Soccer 101

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? JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!