Episode 71 - 2026 New Year Resolutions: Sack YOUR Manager!!! - Basement BEST OF 2025 Awards!

In this episode, Critty, Stephen, Nick and Tim dive into the tumultuous world of football management, focusing on the recent managerial sackings in major clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted banter about New Year's resolutions before transitioning into a serious discussion about Manchester United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim after a series of disappointing performances. The panel reflects on the club's declining standards and the challenges faced by managers in a toxic environment, questioning whether the issues lie with the players or the management itself. They also touch on the implications of these sackings for the clubs involved and the broader football landscape, including the potential for new managerial appointments and the impact on team dynamics.

As the discussion progresses, the focus shifts to Real Madrid's unexpected sacking of Xabi Alonso, exploring the high expectations at the club and the pressure on managers to deliver results. The episode wraps up with a look at Chelsea's recent managerial changes, highlighting the club's struggles despite significant investments in talent. Throughout the conversation, the panelists provide insights into the complexities of football management, the expectations placed on coaches, and the often unforgiving nature of the sport. They dive deep into the current state of football, focusing on the challenges faced by clubs like Spurs and Liverpool and discuss the ongoing injury issues plaguing Spurs, questioning whether it's a result of training techniques or management decisions. The conversation shifts to Liverpool's managerial situation, particularly the controversial tenure of Arnie Slot, with Critty expressing skepticism about his tactics and player management. The discussion highlights the disparity between Liverpool's past successes under Klopp and their current struggles, emphasizing the need for strategic signings and effective management to navigate a transition year. The episode wraps up with reflections on the best and worst performances of 2025, showcasing the highs and lows of various teams and players in the football landscape.