Transcript
Tom Jolley: Hello and welcome to the daily English Premier League podcast brought to you by GSP and my name is Tom Jolly and today I'm joined by Marcus.
officialgspn: Hello.
Tom Jolley: and jate
Japtej: Hello.
Tom Jolley: On today's in installment, we're going to be talking all things finances, transfers and managers within the Premier League. So, guys, let's get straight into it. Summer signings. The Premier League continues to break financial records regarding the transfer window with over $1 .95 billion. And for you Americans out there, that's $2 .45 billion being spent in the 2324 summer transfer window. As finances continue to rise across the globe within the sport and industry, you would expect the competition of the Premier League to improve. With Arsenal pushing Manchester City to the wire last season, and you would assume that was the case.
Tom Jolley: However, Pep Guardiola has guided the citizens to their fourth Premier League title last season, becoming the first team to ever do so. Yet they haven't signed a player yet this transfer window. So lads, ladies, boys and girls, the question of today's episode to get you thinking, wherever you are, is should Premier League teams keep spending to improve?
Japtej: Oh.
Tom Jolley: or the changes need to be made from within.
Japtej: Oh, that's a ah big question. I feel like the trend of spending will continue. I think that the way the Premier League is now and the money that's coming into it, that's what we'll see more and more, especially if you look at some of the clubs this season, this window that have been spending teams like Villa and West Ham, teams that you wouldn't consider normal big spenders, but they've really been going for it. And when you look at, for example, a Villa and how well they did last season, It's not really a surprise, I don't think.
officialgspn: Well, actually, yeah, Villa did some fantastic business and did really well last season. But I think a lot of that was down to the manager as well. what What I find really interesting is we know yesterday we talked about what was going on with with Chelsea. Spending, you know, when someone comes into your club and says, yeah, I've got a lot of money to spend and going to improve the way the club functions and put some more money into buying players. We've seen it go terribly wrong when it's just like okay let's just spend money on players without really involving managers or anyone else.
Tom Jolley: going to tell
Tom Jolley: I think the the best way to sort of incap encapsulate, I want to say is the right word, the whole of the Premier League spending so far this window is to make you two guess who's spent the most money. So I want two guesses from you each, two different teams on two Premier League teams have spent the most money so far this transfer window.
officialgspn: So is that next spend or is that just spend?
Tom Jolley: That's just spend. I'm not fancy enough for NetSpend Marcus, not yet.
officialgspn: I mean, I'm saying like it will affect my my knowledge and and what kind of answer I give you, but ah if I can hazard a guess and go first, I'd go for either Arsenal or Westam United.
Tom Jolley: West Ham United is wrong. They are not even in the top seven of the Premier League. Arsenal are ranking fifth. in the Premier League for spending so far.
officialgspn: Ah!
Japtej: And tonight, can I guess who the number one is? I think, Aston Villa.
Tom Jolley: Big round of applause for you. The Ruston Villa is the correct answer with 176 .2 million euros being spent so far.
Japtej: gang
Tom Jolley: Man United coming second on 104 .5 million.
Japtej: Number one.
Tom Jolley: You're looking at Lenny Yarrow and Joshua Zirksi being pretty much the but the bulk of those two signings. Brighton are in third with 91 .5 million. I think that is the most Brian have ever spent in a transfer window, correct me if I'm wrong. Then we've got the usual suspects in those at Stamford Bridge. Tom Bully likes to get his wallet out, we know that. 88 million so far. But the thing with Chelsea, right? they can After this week, with two suspected deals coming through the door, they're going to have eight goalkeepers in the first team squad. That is eight.
Tom Jolley: You can only play one between the sticks.
Japtej: panel.
Tom Jolley: There is no formation out there that has two in goal. So I don't understand what Todd Bowley and the board at Chelsea are thinking, or even Enzo Mareska is thinking in bringing these guys in, when you've already got Robert Sanchez, who would you so who would you would suspect would be between the sticks next season.
Japtej: Yeah, I think the thinking, I mean I don't agree with it, but I think the thinking with the goalkeeper signing Jorgensen was that he can push Sanchez, but then I don't understand that because last season we had Petrovic to push Sanchez and I think Petrovic, Jorgensen and Sanchez I mean, I don't think there's much between the three of them. So, I mean, yeah, I don't really understand what the thought process is there, but it's not really a surprise. I mean, Chelsea's spending and transfer strategy has been this way since the American owners came in. So, yeah.
officialgspn: And you you're um you're covering Chelsea this week, aren't you?
Japtej: Yeah, I'll be there at Stanford Bridge on Sunday, watching the Inter Milan game. So,
Tom Jolley: well i'm hoping endzmareska doesn't start all eight of them then because before yesterday
Japtej: Yes. that
officialgspn: i'm I'm curious to hear your thoughts after that game, you know, what what the fan base is thinking about what's been happening at the club. And we know we we talked a little bit about it yesterday, but really cool to kind of hear whats what's the what the Chelsea fans think. And obviously the Daily Chelsea part is a great place for that, but great to hear what you've discovered on your travels as well.
Tom Jolley: Well, I'm hoping Enzo Mariska doesn't start all eight of them then because it didn't before.
Japtej: Yeah, I mean, I think that generally the fan base is hopeful, but also a bit nervous. And I think the key thing that people need to see is Maresca get off to a quick start. I think that because the transfer strategy saw all over the place last season was so inconsistent. There were times when we were playing great football, we obviously beat Everton six nil and then like the game later, we'd lose five nil to Arsenal. So. That inconsistency and just the uncertainty around the club, as well as the fact that we ended the season so well, you know, with Pochettino and then sacked him and brought in this guy who people didn't know much about, you know, Lester obviously almost fell off a bit towards the end of last season. So I think people are apprehensive. A lot of the stuff that's come out ah from the club and from the players about Maresca has been that they're loving his style of training. They really get on with him.
Japtej: ah people are happy to learn from him. I think that if things start quick and if we have our strongest 11 or you know most of our strongest squad on the pitch, I think people will be happy and I think we'll do well. But if you know injuries start to come in, we lose to City on the first day, it can also unravel quite quickly. So I think it's a precarious position at the minute.
Tom Jolley: I think coming from a man who sits at Old Trafford every week, I hate to admit it, but you don't stand a chance on the opening day, mate.
Japtej: Yes.
Tom Jolley: I'm sorry, fella, but you don't. I want i want to know on the other two biggest fenders, and one of them is one that you will never expect. Arsenal being one, obviously we weren't we would expect them, the sign of Calla Fiore, i I really like this style of playing four centre backs. I don't get where the philosophies come from, but the signing of Callifuri that's going to partner that Saliba Gabriel and Ben White back four. Don't get me wrong, he does he can play on the left, but he's more predominantly a centre half.
Japtej: Yes.
Tom Jolley: And the final team is Ipswich, 72 .4 million euros they spent.
Japtej: a
Tom Jolley: And all the teams I've just mentioned are all included in the top 10 spending teams from across the globe.
Japtej: you
Tom Jolley: I want to talk about teams who haven't spent anything, though. Man City Liverpool, Both of the title contenders from last season, coming up to the final six games or so, haven't spent a penny yet. What is the thinking behind that?
officialgspn: Well, I said this yesterday. I feel like the city, you just know that they've got good squad depth. They know they can play, you know, it's a team that doesn't need to try and gel because they've played together consistently and won together consistently. Arna Schlotz come into Liverpool and said more than once, Jurgen Klopp has left me with all the tools I need. He's left me with a great squad and off I go.
Tom Jolley: I do correct myself.
officialgspn: Now watching them.
Tom Jolley: Man City did buy Savio.
officialgspn: Savio, yes.
Tom Jolley: The whole city group palaver of the way that transfer happened, as a United Fire, it's just sort of there. It didn't happen.
Japtej: was.
Tom Jolley: Yeah, I think that kind of concludes segment one. I think it's ad time.
officialgspn: It is ad time. um And forgive me because I will talk about Zencaster again. Do you have a story to tell that the world needs to hear? Have you struggled with reaching new audiences who are engaged with your story? It might be time for you to start a podcast. Let me tell you about a platform we use here at Global Sports Podcast Network. Zencaster makes it easy to start a high quality podcast built for growth from day one. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes ums, r's, your nose, and 22 other speech patterns, Zencaster makes it super easy to start a podcast that sounds great. Ready to tell your story? Check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencaster.
Tom Jolley: And before we get into segment two, that is a brilliant tool because I tell you what, I'm one person that loves a number an hour here and there. Segment two, in comings for players. We've seen a lot of teams and a lot of signings. We spoke about Chelsea, eight goalkeepers and all about Pallava. West Ham, the Spaniard Julian Lopategi has taken charge following the exit of a wee man named David Moyes and has boosted the incomings of the club, giving Hammers fans hope of not hitting the hay and steaming ahead come the start of the Premier League season. and Incomings include, and forgive me if I get these pronunciations wrong with some of them.
Japtej: No,
Tom Jolley: For me, they're a little bit difficult.
Japtej: no.
Tom Jolley: We've got Guaido Rodriguez, World Cup winner, Nikolas Fulkrug. He was an absolutely brilliant implementation into Julian Nagelman's Germany team in the Europian Championships this year. We've got Luis Guiderme. We've got Sincenzo Somerville, lead superstar from last season in the championship. I mean, as much as leads do fall apart again, and they didn't go up, he was brilliant in their campaign last year, wasn't he? Wes Fodringham from Sheffield United, Konstantinos Mafropanos, and I have to say I'm really impressed with this investment. What do you guys think?
Japtej: Yeah, I mean, it's a real statement of intent, isn't it? I think that some of those players really stand out. I think Kilman, we know he's Premier League proven he'll be a great addition. Somerville, like you mentioned, had a great season and I think he's exactly what West Ham need. I mean, they've got a lot of good attacking players, but I think a bit of pace and directness is something that they've always liked. in the last few years. And I think full crew, like you mentioned, is a great target man. We saw him for Dortmund last season in the Champions League and then at the Euros as well, what he can provide. I think that, yeah, those players with the new manager, West Ham will be looking for that. One of those European places, I think.
officialgspn: My, what I find fascinating and no disrespect to the West Ham fans out there is how have they completed this business?
Tom Jolley: and The Declan Rice money it has to be because they didn't spend any money last year but you've got to think yes they're spending more but to me the instant thing is that's the Declan Rice money coming in.
officialgspn: What has
Tom Jolley: there's got I reckon there's some sort of added sign in bonus of him doing well at Arsenal that's come through this season into the checkbooks of West Ham allegedly.
officialgspn: So yeah yeah, I understand the funding. So to what I'm trying to figure out is what is the draw for those players to go to West Ham?
Japtej: There is some light.
officialgspn: They must honestly believe that there is progression to be had there.
Tom Jolley: Do you reckon in the interview they just parade around the European trophy?
officialgspn: And is that because of the new manager?
Tom Jolley: Jared Bowen just walks in with his minutes medal and he just goes, you could have one of these if you join us.
Japtej: yeah i think I think that the the draw is quite clear to be honest. I think it's consistency with the top half Premier League table. like Last season, West Ham finished ninth and they were slightly inconsistent. But when you look at the squad that they now have, plus the manager, you know, top managers have been flocking to the Premier League, whether it's Bournemouth, West Ham, teams that would generally considered be considered lesser, you know, European Cup winners have been going to. I think it's similar for players now as well. You know, someone like Fulcrub, he was, you know, he was in the Champions League final last season. So to be fair with someone like that, it is a bit strange, but
Japtej: I think that they can see that the progression and the aim of a club like West Ham.
officialgspn: Bye.
Japtej: And if you know Aston Villa can get top four, Newcastle are pushing for top four. There's absolutely no reason why West Ham shouldn't be pushing for the top six or seven places this year.
Tom Jolley: i think
officialgspn: And I think as well, ah sorry Tom, just coming from from that that neck of the woods, after that that European success, I think a lot of people in the East End expected a lot more progress, a lot more quickly. um And I don't think they've given up on that hope yet. And certainly the board haven't given up because of what they've done so far with their investments before this season begins.
Tom Jolley: I think. Ham and up north a little bit to somewhere I'd like to say is closer to home in Old Trafford. Manchester United bringing in 18 -year -old Lenny Euro and Joshua Zirksi from Bologna. I mean, Thiago Motta's Bologna were absolutely superb last season, the style of play they had. And Joshua Zirksi, a lot of people outside of Old Trafford, and some United fans in particular, think that it's a strange sign -in.
Japtej: um
Tom Jolley: I quite understand it. I think the fee is relatively reasonable at 35 million euros. And I think the profile of the player you get is a little bit different to Erasmus Heuland, but it also gives that backup that Manchester United really suffered from last year with injuries. And we've seen it coming into the start of this season. The Dutchman up front has been injured. so i was Sorry, the Norwegian, ah Norwegian, Danish.
Japtej: Thank you.
Tom Jolley: There we go. Hit it on third time charm ah for Erasmus Heuland. He's been injured in preseason with a suspected hamstring injury. And then you want to talk about Lenny Euro. The promise he has for an 18 -year -old who's going to turn down Real Madrid, he could have waited six months for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. And he's now gone to Old Trafford straight away. You would expect him to start straight away with the calibre and the ah hype around him. But it really wouldn't surprise me if you see a Martinez and Maguire start that first game of the season. I mean, that's destined to happen now. the euros out until September, at least with that ankle injury. But overall, I think two superb improvements, but Manchester United definitely need more of this window.
Japtej: Yeah, definitely. But Tom, just on Xerxes, how do you see that going next season in terms of who's starting? Because I feel like with Xerxes, it feels a bit similar to Hoyland last season. like He's coming from and an Italian club that have done very well. He's young. He scored 11 goals last season. Doesn't to me feel like he's ready to start at Manchester United. And Hoyland was still sort of finding his feet as well. So how do you see that go in next season?
Tom Jolley: I genuinely don't know. thought That's exciting and very nerve -wracking, I think, from any fan's point of view regarding any team signing a striker. He's young. I have always said this when we sign Rasmus Hoelend. Imagine if we still had Edison Cavani at the club with these two here.
Japtej: yeah
Tom Jolley: The improvement they both would have had under the Uruguayan's expertise would have been brilliant. And don't get me wrong, Rude von Nistelroy and the coaching staff is no small job either. He's going to be helping those guys straight away.
Japtej: Okay.
Tom Jolley: i mean the rumours we're come hearing out of Manchester United's camp in the pre -season tour in America is that every single player in the attacking system is very, very happy with his inclusion in the coaching staff. But, my answer to your question, I really don't know.
Japtej: Hmm.
Tom Jolley: I prefer Rasmus Hoyland to start, but I think Joshua Zirksi gives you a more balanced front three.
officialgspn: Quick question, Tom, before we get get going into the next bit, because you missed it yesterday. Where am I going to fish?
Tom Jolley: Don't do this to me. Uh, I think head says probably fourth or fifth. I think my heart says fourth. I don't see us breaking that top three of a liver. I think, I don't think Liverpool are going to fall off. I think Arnie slotters, but it will, will just carry on from Jurgen Klopp and his tenure. Manchester City are not slowing down, Arsenal are not slowing down. Villa, I don't think they're going to be top six, because I think they'll probably scrape six if they're going to get to near top four. Just because of their squad depth, I think, don't get me wrong, they've even improved vastly in the trance window. But they're a club that's not had European football since 1982. They're a team that the
Tom Jolley: in the sorry Champions League since 1982 and I think they could struggle with the game and the new format that's coming in next season as well I think people forgetting that there's a new format in the Champions League but no Manchester United head fifth probably heart fourth nowhere near the title unfortunately I mean don't go wrong I hope they do but I do not think they will Jaap Tej it's ad time
officialgspn: I'm hoping for an upset. Hopefully Vinny will do a good Champions League run. um
Japtej: Yes, and this is a plug for our own podcast network. This podcast is part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only network bringing you exclusive daily news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League women's football and fantasy football, a unique listening experience that puts fans first bringing you the very latest breaking news from your team. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and make us your first listen every day. The Global Sports Podcast Network, every club, every day.
Tom Jolley: Every day, indeed, it's time to talk managers, the men in the dugout with the suit and tie or the Swazey Chinos or some of the people like a Michael Artert to like to wear.
officialgspn: Mm hmm.
Tom Jolley: But we're not here to talk about the best looking managers. We're here to talk about the newcomers. A lot of newcomers this year, including one we've already mentioned is Julian Lopategue at West Ham. Arnie Slott or Arn Slott, I think is the correct pronunciation at Liverpool. Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. Then you've got Steve Cooper at Leicester. I think it's a very, very decent inclusion for those at the King Power. And then the one that's catching everyone's eye, because no one knows anything about him, is fuzzy Fabian Herzler at Brighton. At 31 years old, he's the youngest ever manager in the Premier League. Former St. Paulie manager last season, guiding them back to the Bundesliga, previously worked in assistant managers of Germany's under 20 and under 18 squad, and has worked in the Bayern Munich setup, which a hell of a lot of successful managers across Europe have also worked in.
officialgspn: And that is the extent of my knowledge. Thank you, Tom.
Tom Jolley: Well, that's the kind of Wikipedia's knowledge, thank you very much.
officialgspn: um Absolutely nothing i actually know nothing about this guide tool. I didn't even know the the stats you just read out there.
Tom Jolley: And you know what? That makes this the most brightest signing ever. they oh they They sign everyone and anyone no one's ever heard of.
Japtej: ah i probably finished and They'll probably finish top four now as well.
Tom Jolley: And that's what I love about them.
Tom Jolley: very Right, somebody clip that off because that needs to be put on TikTok, Instagram. to everything straight away.
Japtej: and
Tom Jolley: And I want to hear us at the end of the season, rinsing the sky for the fun of Brighton again that you adding a up for and I don't, I don't, I don't understand the pull of Brighton though.
officialgspn: I mean... but
Tom Jolley: I went to Brighton. I went to the Amex last season. Their stadium is the middle of absolutely nowhere. Don't get me wrong. They're a solid Premier League outfit, but what's the project there? And what are they aiming to do?
Japtej: Yeah.
Tom Jolley: Are they aiming to get European football? Are they aiming to break that top seven, that top eight, like they have done once before? I think they are, I think that is the project, but I don't understand the letting go of Robert O 'Dazirby over the appointment of this guy. I don't think they should have let him go.
Japtej: Yeah I agree with you about what's the pull of Brighton. I think that the Brighton train has sort of left the station. I feel like they've peaked at least for the next few years. They finished 11th last season and when you look at their signings this summer they've made three signings. I've not really heard much about any of them I don't really see, you know, where they'll finish next season, but I'd be surprised if they finish in the top 10, honestly.
officialgspn: I think the project at Brighton is player development and I think the fans are really happy with just having Premier League football every season. I'm sure the Brighton Daily guys are going to come come at us now and say, look, we're a big club, we've we've proven ourselves now is the time to push on. But I do think, you know, they they're interesting to watch. um and they seem to continually churn out players you've never heard of pick them up grow them sell them on and I think maybe that is the project and perhaps that's that's why you know we've got this new manager in someone who's going to be really invested in making these players the best they can be so that the club can continue to sell them on and make some money but I honestly can't say
Tom Jolley: And sell the manager on as well. I don't mean to cut you off there, but sell the manager on. We've seen managers go for big fees in the last couple sort of 12 months, 18 months or so. And I think a manager at 31 years old is a financial investment as well. I think if you sign him on that five -year deal, which I presume Brighton has done, at 31 years old, and I know it sounds weird saying this about a manager, but bigger clubs will come calling if it's successful.
Japtej: and
Tom Jolley: Moving away from the Amex, I want to talk about a couple of the other managers because Marcus, I want to come to you on onslaught. The experience here at a PSV, you're a Liverpool fan.
officialgspn: ah
Tom Jolley: What do you think of that project and how it's going to turn out?
officialgspn: So I mentioned earlier, ah really interesting watching watching him in press conferences, big boots to fill.
Japtej: Um. Hmm.
officialgspn: We know that Liverpool aren't the kind of club to bring in just any manager and give them a season, two, three seasons. they They invest in management and give them the chance to carry on.
Tom Jolley: I feel that's a slight dig at another team in the Northwest there.
officialgspn: Not at all, not at all. And and interestingly, the the kind of vibe certainly amongst my my friends who are in the full fan base are, you know, let's just give him time and let's see what happens, which is exactly what happened with Jurgen Klopp. But he has admitted time and time again that he has a strong enough squad. I personally don't believe it's strong enough yet. I think there's still investments that could be made. When you look at the likes of Manchester City, you you've got two starting 11s there. I don't believe Liverpool have got that depth. But what's really interesting for me, but I've watched ah all the pre -season games and you can see very quickly, it is a different style of football.
Japtej: on.
officialgspn: And, controversially, I think the players have been very quick to comment about how much they're enjoying this style of football. It's almost like they've forgotten how great things were under Jurgen Klopp, but they are positive about the way they're playing, they're positive about the manager. It's great football to watch, and I don't really hold much weight with pre -season, but we've had a good one, so I'll celebrate that whilst I can.
Tom Jolley: Well, I think Liverpool as a whole, I think the fans, they're sad to see Aaron Clark leave, but Aaron Slott brings this, this raw excitement. Japdudge, I think the best way to end this off is not on Chelsea. I think it's on Steve Cooper at Leicester. Some words on him and his involvement at the King Power come the 2425 campaign.
Japtej: Yeah, I mean, it's interesting. Obviously, Leicester probably wouldn't have wanted to have had to make a replacement, but they've had to. I think Steve Cooper, he obviously knows the Premier League. He's got great experience. He's a manager who players like and I think that the Leicester squad is very strong. I ah don't see them going down, regardless of who the manager was. But I think when you pair that squad with Steve Cooper, I think they could be looking at like, you know, placing around 13th, 14th, 15th. I think that they they should have a comfortable season, but you never know.
Tom Jolley: You never know, that is that should be the motto of the Premier League. That's all we've got time for today on the Daily Premier League Podcast in English, brought to you by GSPN. Get at us on all the socials at GSPN Daily Premier League Podcast in English. And guys, I'll see you tomorrow.
Japtej: out
officialgspn: See you tomorrow.
Japtej: Play you tomorrow.
