Xabi Alonso has returned to Real Madrid — not as a midfield metronome, but as the architect of a new era. His first months in charge have been a crash course in identity-building: tactical tweaks, shape-shifting systems, injury improvisation, and an evolving pressing philosophy.
In this episode, we break down:
- How Alonso is reshaping Real Madrid tactically
- What his Club World Cup run revealed
- Why flexibility is at the heart of “Xabi Ball”
- Early winners in the squad (Garcia, Güler, Hoeneß)
- Realistic expectations for Year One
- Whether this Madrid has the tools to dominate Europe again
Alonso’s Madrid is not just playing football, they are building a system. The question is whether this system can survive the pressure, the fixture list, and the Champions League.
Do you believe Alonso is the right man for this era? Comment below.
#XabiAlonso, #RealMadrid, #LosBlancos, #LaLiga, #FootballTactics, #SoccerAnalysis, #XabiBall, #RealMadridTactics, #TacticalAnalysis, #ClubWorldCup, #AlonsoEra, #FranGarcia, #ArdaGuler, #GonzaloGarcia, #ViniciusJr, #TrentAlexanderArnold, #FootballStrategy, #SoccerRebuild, #RealMadridNews, #FootballBreakdown
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00: The King’s Return & Early Experiments
04:45: La Liga Form, Flexibility & Player Evolution
06:51: Challenges, Expectations & The Alonso Era Ahead
Every bad result at Manchester United instantly becomes a crisis story. Pundits pile on, headlines go nuclear, and the narrative shifts from football to theatre. One loss turns into “the club is finished,” “the manager must go,” or “United are clueless” , long before any project is allowed to breathe.
But when Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea struggle, the language becomes softer. “Transition,” “project,” “growing pains,” “give them time.” The tone shifts. The patience reappears. The benefit of the doubt is restored.
So is this just banter? A coincidence? Or does football media treat United differently on purpose?
In this episode we break down:
- Why crisis headlines sell more when it’s United
- How media outrage actually affects the stock price and investor panic
- Why United’s public corporate status magnifies every loss
- How repeated negativity destabilizes managers and squads
- Why other clubs are “rebuilding” while United are always “collapsing”
This is not just a story about narrative. It’s a story about economics, incentives, and the machine behind Premier League outrage culture.
Manchester United are not just a football club, they are a global business, and when bad press hits, it hits the balance sheet, not just the league table.
If you're tired of shallow hot takes and want actual context, this one is for you.
#ManchesterUnited, #MUFC, #FootballMedia, #MediaBias, #PremierLeague, #FootballPolitics, #SportsBusiness, #StockMarket, #PublicClub, #FootballAnalysis, #ManUnitedNews, #FootballNarratives, #Punditry, #SportsEconomics, #FootballDebate, #TheShaftSports
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 | Media Pressure and Double Standards
01:46 | How Reputation Turns Into Financial Damage for United
03:59 | The Crisis–Recovery Cycle and the Real Double Standard
Do you freeze in meetings or dread presentations? This episode of The Shaft Conversations will change how you see public speaking.
Our guest, Jeremiah Sekyi, a world public speaking champion who’s spoken in 13+ countries; wasn’t “born confident.” He learned it. He failed, practiced daily, and built a career helping others find their voice.
What you’ll learn:
- A practical way to turn anxiety into fuel
- The “evidence bank” method to build real confidence
- How to practice (daily, simple, repeatable) like a pro
- Authentic voice over speaking hacks (and how to find yours)
- Why communication is the bridge between talent and opportunity
- Career lessons: switching paths, staying accountable, and compounding skill
Who this is for: young professionals, founders, managers, creators—anyone who needs to be persuasive on camera or in the room.
📲 Connect with Jeremiah on LinkedIn: search “Jeremiah Sekyi 100 tips
If this inspired you, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs the nudge.
#PublicSpeaking, #CommunicationSkills, #CareerGrowth, #WorkConfidence, #OvercomingAnxiety, #PresentationSkills, #YoungProfessionals, #PersonalDevelopment, #SelfImprovement, #Leadership, #Motivation, #Productivity, #InterviewSkills, #Meetings, #ProfessionalSkills, #TheShaftConversations, #Podcast, #CreatorCareer, #ImpromptuSpeaking, #ConfidenceBuilding
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Erasmus
Guest: Jeremiah Sekyi
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | Overcoming Speaking Anxiety + Meet Jeremiah & the 100-Day Challenge
04:17 | Early Struggles and First Breakthroughs
07:59 | Confidence by Reps: Community, Persistence & the “Evidence Bank”
33:46 | Career Pivot: Pharmacy to Communication (Passion, Prove-It Year, First Steps, Global Recognition)
39:32 | Lifelong Learning, Professional Responsibility, Coaching Wins & Final Advice
Before the promotions and glow-ups came the grind.
This episode dives into the unspoken early-career struggles that shape every success story — the sleepless nights, the broke seasons, the silent doubts.
We explore:
- Why everyone hides their early-career pain
- The reality of survival in today’s economy
- How to stay motivated when you’re stuck
- Why struggle builds resilience, not failure
If you’ve ever felt behind, this one’s for you.
👉 Subscribe for more real conversations that remind you: success isn’t instant, t’s built in silence.
#CareerGrowth, #EarlyCareer, #WorkStruggles, #LifeAdvice, #TheShaftConversations, #YoungProfessionals, #Motivation, #PersonalGrowth, #Resilience, #WorkLife, #SelfImprovement, #Entrepreneurship, #Inspiration, #PodcastClips, #RealTalk
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00–02:50 | The Hidden Struggles of Starting Out
02:51–06:59 | Surviving the System
07:00–09:13 | Growth, Recovery, and Real Talk
The 2025 Ballon d’Or debate wasn’t about football, it was about hype.
In this episode, we unpack why fans were desperate for Lamine Yamal to win, how Barcelona’s marketing machine amplified the story, and how Raphinha’s world-class season got buried beneath the noise.
We’re asking the real question: Do fans still care about performance — or just the fairytale?
Listen as we break down:
- Why Yamal’s hype went too far
- The overlooked brilliance of Raphinha
- How social media shapes football awards
- The danger of “aura” over achievement
👉 Subscribe for more honest football analysis, where numbers matter more than narratives.
#LamineYamal,#BallonDor,#FootballDebate,#Raphinha,#Barcelona,#BarcaNews,#FootballAnalysis,#TheShaftSports,#FootballPodcast,#EuropeanFootball,#LaLiga,#FootballFans,#HotTakes,#ModernFootball,#FootballCulture
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00–01:50 | The Rise of Lamine Yamal
01:51–06:20 | When Narrative Beats Performance
06:21–07:41 | The Real Ballon d’Or Question
One week Pep is a genius. The next he’s “overthinking.” The same tactic is either revolutionary or reckless depending on the result. This is punditry in 2025; outcome bias, tribal narratives, and entertainment over explanation.
We unpack:
- Why Amorim gets slammed for the same system Pep gets praised for
- How pundits flip-flop to feed the attention economy
- Why modern punditry blurs into fandom and banter
- How fans can cut through the noise and find real analysis
#FootballPundits, #SoccerAnalysis, #PremierLeague, #HotTakes, #FootballPodcast, #SportsMedia, #PepGuardiola, #ManchesterUnited, #Amorim, #SkySports, #TacticalAnalysis, #FootballFans
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 05:36 | The Flip-Flop of Football Punditry
05:37 – 11:12 | Incentives and Hot Takes
11:13 – 13:09 | Complexity and Independent Thinking
Chelsea entered the 2025/26 season with sky-high expectations after winning the Club World Cup and spending big on new stars. Reece James himself declared they should be challenging for the title. But just weeks in, Chelsea have lost back-to-back games, fans are chanting “Mariska Out,” and cracks are showing again.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
- Why Chelsea are struggling despite heavy investment
- Whether overachieving last season raised expectations too fast
- The role of individual errors vs deeper tactical and structural problems
- How injuries and questionable squad-building affect the project
- Why Chelsea’s ownership model may be doing more harm than good
We also ask the big question: Is this just a bump, or are Chelsea repeating the same old mistakes?
#ChelseaFC, #Chelsea, #PremierLeague, #EPL, #FootballPodcast, #ChelseaStruggles, #CFC, #StamfordBridge, #Mariska, #ReeceJames, #ClubWorldCup, #FootballAnalysis, #SoccerPodcast, #EnglishFootball, #TransferTalk
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 04:26 | High Hopes and Early Struggles
04:27 – 11:03 | Mariska’s Position Under Pressure
11:04 – 19:58 | Performance, Consistency, and Costly Errors
19:59 – 26:50 | Deeper Problems: Injuries, Tactics, and Squad Management
26:51 – 37:23 | Ownership, Finances, and The Road Ahead
Manchester United fans are frustrated again. Eight wins in over 30 games, derby defeats, and yet another tactical reboot under Rúben Amorim. But is the problem really Amorim’s radical 3-4-3 system, or is the squad simply broken after years of failed projects?
We unpack:
- Why Sporting Lisbon’s blueprint worked but Old Trafford is different
- How constant reinvention has left United without an identity
- Why too much change too fast can mentally break players
- Whether this is just growing pains or the start of another dead end
Question: If you could change ONE thing at United tomorrow, would it be the tactics or the players?
#ManchesterUnited, #MUFC, #RubenAmorim, #OldTrafford, #PremierLeague, #FootballPodcast, #ManUtdNews, #Tactics, #UnitedStand, #SoccerAnalysis, #FootballFans, #EPL
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:13 | Setting the Record Straight
03:14 – 08:20 | Systems, Philosophy, and Criticism
08:21 – 10:45 | The Core Issue and Way Forward
Another weekend, another VAR controversy. Social media says referees are ruining football. But the Premier League’s independent panel tells a different story: fewer mistakes, faster decisions, better accuracy. So why does it feel worse?
We unpack:
- The narrative vs the numbers
- Why media amplification and outrage distort perception
- VAR’s impact — 97% accuracy, faster checks, semi-automated offsides
- Where refs still fail — inconsistency, big-game pressure, and communication gaps
#PremierLeague, #VAR, #Referees, #PGMOL, #FootballPodcast, #SoccerRefs, #EPL, #FootballDebates, #VARControversy, #RefWatch, #SoccerAnalysis, #FootballFans
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:07 | Narratives, Media, and Perception
03:08 – 07:23 | The Numbers vs The Noise
07:24 – 09:27 | Accountability and the Road Ahead
In Part 3, Derek gets ultra-practical about building a career from right where you are. We talk discipline, distractions, family pressure, money, and why skills beat titles — every time.
What you’ll learn:
- The #1 mindset shift: consistency over vibes — discipline as a daily habit
- How to start with low resources — learning on your phone, using off-peak data, landing internships
- “Don’t rush a master’s” — when grad school helps and when it delays you
- Why SQL is a universal skill for modern work (whatever your role)
- Community as a growth engine — teach, volunteer, document, and let opportunities find you
- Handling family expectations and social pressure without derailing your goals
- Skills over Job titles — how transferable skills future-proof your career
#Careers, #EarlyCareer, #Discipline, #Productivity, #LearnSQL, #DataSkills, #NoMastersYet, #Mentorship, #Community, #JobSearch, #Internships, #Focus, #AntiDistraction, #YoungProfessionals, #AfricanYouth, #TechCareers, #TransferableSkills, #PersonalGrowth, #Mindset, #LinkedIn
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy
Guest: Derek Degbe
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | Introduction and Mentorship Question
01:36 | Challenges Faced by Young Graduates
02:59 | Overcoming Constraints and Building Skills
07:05 | Importance of Discipline and Community
14:35 | Final Thoughts and Recap
In Part 2, we move beyond the hype. Derek breaks down how AI evolved from chatbots to agents, and why problem definition, distribution, and documentation matter more than shiny tools.
We cover:
- Why "using AI" isn’t a strategy; solving a specific problem is!
- The mobile money playbook: build access, trust, and local distribution
- Documenting progress so teams and countries stop starting from zero
- Human capital population: training for the robotic age
- Reverse mentoring for policymakers and practical frameworks for adoption
- A case study mindset: digitizing transport like VIP/STC the Ghanaian way
If you’re building products in Africa — or anywhere with real-world constraints — this episode will sharpen your approach to AI, ops, and policy.
👉 Question for you: What’s one problem in your context that AI could help — if you fixed access and adoption first?
#AI,#ArtificialIntelligence,#AIAgents,#ProductManagement,#Entrepreneurship,#TechInAfrica,#Fintech,#MobileMoney,#Policy,#DigitalTransformation,#FutureOfWork,#HumanCapital,#Innovation,#Startup,#Operations,#Documentation,#ReverseMentoring,#AfricaTech,#GhanaTech,#UX
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy
Guest: Derek Degbe
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 – 07:07 | AI Foundations and Business Impact
07:08 – 16:38 | Learning, Resources, and Future Directions
16:39 – 23:43 | Adapting to the Robotic Age
23:44 – 40:34 | Policy, Mentorship, and Human Capital
In Part 1 of our conversation with Derek, we dive into the mindset behind building a successful career. Derek has worked on Ghana and the African Union’s AI strategies and now mentors young entrepreneurs breaking into tech.
We explore:
- Why compounding effort matters more than quick wins
- Lifelong learning and being reliable as a foundation for growth
- How to stay disciplined in a world of constant distraction
- The role of networks, habits, and intentional living
This episode is about becoming the kind of person who delivers on ambitious visions.
👉 Share in the comments: What small habit are you compounding this year?
#TheShaftPodcast, #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #Entrepreneurship, #Mindset, #Discipline, #Compounding, #Reliability, #SelfImprovement, #PersonalGrowth, #YoungEntrepreneurs, #TechInAfrica, #Motivation, #Habits, #Focus, #LifelongLearning, #CareerAdvice, #FutureOfWork, #AIagents, #Inspiration
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy
Guest: Derek Degbe
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00 | The Importance of Compounding and Lifelong Learning
13:00 | Navigating Distractions and Staying Focused
22:39 | Living Within Your Means and Avoiding Ego Traps
Rúben Amorim arrived as the culture reset. A bold 3-4-3. High press. Clear roles. Yet results are sliding and the pressure is real. In this episode Erasmus digs into the real issue at Manchester United: is it tactics, squad fit, or years of change fatigue catching up with the club?
He covers:
- What Amorim’s system asks from every line
- Why Sporting’s blueprint worked and what is missing at United
- Five managers in seven years and the cost of constant reinvention
- Players out of position, recruitment trade-offs, and timeline pressure
- Growing pains vs warning signs and what must change now
- Practical fixes that build belief without abandoning the plan
Tell us in the comments: is this a process problem or a personnel problem?
#ManchesterUnited, #RubenAmorim, #PremierLeague, #MUFC, #Tactics, #343, #HighPress, #SportingCP, #ManCity, #FootballAnalysis, #SoccerTactics, #OldTrafford, #UnitedStand, #PL, #FootballPodcast, #Coaching, #Recruitment, #Pressing, #Wingbacks, #MidfieldBox
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 Current State of Manchester United
03:40 Historical Context and Previous Managers
07:28 Ruben Amarin's Tactical Approach
11:59 Challenges and Potential Solutions
27:32 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement
Behind every highlight reel is a fight you didn’t see.
In this episode of The Shaft Conversations, Kelly shares the real story—his father’s trek across Africa for a chance in Spain, the grit that traveled down the bloodline, learning Spanish, returning to Ghana, impostor moments at PRESEC and KNUST, missing early “break-in” chances, and finally carving a career in global banking—while launching a data consultancy on the side.
In this episode:
- The unseen cost of a “made it” story
- Ambition + exposure: why seeing it changes everything
- PRESEC debate, leadership, and impostor syndrome
- Missing opportunities (and how to prepare better)
- Breaking into banking without the “standard” path
- Building a business while working a full-time finance role
- Practical advice for 18–25 year olds feeling lost
Drop your takeaway in the comments: What’s one goal you’re working backwards from this year?
If this inspired you, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs the nudge.
#ShaftConversations, #InspiringStories, #ImmigrantStories, #Grit, #Ambition, #Exposure, #CareerAdvice, #BankingCareers, #FinanceCareers, #Entrepreneurship, #DataAnalytics, #AfricanDiaspora, #PRESEC, #GhanaToGlobal, #CanaryWharf, #Mindset, #ImpostorSyndrome, #SelfImprovement, #Motivation, #Podcast
For more engaging content and discussions, follow us on our social media platforms:
Twitter: https://x.com/theshaftpoddie_/status/...
Instagram: / theshaftpodcast. .
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy & Erasmus
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Social Media Management: Pearl Kwadade
Timestamps:
00:00–04:20 | Origins & Setup
04:20–29:13 | Growth Years & Direction
30:15–35:24 | Breaking In
35:24–46:58 | Setbacks & Support
46:58–56:23 | What’s Next
Liverpool’s record-breaking £130m move for Alexander Isak has set the football world on fire. But is he really worth that much?
In this solo deep dive of The Shaft Sports Podcast, Andy breaks it all down:
- Isak’s numbers and whether they justify £130m
- How he stacks up against Haaland, Mbappé, Kane, Lewandowski, Osimhen, Dembélé, and Salah
- Why Liverpool see him as Salah’s long-term heir
- How transfer inflation is reshaping football’s market
- What record-breaking fees mean for the future of strikers
- Is Isak a generational forward—or an inflated gamble? Drop your rankings of Europe’s top strikers in the comments. We’ll react to the best lists in a future episode.
#AlexanderIsak, #Liverpool, #LFC, #PremierLeague, #Transfers, #TransferNews, #FootballPodcast, #SportsPodcast, #Isak, #Haaland, #Mbappe, #Kane, #Lewandowski, #Osimhen, #Dembele, #Salah, #EPL, #BritishRecord, #FootballTransfers
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 Liverpool's Record-Breaking Transfer
01:04 Evaluating Isak's Value and Performance
04:12 Comparing Isak to Europe's Elite Strikers
09:45 Transfer Market Dynamics and Inflation
13:00 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Liverpool have smashed the British transfer record with a £130m move for Alexander Isak. At just 25, Isak has scored 44 Premier League goals in two seasons, dragged Newcastle into the Champions League, and now becomes the most expensive player in English football history.
But is this a master stroke or a minefield?
In this solo episode of The Shaft Sports Podcast, Andy breaks down:
- Why Liverpool broke the bank for Isak
- His injury history and availability risk
- What this means for £70m Hugo Ekitiké and Liverpool’s attack
- Newcastle’s calculation in letting him go
- The wider question of player power vs club control
Isak could transform Liverpool’s frontline, or become a £130m regret. What do you think? Should Ekitiké start, or does record money guarantee Isak the keys?
💬 Drop your take in the comments, we’ll feature the best ones in our next episode.
#Liverpool, #AlexanderIsak, #Isak, #Ekitike, #PremierLeague, #EPL, #LiverpoolFC, #NewcastleUnited, #Transfers, #TransferNews, #FootballTransfers, #BritishRecord, #FootballPodcast, #SportsPodcast, #PlayerPower, #ClubControl, #PremierLeagueTransfers, #LFC, #NUFC
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 Unpacking the Transfer Fee and Risks for Liverpool
01:32 Isak's Performance and Injury History
05:49 Comparing Isak and Hugo Ekitike
11:10 Player Power vs. Club Control
14:45 Conclusion and Future Outlook
When Grimsby Town knocked Manchester United out of the cup, their owner made a bold claim: the Premier League is built on 190 years of shared history, and the money at the top should be redistributed down the football pyramid.
In this episode, we dive into the big question: Should Premier League wealth be shared with lower league clubs?
We break it down into five key arguments:
- The Moral Case: Football is a shared legacy, not just a business.
- The Economic Case: Billion-pound TV deals vs clubs folding at the bottom.
- The Community Case: Local clubs as cultural and social hubs.
- The Narrative Case: Why upsets and “David vs Goliath” stories keep football alive.
- The Integrity Case: Promotion and relegation only matter if survival is possible.
This isn’t just about one upset — it’s about the future of English football. Should money stay concentrated at the top, or be spread across the game to protect the pyramid?
💬 Comment below: Do you agree with Grimsby’s owner — should football money be redistributed?
#PremierLeague, #EPL, #Football, #Soccer, #EnglishFootball, #FootballMoney, #Redistribution, #FootballInequality, #FootballBusiness, #FootballPyramid, #GrimsbyTown, #ManchesterUnited, #LowerLeagues, #Championship, #LeagueOne, #LeagueTwo, #FootballClubs, #FootballCommunity, #FootballPodcast, #SportsPodcast
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 05:36 | The Upset & The Call for Change
05:36 – 11:48 | Why Redistribution Matters
11:48 – 14:39 | Football’s Future at Stake
Grimsby Town knocked Manchester United out on pens after a 2–2, but the real story is bigger. Are rigid systems hurting United more than opponents are? We break down the control issues, rest defense, the overload of No. 10s, why transitions look so easy against United, and what quick fixes could work without ripping up the entire philosophy.
What we cover:
- Why control vanished against Grimsby and Fulham
- Rest defense explained and why United retreat too deep
- The No. 10 overload at United: Bruno, Mount, Brian, Cunha, Amad
- Play your best in best roles or force the system
- Quick, low-risk tweaks for Burnley
- Philosophy vs results: evolve the details or die on the hill
Comment your take: keep the system and tweak, or change it fast?
#PremierLeague, #EPL, #ManchesterUnited, #ManUnited, #GrimsbyTown, #CarabaoCup, #FootballTactics, #Tactics, #RestDefense, #HighPress, #CounterPress, #BrunoFernandes, #MasonMount, #RubenAmorim, #FootballAnalysis, #SoccerAnalysis, #FootballPodcast, #SportsPodcast, #Coaching, #Transitions, #BuildUpPlay, #No10, #MidfieldBalance, #DefensiveShape, #PressingTriggers
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 United’s struggles and the Grimsby shock
06:57 Roles, misfits, and mentality
19:01 No.10 overload and transfer missteps
21:43 Immediate fixes, defensive shape, keeper choice, adaptability and wrap up
28:56 Philosophy vs. Pragmatism in Football Management
⚽ Think you’ve got the best football brain? Prove it in The Shaft Sports FPL League!
💰 $100 cash prize for the winner at the end of the season
🔑 Join with this code: j7ayj5
📺 Remember: Winner must be subscribed to The Shaft Sports channel
Top-tier analysis and spot-on predictions from the podcast will give you the edge. Don’t just watch the game — win it!
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Parents are shaping the careers of football’s youngest stars more than ever — but are they helping or hurting?
After Joe Bellingham’s father confronted Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, the club banned parents from restricted areas — the so-called “Bellingham Law.” This sparks bigger questions:
- When does parental support become interference?
- Should parents double as managers or agents?
- What risks do kids face when family oversteps?
- Are “Project Mbappé” parents pushing kids too hard, too soon?
- Who really decides when a youngster is ready for first-team football?
In this episode, we dive into the balance between care and control, the hidden pressures of youth football, and what this means for the future of the game.
💬 Do you think parents should stay out of football management? Comment below.
📌 Subscribe for more deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
#Football, #Soccer, #PremierLeague, #Bundesliga, #Bellingham, #JoeBellingham, #JudeBellingham, #BellinghamLaw, #ProjectMbappe, #FootballParents, #ParentalControl, #FootballAgents, #YouthFootball, #Wonderkids, #FootballDevelopment, #AcademyFootball, #SportsPodcast, #FootballPodcast, #FootballBusiness, #PlayerWelfare
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & The Jobe Bellingham Incident|
03:15 – Parents, Pressure & Football Careers
11:00 – Youth Debuts & The Bellingham Rule
⚽ Think you’ve got the best football brain? Prove it in The Shaft Sports FPL League!
💰 $100 cash prize for the winner at the end of the season
🔑 Join with this code: j7ayj5
📺 Remember: Winner must be subscribed to The Shaft Sports channel
Top-tier analysis and spot-on predictions from the podcast will give you the edge. Don’t just watch the game — win it!
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Teenagers stole the spotlight in the Premier League this weekend.
- Estevão (Chelsea) – youngest ever Chelsea player to register a PL assist
- Max Dowman (Arsenal) – a 15-year-old winning penalties with fearless play
- Leny Yoro (Manchester United) – Getting Man United their only EPL goal this season
- Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) – a debut winner in the 90+10 minute
Managers aren’t just easing teenagers in anymore—they’re trusting them in high-pressure moments. Why?
In this episode of Shaft Sports, we break down:
- Why managers are turning to teenagers for solutions
- How Brexit, FFP, and academy “pure profit” rules are driving youth integration
- The mentality and tactical flexibility of today’s young players
- Whether we’re seeing a true generational shift—or just another wave of hype
- The risks: burnout, over-specialization, and lost freedom of expression
⚽ Are we witnessing the start of football’s youth revolution?
👉 Comment your thoughts: Should managers take this much risk with teenagers?
#PremierLeague, #EPL, #Football, #Soccer, #Wonderkids, #TeenagersInFootball, #FutureStars, #YoungTalents, #FootballAcademy, #YouthFootball, #Estevao, #MaxDowman, #LenyYoro, #RioNgumoha, #EthanNwaneri, #MikeyMoore, #ChidoObiMartin, #NicoOReilly, #MylesLewisSkelly, #ArchieGray, #LamineYamal, #NextGenFootball, #FootballTransfers, #AcademyFootball, #FootballDevelopment, #FootballPodcast, #SportsPodcast
Subscribe to our channels and enjoy this episode:
YouTube: / @theshaftpodcasts. .
Spotify: https://spotify.link/oHwF5hicHDb
Appreciations for this Episode:
Host: Andy Terku and Erasmus Segbefia
Video Production: Andrews Terkpertey
Video Editing: Samuel Okuadjo
Timestamps:
00:00 – 06:03 | The Rise of Teenagers in Football
06:03 – 14:59 | What’s Driving This Youth Revolution?
14:59 – 25:26 | The Future of Football & Youth Development