It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the Football History podcast hosted by Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper. In this second episode of a two-part special, we explore the life of Mohamed Salah - from winning his third PFA player of the year award, to the pressures and the complex political landscape he navigates in Egypt . We delve into Salah's impact in the UK, his challenging relationship with International football, from rural Egypt to the global stage, Mohamed Salah's journey is as thrilling as it is complex. Join us for an in-depth look at one of the most intriguing figures in modern football. 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Mohamed Salah's Political and Cultural Significance 03:01 The Complexities of Expressing Political Views 05:02 Historical Context: Egypt's Political Landscape 14:19 The Arab Spring and Its Aftermath 24:06 Mohamed Salah's Relationship with the Egyptian National Team 27:40 High Stakes in World Cup Play-offs 28:35 Egypt's Football Legacy and Recent Struggles 29:55 The 2018 World Cup Disappointment 31:56 Controversies and Criticisms 37:59 Political Pressures and Social Media 44:46 Salah's Impact in the UK 49:24 The Ballon d'Or and Future Prospects ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson are joined by Ed Aarons from The Guardian to discuss the incredible journey of Mohamed Salah. With the PFA Footballer of the Year awards tonight, Salah's early life and career beginnings are explored in depth. Ed shares his research from travels to Salah's hometown in Egypt, providing unique insights into the challenges Salah faced, including the long commute for training and the support from his family. The episode covers Salah’s initial struggles, his move to Basel, and his eventual breakout that caught the attention of major clubs. Join us to learn how Salah's dedication and hard work paved the way for his renowned career. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: Mohamed Salah 00:38 Guest Introduction: Ed Aarons 00:54 Journey to Egypt: Tracing Salah's Roots 01:54 Experiences in Salah's Hometown 03:22 Salah's Early Life and Football Beginnings 12:39 Challenges and Dedication in Salah's Youth 18:40 Salah's Transition to Professional Football 21:29 Cultural and Personal Insights on Salah 22:11 Salah's Early Professional Struggles 23:53 The Turning Point: Mastering the Art of Finishing 25:09 Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs 26:33 International Recognition and Olympic Success 30:10 The Tragic Event That Changed Everything 31:31 The Move to Basel: Trials and Triumphs 39:00 Challenges at Chelsea and the Path to Greatness 44:26 Liverpool's Perfect Fit: Salah's Rise to Stardom 46:25 National Team Challenges and Rivalries 49:57 Legacy and Comparisons: The Greatest African Player? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

On today's episode of It Was What It Was, hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore a crucial moment in Premier League history: José Mourinho's dramatic 2015/16 season at Chelsea. They discuss Mourinho's second sacking at Chelsea and the key incidents that led to his sacking just 6 months after winning the title, including the infamous Eva Carneiro incident and clashes with players like Eden Hazard, and a turbulent pre-season tour. The episode examines how these factors contributed to a season of rapid decline, leading to Mourinho's sacking and raising questions about his methods in modern football. 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Reflecting on Jose Mourinho's 2015 Season 01:42 The Beginning of the End: Preseason Signs 06:01 The Eva Carneiro Incident 14:29 Preseason Tour Troubles 20:50 Early Season Struggles 26:07 The Impact of the Eva Carneiro Affair 27:54 Conclusion and Transition to Second Half 29:04 Chelsea's Struggles Begin 29:31 Tactical Changes and Player Issues 30:33 Transfer Market Woes 33:33 Leadership Void and Dressing Room Dynamics 37:43 Marino's Public Outbursts 45:57 The Final Straw: Leicester Defeat 48:21 Marino's Departure and Legacy ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by guest Jan Åge Fjørtoft to explore the groundbreaking transfer of Brazilian footabller Juninho to Middlesbrough in 1995. The discussion explores the players’ previous career highlights, the unique challenges they faced adjusting to English football, and the cultural impact of Juninho's arrival on the Premier League. Special focus is given to the transformational role this transfer played in attracting world-class talent to mid-level English clubs. Jan gives insightful stories and personal anecdotes surrounding how Juninho became a beloved figure at Middlesbrough and his lasting legacy in English football history. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 01:12 Early Career and Move to Rapid Vienna 02:32 Transition to English Football 04:49 Joining Middlesbrough and Early Impressions 13:26 The Impact of Janio's Signing 16:51 Cultural Adjustments and Training Challenges 19:07 Middlesbrough's Transformation and Community Connection 30:28 Cultural Insights from Middlesbrough 31:02 Tactical Evolution in English Football 31:45 Adapting to English Football's Physicality 36:23 Weather and Training Challenges 40:25 The Impact of Foreign Signings 50:10 Middlesbrough's Tumultuous Season 59:09 Legacy of Jan Nino and the Premier League ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In Part Two of our series on Don Revie's Leeds United, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore the origins of the 'Dirty Leeds' tag. This episode delves into the notorious 1964 match against Everton that cemented the club's aggressive reputation. It discusses the reactions from fans and media, the role of football associations, and Revie's responses. Our conclusion also examines the cultural and tactical shifts in football during the 1960s and how Leeds' image became a point of controversy and unity for the team and its supporters. Tune in to uncover the complexities behind one of football's most infamous labels. Please remember to share, rate, review and comment to help It Was What It Was grow. 00:00 Introduction 01:36 The Dirty Leeds Tag 03:46 Don Revy's Management Style 27:43 Promotion and the Great Moral Panic 29:21 The Notorious Game against Everton at Goodison 30:37 Media and Public Perception 31:47 Football's Changing Landscape 33:04 The Birth of 'Dirty Leeds' 41:30 Revie's Reaction and Amplification 56:04 Conclusion and Legacy ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.