Football Unfocused

Mark reflects on the fantastic result of England's women winning the European Championship and how their achievements could pave the way for greater parity between the men and women's game. He also highlights the financial chaos that is currently engulfing Barcelona FC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark reflects on the England v Spain match and how the support  of the Lionesses compares to that of the men's national team. He also gives his thoughts on the latest Premier League transfers and how some teams may already be spending beyond their means. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a small break in the men's Premier League, Mark and Matthew indulge a little more in the joys of summer. Mark also discusses some of the highlights from the transfer window and the women's Euros. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark speaks of his envy of Wales and their supporters, who have been celebrating their  World Cup qualifying win last weekend. In contrast, supporting England, particularly when they venture abroad, can be a more complicated affair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't worry, it's nothing weird - though Mark and Matthew aren't entirely sure what a stadium of 30,000 kids will look like at the Puskás Aréna when England play Hungary in the UEFA Nation Cup League thingy. Hopefully, they just behave a bit better than the last time England played there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark provides one of the most immersive footballing experiences recorded in podcast form....offering an insight into the highs, but particularly the lows, of his time attending the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mark mainly focuses on himself and his ordeals trying to obtain a Champions League final ticket for Liverpool vs Real Madrid. Nobody would say that it has been anything other than a rollercoaster experience for him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode was recorded after Liverpool's dramatic Champions League comeback and before Man City's match against Real Madrid. Unsurprisingly, Mark is now looking forward to a final in Paris and hoping that, without any ill will,  it isn't just another all-English final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark entertains a question from Matthew about whether the high scoring match between Man City and Real Madrid was an indication of defenders getting worse in football. Mark also discusses the latest European matches and explains why assaulting the opposing fans is not uncommon when celebrating a goal by your own team'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark follows on from last week's discussion about referees, to highlight some of the recent bizarre decisions made by VAR, and why they could end up having a significant impact on certain teams this season.  Mark also commends the achievements of both Man City and Liverpool, regardless of who ultimately wins the league, and despite what some critics will inevitably end up saying. Hosted on Ac...

Mark entertains Matthew's (not so original) suggestion that referee's should receive a significant increase in wages. This (Matthew believes) would help make the profession attractive to former players, who are often drawn to more lucrative and revered pursuits of management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark highlights the farcical bid for the European Championship by Russia, just a month after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While UEFA are unlikely to entertain such a bid, it highlights the often uncomfortable relationship of FIFA and UEFA with numerous other authoritarian governments who they have happily awarded hosts of international  tournaments: most strikingly, the World Cup in Qatar l...

This week, Mark and Matthew return to form with one of them saying a lot more than the other - and, to be honest, the episode is better for it. Mark follows up on the continuing predicament for Chelsea FC, who have been left in a financially precarious position following the sanctions on their owner. If you wish to save time by not listening to this episode, then the the crux of the argument is Ch...

In today's episode, Matthew takes centre stage (or as much as Mark allows) by giving his thoughts on a recent episode of Radio 5 Live's, Monday Night Club. Matthew is staunchly critical of the pundits who featured in the episode, though is unable to offer any unique footballing insight himself... Pots and kettles, some may say! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matthew give their thoughts on the inescapable and dire situation in Europe, and how it has shone an uncomfortable light on the ownership structures of certain clubs.  While Mark primarily focuses on Chelsea, they are unfortunately not the only club to have acquired resources from disreputable individuals and regimes.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark examines the latest sagas of various high-profile managers. Most recently, the antics of Conte, who  offered to leave Spurs if he was considered the problem for their run of inconsistent form. Mark also discusses his current favourite manager, Frank Lampard, and what may come of his time at Everton. Finally, Mark highlights Mark Hughes' unusual, yet inspired, decision to manage Bradford...

This week, Matthew is overcoming some problems in his nethers, while Mark takes issue (again) with subpar commentators, the final of the African  Cup of Nations and the distribution of tickets to fans. All which vex him very, very much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark speaks about his interest in Everton and how their turbulent season could make them vulnerable to relegation. He also looks at some of their signings (including their new manager) and compares them to other club's signings in January. Finally, Mark highlights his nostalgia for the FA Cup, and what changes he would make to raise its profile further. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Mark highlights the recent comments by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who said that a biennial World Cup would help stop migrants drowning at sea. Mark struggles for words at times to condemn this self serving argument, and what is clearly an unashamed attempt to  promote a more powerful and financially lucrative FIFA organisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark discusses the most notable examples of players who, for one reason or another, have witnessed a significant drop in their performance. These include Eden Hazard, Deli Alli and Ángel Di María. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LIVE EPISODE ALERT! LIVE EPISODE ALERT! For the first time, Mark and Matthew are recording the podcast live, and in-person. There are some footballing SPOILERS, so apologies in advance. The sound quality may also be a bit dodgy, as it wasn't checked beforehand. But apart from that, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark reflects on the Premier League season so far; how Man City are effectively now unstoppable, which other teams have performed well, and which clubs are most likely to be relegated.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark gives his thoughts on some recent developments, in a bumper festive edition of Football Unfocused, which unfortunately had to be cut short due to Matthew's poor sound quality. Apologies, though we hope you manage to garner some enjoyment nevertheless.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark reflects on the recent discussions around Mo Salah's contract renegotiation and how it can be a risky and complicated process. Footballers often only get one big contact in their career and it can be a perilous pursuit, with some notable footballers losing out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew takes a starring role in today's episode as Mark didn't have time to think of a suitable discussion point. Needless to say, Matthew surpassed all expectations (particularly his own) by raising what some may say as "a half decent contribution" about the merits of appointing a manager on the basis of sentimentality.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...