PODCAST · sports
Touchline Talk
by Soccerspective
Soccer podcast for soccer fans and youth coaches that provides tactical insights and spotlights the world's greatest top managers.
Episodes
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Carlo Ancelotti | A Legendary Journey & the Brazil Challenge
Carlo Ancelotti has won just about everything there is to win in club football—but what makes him one of the greatest managers of all time?In this episode of Touchline Talk, we look back at Ancelotti’s remarkable coaching journey, from his success with AC Milan and Chelsea to Everton and his...
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🇺🇸 Pulisic OUT, Cavan Sullivan IN | Is Pochettino Sending a Message?
🇺🇸 Pulisic OUT, Cavan Sullivan IN | Is Pochettino Sending a Message?A new USMNT cycle is underway—and Mauricio Pochettino has already given us plenty to talk about.Christian Pulisic has been left out of the first U.S. roster following the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about whether this is...
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U.S. Soccer Takes Over Youth Soccer: Will It Fix the Broken System?
**U.S. Soccer Takes Over Youth Soccer: Will It Fix the Broken System?U.S. Soccer is taking control of U.S. Youth Soccer—and this could become one of the biggest changes to American youth soccer in decades.US Youth Soccer represents nearly 2.7 million players, 54 state associations, and roughly...
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The Special One Returns | Jose Mourinho is Back at Real Madrid
José Mourinho is back at Real Madrid — but can The Special One lead Real Madrid back to La Liga dominance and UEFA Champions League glory?In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down José Mourinho’s Real Madrid tactics, how Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham could fit into...
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Andoni Iraola at Liverpool
A new era is underway at Liverpool.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down how Andoni Iraola is beginning to reshape Liverpool ahead of the 2026/27 season — and why his approach could look very different from Arne Slot’s. Iraola has made implementing his own style a major focus of...
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The Biggest Lesson of World Cup 2026 | Shrink VAR
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reignited one of football's biggest debates: Has VAR gone too far?In this episode of Touchline Talk, we examine why the biggest lesson from this World Cup isn't about new technology—it's about using less of it.While FIFA has encouraged greater restraint from VAR...
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The World Cup Award Races Are Heating Up | Golden Ball, Golden Boot and more!
The FIFA World Cup quarterfinals are here, and while every nation is chasing the trophy, the race for football's biggest individual awards is just as compelling.In this episode of **Touchline Talk**, we break down every major FIFA World Cup honor and make our predictions heading into the final…
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Pochettino's USMNT Revolution
After just two World Cup matches, Mauricio Pochettino has already transformed the USMNT.The United States won its group with a game to spare while Christian Pulisic played just 45 minutes—a testament to the squad's depth, tactical flexibility, and growing confidence. Against Paraguay, the U.S....
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The Biggest Surprises from Week One of World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is proving the doubters wrong.When FIFA expanded the tournament to 48 teams, many expected more mismatches and one-sided games. Instead, the opening matchdays have delivered compelling storylines, historic moments, and some surprising results.In this episode of Touchline...
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World Cup 2026 Roster Snubs: The Biggest Omissions Around the Globe
The 2026 FIFA World Cup rosters are finally here, and the debate is raging across the football world.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down the biggest roster snubs and surprise omissions from every major contender. Why did England manager Thomas Tuchel leave home stars like Cole…
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️ Is Pep the GOAT? | Guardiola’s Impact on Modern Soccer
In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we dive into one of the biggest debates in football:Is Pep Guardiola the greatest manager of all time?From Barcelona’s legendary tiki-taka era… to tactical dominance at Bayern Munich… to building a dynasty at Manchester City, Pep has…
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ECNL Regional League vs Girls Academy Aspire
Is ECNL Regional League actually better than GA Aspire? 🤔⚽️ In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we break down the REAL differences between ECNL RL and GA Aspire — two of the biggest platforms sitting just below the top national girls leagues in American youth soccer. We cover: •...
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PSG vs Bayern Tactical Breakdown: When Structure Meets Chaos
A 9-goal Champions League semifinal. PSG vs Bayern Munich. But this wasn’t just chaos—there was a tactical story underneath it all.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down how Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich approached one of the wildest matches in recent history—and why it turned...
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The Best # 10's of the early 2000's in World Football
What did it really mean to be a #10 at the peak of the early 2000s?In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we explore the golden era of the free playmaker—when players like Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Francesco Totti, Juan Román Riquelme, and Pavel Nedvěd defined the game through...
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Are #10s Extinct… or Just Evolving?
Are #10s extinct… or are they just evolving?In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we dive into one of the biggest debates in modern football: the disappearance—and resurgence—of the classic #10. From the golden era of playmakers to today’s fluid, positionless systems, what really...
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Winning vs Development in Youth Soccer
Are we getting youth soccer wrong in the United States?In this episode, we challenge the idea that you have to choose between winning and development—and explain why that mindset is holding players back. From early specialization and “win-now” pressure to the lack of experienced coaches in…
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Are You Developing Players or Just Running Activities?
If you’re a coach, you’ve probably asked yourself:Is my training actually developing players—or am I just running sessions?In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, Brandon Faust breaks down the U.S. Soccer player development framework and shows how to apply it in a way that leads to...
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Momentum | Growing Youth Soccer During the World Cup
Momentum | Growing Youth Soccer During the World Cup The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America — and with it comes a massive opportunity for youth soccer clubs, coaches, and leaders.But visibility alone doesn’t build a lasting program.In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective,...
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The New Manager Bounce: Myth, Momentum, or Math?
When a club sacks its manager mid-season, something fascinating often happens: results improve immediately. It’s called the “New Manager Bounce.”In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we break down:📊 The real statistics behind managerial changes in top European leagues⚽ Why nearly...
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Regis Le Bris | Sunderland's Return to the Premier League
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down how Régis Le Bris engineered Sunderland A.F.C.’s return to the Premier League — and why their promotion was only the beginning.We explore Le Bris’ journey from player to innovative French coach, his developmental roots at Lorient, and how his...
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Clarity Over Chaos: Why Michael Carrick’s Football Works
Michael Carrick isn’t the loudest manager in the room—but his teams are some of the clearest.Across two interim spells at Manchester United, Carrick has gone six matches unbeaten, delivering statement wins against Manchester City and Arsenal by doing something surprisingly simple: removing...
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Gasperini’s Roma Revolution
Gian Piero Gasperini has brought his unmistakable high-intensity, aggressive, and attacking identity to AS Roma — and the 2025/26 season is starting to reveal just how effective that commitment has been.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down Gasperini’s coaching journey, his core...
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Marcelino’s Villarreal: A Masterclass in Team Structure
Villarreal’s rise back into La Liga’s top three isn’t built on possession dominance or superstar reliance—it’s built on clarity, compactness, and collective discipline.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down how Marcelino García Toral has engineered one of the most structurally sound…
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3 Must-Know 7v7 Soccer Formations for Youth Coaches
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down three essential 7v7 soccer formations every youth coach should know: 3-2-1, 2-3-1, and 3-1-2. Learn how to:Structure your team for defense, midfield control, or attacking threatTeach width, spacing, and possession principlesTransition players from...
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Process Over Panic: How Unai Emery Built Aston Villa the Right Way
Aston Villa sit near the top of the table in the Premier League during the 2025–26 season—and this rise isn’t built on hype, shortcuts, or reactionary decisions.It’s built on process.In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we break down how Unai Emery has methodically transformed…
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Beyond the Pitch: How Youth Soccer Shapes the Leaders of Tomorrow
What if youth soccer wasn’t just about developing better players—but better people? 🌱In this episode of Touchline Talk, Brandon goes beyond the pitch to explore how youth soccer environments shape leadership traits that last far longer than the game itself. From communication 🗣️ and...
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Murderball: Inside Marcelo Bielsa’s Training Methods
Marcelo Bielsa is known for intensity, innovation, and an uncompromising football philosophy—and nothing represents that more than Murderball.In this episode, we break down Bielsa’s infamous Murderball training methodology—a relentless, high-intensity practice environment designed to replicate…
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Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s Long Road to Breakthrough
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into Arteta’s full journey—from his days as a smart, steady midfield leader 🧠 to his evolution into one of the most detailed and demanding young managers in the game.We explore:⚽ How Arteta’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy🧩 What he…
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MLS Shake-Up: New Calendar, Apple TV Deal & 2025 Playoff Breakdown
MLS is stepping into a new era — and we’re breaking it all down.In this episode of Touchline Talk, host Brandon Faust unpacks three of the biggest structural changes in Major League Soccer history:📅 New MLS CalendarFull switch arrives in the 2027–28 seasonTransition mini-season in early 2027New...
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Inside La Masia | How Barcelona Built the World’s Greatest Academy
In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust takes you inside La Masia, the world-renowned academy that has shaped legends like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, and Piqué — and redefined what it means to “play the beautiful game.”We explore:⚽ A day in the life of a La...
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Fabian Hürzeler | The 32-Year-Old Manager Redefining Modern Football
At just 32 years old, Fabian Hürzeler is reshaping what it means to be a modern football manager. In this episode of Touchline Talk, host Brandon Faust breaks down how the Brighton & Hove Albion boss is blending German tactical discipline with fearless innovation — guiding the Seagulls to…
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The Future of College Soccer: U.S. Soccer’s Bold Plan for Change
U.S. Soccer just released the NextGen College Soccer White Paper, outlining a massive reform plan for Division I men’s and women’s soccer — and it could change everything.In this episode of Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust breaks down the biggest takeaways:⚽ A proposed year-round season for…
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The Basque Blueprint: Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth Revolution
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we explore how Andoni Iraola has reshaped Bournemouth into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic teams. From his Basque roots and time under Marcelo Bielsa to his bold, high-pressing tactics, Iraola’s journey reveals a blueprint for modern coaching.We break...
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Social Impact Through Soccer | Paul Dreisbach Interview
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we sit down with Paul Dreisbach—co-founder of Petrichor Football Association and a leading voice in global sports for development—to explore how soccer can be a powerful tool for social change. From launching community-based leagues in Cameroon to partnering…
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U.S. Youth Soccer Age Groups Are Changing Again – Here's What It Means
Big changes are coming to U.S. youth soccer. In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust breaks down the highly debated shift from birth-year to school-year age groupings set to roll out in the 2026-27 season. We explore: ⚽ The 2017 move to birth-year groupings — why…
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Youth Soccer Player Development with Vince Ganzberg
In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we’re thrilled to welcome Vince Ganzberg, a true leader in the world of soccer coach education. Vince currently serves as the Director of Coach Education for US Club Soccer, where he partners with member leagues and clubs to develop coaches,...
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Coaching Insights: Steve DeCou on 20+ Years of College Soccer
In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust sits down with Georgia Gwinnett College Head Coach Steve DeCou to discuss transformational vs transactional coaching and what it means to strive for excellence on and off the field. Coach DeCou has built GGC into a national...
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Coaching the Next Generation with Eric McDonald
In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust sits down with Eric McDonald—an experienced youth coach with a deep love for the game and a heart for developing resilient players on and off the pitch. 🙌 Thanks to Our Affiliate Sponsors! ⚽ Total Football Analysis Get 30%…
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Youth Soccer Development Throughout the Decades with George Perry
Youth Soccer Development Throughout the Decades with George Perry In this episode of Touchline Talk, we sit down with George Perry, former captain of the Indiana University men’s soccer team and a longtime college soccer coach and leader in American soccer, to discuss the evolution of youth…
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Men in Blazers' Jonathan Williamson
Touchline Talk Podcast: Behind the Scenes with Men in Blazers’ Jonathan Williamson In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Williamson, Executive Producer at Men in Blazers Media Network, about his journey into soccer media, working with Roger Bennett and his role in growing the brand. Jonathan...
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Why High School Soccer Still Matters: 2024 State Champion Coach Josh Brown
In this episode Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we chat with Josh Brown as he dives into the impact of high school soccer in the U.S. and its relationship with club soccer. With 20+ years of coaching experience, a background as a former college player, and as the 2024 State Champion Coach in...
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Saving U.S. Youth Soccer with Kyle Wilson
In this Touchline Talk episode, we sit down with Kyle Wilson. Kyle’s self-stated goal is to “save U.S. youth soccer.” In our conversation, Kyle discusses the flaws in U.S. youth soccer—pay-to-play, lack of proper development pathways—and how he’s changing the narrative by creating access to…
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Promotion & Relegation in America? How USL’s Division 1 Status Could Reshape Youth Soccer
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into one of the most controversial and exciting topics in American soccer – the possibility of promotion and relegation in the U.S.! With USL’s bold push for Division 1 status, the soccer landscape could be on the verge of a seismic shift. We explore…
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José Mourinho’s Masterclass – Porto’s 2004 Champions League Triumph
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we take a deep dive into José Mourinho's legendary Champions League triumph with FC Porto in 2004. Discover how Mourinho transformed an underdog squad into European champions using tactical brilliance, strategic adaptability, and unmatched motivation.We…
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Ronaldo's Managers: The Biggest Influences on Ronaldo's Career
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Greatest Managers – The Top 5 That Shaped His Career In this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into the top five managers who had the biggest impact on Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career. From tactical masterminds to inspirational leaders, we break down how each coach...
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David Moyes Returns to Everton
Touchline Talk: "The Return of David Moyes" 🎙️⚽ In this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into David Moyes’ second stint at Everton, analyzing his tactical evolution, the challenges he faced, and his impact on the club’s resurgence. 🔵 Key Discussion Points: ✅ Moyes’ Legacy at Everton – How he...
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Unlocking An Attack | Mauricio Pochettino
Explore how Mauricio Pochettino redefines the number 10 role, blending creativity through players like Christian Eriksen and Lionel Messi. We also discuss how he could transform Christian Pulisic into the centerpiece of the USMNT attack. 📌 Topics: Pochettino’s tactical evolution Christian...
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Arne Slot | High Intensity Pressing
In this episode, we’re diving into the tactical genius of Dutch manager Arne Slot, known for his tactical discipline and high pressing. Arne Slot has a defined play-style and is finding early success in his first season at Liverpool. Don’t miss the practical drills at the end, where we’ll guide…
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Ruben Amorim | Getting to the Byline
In this episode, we’re diving into the tactical genius of Portuguese manager Rúben Amorim, known for his wide-play strategy and use of penetrating runs to the byline. Amorim’s approach stretches defenses and creates high-quality goal-scoring chances—a method that youth and grassroots coaches can...
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