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Ahead of the Manchester derby, I spoke to Paolo Condo, author of THE DUELLISTS, a new book about the four Clasicos in 18 crazy days in 2011 that took Barcelona, Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho to the edge. We were both on that unforgettable rollercoaster six years ago. This is us, talking about it.

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Hello Big Interview listeners!

In this clip from my exclusive Big Interview with Jermain Defoe, he discusses the reasons for his special relationship with Tottenham supporters, fans who still sing his name ... even when Jermain is playing against their team.

He also talks about the five goals he scored while playing for Spurs against Wigan in 2009.

If you want to listen to the full, 50-minute interview with Jermain then it is time to become a Socio. Go to https://www.patreon.com/grahamhunter

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

The Big Interview is pulling on the armband for our latest clip show, as we look back at a special group of players who cropped up a lot in Season Two: the manager’s representative on the pitch, the leaders of men, the captains.

There was really no escaping the subject when we had Mark Noble on the podcast. The West Ham skipper first took us into the Hammers dressing room to reveal the nefarious method he uses to up the intensity at training, as well as the more subtle ways he gets more out of his team-mates during matches. Mark then pays tribute to a rival Premier League captain: Wayne Rooney.

Pablo Zabaleta explains what he said in the Argentina dressing room to help inspire them to victory over arch-rivals Brazil in the Under-20 World Cup, while Benni McCarthy offers his own, unique description of “The Beast” - former Porto captain Jorge Costa.

Chris Sutton also talks about what made Tim Sherwood such an effective leader when his Blackburn Rovers side won the Premier League title, and Walter Smith explains the leadership qualities that Terry Butcher showed at Rangers.

We’ll end with Neil Lennon and the hilarious story about brawling with Steve Lomas backstage at an Oasis concert in Manchester. Spoilers, but it ends with Neil being thrown out by security and Steve getting to stay and hang out with Noel Gallagher. Why? Because Steve was the City captain, that’s why.

Enjoy!

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola everyone!

We gave Sunday night's top-of-the-table meeting between Valencia and FC Barcelona plenty of build-up ... and it didn't disappoint.

I talk about the goal that wasn't given, Valencia's second-half resurgence and, of course, the genius intervention of a certain little Argentinian near the end. There's also my thoughts on ginger wigs ... seriously, you have to tune in.

On a weekend when Real Madrid and Atleti both closed ground on leaders Barca, I reflect on their victories over Malaga and Levante respectively.

Enjoy!

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

In this exclusive extract from The Big Interview with Super Kevin Phillips, he talks about his evolution from star striker to coach at Leicester City.

Kevin reveals that he thinks he could have played for another season, while also describing what it is like trying to teach the finer points of finishing to a character like Jamie Vardy.

But this is only a little piece of the full interview. If you want to listen to that, plus so much more, then it's time to become a Socio at https://www.patreon.com/grahamhunter

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola everyone ... and especially those of you who are Liverpool supporters!

Before the 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Anfield in September, I spoke with a Liverpool scout and gave him my opinions about what tactics and technical play to expect from the Spanish side.

With the two teams set to meet again, it stands to reason that I should offer my insights to all of you. So, here it is, my Sevilla Dossier.

Enjoy!

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola! Atleti and Diego Simeone do not have their troubles to seek right now. Well, here's another one: city rivals Real visit the Wanda Metropolitano tomorrow evening.

In this special preview episode of the Big Inside View, I take a look at the how the two teams are shaping up ahead of this derby; name the players likely to start the match; and, of course, give my prediction.

Enjoy!

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In Part Two of The Big Interview with actor Martin Compston, he takes us on to the set of the wonderful football film The Damned United, which tells the story of Brian Clough’s ill-fated spell in charge of Leeds. 

Martin, who plays striker John O’Hare in the film, is often fiercely critical of movies about football, but he explains why he thinks The Damned United gets it so right. He also talks about what it was like to work with director Ken Loach on another great film with football as its backdrop: Tickets.

From Loach to Michael Sheen to Miss Marple, Martin tells great stories about some famous names. And how about another - Prince. Yes, he features in this podcast too.

What’s more, that unbelievable encounter took place on the eve of the Soccer Aid match, but Martin reveals that he was still able to play so well that his performance at full-back earned him special praise from The Special One.

Enjoy!

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Hola! Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott . . . sorry, that’s Martin Compston, is a television and film star, an actor who is perhaps best known for appearing in the hugely popular crime drama Line Of Duty. 

But, in Part One of this Big Interview, Martin takes us back to one of his earliest roles, when he starred as a sweeper in the youth teams of Greenock Morton and, later, Aberdeen, where he trained regularly alongside the likes of Joe Miller, Eoin Jess and Dean Windass.

I am only a little bit jealous about that.

Martin gave up on football to pursue a career in acting, but he remains a devoted supporter of another Scottish team: Celtic. He recalls marvelling at the maestro Paul McStay and being left speechless - literally - by the king, Henrik Larsson. 

Listen out for cameos from former Manchester United stalwarts Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher, too.

Enjoy!

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Coming soon from BackPage: BETWEEN THE LINES, the stories behind great sportswriting.

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