Beyond The Pitch

The fantastic David Amoyal joins Phil today to discuss the Italian clubs performances in Europe and talks about the big money transfers that could happen this summer.

Juan had the pleasure of talking with Moroccan journalist Jala Bounouar.Jalal is a correspondent and writer based out of Casablanca and covers Moroccan football as well as the Moroccan national team for outlets like Almassadpro. In this episode, Jalal and Juan talk about the great moment that Moroccan football is going through after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in20 years.They also talk about that 1998 side that was close to advancing out of the group stage that had Brazil, Norway and Scotland in that same group.Also the eventual mishaps that caused football in that country togo through a malaise until this past year. Jalal also comes out and talks about Moroccan World Cup bid and the confidence that people in that part of the world have of the North African nation of finally getting the nod from FIFA for the 2026 World Cup.All this and much more in a very enlightening conversation with one of the top writers inMorocco.You can follow Jalal on Twitter @BounouarJala

On this weeks Manchester United podcast, Phil is joined by Dale O'Donnell from Stretty News. The guys discuss all the latest news surrounding Manchester United

In this weeks episode of the weekly Man City Pod the guys discuss the Wigan defeat, Delph sending off, Champions League and everything else surrounding the club

In this episode of Beyond The Pitch Juan had the pleasure of interviewing the great Nelly Simon of ESPN Mexico.With over 20 years worth of experience, Nelly is one of the journalists that cover women's soccer at both the club and national team levels.She is also one of the loudest voices and most prominent authorities on the women's game in that country.This is interview is in Spanish, so we will have this interview subtitled and there will be quotes added to these show notes below.We will also look to subtitle this and other shows in Spanish In this interview, Nelly and Juan discuss the tremendous growth of the Liga MX Femenil.The league has established a very high bar with the level of play as well as the incredible numbers in attendance.Yet Nelly mentioned that there is still lots of work to be done in order for the league to not fall into the trap of it becoming a novelty. For Nelly, football is a tremendous tool for empowerment and she has been one of the champions of those values and she practices what she preaches as she is also a coach for a private university in Mexico City.At one point the conversation becomes so passionate (no not in the bad sense... although for Juan, maybe) that Juan starts to stutter really bad and his question becomes convoluted, yet he's able to bounce back. It was a tremendous interview with Nelly Simon and we hope that you can enjoy it.You can follow Nelly on Twitter over at @NellySimonESPN. Quotes: "Liga MX Femenil had tremendous success last season, but there is still lots of work to be done. The second season is more difficult and the third one is even more so.This is why we have to make this league strong and not just have people see it as a fad.We have to see it as creating a culture of women's football." "They can be better than us.They can beat us 9-0, but they will have to battle us to win every single ball. This is what I want to teach my players.To fight on the pitch the same way they should fight for their dreams off of it."

In this episode of Beyond the Pitch, Juan speaks with ESPN and As writer Robbie Dunne as they cover the latest goings on in La Liga. Robbie talks about the great run of form of FC Barcelona as well as the changes the team has had under Ernesto Valverde. What is more amazing is that Robbie does this without mentioning Lio Messi and Luis Suárez, which shows the team concept in place. Real Madrid has also had its share of struggles and Robbie points out those issues indepth ashe covers the team quite frequently. Zinedine Zidane's problems have been extensive and there could be a chance that he might not beat Valdebebas at the end of this season.Diego Simeone is a coach that might not leave as he has Atleti solid in second place. Could they win Europa League or even give Barça a fight?All this plus the craziness of Sevilla, the great work at Eibar and the disaster that is Málaga on this edition of Beyond The Pitch. You can follow Robbie on Twitter @RobbiejDunne.

There is a different aspect that comes out of Juan when he has certain guests on.This was the case in this special episode when he brings on Sport Illustrated’s own Luis Miguel Echegaray. Luis took the long way to the United States. The London-born Peruvian came with aspirations of bright lights and big city dreams of Hollywood, but this actor turned journalist brings a different perspective to sports and social commentary.A contributor for The Guardian as well as documentary producer and director, Luis has been able totell stories about football from a completely different lens, offering a refreshing and new voice that is much needed inan ever-diversifying country. Luis goes into his story as well as how he feels liberated and celebrates his profession while living in the United States.He also talks about his job asan adjunct professor at CUNY’s Journalism School.There is also lots of emotion as Luis discusses what is means to see Peru qualify for the World Cup and how he sees Peruvian football growing as a result of this.From football, both of these men start to talk about a subject that is near and dear totheir hearts- the need for inclusion of Latinos in the newsroom, especially in the sports ofsoccer.That was a very deep conversation.Sodo not miss this episode as you have both Juan and Luis talk about their respective footballing influences and possibly another football and food show being pitched, to Jay-Z references being thrown out in the process.Hope you enjoy this light-hearted, entertaining and very insightful episode of Beyond the Pitch.

In this episode of Beyond The Pitch, Juan heads to China where he speaks tocorrespondent Mark Dreyer.Mark has been based out of Beijing for ten years.After arriving from England to cover the Olympics in Beijing, his stay was extended and is now one of the main correspondents for many English-language outlets for places such asSportBusiness amongst many others. In this episode, Mark spoke about the pitfalls and the successes of Chinese football.From their growth at the grassroots level to their relationship with the Chinese government that will decide to change player regulations in moments that are rather inconvenient for the professional clubs. He also discusses the issues with the Chinese national team and current coach Marcello Lippi. As the conversation evolved, Mark started to offer a preview of the upcoming CSLcampaign and some of the stars and teams tobe looking atto challenge Guangzhou Evergrande’s dominance.This isan episode you will not want to miss if you want to know more about Chinese football from a very objective lens.You can follow Mark on Twitter @DreyerChina.

ICYMI: Last weeks press conference with David Beckham which provides a fascinating insight in to his new MLS franchise

In this fascinating interview Juan Arango sits down with the fantastic Dennis te Kloese who is the Director of National Teams for Mexico. Dennis provides an insight in to what Mexico are doing to develop their next generation of players and discusses the hotly debated issue of Jonathon Gonzalez