Talking City - Manchester City podcast

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. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James is joined by Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski straight from Hong Kong as Manchester City touch down for their pre-season tour! In this episode, Alex and Si break down the news from the City camp, including: The Tour Squad Announcement: Why Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips were left behind in the UK. Savinho Transfer Gossip: Momentum builds around Spurs' interest—will he finish the tour with City or make a move back home? The Goalkeeper Drama: How Stockport County's injury emergency led to Angers goalkeeper Max Chabot joining City as an unsigned trialist for the tour. Asian Tour Expectations: What to expect from Puma’s wild kit launches, 16 academy prospects on tour, and preparing for matches against Inter and Atletico Madrid. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro & Landing in Hong Kong 01:10 - Tour Squad Breakdown: Jack Grealish & Kalvin Phillips Left Out 03:00 - Savinho to Spurs? Transfer Momentum Grows 06:20 - The Wild Story of City’s Unsigned French Trialist Goalkeeper 10:15 - Pre-Season Plans: Puma Commercial Events, Kit Launches & Academy Stars 🛡️ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal: Get the best discount off your NordVPN plan plus 4 extra months free by going to nordvpn.com/talkingcity. Try it risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss Enzo Maresca's first press conference as Manchester City head coach this afternoon. They discuss the popularity of the ex-Chelsea and Leicester boss, as well as the futures of Rodri and Jack Grealish. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski try not to get too depressed about England's semi-final defeat to Argentina in this week's episode. They discuss why they believe Manchester City has the best midfielders in the 2026 World Cup, and their grumbles about the Third Place Playoff between England and France. Later on, they chat about ticket prices for the next season, and why it encourage more fans to watch games at the Etihad. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski discuss the chatter around Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City for a British-record transfer fee of £116 million. Is the England midfielder worth the fee? And what other transfers are in the pipeline for Enzo Maresca's side? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski discuss the breaking news that we have known for a long time, as Enzo Maresca’s arrival as Manchester City head coach becomes official 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Jack Flintham discuss Manchester City’s 2026/27 fixtures after they were released on Friday morning, including an early Manchester derby and the problem with TV picks. We also take a closer look at the latest surrounding Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Enzo Maresca EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Jack Flintham discuss the latest surrounding Elliot Anderson and Enzo Maresca’s arrivals at Manchester City, as well as looking ahead to the World Cup with a strong contingent of Blues set to be in action. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special episode of the Talking City podcast, Alex James and Simon Bajkowski react to the news that Pep Guardiola will be leaving Manchester City this summer after 10 years at the Etihad. Alex and Si discuss his impact on the club, and who could replace Guardiola at City. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski review Manchester City's FA Cup win against Chelsea. With Pep Guardiola's securing the domestic double, can they make it a treble as the Premier League season reaches its conclusion? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is VAR officially taking the joy out of football? Welcome back to the Talkin' City podcast! This week, Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski sit down to digest a chaotic and decisive weekend in the Premier League title race. We kick things off by breaking down City’s 3-0 win over Brentford, highlighting Jeremy Doku’s incredible run of form. Then, things get heated as we dive into the Arsenal vs. West Ham game and the massive VAR controversy that has everyone talking. Have referees completely lost control of set pieces? We vent our frustrations on the inconsistencies ruining the matchday experience for fans. Finally, we look ahead to a must-win clash against Crystal Palace and a relentless end-of-season schedule that includes the FA Youth Cup and the FA Cup Final. 00:00 - Intro & Title Race Reality Check 02:05 - Jeremy Doku's Masterclass vs. Brentford 04:54 - How Doku is Reprogramming His Game for Goals 06:20 - Substitutes Shine: Foden's Impact & Marmouch's Brilliant Strike 08:47 - The Great VAR Rant: Arsenal vs. West Ham Fallout 11:40 - Are Referee Inconsistencies Ruining the Game? 14:20 - Do the Rules for Corner Kicks Need to Change? 19:58 - How VAR is Killing the Matchday Experience for Fans 24:12 - Crystal Palace Preview & Pep's Team Selection Dilemma 27:00 - City's Crazy End-of-Season Schedule Drop your thoughts in the comments. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices