Avsnitt
-
Alex Ferguson, the omnipotent, omnipresent orator, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. This episode tracks Ferguson’s early life and career, showcasing an intricate backstory marred by violence, conviviality, and a quest for greatness.
Mehreen and Simon chronicle Ferguson’s early life, from growing up in working-class Glasgow in the 1940s and part-time pub landlord to playing ‘international’ football, and a managerial career (and firing) in Scottish clubs in the 1970s.
What attracted Manchester United to this angry Scotsman who took everything so seriously? How did Ferguson build his role as a ‘do-all’ manager that will say hello to the footballers and cleaners alike, and sit on the phone to fan club presidents for hours?
This episode is part of a two-part series on Alex Ferguson, and is defined by comradeship, collectivism, and communication. Look out for the sequel, ‘The reign of Alex Ferguson’, which tracks Ferguson’s longtime success at Manchester United.
Time stamps:
00:45: Introduction
06:47: Growing up working class in Glasgow
16:23: Violence as a lasting influence
26:17: Welcome to H&H’s new AI friend…
28:40: Career as an ‘international’ footballer and almost-emigration to Canada
34:12: A record £60,000 transfer and move to coaching
39:33: Figuring out his coaching style in Scottish clubs
46:58: Anger, alcoholics, and temperance
51:14: Religious divisions and sacking from St Mirren
56:45: Move to coaching Aberdeen
1:03:42: Assistant Manager of Scotland and the death of Jock Stein
1:07:06: On Manchester United’s radar
1:12:53: Early coaching at Manchester United
1:18:57: The angry lunatic vs. the people person at Manchester United
1:25:09: Everything starts to turn around…
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
In 2010, the footballing community was shouting about corruption. FIFA had just awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Something didn’t sound quite right…
In this groundbreaking episode, Simon and Mehreen cover not only the life and corruption of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, but also paint a picture of the geopolitical changes in global football and the rising power shifts from the West to the East.
The podcast features clips from an exclusive interview with Sepp Blatter himself, who candidly reveals details of his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meetings with Qatar and French President Nicholas Sarkozy, and FIFA officials’ roles in the Qatari corruption scandal.
This is a story of power, money, and corruption—akin to a mafia movie or Hollywood biopic. You won’t want to miss it.
Time stamps:
00:26: Introduction
03:54: Growing up in Switzerland
08:02: Coca Cola gets Blatter into FIFA
13:32: From bureaucrat to the biggest job at FIFA
19:57: Turning a blind eye or encouraging corruption?
24:58: Simon’s run-in with Blatter (and missing out on a spa day)
34:49: Qatari official meets the French President
37:59: Russia and Qatar win the World Cup bid
45:04: Chuck Blazer blows the whistle
49:37: A farcical election and questions of conviction
57:36: A lonely 80s of court cases, irrelevance, and attempt to stop the Ukraine War
01:00:22: What is Sepp Blatter’s legacy?
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Defensive midfielder N’Golo Kanté has left a huge legacy on football, yet hardly anything is known about him. How did this humble, fame-shy footballer become so beloved by barely saying a single world?
In this episode, Simon and Mehreen cover the reclusive Kanté, from poor beginnings in the Paris banlieues to bringing underdog Leicester to shock victory in 2016. They cover his rise to worldwide recognition and uncomfortable relationship with fame as he sees further success at Chelsea and for the French national team.
Together, they piece together an intricate picture of the human behind the hero of football. They cover stories of the well-meaning Kanté, who had never been to a birthday party until his 20s, drives a Mini Cooper, doesn’t want to be paid via offshore tax havens, and struggles with the concept of hiring a cleaner.
But of course, there’s a more unfortunate side to being the most genuine person in league football – a side that leads to Kanté being held at gunpoint thanks to advantageous agents, and business decisions that seem slightly out of character.
This is the story of how the zippy ‘vacuum cleaner’ who hoovers up the midfield became one of the universally-liked men in football.
Time stamps:
00:40: Introduction to N’Golo Kanté (NG)
03:59: Growing up in Paris
07:20: Beginnings in third division French football
10:01: Maturing on and off the pitch at Caen
15:00: Arrival and success at Leicester
20:35: Move to Chelsea and the big leagues
29:00: France win the World Cup
34:35: A ‘vacuum cleaner’ on the pitch and discomfort at recognition
40:13: Surprise comeback at Al-Ittihad
45:15: What if Kanté hadn’t been a footballer?
For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?
Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.
https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2et
League Code: l7y2et
Looking forward to playing against you this season!
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Charismatic and polarising football coach José Mourinho always has one single goal for his teams: to win, no matter what. It’s this mentality that led him to awards, accolades, and admiration. So what happens when the winner stops winning? This second and final episode on José Mourinho chronicles his fall from grace in the 2010s. Simon and Mehreen cover his arrival at Real Madrid in 2010 to joining Turkish football club Fenerbahçe in 2024—and how Mourinho turns toxic when he’s no longer at his peak winning streak. Simon and Mehreen cover this new, more uncomfortable era for Mourinho—a time when aggressive coaching styles dominate, and awareness of men’s mental health becomes more mainstream. How does Mourinho adapt (or not adapt) during his tenures at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur? And is it really over for the notorious media star, love bomber, and genius strategist, or are we now entering Mourinho’s post-Roma redemption era? Listen to find out. This is a two-parter; listen to our first episode on the rise of José Mourinho before this one.Time stamps:00:36: Welcome back04:37: Arrival at Real Madrid09:30: Spurring on the Real Madrid-Barça rivalry 14:45: An emotional loss (ft. two emotional Portuguese men)18:11: The end of the Real Madrid ‘revenge tour’19:24: Return to Chelsea and love bombing27:43: Downfall at Chelsea, and the Justin Bieber incident33:50: Mourinho struggles at Manchester United40:33: Mourinho’s Manchester United gets left behind44:35: An ill-fated tenure at Tottenham Hotspur48:10: A hero’s welcome at Roma (and the start of redemption?)50:04: Chasing dopamine at Fenerbahçe and Turkish football53:40: Mourinho’s future and legacy For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2etLeague Code: l7y2etLooking forward to playing against you this season!Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.InstagramTikTokFacebookXVisit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
-
Jose Mourinho is the arrogant and charismatic cult figure who divides opinions on the pitch and in the press room. Is he the genius strategist and saviour of failing clubs or just a toxic coach with main character syndrome? This episode covers the rise of Mourinho, from his early beginnings in Portugal and Barcelona, to his time coaching Chelsea and Inter Milan. Simon and Mehreen analyse Mourinho’s rise to football supremacy with stories that even mega-fans (and mega-haters) may not have heard before.In the episode, Simon and Mehreen share their tongue-in-cheek, in-depth analysis of Mourinho—as a love bomber and a ‘f***boy’, Mourinho’s problematic takes, and how he has been able to use his intelligence, charisma, and good looks for both good and toxic purposes. This is a two-parter; look out for the next episode on the fall of Jose Mourinho. Time stamps:00:30: Rise, fall, and redemption (?)4:00: Growing up in a rapidly-changing Portugal9:40: Rise of the intellectual and start at Barcelona16:56: Frustration to first big break21:01: Spotting weaknesses in his opponents25:35: Mourinho - the handsome, the charismatic28:53: Becoming the main character – Porto success to Abramovich knocking35:34: Chelsea beginnings and rise of the media manipulator43:25: Mourinho “the psychic”44:43: Problematic takes on African players47:12: Mourinho the love bomber50:38: Chelsea becomes toxic57:51: Chelsea sacking and next big move1:03:04: Saviour of Inter Milan1:08:26: Heading for MadridFor the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2etLeague Code: l7y2etLooking forward to playing against you this season!Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.InstagramTikTokFacebookXVisit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com
-
Sven-Göran Eriksson, former England and Lazio manager, has died at the age of 76.
In this tribute episode, Mehreen and Simon discuss the colourful life and career of the small-town Swede who shook up English football as the country's first foreign national team coach and electrified the British tabloids at the height of media intrusion into the private lives of celebrities.
Mehreen and Simon are joined by Olof Lundh, Swedish sports journalist, on how Sven's career went from managing part-time players with Gothenburg in the '80 and ended in ignominy after an elaborate fraud involving the ghost owners of Notts County and a trip to North Korea. He was a perennial nearly-ran with England's "golden generation" of footballers, was duped by a "fake sheikh", and led a financially-doped Lazio in their greatest years, winning seven trophies in three years.
This is the story of Sweden's greatest ever coach and a remarkable footballing life. RIP Sven.
Timestamps:
00:20 Introduction
07:44: Humble beginnings and discovering football
13:25: Breakthrough with Gothenburg
15:51: Moves around Europe
17:50: The first foreign England manager
25:20: A calm demeanour in the hysterical noughties media
31:37: An English culture clash
34:08: Love affairs and the News International phone hacking scandal
38:19: Flirting with other jobs and the ‘fake sheikh’
45:31: Simon’s take on interviewing Sven
49:35: Penalties misery and protection of players
52:58: The end of England
55:16: The Scam move to Notts County
57:43: Naivete and a move away from European football
1:02:05: Sven reveals he has cancer
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is making football history with 63 league goals in two seasons. Tipped as a future Ballon d'Or winner, the 6ft4 speed machine seems to attract both rampant adoration and mockery.
In this episode, Simon and Mehreen chronicle Haaland’s short life and rise to glory - from growing up extraordinary in a culture that prioritises equality, and the influence of his sporting family. They chronicle his choices to go for growth over short-term glory, and his move to and impact at Manchester City.
During the episode, Simon and Mehreen discuss the paradoxes of Haaland’s personality - as both typical and ‘anti-Norwegian’, the awkward persona that makes him constantly go viral on social media, and his holy pursuit for longevity à la Cristiano Ronaldo - in contrast to more ‘stereotypical’ footballers such as Jack Grealish.
Time stamps:
00:32: Introduction to Erling Haaland
05:37: Early years in England with a footballer father
09:46: Growing up special in an equal society
14:17: The awkward teen years and rise of the ‘anti-Norwegian’
19:38: The influence of super-agent Mino Raiola and move to Salzburg
25:10: Rise to stardom at Dortmund
30:05: Becoming a viral social media sensation
34:37: Haaland’s Ronaldo-inspired quest for longevity
40:30: Manchester City and the precarious position of being Number 9
45:93: What would Haaland do without football?
For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?
Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.
https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2et
League Code: l7y2et
Looking forward to playing against you this season!
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Ten Hag’s slow rise to coaching success seems to have come to an abrupt stop at Manchester United. Can the man who led other teams to glory turn the club around on his third attempt? Or is his tenure simply doomed?
In this episode, Mehreen and Simon chronicle the rise and fall of Erik ten Hag. They cover the hyper-organised, football-obsessed Dutchman’s rise from middling footballer to his slow and successful rise to Head Coach of Ajax.
On the way they investigate the influence of Pep Guardiola on his coaching style and his entrepreneurial obsession with becoming a Ferguson-style football ‘CEO’.
Timestamps:
00.35 - Introduction
05:50 - Childhood coaching-mindset to middling football player
11:47 - The dreamer assistant coach that thinks like a football CEO
13:54 - Assistant at Twente under Steve McClaren
16:34 - Successful stint as Head Coach with the Go-Ahead Eagles
20:37 - The influence of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich
24:31 - Back to the Netherlands and rise in Utrecht
27:45 - Move to Ajax - from mockery to success
32:33 - The iconic Spurs v Ajax Game, 2019
37:54 - Setting up at Man U and taking control of transfers
49:27 - Man U’s first season: Rocky beginnings or stable start?
56:54 - Staying resilient among increasing uncertainty
1:01 - The winning formula to being a good coach
For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?
Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.
https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2et
League Code: l7y2et
Looking forward to playing against you this season!
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
In this special Q&A episode, hosts Mehreen Khan and Simon Kuper answer questions from listeners around the globe. From the Olympics to the intricacies of modern football management, Mehreen and Simon tackle a wide range of topics, providing insights and sharing personal anecdotes. Join us as we explore the world of football through the lens of your questions.
Timestamps:
01:25 - Discussion on the Olympics and its significance in football
06:20 - Emma Hayes' mixed Olympics with the US Women's Team
10:08 - The debate on a UK football team in the Olympics
15:02 - Chelsea's business model and financial strategies
18:12 - The controversial transfer market practices and financial fair play
21:00 - The future of Chelsea under new management
23:30 - The eternal debate: Who is the GOAT of football?
26:40 - Comparing players from different eras and the evolution of the GOAT debate
30:00 - Quickfire round: Hero or Villain?
33:08 - Reflecting on Gareth Southgate's tenure with England
36:58 - The role of modern football managers and their influence
39:35 - Speculation on Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United
45:55 - The impact of American ownership on Premier League clubs
48:02 - Fantasy Premier League tips and Mehreen's starter squad
50:10 - The concept of "Brat" in football and notable examples
52:31 - The common traits among great footballers
54:49 - How Mehreen and Simon met and started the podcast
57:28 - Teaser for the upcoming Jose Mourinho special episode
For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?
Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.
https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2et
League Code: l7y2et
Looking forward to playing against you this season!
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Over the past 20 weeks, Mehreen and Simon have covered the stories of the so-called ‘heroes’ of football, as well as the game’s undercover (and not so undercover) ‘villains’.
As the duo take a week off to end their debut season, they reflect on their favourite episodes so far, muse on what they’ve learned, and provide behind-the-scenes insights into the podcast.
Heroes and Humans will return on Thursday 8th August for an Olympics special. If you have any Olympics- and general football-related questions you’d like answered by Mehreen and Simon, contact us on Instagram, TikTok and X. Find us under the handle @HeroesAndHumans.
Thank you for listening. Remember to recommend the podcast to your friends and family (or even your enemies) and make sure to leave a review!
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Tipped as one of the longshots for England manager, Thomas Tuchel is the polarising German football coach known for his brilliance, fanaticism, and sometimes cruelty.
Simon and Mehreen cover the fascinating and complex world of Tuchel, whose career is defined by never-ending cycles of success and self-destruction. They chronicle his rollercoaster career – from early days in Germany under the shadow of Jürgen Klopp, to rises and falls at Paris St Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
Discover how the enigmatic Tuchel’s unconventional training methods, tactical innovation towards coaching, and workaholic lifestyle lead him to become such a dividing and impressive figure of today’s football.
Time stamps:
00:30 - Introduction to Thomas Tuchel
01:03 - His unique lifestyle and beliefs
01:41 - The cycle: Success and self-destruction
02:04 - Potential candidacy for the England national team
03:21 - Early career and influences
05:33 - Playing career and transition to coaching
07:24 - Influence of Ralf Rangnick
09:09 - Innovative coaching methods and rise at Mainz
23:23 - Sabbatical and learning from other sports
30:14 - Terrorist attack on Dortmund's team bus
32.20 - Strained relationship with Dortmund's management
33:56 - Move to Paris Saint-Germain
34:50 - Approach to managing star players at Paris Saint Germain
36:24 - Champions League final and abrupt departure from Paris Saint Germain
38:42 - Arrival at Chelsea and immediate impact
43:26 - Winning the Champions League with Chelsea
50:26 - Personal challenges and departure from Chelsea
53:36 - Brief tenure at Bayern Munich
55:40 - Speculation on becoming England manager
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Emma Hayes, one of the most influential figures in women's football, is embarking on a new chapter in her illustrious career. After 12 transformative years as the manager of Chelsea Women, Hayes is set to take on the role of head coach for the United States Women's National Team (USWNT). This episode explores Hayes' remarkable journey, her impact on the sport, and the legacy she leaves behind at Chelsea.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Emma Hayes and her career transition
02:30 - Hayes' early life and journey into football management
05:15 - Building Chelsea Women from the ground up
09:45 - Hayes' coaching philosophy and leadership style
14:30 - Pioneering approaches to women's health in football
18:20 - Major achievements and trophies at Chelsea
22:10 - Personal challenges and growth as a leader
26:35 - Hayes' impact on the professionalisation of women's football
30:50 - The move to USWNT and future aspirations
34:15 - Legacy at Chelsea and in women's football
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
In this special episode before the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, Mehreen Khan and Simon Kuper answer your questions about the heroes and humans featured in the tournament. They discuss the performances of key players, why France and England have been so boring, and the perennial issues of politics, race and multiculturalism that have been a constant over the last month. Will Gareth Southgate’s controversial tenure be extended ? And why has Jude Bellingham evolved from golden boy to internet meme? How did the Netherlands go from Johan Cruyff to Wout Weghorst? And Simon refuses to self-sabotage by predicting who will win Sunday's final, but they do argue about Spain and England.
Don't forget to get in touch to add your thoughts on the heroes and humans of Euro 2024 via social media @heroesandhumans.
Timestamps:
00:22 Special episode ahead of Euro 2024 final between Spain and England
00:45 Simon's experiences in Germany and reflections on the Dutch team
03:18 Talking about the final, Spain, and England
05:29 Question about Didier Deschamps staying on as French national team manager
06:24 Discussion about Gareth Southgate's future with England
13:39 Comparison of Spain and England's team compositions for the final
16:15 Political activism in football: French players' stance against the far-right
21:21 Analysis of Jude Bellingham's public perception and "villain arc"
28:28 Analysis of Euro 2024 compared to past tournaments
34:13 Question about the impact of urban planning on footballing styles
38:28 Discussion on playing styles in Euro 2024 including the Dutch shift to long-ball tactics
41:21 Predictions and analysis for the Spain vs England final
44:25 Final question about explaining Johan Cruyff to children at Taylor Swift concerts
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
In this special pre-Euro 2024 final episode, Mehreen and Simon delve into the stories of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, the two young stars who have lit up the tournament and represent a new, diverse Spain. They discuss the remarkable journeys of these players, their backgrounds, and the societal and cultural implications of their success. From Yamal's record-breaking goal to Williams' impactful presence on the field, this episode is about football and so much more.
Timestamps:
00:00:29 - Introduction to Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams
00:02:23 - Background on Lamine Yamal's early life and football journey
00:12:00 - Nico Williams' incredible family story and his rise in football
00:20:02 - Discussion on the significance of Yamal and Williams in modern Spain
00:26:35 - Analysis of their playing styles and contributions to the Spanish team
00:31:58 - Historical context and comparisons with past Spanish teams
00:35:03 - Issues of race and identity in Spanish football and society
00:45:07 - The future prospects of Yamal and Williams
00:50:29 - Closing thoughts and reflections on Spain's new era in football
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Fifty years ago this week, Johan Cruyff took one of the most exciting teams in football history to the 1974 World Cup final. But his Holland lost to West Germany, largely because of what has gone down in Dutch history as “The Swimming Pool Affair” – a German tabloid’s front-page scoop that cost Cruyff great anguish and many hours in a phone booth calling his furious wife. We tell the story of Dutch “total football”, of the rock-star team that lived it large both on the field and off it, of the manager who was simultaneously coaching FC Barcelona, and of Johan Cruyff himself: the man who invented modern football, and fought with everybody, including with his biggest fan, Simon.
Timestamps:
00:00:29 - Introduction to the story of the 1974 Dutch national team and Johan Cruyff
00:02:23 - Explanation of the Dutch team's revolutionary playing style
00:03:19 - Background on the development of "total football" in Amsterdam
00:08:18 - Discussion of Cruyff's upbringing and early career with Ajax
00:10:05 - Cruyff's childhood and the impact of his father's death
00:11:30 - Introduction of Rinus Michels as Ajax manager
00:14:01 - Development of Ajax's new playing style under Michels and Cruyff
00:15:29 - Description of the dynamic between Cruyff and Michels
00:19:07 - Lead-up to the 1974 World Cup and the Dutch team's preparations
00:24:36 - Context of the 1974 World Cup in West Germany
00:27:02 - Description of the Dutch team's behaviour during the World Cup
00:28:17 - Cruyff's unconventional decisions in team selection
00:30:31 - Discussion of the Dutch team's appearance and iconic orange jerseys
00:33:03 - Description of the Dutch team's revolutionary playing style in action
00:36:07 - The "swimming pool affair" and its impact on Cruyff before the final
00:43:03 - The World Cup final against West Germany
00:45:55 - Aftermath of the final and Dutch reaction to finishing second
00:47:20 - Legacy of the 1974 Dutch team and Cruyff's impact on football
00:49:28 - Simon's experience interviewing Cruyff years later and subsequent fallout
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
The Afghan women’s national team doesn’t exist – not according to FIFA, anyway. The Taliban banned women's football when they took control of Afghanistan in 2021, forcing the team to flee the country for fear of their lives. But FIFA now refuses to recognise the team in exile, allowing the Taliban to continue their gender apartheid. Today, the team is fighting for FIFA recognition and their place in football. Living in exile and risking their lives to play football, the Afghan women's players are determined to return to the international game.
Mehreen and Simon talk to Khalida Popal, the woman who defied the country's misogynistic norms to set up the national team. She became the first female captain, coach, and executive in Afghanistan's history. This is a story of a team’s courage and comradery in the face of death threats and sexual assaults.
To support the Afghan women's team in their fight for recognition, you can sign this petition and follow Khalida Popal on LinkedIn:
https://www.change.org/p/fifacom-standwithafghanwomen-recognise-afghanistan-women-s-national-football-team-in-exile-follow-alivekicking23
https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalida-popal-64a29176?originalSubdomain=dk
Timestamps:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the episode about Afghanistan's women's football team
00:03:47 - Khalida Popal joins to discuss founding the team
00:03:55 - Growing up in Afghanistan before the Taliban
00:05:09 - Early exposure to football in Afghanistan
00:06:09 - Returning to Afghanistan after 2001 and facing resistance to women playing football
00:08:56 - Setting up a girls' football team at school despite challenges
00:12:51 - Men discover and threaten the girls playing football
00:14:57 - Story of a teammate forced to stop playing by her family
00:18:06 - Establishing the Afghan women's national team
00:21:07 - Negotiating with the Afghan Football Federation for recognition
00:25:16 - Difficulties of managing the national team and facing abuse
00:30:10 - Fleeing Afghanistan due to death threats
00:33:56 - Evacuating players as Taliban returned to power in 2021
00:41:29 - Current players describe obstacles they faced playing in Afghanistan
00:43:01 - Players' experiences when Taliban took over in 2021
00:45:04 - Campaign for FIFA to recognise the exiled Afghan women's team
00:48:03 - FIFA's lack of response to requests for recognition
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
It's bizarre how long it took Argentinians to learn to love Leo Messi. His exile from his declining homeland always made him suspect. The comparison with Maradona hung over him from the start. And why was he hardly ever as good for Argentina as he was for Barcelona? We tell the story of the world's best player's complex relationship with his own country, and how it finally had a happy end.
Timestamps:
00:00:02 - Introduction
00:01:18 - Messi's fraught relationship with Argentina
00:06:24 - Messi as the embodiment of the Pibe archetype
00:11:36 - Messi's early international career and struggles with Argentina
00:18:52 - 2014 World Cup and Argentina's attempt at a "Messi strategy"
00:24:06 - 2014 World Cup disappointment and Messi's frustrations
00:29:19 - Psychoanalysis of Messi's perceived lack of Argentinian-ness
00:36:58 - Messi finally wins Copa America in 2021
00:39:35 - 2022 World Cup in Qatar and initial struggles
00:40:24 - Argentina's resurgence and Messi's leadership
00:42:15 - Winning the 2022 World Cup as a team
00:44:26 - Messi's place in Argentinian history compared to Maradona
00:46:10 - Speculation on Messi's life without football
00:48:02 - Would the hosts want to hang out with Messi?
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Gareth Southgate's tactical and managerial qualities still split fan opinion as he leads England in his fourth major tournament at the Euros in Germany this summer. But one thing that can't be disputed is Southgate's ability to unite his players in a team whose confidence has been battered by two decades of under-achievment. The former Aston Villa captain has been a leading voice against racism directed at young black English players and is arguably redefining the notion of Englishness in modern Britain.
Simon and Mehreen discuss the steps and experiences that how Southgate came to manage another golden generation of English footballers, growing up in a respectable family in South London, learning from the negatives, and bouncing back from *that* penalty miss in Euro '96. But will Gareth Southgate go down in history as a unifying England manager or just another nearly-ran?
Timecodes:
00:00:43 - Proposition: Gareth Southgate is a very laudable, commendable figure, but is he a national hero or overhyped mediocrity?
00:02:22 - Southgate's background and upbringing in Crawley
00:05:52 - Joining Crystal Palace as an apprentice and experiencing class division
00:08:31 - Southgate's playing career at Palace, Villa, and Middlesbrough
00:12:04 - First meeting with Southgate and the Euro 1996 penalty miss
00:19:25 - John Major's encouragement after the penalty miss
00:22:22 - Southgate's unfulfilled club career and disappointment
00:27:56 - Becoming England manager in 2016 after a national humiliation
00:33:06 - Resetting expectations and creating a high-performance culture
00:39:20 - 2018 World Cup and learning to love the new England team
00:43:16 - Black Lives Matter movement and Southgate's stance
00:50:00 - Euro 2020 final against Italy and the penalty misses
00:54:10 - Expectations for the 2022 World Cup and Southgate's limitations
01:00:22 - Southgate's vision of an inclusive and modern Englishness
01:04:34 - Conclusion and Southgate's potential legacy
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
On the eve of Euro 2024, Henry talks about nearly 30 years of dealing with England managers and players, from Glenn Hoddle to Harry Kane - with some very kind words for Jack Grealish.
Henry Winter is one of the best known and most respected journalists in the English language. Having covered football for over 38 years, conducted over 1500 interviews, and attended thousands of matches, Henry might have a story or two to share. In this episode, we talk to Henry about football journalism, how it's changed over the decades, and the rise of modern media, as well as how he navigates the complicated relationships that journalists have with players and managers.
Timestamps:
00:13:06 Discussion about how football clubs and players are doing more community work than the government, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
00:16:22 Reflection on the changing relationship between football players and the press, from adversarial in the past to more cooperative now.
00:17:14 Discussion on the growth of fan-related content and how it reflects fans' frustration with mainstream media.
00:21:28 Admission of making a mistake by making fun of Ronaldo's weight on Twitter, learning a lesson about not personalising criticism.
00:22:39 Reflection on the moral substance of many football players, particularly in contrast to politicians.
00:27:14 Discussion about the most interesting people to meet in football, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Pele, and Jurgen Klopp.
00:29:57 Talk about who is best at discussing football itself, mentioning Glenn Hoddle and other players who didn't have much pace but became good managers.
00:30:56 Question about who one would be happy never to see again, with a reluctant mention of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
00:31:33 Suggestion: Jurgen Klopp is one of the most misunderstood people in football, with more science behind his emotional style than people realise.
00:33:34 Discussion about England's chances in Euro 2024, praising players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice.
00:34:48 Talk about how social media affects players' mental health, with many going off social media due to abuse and intensity.
00:36:52 Pondering what one would be doing if not a football writer, suggesting possibly stacking shelves at Selfridges.
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com -
Jude Bellingham could go down as the best English player to never play in the Premier League, but how did he go from a shy and polite young boy from Stourbridge, to an integral part of Real Madrid's push for the Champions League title this season?
This episode describes the careful and precise decisions of Jude Bellingham's career so far that have led him to the biggest stage of world football, despite still being 20 years old. From the thinking behind his shirt number at Birmingham, to rejecting England's biggest clubs in favour of a move to Germany.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast episode on Jude Bellingham.
00:02:07 - Discussing Bellingham being compared to the fictional character Roy of the Rovers.
00:07:00 - Bellingham's background and upbringing in Birmingham.
00:10:12 - Insights from Bellingham's youth coach Paul Robinson on coaching him at Birmingham City.
00:16:13 - Bellingham's decision to join Borussia Dortmund instead of clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
00:22:48 - Bellingham's time at Borussia Dortmund and his relationship with players like Erling Haaland.
00:29:27 - Bellingham's performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
00:32:07 - Bellingham's transfer to Real Madrid in 2023.
00:41:44 - Bellingham's incredible goalscoring form for Real Madrid in his first season.
00:49:54 - Discussion on Bellingham's potential legacy and future.
00:57:20 - The rising trend of incredibly talented young footballers emerging at a very young age.
01:05:00 - Speculating on what profession Bellingham could have pursued if not football.
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
X
Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com - Visa fler
