I caught up with Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft who wrote an article on "how Pep Guardiola and data destroyed" football's beautiful variety. We discuss and debate the merits of the Pep school of footballing philosophy, starting from Cruyff, to those now copying or taking forward Pep's approach.   Here's Jonathan's article, which is a must-read: https://www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...

In this podcast, created thanks to the wonderful people at Greene King, I caught up with some well known @avfcofficial fans, and we discussed their beloved club. I also share my reasons for picking Aston Villa as the subject of my next book, which you on the channel may already have figured out,  called Awakening The Giant. So enjoy this podcast of More Than A Game (Tales On Tap) sponsored by #GreeneKingSport.    • Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter   • For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintx.co.uk

I have had the most wonderful chat with Mutaz Barshim and Gian Marcotamber (the two high jumpers that decided to share gold in Tokyo Olympics) in the Gala of the Aspire Academy Global Summit in Rome if front of an audience that felt captivated by these two special human beings. What a story they have to tell. In fact it is so wonderful that I decided to do a podcast about it. • Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter • For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintx.co.uk

I spoke to Julen Lopetegui about Wolves and he explained with a very calm voice the alarming situation he finds himself in. You have to listen to the Spanish manager. It is very difficult to hear so much honesty and sincerity.  • Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter  • For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintx.co.uk

The transfer of Figo from Barcelona (where he was captain and symbol of a way of understanding the game and football) hurt many people. And it is not clear how it all happened. That is why it remains fresh in our minds. With the release of The Figo Affair on Netflix, I decided to speak to its two directors, the award-winning duo David Tryhorn and Ben Nicholas, and dissect the documentary but especially the ins and outs of the then World-record breaking deal. • Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter  • Podcast cover image by Maribel Herruzo  • For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintsports.co.uk

I have not found many people like Mike Clegg in my years in football. Intense, vanguardist, creative and flexible, deeply religious. So of course he had to be at some point one of the special episodes of the Pure Football Podcast. • Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter  • Podcast cover image by Maribel Herruzo  • For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintsports.co.uk

A very special episode. I decided to take my friends @gmallamaci and @UCFB_Dan to the HQ of @FootballManager, a game they played 1000s of times We spoke to @milesSI and discovered fascinating little secrets of the legendary game •Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter•Podcast cover image by Maribel Herruzo•For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintsports.co.uk 

In this episode of the Pure Football Podcast, Guillem speaks to iconic former goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel. The former Manchester United stopper chats about Sir Alex of course, and his son Kasper, but also about elite mentality, his own fascinating past, and even Pep Guardiola. •Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter•Podcast cover image by Maribel Herruzo•For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintsports.co.uk

In this episode of the Pure Football Podcast, Guillem speaks to Jordi Cruyff. The now FC Barcelona Technical Secretary (advisor to the director of football) is one of the main men leading the club’s revolution. Few men are better traveled in the world of football and he had one of the greatest minds to pick as a father of course in Johan Cruyff himself. •Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter•Podcast cover image by Maribel Herruzo•For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintsports.co.uk

In this episode of the Pure Football Podcast, Guillem speaks on how Everton got to this stage of division and unhappiness, and what can be done... Including the role of the owners, board and the fans.   @mintisculture @USAToffeePod @TheScoutedHub @theesK Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter Podcast cover image by Maribel Herruzo. For all podcast enquiries please email george@blueprintsports.co.uk

As part of the UCFB masterclasses, Guillem Balagué talks to English sports broadcaster, Kate Abdo, about her career in three countries, and what lessons she learnt working for Sky Germany, Sky Sports UK, CBS, TNT, Fox and presenting the FIFA Ballon d'Or. Guillem asked for a student to edit the podcast as a job experience and Kacper Narodzonek took up the challenge. Twitter: @KNarodzonekInstagram: @k.narodzonek Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter.

A special thanks to TalkSport for hosting Guillem on this feature episode with Eddie Howe, talking about joining Newcastle United.

You’ve been listening to the Pure Football Podcast, with me Guillem Balague.  On this special episode of the Pure Football Podcast, Guillem welcomes Santi Solari, the Argentine manager and former player as they discuss all things football. He also shares his thoughts on the difference between football in different countries and the excitement that surrounds them. Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter.

Manager Avram Grant joins Guillem on this week's Pure Football Podcast as they talk victories and all things managing national teams. From the Premiere League to the SuperLiga, they delve deep into the differences and difficulties that come with working with some of the worlds biggest clubs. Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter.    

On this special episode of the Pure Football Podcast, Guillem welcomes Gary Lineker who shares his memories of Diego Maradona ahead of the release of Guillem’s latest book. He also tells us about his interesting pre-match superstitions, how football has changed, and his thoughts on that Maradona goal. Maradona: The Boy. The Rebel. The God. Is available from 8th July. Purchase it here: http://smarturl.it/MaradonaBalague Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter. In partnership with GentingBet. 18+ begambleaware.org

Guillem is joined by Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui to discuss Euro 2020, the influence of Johan Cruyff on his management style, and the evolution of the role of the goalkeeper. Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter. In partnership with GentingBet. 18+ begambleaware.org

Ahead of the Champions League Final this week between Manchester City & Chelsea, Guillem welcomes Domenec Torrent, a former member of Pep Guardiola’s staff at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. They discuss the evolution of Pep, Dome’s own managerial ambitions, and predictions for the final. Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter. In partnership with GentingBet. 18+ begambleaware.org

Guillem is joined by Villarreal's Francis Coquelin ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg against his former team Arsenal. They discuss being managed by Arsene Wenger, Mikel Arteta's leadership skills, and what it was like moving to London to join the Gunners aged just 17. Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter. In partnership with GentingBet. 18+ begambleaware.org

In this week's episode, we are joined by Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Slovenian talks to Guillem about why he chose to be a goalkeeper, his inspirations when growing up, and the influence of his father, as well as the pressures of playing elite football. Follow @purefootballpod on Twitter. In partnership with GentingBet. 18+ begambleaware.org

What will football look like in 10 years? It’s a big question but that’s exactly what our guests this week will attempt to answer. In this fascinating conversation, Guillem is joined by Jan van Loon, Fran Moya, and Edu Rubio to discuss exactly what they believe football needs to do to adapt, as well the potential future role of the head coach and how players can take greater ownership in the evolution of the game. In partnership with GentingBet. 18+ begambleaware.org