Episode 21 - The Bundesliga Does Bad Business - Chelsea's Nearly Perfect Night and Carabao Cup Final!

Summary   The conversation covers various topics related to German football, including the media rights deal in the Bundesliga, the impact of the 50+1 rule, the dominance of Bayern Munich. The conversation revolves around the possibility of Xabi Alonso staying at Leverkusen and the risks and rewards associated with that decision. The comparison is made to Klopp's time at Dortmund and the decline that followed after their success. The uncertainty of Alonso's future and the impact on Leverkusen's squad is discussed. The departure of Thomas Tuchel from Bayern Munich is analyzed, along with the likelihood of Bayern winning the league. The vulnerability of Bayern Munich and predictions for upcoming matches are also covered. In this episode, the hosts make predictions for Bundesliga and Premier League matches. They discuss Borussia Dortmund vs. Hoffenheim, Liverpool's control in the Premier League, Chelsea's match against Manchester City, and Manchester United vs. Fulham. They also talk about Bournemouth vs. Manchester City, Arsenal vs. Newcastle, and the League Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea. In the Champions League recap, they highlight Porto's upset win against Arsenal and Napoli's match against Barcelona.   Takeaways The media rights deal in the Bundesliga fell through, which could have brought more revenue and international coverage to the league. The 50+1 rule in German football keeps the league smaller and less competitive, with Bayern Munich being the dominant club. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Thank You 03:05 The Media Rights Deal in the Bundesliga 08:28 The Impact of the 50+1 Rule 15:00 The Dominance of Bayern Munich 37:41 The Possibility of Xabi Alonso Staying at Leverkusen 39:33 The Risk of Staying at Leverkusen 40:31 Comparisons to Klopp's Time at Dortmund 42:31 The Decline of Dortmund under Klopp 45:45 The Uncertainty of Xabi Alonso's Future 46:19 The Managerial Changes in European Football 50:56 The Importance of Xabi Alonso's Decision on Leverkusen's Squad 53:26  The Dilemma of Leverkusen's Franchise Player 56:18  Thomas Tuchel's Departure from Bayern Munich 01:02:12 The Unlikelihood of Bayern Munich Winning the League 01:05:15 The Vulnerability of Bayern Munich 01:09:46 Predictions for Upcoming Matches 01:13:43 Bundesliga Predictions 01:14:44 Borussia Dortmund vs. Hoffenheim 01:16:23 Premier League Recap 01:17:45 Liverpool's Control in the Premier League 01:18:36 Chelsea vs. Manchester City 01:19:35 Chelsea's Near Flawless Match Against Manchester City 01:21:20 Chelsea's Missed Opportunities 01:23:25 Liverpool's Style of Play 01:25:52 Manchester United vs. Fulham 01:28:36 Bournemouth vs. Manchester City 01:31:48 Arsenal vs. Newcastle 01:35:42 Liverpool vs. Chelsea (League Cup Final) 01:38:40 Champions League Recap 01:39:24 Porto's Upset Win Against Arsenal 01:42:26 Napoli vs. Barcelona