-and-coming politician, to living in exile and driving Uber in the United States.

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We're traveling to a land that tends to fly under-the-radar when it comes to the hype machine, but has been quietly influential in world soccer since the mid-19th century: Switzerland. What is the history of the country's top flight, how has the league evolved over time, who are its biggest and most successful clubs, and what role has the league played in shaping the Swiss national team.

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This week, we're talking about THE dark horse candidate at every World Cup since 2010... it's Uruguay. The four-time world champion has one of the oldest leagues in South America, but how did it come to be, how has it evolved over time, and who are its dominant clubs? Plus, how Diego Godin helped kill a deal that was hurting the national team, why so many of their best players have so few caps for the massively successful clubs of the league, and much much more!

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In an effort to not only be depressing when discussing the World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a look at the lighter side of the tournament, and weigh in on the best balls, mascots and anthems in the tournament's history. Plus, what are sticker albums and why aren't they more common in the US?

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This week, Graham and Taylor spend some time trying to scratch the surface of the complicated history of soccer in Egypt: how did the sport rise to prominence, which club has dominated both the country and the continent, the occasionally hostile relationship between government and supporters, and much much more! Plus, how has the Egyptian Premier League, the country's top flight, helped shape Egypt national teams, past and present?

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On this week's episode, inspired by the latest chaos surrounding the 2026 World Cup, we take a look at the history of upheaval at the tournament: when have teams withdrawn, what happens when they do, have hosts ever had to drop out, what are the issues facing the upcoming iteration, and much much more!

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This week, it's the country for whom De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku and Courtois have all played... just not in terms of the domestic league: Belgium! We trace the full arc of the top flight in the tiny nation, from the league's founding in 1895 through the golden era of the 1970s and 80s when Anderlecht and Club Brugge were genuine European forces, through the match-fixing scandals and the sprawling corruption investigation that rocked the sport in Belgium in the late 2010s, and into the present day. And along the way, we try to determine just why a country so rich in football talent has ended up with a league better known as a stepping stone than a destination.

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On this week's show, we spend probably way too much time discussing the Rise of Wrexham (TM). Just kidding. They've probably already got that trademarked. How have they succeeded so fast, so quickly? Can they stay alive in a Premier League world? Can a club be an underdog and a juggernaut, simultaneously? All that, and much much more!

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In honor of Pellegrino Matarazzo's strong start to life with Real Sociedad, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing American managers in Europe's top five leagues. How many have their been, who was THE trailblazer, is there a stigma against them (and is it fair), possible candidates for future gigs, and much much more!

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How does a country of under four million people keep churning out World Cup semifinalists and all-time great midfielders? In this episode, we break down the history of Croatian football, from the founding of the HNL in the early 1990s to its modern role as a talent factor, and look at how clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, and Rijeka shaped a league built more on development than spending. We’ll explain where the Croatian league fits in Europe, why domestic dominance doesn’t tell the whole story, and how a clear footballing identity, elite coaching, and a relentless export pipeline helped produce global stars. And, of course, why writing them off ahead of the 2026 World Cup would be a familiar mistake.

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With the World Cup looming in the distance, Graham and Taylor discuss the decision to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48. Who led the campaign? Is it all just for money? What are the perceived benefits and drawbacks to the change in format? Will FIFA stop at 48? All that and much much more!

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Graham and Taylor continue to preview the 2026 World Cup by taking a look at the domestic leagues of the participating nations, and this week it's Jordan's turn! How long has the league been around, who are its dominant club teams and how do they represent the country itself, and what role has the league played in shaping the national team. Plus, a potted history of Jordan as a nation, for those (like us) who need it!

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English managers were once the default in the Premier League; now, they’re a rarity. In this episode, we trace the sharp decline of English coaches across the Premier League and Europe’s “Big Five” leagues, unpacking how and why the numbers fell over time. Is this a failure of coaching education, a bias in club hiring, or a consequence of the modern, globalized game? Does the shortage of top English managers actually matter for English soccer, and could it be holding the national game back? Finally, we look ahead: could a new generation be poised to change the narrative?

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Graham and Taylor continue to preview the 2026 World Cup by taking a look at the domestic leagues of the participating nations, and this week it's Austria's turn. How long has the league been around, how has it evolved from intellectual powerhouse to developmental hotbed, and what role has the league played in shaping the national team.

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This week, Graham and Taylor are diving into the world of soccer punditry: what they do, why they do it, the early pioneers, the importance of ex-players in generating greater understanding of the game itself, and the best (and worst) examples of modern punditry.

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We continue to look at domestic soccer in the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's our friends in the north: Norway. How has the Norwegian top flight evolved over the decades, why doesn't have the awesome name it used to have, a club that could never lose, and much much more! Plus, we ponder just how many goals Haaland could score if he took his talents to the south beach... of Oslo.

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Why do American sports teams constantly build shiny new stadiums while many European clubs play in the same grounds that their supporters grandparents' attended? In this episode, we dig into the cultural, economic, and fan-experience factors that explain why stadium life looks so different on each side of the Atlantic. We explore whether U.S. fans secretly wish their venues had more European-style permanence, why European clubs are suddenly embracing American design trends, and what’s driving the wave of mega-renovations across the continent.

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On this episode, we’re unpacking the Qatari Stars League — what it is, how it works, and how it’s evolved. We run through the league’s biggest clubs and current powerhouse, the stars who’ve defined it, and what the overall level of play actually looks like compared to the rest of the Gulf and Asia. We also dig into how the league fuels the national team and what all of this means for Qatar’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.

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This week, we're talking mind games, vegetables and voyeurism: it's the best rivalries of the Premier League era. From entire teams to managers to individual players... and even all the way down to team mates: we're talking it all!

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We dive into Ligue 1 LONACI, the top flight of Ivorian football. How did it start, who dominates it today, and how does it stack up against the continent’s best? We try to determine why the league isn't stronger, where the young talent tends to go, and ask how the domestic game feeds into the national team’s success.

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We come in peace, Spurs supporters! I promise you! No cheap shots or annoying jokes... or at least that's the goal.

Instead, this week, we're looking at the present state of Tottenham Hotspur. Are they a "big club" and also why does that matter? Plus, when did "Spursy" go from being a self-deferential bit to an outright joke at the club's expense? We also explore Tottenham's history (the good and the bad), and ponder a reality in which Poch is still at the helm.

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We're continuing our look into domestic soccer in the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week... it's Colombia! The country of Valderrama and James Rodriguez features one of the oldest leagues in South America, has had years-long breaks with FIFA, was unintentionally impacted by the Clinton administration, and keeps on kicking. Who are the top flight's most decorated teams, what is the strength of the league relative to its confederation, and... what exactly is the name of the league itself? All that and much more!

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Recording live from the TSS Podcast Training Facility, Graham and Taylor emerge from their state-of-the-art sleep pods to discuss all things training ground! When did teams first start building them, when did those construction efforts intensify, what are some of the best examples in world soccer, and much much more!

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This week, we're continuing our look into domestic soccer in the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. It's time to talk Morocco. The national team of some of the biggest stars on the planet has not always been quite so relevant. How has soccer in the country evolved over time, why has it taken such a big jump more recently, what role has the Botola played in strengthening the national team, and much much more!

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With the news that Jose Mourinho has returned to Portugal to once-again coach Benfica, we take a lengthy look back at The Special One's career. How did he first rise to prominence? What are the major sources of that giant chip on his shoulder? What was he like at his peak and what caused him to fall off in recent years?

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This week, it's time to get fired! We're talking managerial sackings. Who makes the decision? Why might a club part ways with a manager? How do they let him or her know? Plus, the impact on results (or occasional lack thereof)!

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It's the league of Boca and River... and so, so much more! That includes a confusing league structure, a collection of incredibly talented clubs with incredibly impressive histories, a tenuous relationship with promotion and relegation, and much much more!

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This week, we're tackling all-things freekick! When did they first become a part of the game? How have they evolved over time? What is the difference between direct and indirect opportunities? Plus, ideal distances for shooting, greatest takers of all-time, and much more!

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Why are there so many words for a shot? What is an overhead kick and is it different than a bicycle kick? Can a tatty-toe-bash be aesthetically pleasing? Those questions and more answered as we delve deep into the world of screaming efforts fired on target.

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With the Republic of Korea qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, it's time to take a deeper look at domestic soccer in the country. How does Asia's oldest professional league work? What role did decentralization play in helping (or hurting) the growth of the sport? Who are the league's most famous players and most accomplished clubs? How does the league as a whole stack up against the other top leagues and clubs in the AFC?

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We're recording this one in mid-August 2025, with the prospect of European league games happening in the United States once again back in the news! What's been approved and what obstacles remain? Plus, what this could mean for future domestic games being played internationally, the impact it could have on American soccer (and interest therein), and the stupidity of that time a few people thought The 39th Game was a good idea.

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In honor of the transfer window (and one protracted saga in particular), Graham and Taylor look at the process of demanding a transfer. How is a transfer request lodged? What options does a club have once they receive the request? Do they actually tend to work out, or can they be disastrous? Plus, we take a look at a few examples when forcing a transfer worked and a few times they did not.

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With Uzbekistan having qualified for their first-ever World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a lengthy look at the Uzbekistan Super League, the nation's top flight. How long has it been around, how did the collapse of the Soviet Union fuel its development, and what (slightly massive) changes has it undergone more recently? Plus, the league's top teams, former players, and the role it has played in shaping the Uzbekistan men's national team.

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We take a look at the 12th man of soccer (and try to avoid getting sued by Seattle while we do). What makes for a good atmosphere? When can it feel artificial? Which clubs have the rowdiest crowds? How can teams improve the atmosphere when things start to lag? All that and much much more!

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With the 2025 European Championship kicking off today, we spend some time reviewing the history and evolution of the premier competition for national teams in European women's football. How has the tournament grown over time, who are some of its dominant teams and players, and what is its quality relative to other major tournaments in the women's game? Plus, an extended look at the 2025 iteration, including favorites and dark horses.

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We continue to profile the domestic leagues of the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and now that Brazil will officially be in North America in 2026, it's time to take a look at their domestic soccer landscape. When did the national league first get established and how has it evolved over time? Why were there once 90+ teams in a single league campaign? What are the strongest clubs most recently? What are the obstacles the competition has overcome and what does the future hold in store? Plus. the major question: what role has the league played in helping shape the national team?

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"Who is that guy sitting next to the manager and why is he showing him stuff on an iPad?" We have answers!

What is an assistant manager, and what do they do? To answer that second one, we look at the different types and some of the most notable examples in soccer history.

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This week, we delve into the exciting and not at all depressing world of... sportswashing! What is it, how long of a history does it have in soccer, how has it grown over time, and why does it seem to work so successfully in the sport we love?

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We continue to profile the domestic leagues of the countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's an automatic entrant: Canada! What is the professional league structure in the country, what are the strengths and weaknesses of its domestic top flight, and what role has it played in strengthening the Canada national team? Those questions and many more answered on this week's show!

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This week, we've got a doozy of a tale for you: it involves a racehorse, a cantankerous Knight of the Realm, and a couple of billionaires with a point to prove. Did a legal snafu lead to the Glazer takeover at Manchester United? How did that takeover happen in the first place? Does Sir Alex Ferguson deserve any blame for the purchase that has led to the downfall of The Red Devils.

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Short answer: kinda, but not really.

Longer answer:... you'll have to listen to the episode, but we discuss some of the most famous father-son duos in soccer history, as well as why there aren't as many father-daughter or mother-daughter duos (yet).

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This week, we revisit a topic that we've only touched on briefly in the past: soccer pitches. We get into dimensions and the like, but (inspired bythis article from The Athletic), we spend much more time discussing the history of soccer pitches and how their construction and maintenance has evolved over time. From livestock grazing to keep grass length down to moisture meters telling robots when it's time for a watering, we've come a long way!

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We're continuing our series profiling the domestic leagues of countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week we're heading to the land of marmite and rugby... to talk about soccer. It's New Zealand! What is the league structure? Which New Zealand clubs play outside the country? What does the future of the New Zealand National League hold? Those questions and many more answered on this week's show!

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With the news this week that MLS will not be making a move to the European calendar after the 2026 World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a look at the situation, past, present and future. Why did the league adopt its current calendar in the first place? What would be the benefits of moving to a European calendar, and what are the potential drawbacks? How much snow is too much snow? All that and more!

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We're continuing our series profiling the domestic leagues of countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's one that we knew... basically nothing about prior to researching: The Persian Gulf Pro League, the top domestic league in Iran. Why was the league originally formed in the early 2000s, what are its biggest clubs, what issues have kept the league from developing further, and how has the national team benefitted from its existence? All that, plus our attempt to understand historical geographic naming conventions. What more do you need?!

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This week, we're taking a look at the scourge of the modern game: fixture congestion. Is it indeed a problem exclusive to the modern era? What can teams do to ease the workload? What can happen when a player is ‘red lining’? And the most important question: are we reaching breaking point?

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With Japan officially qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, we wanted to take at domestic football in the country. In so doing, we attempt to answer questions like what is the J.League, how good is the league as a whole, how has it evolved over time, what role has it played in helping to strengthen the national team, and much much more!

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This week, we're taking a look at everyone's favorite (or fourth favorite) confederation: Concacaf. How many countries does it oversee? What exactly does it oversee? Why is Jack Warner's time as head of the confederation so notorious? And what does the future hold in terms of expansion and mergers?

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This week, we're taking at the a league that boasts some high-profile clubs, a lot of youth talent, and some storied teams... and yet still isn't perceived as being particularly strong: Ligue 1. Why isn't the best league in France better than it is? What has been the league's standing historically? What contributes to the lack of growth and international success? Has PSG under Qatari ownership been detrimental to Ligue 1 as a whole? All that and much more!

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What do you do when your coach speaks one language, your center back another, and your striker a third? How do clubs handle language barriers between players and staff? Do teams just designate a couple languages that everyone needs to know? Does everyone just have to learn the GM's language? Are there a bunch of translators on the coaching staff? How do teams make this work?

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Graham and Taylor are together again to discuss the best and worst rebrands in club soccer. Why would a club want to rebrand, what are the benefits and drawbacks, who did it right, and who... did the opposite of that.

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It's an episode that guests your hosts confused multiple times... terminology! What exactly is a Sporting Director and is it the same thing as a Director of Football? What is a General Manager? Is that the same thing as a Sporting Director? What do Technical Directors technically direct? Those questions, and more, hopefully answered. Hopefully.

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No flavor aid required for this episode... we're talking cult players! What is a cult hero, how does a player become one, and who are some of our personal favorites.

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Graham "The Big ONE" Ruthven and Taylor are together again to break down The Big Six in the Premier League: which clubs are included, how has the grouping evolved over time, and is it still a thing in 2025?

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What's the latest with Neymar, why has he been such a controversial figure in his career, and how will he be remembered by future generations? Plus, did he reach his full potential for club and country, and what comes next?

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Inspired by Bournemouth's long-distance journey all the way to Newcastle, we take a look at the preferred methods of transport for Premier League clubs. What are their buses like, how often do they fly (spoiler: probably too often), how important is travel in preparation, and much more!

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This week, it's the topic that has the person in charge of the second set of books nervous... Profit and Sustainability Rules! What are they, why is it so easy to say "PSR Rules," how do they work, and do they actually work?

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On this week's episode, Taylor (with no ticketing buying experience) asks Graham (some ticket buying experience) a litany of questions about the best ways to acquire Premier League tickets. Why is the process so tricky? What are the different ticketing avenues? Can strangers on the internet be trusted? Those and many, many more questions answered today!

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Why did the soccer balls of our youth look like someone shaved The Grinch?

Oh, but regarding this week's show, we're talking futsal! What is it, how did it first get started, how is it different from soccer, who are the dominant national teams, and much much more!

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Graham and Taylor aren't on a break... but are instead discussing breaks. What is a winter break in soccer? Which leagues currently take winter breaks? What do teams actually do during the winter break? What are the benefits and drawbacks of a winter break?

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This week... it's Scran Talk! What do we know about the history of people eating at soccer matches? How important is food to the matchday experience at a soccer match? What do they eat at soccer matches around the world? What are our personal favourite things to eat at a soccer match? All that and more foodie chat on this week's episode, which was a genuine joy to record!

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What is the history of goalkeepers in soccer? What are goalkeepers traditionally expected to do? How has the goalkeeping position changed in modern soccer? How might it continue to evolve? And who are some of the greats of the past vs greats of the present?

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On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing the granddaddy of TV analysis: Match of the Day. What is it, how long has it been around, what makes it unique, is it still relevant in the modern media landscape, and much much more!

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Graham and Taylor are here to discuss their favorite fairytales (Graham is a big Frozen guy), but then they also discuss the concept of a fairytale in soccer. What exactly is it? What qualifies and what doesn't? What are some of the most notable moments in soccer history? And, maybe most importantly, are fairytales becoming rarer in the modern game?

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Graham and Taylor are avoiding ranch and fizzy drinks to stay in ideal shape to discuss the diets of professional footballers. Why is diet and nutrition so important for soccer players? What will they eat on a match day? How has nutrition changed in soccer over the decades? Those questions and at least a few more answered on this week's episode!

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With the recent news that Mario Balotelli will be returning to Italy after signing for Genoa, we take a look back at his career so far, and ponder what it is that makes Balotelli such a captivating figure. What is it about Balotelli that is so fascinating? How good was he earlier in his career? Where did it go (most) wring in his career? Where has the forward been these past few years? All that and much more about a man who is at once hilarious, talented, and tragic.

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This week, we try (and instantly fail) to give an objective look at Gianni Infantino, our current FIFA President. Where did he come from? How much power does he actually have? Has he been a good President or has he been a FIFA President? All that and more!

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Graham and Taylor answer questions like "what is a dual national in soccer" and "what are the requirements for switching" and "who are some of the most notable players to have switched national teams." Plus, Graham finally admits that Mel Gibson is only slightly less Scottish than Mr. Ruthven.

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Graham and Taylor take a look at some of the biggest and/or most successful clubs that today find themselves in less glorious environs. How did they get there? What are the different factors that can lead to a club's downfall? Are any clubs today at risk of making similar mistakes? All that and much more!

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On this week's episode, it's time for pain. What happens when you tear your ACL, and how has treatment evolvedP over time? Which players recovered well, which players didn't, and why has it become such a widespread issue in women's soccer in particular?

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It's an episode we somehow haven't done before... Number 10s! It's the most fabled number in soccer, but what does it actually signify and how did it come to do so? How has the role evolved over time, who are some of the greatest number 10s in history, and does the role still exist in the modern soccer landscape? Spoiler alert - if you watch MLS, you already know the answer to that one.

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Spoiler alert: I loved recording this episode!

With Mauricio Pochettino now anointed as the Savior of the USMNT, Graham and Taylor take a look back at the history of the team's managers, and answer obvious questions like why were there so many Scots involved in the early stages, who are the managers of the more modern era, who is the best coach in the team's history, how will Gregg Berhalter be remembered, and much much more!

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Graham and Taylor tackle the sexiest of all topics: The UEFA Nations League! What is it, why does it exist, how does its format work, and is it really that confusing? The abbreviated answer to that last one is "no, but kind of yes." There's also a little Concacaf Nations League chat in there as well.

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With the fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool looming, Graham and Taylor break down the history of England's biggest (and most successful?) rivalry. Is there a rivalry between the two cities, not just the two clubs? How did the rivalry develop over the decades? Do Liverpool and Man Utd have more in common than they like to admit? All that and more!

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On this week's episode, in honor of Real Madrid's absurd starting lineup this past weekend, we take a deeper look at the term that defines the club: Galacticos. What is the origin of the term? What does it mean? How many different versions have there been? Does the present incarnation of Real Madrid qualify? All that and much much more!

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Graham explains the ins-and-outs of becoming a fantasy champion, while simultaneously being uncomfortable about how much time he spends on fantasy! But we also answer questions like how does scoring work, what are the different formats, how has it impacted modern soccer coverage, and much much more!

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Graham and Taylor (mostly Graham) go deep on the Scottish top flight! How long has it been around? Why does it have so many different names? How many of those names are still technically correct to use? Who are its best players and greatest clubs? And what needs to happen for it to return to prominence? All that and much much more!

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We're back! After a summer of watching entirely too much soccer, we... are ready to watch some more soccer. With the Olympic campaign now underway, Graham and Taylor discuss new USWNT coach Emma Hayes, including her coaching history, her greatest achievements, and her preferred approach to tactics and game management. Plus, who will benefit the most with her in charge, and what the team will look like in France!

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With the kickoff of Euro 2024 less than 24 hours away, Graham takes time away from his pre-tournament packing to discuss the European Championships as a whole. What is the competition's history? How has the format changed over time? Which teams, players and managers have had the greatest success all-time? How does the tournament compare to other major competitions? All that and more on this week's episode!

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Special thanks to Michael Nunzi from the TSS Discord for requesting today’s topic! How important are a good crest and solid color scheme (metaphorically solid) in soccer? What makes for a good crest? What are some of the best and worst examples? What makes for an iconic kit color scheme combo, and who did it best… and who… did not.

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With the Champions League Final set to take place at Wembley this weekend, Graham and Taylor dive deep into the history and lore of the host stadium. How did it come to have the prominence it enjoys, what are some of the most memorable matches in Wembley history, what are its best and worst features, and how does it compare to some other new-ish stadiums?

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With the Championship playoff final looming, Graham and Taylor discuss the history of the competition and how the format first came to be. Then it's on to the money on offer, how clubs tend to utilize their winnings, the most notable matches in playoff history, and how this weekend's final is likely to play out.

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With the end of the season upon us and trophies soon to be hoisted aloft on pitches across the planet, Graham and Taylor take a look at the history of silverware in football. When were trophies first handed out, and why? What are the different types and what makes a good one? What are some of the best (and worst) examples in soccer history? All that and much more!

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On this episode. Graham and Taylor take a longer look at the Champions' League's less-heralded sibling, the Europa League. What is the history of the tournament? How is it different from its big sibling? What changes are in store for the competition's format starting next season? And why don't we spend much time discussing it over on The Total Soccer Show? Plus, is the official anthem a banger, or just a banger to Graham?

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Graham and Taylor continue to talk video games on this week's episode! This time, it's Football Manager! What is it? Why is it so popular? How into the weeds can you wade? What has been its real-world impact? We're getting into it!

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Graham and Taylor are here to discuss a topic 21 years in the making: the FIFA video game series. How long has it been around? How have the games evolved over time? What are the different options to play and why you don't just have to fear mean teens on the Internet! Plus, the role the games have played in developing the game here in the US, and the future of the series with FIFA (the governing body) going their own way.

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Graham and Taylor head to South America to discuss one of the longest-running, most prestigious club competitions in world soccer: the Copa Libertadores. What is it, how does it work, who can play in it, and how do they qualify? Plus, which clubs have been the most successful historically, and how have Brazilian clubs come to dominate it more recently?

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It's a Ripped-from-the-headlines-of-the-life-of-Graham Special! What are match programmes and why are they still around? Do they exist in other sports and in other countries around the globe? How long have they been a thing? What are some of Graham's favorites, and will anything ever top the one with John McGinn on the cover? Answer: no.

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