Podcast

Talking City - Manchester City podcast

From Reach Podcasts News, Soccer, Sports, Sports News

The stories behind the back pages, delivered with authority, knowledge, and humour from the reporters in the stands and at the training grounds.

The definitive Manchester City podcast from the heart of the press box.

Every week on Talking City, hosts Alex James and chief City correspondent Simon Bajkowski (Manchester Evening News) deliver unfiltered news, tactical breakdowns, and genuine insider insight direct from the Etihad.

Expect insights, expertise and fresh takes from both on and off the pitch, with Alex and Si sharing moments from the mix zone, press conferences, and chats with players, coaches and Citizens.

Whether we’re pushing for silverware in Manchester or traveling across Europe, Talking City is your home for intelligent, passionate Manchester City coverage.

Hit subscribe, turn on notifications, and join the debate in the comments below.

Part of the All Out Football network.

Episodes
547
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
29 min
On air since
2017
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

547 episodes, newest first

  1. When Simon CROSSED Maresca: TESTY exchange with City manager | Brighton Part Two

    Show notes

    Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham discuss the victory over Brighton in the Carabao Cup, Saturday’s Premier League encounter with the Seagulls and a testy moment from Enzo Maresca in his press conference.

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    33 min
  2. 'Maresca can be RUTHLESS': Donnarumma has to do better | City need to step up against Brighton

    Show notes

    Alex James is joined by SImon Bajkowski to look back at City's first Premier League loss of the season against Aston Villa, where they failed to take their chances. What does Maresca's side need to do to step up against Brighton TWICE this week? And are City fans embracing Donnarumma as No. 1? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    29 min
  3. 'Guardiola wouldn't have done that in a MILLION years': Foden unleashed | Trusting the kids

    Show notes

    Jack Flintham and Simon Bajkowski dive into Manchester City's dominant 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

    The duo breaks down Enzo Maresca's bold squad rotation, Floyd Samba stepping up to play as a number nine, and Phil Foden's spectacular Man of the Match hat-trick.

    They also analyse Ryan Cherki's maverick playing style, and preview the upcoming tough fixture against Aston Villa.

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    34 min
  4. 'City fans BOOED the Premier League anthem!" 🍌 | Haaland Injury Scare & 7 Wins From 7

    Show notes

    Manchester City make it seven wins from seven to stay top of the Premier League, but the real story was in the stands! Alex James and Simon Bajkowski break down a wild weekend at the Etihad. In this episode of the Talking City podcast, the lads discuss City's entertaining but defensively frustrating victory that keeps Enzo Maresca's side at the summit of the table. We dive into the hilarious fan response to the ongoing charges—featuring inflatable bananas, judges, and cheetah costumes—plus the concerning sight of Erling Haaland limping off with an ankle injury. We also look ahead to Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens and next Saturday's trip to Aston Villa. Sponsor:

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    23 min
  5. "Unbelievable Football!" | Man City vs PSG Reaction, Squad Rotation & Ipswich Preview

    Show notes

    Welcome back to the Talking City Podcast with Alex James and Simon Bajkowski. In this episode, we react to the thrilling 4-2 clash against PSG and discuss whether Manchester City is truly at the pinnacle of European football. Plus, we dig into Enzo Maresca's latest press conference comments on squad rotation—should Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, and key defenders be rested for the upcoming Ipswich and AEK Athens fixtures? In this episode: 00:00 – New Set Impressions ("Hate it!") 01:05 – Manchester City vs PSG: Reaction to an Unbelievable Game 04:15 – Maresca's Tactical Shift & Player Standouts 06:30 – Sponsor Break (NordVPN) 07:00 – Squad Rotation: Rest Haaland & Key Players vs Ipswich? 09:30 – Antoine Semenyo's Impact & Potential Rest 10:50 – Ipswich Match Preview & Wrap Up EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

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    23 min
  6. 'Perfect panto VILLAINS': City fans don't need to defend themselves | Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City

    Show notes

    Alex James and Simon Bajkowski break down a surreal and defiant weekend for Manchester City on the latest edition of the Talking City podcast. Despite the noise surrounding the club's guilty verdict and hypothetical points deductions, Enzo Maresca's squad made a massive statement with a dominant 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Alex and Si analyse how City took control in the second half, heavily featuring Jeremy Doku's brilliant performance and defining goal celebration. The discussion covers the unexpectedly passive Anfield atmosphere, the chaotic officiating involving a soft red card, and Erling Haaland's missed chances. The focus shifts to Wednesday's massive Champions League clash against PSG at the Etihad, as City looks to capitalise on their exceptional form. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    34 min
  7. 'NO CONCERNS': City RESILIENT ahead of Liverpool clash as charges saga rolls on

    Show notes

    Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski with the fallout from Manchester City's guilty verdict of financial charges looming large over their trip to Liverpool.

    Enzo Maresca did his best to de-escalate the situation - but how hostile will the reception be at Anfield? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod _ Welcome to the Talking City Podcast by the Manchester Evening News, covering everything Manchester City featuring Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski, Senior football writer Tyrone Marshall and Manchester City writer Alex James. 👩‍💻 | Manchester City news: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.... 📖 | Facebook: / mancitymen 🕊️ X/Twitter: / mancitymen ⏰ | TikTok: / mancitymen 📸 | Instagram: / mancitymen 🎧 | Spotify: https://www.bit.ly/MCFCPod

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    27 min
  8. 'It's got VERY MESSY over the last week': can Manchester City players ignore 114 charges drama?

    Show notes

    Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss the continued drama over the 114 Premier League charges against Manchester City. They discuss City's "sarky" comments, the price of doing business with the UAE, and why senior players - like Haaland and Dias - need to guide the team through crisis. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    27 min
  9. "This is SEISMIC": defiant City accused of SHAM by Premier League | 115 Charges Verdict: What Next?

    Show notes

    Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League.

    In this emergency episode of the Talking City podcast, Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski break down the explosive 40-page verdict from the independent panel and the club's defiant response.

    The discussion covers the Premier League's allegations that City disguised £830 million of equity from its owners as sponsorship revenue over nine years, misleading both the Premier League and UEFA.

    Alex and Si also break down City's immediate plans to appeal, the timeline for the upcoming sanctions hearing, and what this seismic decision means for the club's future, players, and fans.

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    33 min
  10. 'It won't take away the MEMORIES' | Manchester City 115 charges explained | What happens NEXT?

    Show notes

    Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski react to the latest leaks surrounding Manchester City’s ongoing Premier League financial charges case. They break down the club Chairman's statement, analyse Enzo Maresca's cryptic post, dissect what "115 charges" actually means, and explore what an appeal process could mean for City's timeline into 2027 and beyond. Plus, a deep dive into potential rival club compensation claims, point deductions, and the debate over City's legacy and titles. Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction & Initial Reaction to the Charges Leak 02:52 - Enzo Maresca’s Cryptic Post & Socrates Quote 03:34 - Man City & Chairman Double Down on Innocence 10:05 - Breaking Down the "115 Charges": 5 Brackets & Sponsorship Incomes 15:10 - The Appeal Process: Why This Could Drag Into 2027 16:48 - Rival Clubs & Floodgates for Compensation Claims 22:00 - Tainted Titles vs. Fan Memories: Does Legacy Change? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    31 min
  11. 'Better to win 1-0 than 5-3?' It's still TOO EARLY to judge Maresca's football

    Show notes

    Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to look back at City's entertaining 5-3 victory against Sunderland. They discuss Maresca's style of football, City's defending, and why Enzo Fernandez was an odd choice for Player of the Match. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    30 min
  12. "Everything is PAYING OFF for Maresca": FIVE-star City youngsters shine in Carabao Cup

    Show notes

    Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham discuss Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, new sensation Floyd Samba and look ahead to the final Premier League match before the international break, against Sunderland.

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    28 min
  13. Phil Foden RED CARD & Manchester Derby DRAMA! | 10-man City Defeat United | Post-Match Reaction

    Show notes

    In this episode of the Talking City Podcast, host Simon Bajkowski is joined by City fan, author, and City Fans Foodbank co-founder Alex Timperley to break down a dramatic Manchester derby! The guys discuss Enzo Maresca’s bold tactics, Phil Foden's controversial red card following his clash with Bruno Fernandes, and why City showed the mental toughness to secure all three points down at Old Trafford. Plus, Alex dives into the growing power of football fan activism, joint supporter protests over rising ticket prices, and how fans can take collective action to support their local communities. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Post-Derby Feelings 00:53 – The Phil Foden & Bruno Fernandes Incident 02:52 – Match Dynamics at Old Trafford 03:40 – The Controversial Winning Goal 04:29 – Manchester United's Ongoing Structural Issues 05:34 – City’s Elite Squad Mentality & Summer Transfers 06:59 – Enzo Maresca’s Tactical Courage 08:19 – Maresca's Connection with the Fans 09:30 – Pre-Match Protests & Fan Unity 10:45 – Cross-Club Supporter Solidarity 13:56 – The Importance of Protesting While Winning 15:16 – NordVPN sponsorship read 15:48 – Introducing For the Love: How Football Supporters Can Change the World 17:16 – What Does a Football Club Actually Mean? 18:10 – Reclaiming the Link Between Club and City 20:04 – Protecting Fan Rights for Future Generations 22:08 – Real Proof of Concept in Fan Activism 24:00 – The Story Behind the City Fans Foodbank 27:30 – How Everyday Fans Can Take Action 30:24 – Wrap-Up & Sign-Off EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod _ Welcome to the Talking City Podcast by the Manchester Evening News, covering everything Manchester City featuring Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski, Senior football writer Tyrone Marshall and Manchester City writer Alex James. 👩‍💻 | Manchester City news: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-city-fc 📖 | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManCityMEN 🕊️ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mancitymen ⏰ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mancitymen 📸 | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mancitymen 🎧 | Spotify: https://www.bit.ly/MCFCPod

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    33 min
  14. Maresca Masterclass in Porto, Bouaddi's Rise, Alan Shearer Negativity & Manchester Derby Preview

    Show notes

    Welcome back to Talking City with Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski!In today’s episode, the team breaks down Manchester City’s huge 2-0 Champions League away victory against Porto.

    We dissect Enzo Maresca’s tactical masterclass, the brilliance of 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield, and why the TV pundits got the game’s narrative completely wrong.Plus, we look ahead to Sunday’s massive Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. With Michael Carrick already feeling the heat and City firing on all cylinders, could this be Maresca’s biggest statement win yet?

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    29 min
  15. Engineering Future Player 2.0: Thomas Kruecken on Manchester City's Academy Secrets

    Show notes

    Manchester City Academy Director Thomas Kruecken sits down with Simon Bajkowski for an exclusive look at how the club engineers the next generation of elite footballers. From embracing Artificial Intelligence to cultivating the "Future Player 2.0" model, Kruecken breaks down the exact methodologies keeping City's youth system ahead of the curve. The Keegan Connection: The story behind Kruecken’s tie and his early days observing the club. Artificial Intelligence in Football: How AI and data analytics are being used to identify specific performance gaps and prepare players for Pep Guardiola’s demanding first team. Hyper-Personalised Development: The strategy behind a 250% increase in Individual Development Plan (IDP) training minutes. Elite Coaching Staff: Integrating top-tier talent like Real Madrid’s Nacho Román to elevate the tactical environment. The Ultimate Ambition: The drive to eventually produce a Ballon d'Or winner and why learning to lose is a critical step for young talent. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    39 min
  16. "Different versions of the TRUTH": how did Manchester City perform in the transfer window?

    Show notes

    It is the day after the night before: the transfer window is officially SHUT and Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss Manchester City's busy summer in the transfer market. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    39 min
  17. 'Savinho will NOT be missed!': CHAOS or organised chaos in transfer market for Manchester City

    Show notes

    Alex James and Simon Bajkowski discuss the upcoming busy week in the transfer window for Manchester City. They also chat about Enzo Maresca's "muddled" team selection, and who could be arriving at the Etihad before the transfer deadline. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    27 min
  18. "A MASSIVE few days for recruitment": transfers under the microscope at Manchester City

    Show notes

    Alex James and Simon Bajkowski look at the ins and outs at the Etihad, and what is expected to be a "massive 10 days" for Manchester City in the transfer window. They also look ahead to the new Premier League season with Enzo Maresca's side hosting Bournemouth on Saturday. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

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    24 min
  19. 'City players BUY into Maresca's ideas': FA Community Shield preview | Arsenal v Man City

    Show notes

    Recording from the Manchester City Joie Stadium, Alex James and Simon Bajkowski preview City's Community Shield clash.

    They discuss transfer ins and outs at the Etihad, Enzo Maresca's start at City, and why there is a lot of nonsense from people who ought to know better.

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    25 min
  20. The ONE thing that Rodri OWES Manchester City: Barcelona need to find the cash for City midfielder

    Show notes

    Alex James speaks to Simon Bajkowski on his way back from Manchester City's pre-season trip to Asia, catching up on a busy time for Enzo Maresca's side. They discuss whether Rodri will be reporting back to City after the World Cup, the excitement building around Maresca from the squad, and why the kids are alright under the former Chelsea and Leicester boss. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod

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    29 min