Chelsea pip Man United (again), Liverpool sink Leicester and Man City drop points!

0:00Rachel: Hi friends, Sean Linda from Two Black Guys with Good Credit here. Whether you're running a non-profit, a school, or a small business, Walmart Business is here to support your mission. They make it easy to order what you need, from tech and cleaning supplies to everyday essentials, all at low prices and with helpful tools like spend, tracking, and tax-exempt purchasing for eligible organizations. Because when your operations are smooth, your impact can be bigger. Visit business.walmart.com to get started.

0:32Rachel: Welcome to Upfront. I'm Chloe Morgan. And I'm Rachel O'Sullivan. On today's show, we will be reflecting on the Subway League Cup final and another trophy for who else? It's bloody Chelsea. Plus, more good news for the Blues. Lauren James is going absolutely bloody nowhere. We will also be assessing the situation at Liverpool after they got themselves a massive win in the relegation battle, beating Leicester 2-0 to move two points above West Ham for now. finally we take a look at Man City being held to a goalless draw by an improved Aston Villa we'll be chatting about that game as well as the arrival of Brian Soreson as technical advisor welcome back

1:12Rachel: it's the day of you it's the most important day in your calendar apart from obviously your wedding anniversary and the anniversary of the podcast happy St Patrick's Day I'm I'm gonna try give it a bash go on I'm gonna try and say happy St. Patrick's Day in an Irish accent. I've already... Not in an Irish accent. In Irish. OK. Here's an Irish accent. Happy St. Patrick's Day. Nobody needs to hear that. That's what gets you cancelled. Right. Fine. OK. Law a la podrig a yewav. So close. Yeah, go on. Ruined it at the end. Go on. Law a la podrig a yewav. Yeah. Same thing. That was not bad. I'll give you eight out of ten for that.

1:49You just ruined the last word. Everything else was pretty good. Same bloody thing.

1:52Rachel: I'm here. I've been given a scarf for the occasion. You've got your little Irish, I don't know. My sister gave me that. I'm not sure what the animal is, but he's wearing Irish clothes so it seemed appropriate. I'll just move this mug one out of the way. I don't know what that is, mate, if I'm honest. It doesn't look like an Irish animal. It's like a bush baby. Do you have animals? Yeah, we do, yeah. Pigeons? Foxes? Sometimes. No snakes, thanks to St. Patrick. Lovely. And then, obviously, the other mug I have. What do we have here? Well, we've got your finest cup of Barry's tea? Yeah. Let me have a taste actually.

2:29I've not actually tasted it yet. You've made it so if it's not nice it's on you. Yeah it's on you. What have you done there? If you're looking if you can't get your hands on Barry's tea which you should do. Which you shouldn't. The closest you can get to is Yorkshire tea. That kind of vibe. It's like thick and earthy. It's not. That's Chloe made it. I knew I should have made it. Finn I said it. I should have been the one going in there making it. I don't know what she's done. It's got like a distinct taste of like... It tastes like Yorkshire tea, guys. No. Yeah, it tastes like... Anyway, this is my Irish mug.

3:00We're just going to move on. I brought that as well. It tastes like sweat and tears, that. Can you read that?

3:06Rachel: Cad E and scale. Close. Cad E and scale. What's the story? Is that what it means? Yeah. Right. Moments of the weekend for you, Rachel or Sullivan. There were some quite nice moments post-match when Sonia brought her kids out. lovely and her little boy was dressed in a Chelsea kit and they had a little flag it'd have been a bloody worry for the United kit wouldn't it but it was just quite wholesome it was quite a nice like just brings you back to remind you like they're people they're families like this is important to them they get to go home with the medals and celebrate and stuff like that and that was quite sweet and they stood off next to the like little podium area where they lifted the trophy which by the way the trophies like podium bit I've never complained about this before so close to the photographers like I've never been as close to the to the trophy bit to the point where my small lens was too big like we were all standing there going how are we going to get everyone in this shot I had streamers on me love that when everything went up and you could just see my shots the streamers just get closer because you take some streamers home there was one on my head at one point I really like that makes you feel part of the action you know yeah and the only concern is Chelsea staff are hot on the champagne they are in there like swimwear and they are big fans of spraying it everywhere that was my main concern was whether we might get some offshoots of champagne i mean they don't know how many celebrations going to be having this year so you've got to take them when they come you know yeah 100 percent um i'd love to know how sonya celebrates i would absolutely love to know like does she go home cheeky little bedtime story put her feet up cheeky little chinese takeaway you know just to celebrate you know i'll ask her at the next press conference fourth trophy knowing her she's going home and prepping for the midweek game ever ever take a break on stalwart yeah um my moment of the weekend we were quite fortunate to work with subway doing like a little watch party uh we did one in london and one in manchester and i was at the london one really really lovely like we had a couple of people there who had never even experienced a women's game before who came down these women kind of in their sort of late 40s early 50s or so and they just came down and they like got involved in the celebrations they had the subway hats on they were eating their subways they were doing It was just like a really lovely vibe.

5:17Rachel: And by the end of it, they stayed on. Everyone was drinking ridiculous amounts of pints. But it was just really lovely to have people who had never come to experience women's football kind of come down and just sort of celebrate in the day. They didn't care who won. They weren't Chelsea fans, weren't United fans, but just came down. And it was just like a really lovely little moment. A nice experience is your first moment in women's football. That's great. Yeah, and then I was there, sort of gnattering away in their ear, and they kind of said, well, I don't know whether we'll come back because you're quite annoying.

5:43Rachel: Yeah, people know what it's like to have you in the room. It's a lot. It is a lot. Thank you for still listening. Thank you for still joining us. We're 12 minutes into this podcast and not a word really has been spoken about any of the games. The first five was just us singing. I, yeah, if you just skip ahead to six minutes in, you should get some actual nonsense. The football. League Cup final, Chelsea 2-0 against Manchester United. Rach, you kind of called it. You did say that it was going to be a Chelsea win. I thought, you did say it was going to go into extra time though. So I suppose you got that bit wrong.

6:13Rachel: But obviously, overall, I can't fault you less wrong than me I thought it was going to be a Man United win I just felt it a little bit in my bones so Chelsea now make it back to back League Cup wins this is the fourth time they lifted the trophy in their history obviously a bit of a sore one for United this one they've now lost three finals against Chelsea the other two in the FA Cup it was I don't know I expected more from United in this game I think many of us did I think it was a very disappointing performance I think Chelsea came out on the front foot I felt like there was just like a real willingness to get this game done.

6:46Rachel: And we'll talk a little bit about what Mark Skinner said after the game and also Sonia, but it kind of felt like that winning mentality, getting the job done, no matter the cost, no matter how pretty it was. And obviously, you know, the goals weren't, you know, ridiculously pretty. Aggie Beaver Jones' one was very... We'll get into that. A cheeky little toenail punt. I've never seen anything quite like it, but a goal was a goal. And obviously super important. But yeah, after Lauren James kind of got the opener, and pounced on that error by Dominic Janssen. I felt so sorry for her. You can see what she's trying to do.

7:17Rachel: The ball just gets stuck under her feet a little bit. There's nothing much you can do about it. She's trying to do a pass back. And Lauren James, eagle-eyed, I feel like she's been on absolutely great form over the last month or so. She's ready to anticipate moments like that, putting them under pressure. And then to slot that past the goal, I just thought, yeah. And she didn't even look. It did the replay. And it was just like a no-look goal. and I just thought, what can't you do? It's scary. But yeah, I felt like Chelsea, first 15, 20 minutes to kind of sit out their stall for what to expect and United didn't seem to kind of problem solve much.

7:52Rachel: Can I just say, do you know where LJ was looking after that goal? Straight down my camera lens. Again. Direct shot. Love those celebrations. Direct shot. I love that. And I was chatting to producer Finn beforehand and I think it might be, I'd like a yellow rubber cover on one of my cameras, like, you know, kind of waterproof type situation, which gets a lot of comments. Very popular. I'm convinced now that it catches the players' eyes when these things happen because I've gotten a few now where they're literally like, it feels like they're looking into my soul. But yeah, I did enjoy that celebration from LJ.

8:23I thought Man United were better in the first half. I felt like they had a goal in them and I thought it could be, you know, an interesting game had they gotten that goal back. But second half was just a bit of a different story. You're right, I thought Chelsea started really well. there was just a bit more of a want about them. Do you know? And that's not to say that Manchester United players didn't want to win. Of course they did. But there was just this like willingness, ruthlessness, maybe not necessarily in front of goal, but just to get to every ball, to press, to Harry, to chase United down.

8:57They pressed them really well. And, you know, when United did get opportunities and look, they are dealing with the fact that Miyazawa isn't there, who obviously makes that team tick. And Turland was dropping into the 10. and you're kind of wondering, you know, she's been so potent recently, would you not have her up in the nine? But then you've got to fill that hole, I guess. And just some of the players that normally catch the eye for United just didn't really. And that can be a combination of maybe players not really being on it, but equally Chelsea recognising where that threat was and ensuring players like Jess Park couldn't really get into the game the way you'd normally want them to.

9:30But I did think United did create, just they were quite rushed and you know they were not not I don't want to say overthinking but they were just snapping off shots it was almost like they thought we're not gonna get another one of these I better take it quickly and I just thought that was a little bit Mark Skinner said it was kind of unusual for them to be playing like that it's not something they would normally do and so yeah that rushing that final third was probably frustrating for them I also think while Chelsea played well they weren't like at their unbelievable kind of no it wasn't like a peak performance no and I thought there were areas that United could have capitalised on and you know if you looked at that starting lineup you would think Buchanan and Berman a young player and a player starting back after an ACL injury for the first time in a long time that would be the area you want to try and put pressure and put them under pressure and capitalise on and make them feel uncomfortable and I just feel like they lacked that ruthlessness about them not just in front of goal but just in terms of finding those areas and because there were times where Chelsea were just hoofing the ball out particularly in the second half and other teams maybe would have pounced on those areas and tried to capitalize on I don't want to say weaknesses but like you know those areas that you could have found a bit of joy in so yeah it was just lacking that little bit of edge that I think really United should have they're experienced enough now to be a team that should have those edges and recognize those

10:51Rachel: those areas to capitalize on definitely I think you're 100 % right and it felt like Chelsea really negated the threat that Manchester United posed I mean like some of the big the big names you're expecting you know Park Siguiotti you know Mallard like it felt like they were just so quiet in this game possession like it was just uncharacteristic at times I think it's 100 % that and it's really interesting actually when you know you're sort of looking at the post-match conference and seeing what what Mark Skinner said and he's sort of saying well you know it wasn't the performance that we obviously wanted we've got a lot of things that we need to you know reflect on and take away from this they said he said Chelsea have been winning finals for eight years we have to be better in the in the final finishing phase I'm going to do some deep searching tonight to make sure we can be ruthless in both boxes.

11:30Rachel: Chelsea's goals were rubbish. All right. But that's giving sore loser vibes. That also feels a bit like a nag on your own defence. Well, that's the thing. They're rubbish, but they scored them. I mean, they shouldn't have been opportunities, and they were. It won the game, and we have to challenge ourselves. He also said, you know, champions always find a way. And he sort of dismissed these sort of suggestions that Chelsea were vulnerable after a difficult start to the season, et cetera, et cetera. Well, they were. So, yeah, they were vulnerable. More vulnerable than they have been in previous seasons.

12:00I think it's that.

12:01Rachel: Chelsea vulnerability isn't the same as another team's vulnerability. It's kind of like a slight dip, but you always know what you're going into. Arguably, you've got to shake off this underdog thing. You should be using that as an opportunity and say, look, other teams can get at them. We can get at them. Rather than using the counter argument saying, no, no, no, no, they're going to come out and they know how to play finals. You know how to play finals. You've been in them. You've been in FA Cup finals now. you've won a big FA Cup final you have to shake off this kind of when you don't compete it's because you can't compete because you're still relatively new but also we're Man United, we're one of the biggest clubs in the world, like it's you have to step into that a little bit more, like I appreciate and everyone keeps bringing up the stats and how many times they've played and how United have only won once, you can't keep leaning into that, like you just gotta it's, I don't know, they've been around I feel long enough and been in big moments long enough and played big games long enough with players who've played in big games to kind of shake off that and step into it as equals rather than feeling like the underdog, if that makes sense.

13:01Rachel: I feel like we talked about this a little bit before when we had, I can't remember when it was with the Man United-Chelsea matchup. Last time they played. Well, it was literally like everyone brings out these stats, but it does always feel like this fixture is always a bit of a bogeyman. It's always kind of this, not a slip up, but it feels like United are on this territory where they're a really decent top four side. They're looking at the Champions League team now, but there's still this kind of like hangover that Chelsea just can't, they can't shake the Chelsea shackles almost. And when they beat them in that semi-final in the FA Cup, I think a lot of us thought, okay, they've finally, they've shaken it off.

13:36They've drawn against them, you know, in the league. So that's why for me, I think sometimes, and you know me, I love a stat, but like sometimes we often put too much weight on things that happened years ago under different managers with different players. You have to be able to push through that. and stop, you know, I do think sometimes the mentality side of things is an area that perhaps they could work on because that feels like they just, as I said, felt a bit toothless. Like when they came out in the second half, it was like they were two or three behind as opposed to coming out going, we're in this.

14:08We get the next goal. Momentum's with us. You know, you just didn't feel that kind of like almost like belief. Do you know that kind of way? You almost resigned yourself to the fact that, oh, well, Chelsea won finals before and we're the underdog.

14:19Rachel: So we've got a really good question in on that from Kat Kenzie on Instagram. He said, what do United actually have to do to beat Chelsea? How far away are they actually? I don't feel like they're that far away. Like in the league, in the league, performance wise, they're not, but mentally they are. And also their consistency against Chelsea. And I do think there are times where it's looking at a game tactically, because as we say, Chelsea haven't had their best season and looking at a game and going, okay, we know areas we can exploit. We've seen them playing over the last number of games. We know where we could capitalise.

14:55I do appreciate they are... Elitoune and Miazau are big misses in that midfield. But, you know, they have to be able to look at games and say... Like, they literally played them. That was the last game they played was against each other. And yes, it was close. But again, I felt like Chelsea kind of dominated possession-wise in that respect and chances created. But they have beaten them before and they've gotten a draw out of them earlier on this season and arguably played really well against them. they should be learnings as well. From a tactical point of view, but also from the player point of view, is that you know what to expect from them.

15:28So there has to be that kind of learning at some point. So what do they actually have to do to beat Chelsea is a great question. Believe that you can? I don't know.

15:36Rachel: Just beat them multiple times. I think it can't just be this one-off thing. I think they just need to shake off this kind of mental thing that they have about them. And that's what I mean about the vulnerability. Like, yes, their vulnerability might look different against another team. But you have to use that when you're going into a match like that because it's proof that they are beatable. And I don't know whether there are tactical areas that can improve. And I think also maybe all players could have been a bit on better form perhaps. But multiple areas, I think there's improvements needed.

16:08But part of it is definitely the belief.

16:09Rachel: 100%. But I think also, like you said, like capitalise when they are a little bit vulnerable. Because like, obviously Chelsea have had injury problems. So they came into this final without Millie Bright, Naomi Gemma, Niamh Charles Kat Macario Myra Ramirez Sam Kerr Ellie Carpenter your big dogs That's a new backline pairing That's pretty much an entire new starting 11 essentially obviously Agui Bibi Jones and Lauren James currently fit and sort of obviously played massive roles in this game but this squad was completely weakened by the fact they didn't have the kind of depth that they are normally accustomed to so this could have been like Man United's moment to say you know what this is the one chance really that we're really going to get to kind of take this home to Chelsea when they do feel a little bit weak and they just didn't.

16:53Make them feel uncomfortable. Yeah. And I just think Manchester United often play kind of a risk-averse type of football and when they played Atletico Madrid in the second leg where Atletico had to come at them to get goals and Manchester United anticipated that they were going to come at them so they were like we need to go at them. We saw a much more a much braver attacking performance. They have that in them and I think sometimes it's just to like for me right as a photographer sometimes and you're sitting there and you see like a player like a Jess Park or someone coming towards you with the camera and you're like brilliant actions come on my way you get yourself set up ready to go and then stop and the ball goes sideways or behind and you're just like and it had a lot of those moments during the game particularly in the second half where you're like okay here we go it's got and it's just that kind of there's a lack of bravery sometimes to particularly maybe and it is maybe a mental thing against Chelsea to go at them and I think they need to be braver because as I said I've seen them play like that.

17:48They do have it in them, but there just wasn't maybe a willingness to play braver football.

17:53Rachel: Well, I think let's maybe give Chelsea their dues then. Because obviously they are weakened. It's, you know, they've not had the greatest run this season. Sonia Pampas is obviously, you know, picking up her fourth trophy, which is still amazing. We forget how little time she's actually had at Chelsea and has still done amazing things. Loves the league cup. Yeah, despite it not being, you know, the most prolific campaign they've ever had. But does it feel like this is actually this win, this getting this silverware this kind of I don't know it kind of dampens the doubters essentially about you know Chelsea and this not being the best performing that they've ever been but it does still feel like this is this is still huge I always say that this is the trophy that the clubs probably care the least about in terms of the FA Cup the Champions League the obviously the league title itself this kind of feels like the I'm not entirely convinced that every club takes this seriously but when you lose the League Cup it's not important when you win it it is and at the end of the day for players and a manager it is a trophy and it is a medal and it is you know silverware that is such a boost of confidence for them to win it knowing they've got players of the Asia Cup knowing they've got a lot of injuries to deal with I think that will give them a huge amount of confidence that yeah we're still Chelsea we still know how to win things and when it matters we can put a game to bed even when we're not playing our absolute best football and that's the Chelsea we're used to seeing so I think yeah everyone always says this about the league cup you know oh who cares and that's because yeah you probably haven't won it that's why but when you look at like I don't know you look back to Arsenal that's the the cup they always show you up until the Champions League where they're like yeah but we still won this like we won this this season we won it to our trophy cabinet I feel like it can save a season sometimes where if you're not having the best time but you still come away with a trophy can you say it was totally unsuccessful?

19:39So, you know, I do think it's a really interesting one and can have an impact on how the next, you know, few games go. And for both Manchester United and Chelsea, there is a game midweek and how are they going to react to that?

19:51Rachel: That's going to be really interesting. Definitely. They don't have a long turnaround time. And I think it's interesting you were kind of saying, you know, that is the Chelsea kind of mentality, the mentality monsters that we keep talking about. And Lauren James, there was a really nice quote from her. She said, it's in our DNA. We always find a way to win, whether we play well or not. we always make sure we put up a fight and make ourselves hard to beat and they bloody well do. It doesn't matter if they lose, they bloody well put up a ridiculously horrible fight for it. What I, and LJ, like, again, a standout performer, one player of the match, and it's so, she is, you know, shrugged off her injuries now, coming back into that form at the perfect time for Chelsea and, you know, I think her goal was a great example of how Chelsea's press was so effective.

20:28Like, they didn't give Manchester United a lot of room to breathe. We touched on how they nullified some of their threats as well. But yeah, I thought Chelsea's press was good. And I think what was great to see from them, because we've seen games this season where Chelsea have so many chances, so many shots on target, and they're just not putting the ball in the back of the net. They absolutely took their opportunities there. Yes, it was a mistake, but Eldra had to finish it. The Alcubiever Jones goal was, I'll agree with Mark, rubbish defending. And, you know, her ability to take that ball down in itself was brilliant.

20:59She had two defenders. goal. The worst best goal of the WSL this season so far. Two defenders around her who just stood and watched the ball come down and watched her finish it. Like, yeah, I didn't see it because I was down the far end. I knew she'd score, but I didn't see how it was scored. And then I watched it back and I was like, oh, Jesus. Okay. Now I understand the rubbish, rubbish comments from Mark because from a defensive perspective, they're the moments you don't switch off. And from a Chelsea perspective, seeing them kind of go opportunity, take it. That's the ruthlessness we expect from them so to see it in a final again doing it when it matters and I just think that can then have a

21:36Rachel: really positive knock-on effect it always hurts more I think when it's when it's come from your own misfortune when it's come from your own mistakes those kind of unforced errors um but I mean talking to Lauren James again we've got to give a bit of a shout out to her signing a new long-term contract just before the final which runs until 2030 uh so Chelsea fans can enjoy another four seasons Chelsea contract keep her forever essentially until you know her legs give way um yeah i feel like she's a player that keeps on going from strength to strength to strength to strength to strength um elissa thompson got to give a bit of a shout out as well to to the opportunity that she had should have sawed that that one-on-one but unbelievable tackle mlt come on i mean and also not she had to nail that that had to be absolutely pinpoint perfect to kind of get her leg across and make sure that she didn't didn't concede there but yeah super super timely and that's a dangerous position to put yourself in but she absolutely spot on nailed that.

22:30Can we talk a little bit about I mean we'd mentioned there the players that are missing from Chelsea and you know the changes to the back line that they had Natalie Bjorn. Literally broke my heart watching her because she was right in front of me I was down Chelsea's defending end in the second half and I just saw her pull up immediately and grab the back of her calf and I was like no this isn't one of those kind of like got a little bit of a knock need to shake it off this was an immediate like she's done and the way the players came around her hannah um burman bronze jrk came running back and like wrapped her in a hole it was just like abby george even yeah mark skinner like i just she knew as soon as it happened she was on the pitch for like a couple of minutes yeah max um and she knew straight away that it was it was she was done kind of you know potentially for a couple of weeks and i just nobody wants to see that I think she was so excited to be getting back on the pitch I think it's that first appearance

23:29Rachel: in three months and you kind of feel like oh you know like when it happens so soon after that you feel like you don't know the the work that goes on behind the scenes the months of like anguish of kind of trying to get yourself back to full fitness and to also have that that opportunity in a final as well to be part of you know a really historic moment for for the club again and to you know boost the the trophy cabinet which is already boost like thing at the seams but yeah I just I I just felt really, really upset for her. And yet wishing her a very speedy recovery. I hope it's not as serious as it looked, but yeah, it didn't look too good.

23:59It made me question a little bit. And maybe I don't need to be digging into this, but just Chelsea players do take a while to come back from fitness. When you look at, and we know there's no ACL journey as linear and everyone is different and they come back at different times and at different levels when they come back. But, you know, some of their ACL injuries take quite a while. Like it's great to see Kaddishu Buchanan back, but it's been a long time. You know, Mayra Ramirez has been out and she's now had a setback. You know, Sam Kerr had a setback during her ACL. Nat's just come back and done another injury.

24:34You know, ABJ and LJ have had struggles with injuries as well. And I don't want to be concerned, but like it just, it's in a pattern. A little bit. Is there a pattern is the question I'm asking. And I remember when Arsenal did all those ACL injuries in one season and there was, you know, everyone was sounding the alarm saying, you know, you need to look at what's going on, what's happening, you know, in the back. It's the same with Everton when they were dealing with so many injuries. And there's just nothing worse than thinking, OK, this player's been out for ages. And then they have another setback.

25:01Naomi Gurma is another one who struggles to stay fit at the moment. And it must be so hard as a manager to be juggling all of those injuries. And I know we always talk about Chelsea's depth, but it is important to remember sometimes that this kind of stuff is going on in the background. And it's great to see Aggie Beaver-Jones back. She's obviously struggled with a little bit with form, but also with injury this season. And, you know, she's now back and offering Chelsea the option of a number nine, especially with Sam Kerr over at the Asia Cup. So, yeah, just a little bit of a niggle in the back of my mind.

25:33Rachel: I think you almost have to give credit to the players, though, because this is going on behind the scenes and they're still performing at the level that they are. because yes, there's that depth there, but every single week you're having to kind of change formation or change your tactics or change who will be a best fit in certain positions to kind of fit around the new injury news and the new updates. And I think that's a really hard task for Sonia Bonpaso, but it's also a really hard task for the players to have to change the way that they're playing and adapt to new players in those positions and maybe play in a way that they're not used to.

26:00Rachel: So they almost make it look effortless. But we do now have a permanent absence from the Chelsea squad, a really emotional announcement from who else? Chelsea legend, Guru Wrighton. Yeah, I mean, that was obviously a bit of a shock to a lot of people. She'd obviously been such an integral part of the team for so many years, achieved so much success under Sonia and also Emma Hayes. And it kind of just felt like a, and it was a massive end of an era for her. It was a huge chapter of her life that she spent at the club. Yeah, and a hugely impactful player. For me, it wasn't a surprise that she was moving on.

26:33I think the announcement, the timing of the announcement was what the surprise was. You know, she's one of those players that like you think Goura-Wrighton, you think Chelsea. You think Chelsea, you think Goura-Wrighton. So it's hard to imagine Chelsea without her. Six and a half seasons, 207 appearances, 59 goals. That's crazy. Something like 13 trophies, I think as well. Mad stats. So yeah, I think a big loss. She obviously wasn't getting as many minutes, but you know, she had numerous seasons where she was one of the most integral players to that squad and has had a huge impact. I think she can look back with great pride on her Chelsea career.

27:07And I think she's one of those players that, you know, should she ever come back and meet Chelsea on the opposite side of the pitch, I feel like Chelsea fans will welcome her with open arms.

27:17Rachel: 100%. I think, and also, I mean, she's got to have an amazing career over in the NWSL. I think that's a, it's a good move for her. I think it's the right time for her. I think she's, like you said, like she's left a legacy. She's done everything. I mean, there's not much more she could have achieved at Chelsea bar maybe a Champions League trophy, but they're all kind of gunning for that. And another player then, speaking of NWSL, that's a mouthful, is Kat Macario. I know. Apparently signing a record contract with San Diego Wave. Probably not a huge surprise. I think many of us expected that she was moving on because she'd been out with kind of unexpected injury or whatever it was.

27:50It was like, we all know she's moving. This isn't me getting, sorry, this isn't me getting upset. This is a frog in my throat. Yeah. A bit emotional about that one, me mate. Very sad. Yeah, eight million across numerous years. I don't know how that works out, but that is a huge amount of money. And yeah, perhaps I think maybe San Diego Wave, the style of play they play over there will suit her a lot better.

28:12Rachel: The NWSL is stealing some of our biggest stars again. She's going to love it back over there. For the love of God. It does feel like the NWSL-WSL battle is going to heat up now. We were kind of on the app swing where we were kind of like taking players from the NWSL and now they're taking them right back again. And I'm not a big fan. But no, congratulations to them too. I think they're amazing moves. Definitely wants to watch.

28:57Rachel: expend tracking and tax-exempt purchasing for eligible organizations. Because when your operations are smooth, your impact can be bigger. Visit business.walmart.com to get started. The Champions League round of 16 is finally here, and OTC has got you covered. We're on the continent, your definitive guide to European football. From the Bundesliga to Serie A, La Liga to Ligue 1, OTC brings you the biggest stories from across Europe twice a week, every single week. And as we enter the final stages of European football's premier competition, we're here to guide you through it all. And it's your show too.

29:36Rachel: Every week, we answer your questions about anything you want to know about European football. So join me, Andy Brassel. And me, Dotton Adebayo. Plus a selection of the very best European football journalists on OTC. Just search for On The Continent, wherever you get your podcasts, to subscribe now.

30:06Rachel: Liverpool beating Leicester City 2-0. Yeah, a huge win for Liverpool in the fight for survival. And a tenth for survival. Four points above Leicester. That's not to be scoffed at, really. That is not to be scoffed at. So they now have three wins in their last five league games. Leicester, on the other hand, have now lost all five WSL games they played in 2026. Leicester we're talking about squad depth of Chelsea Leicester on the other hand not able to fill their bench a really good win for Liverpool a really really good win Biasa Olsen scored her 6th WSL goal of the season, a really really cool return from her in her first season at Liverpool especially given the team's form for much of the season but yeah I mean Rach what did you make of this game because it felt like Liverpool were kind of, I mean within the first 10 minutes that great counter attack taking the game to Leicester, there was that lovely great low crossing for me and Renderby.

30:57Rachel: Don't know why the goalkeeper who was there outstretched sort of palm across the goal didn't manage to get it and kind of intervene the cross. And then Olsen obviously, you know, fairly easy kind of slotting it home. Still got to be in the right place at the right time, obviously. But Gareth Taylor, on the other hand, looked mildly happy. Kind of a little bit like hedging his bets. Like this is great, but I'm not going to get too excited. We still have a long way to go in this game. But yeah, it was promising for Liverpool in the opening exchanges. Yeah. And, you know, We've been talking a lot about teams missing players to the Asia Cup and injury and that kind of thing and how they're managing.

31:32And it's been interesting to see how some have been and maybe some haven't been. You look at maybe United at Manchester City, you know, losing, not having key players at the moment and how that's impacted them. I thought it was interesting how well Liverpool dealt with missing Puka Dugano and Denise O'Sullivan in that midfield. I thought they dealt with that extremely well. they look really structured Kerry Holland heartbeat of that team but you know she was playing on the wing but they were inverting her she was inverting during the game kind of crowding out that midfield area making it really difficult for Leicester in possession at times I felt like she was everywhere yes and I'm glad she got a goal because I think she deserved it for all the hard work she put in but Leicester were struggling I think at times with that inverted player they were quite loose in possession in the midfield they started well they were pressing well I think the difficulty with Leicester is because their squad is so thin is sustaining any sort of levels for 90 minutes at times.

32:31And they did have chances. But again, you know, lacking up front, which is a problem Leicester have had for a while. And, you know, the same issue last season essentially did them in last season and got Amandine Mikel sacked. So I think they need to start looking a bit inwards maybe and look at what's missing rather than just blaming the manager straight away.

32:52Rachel: Definitely. I think, I mean, Leicester's kind of struggles in front of goal have been rife throughout this entire season. And last season. Their only league goal in 2026 so far is an own goal by West Ham centre-back Eva Nystrom. Thank you so much. Eva Nystrom. You'll take us. Yeah, I mean, that'll do, you know, at this point. They've now gone three games and 319 minutes without scoring in the league. That's the kind of, that's a stat that you don't realise the significance of it until you say it out. that's just the shocking the shocking factor of that and the thing is they can be quite an organised side I thought they did really well when they played Manchester United and I thought unlucky not to come away with something from that game but that's the issue as I said is that sustaining it across 90 minutes is difficult and so they've got it within them and they are quite a as I say disciplined but like they fight for each other but it's a bloody hard thing to do when the team you're playing are able to bring depth off the bench so we had Rachel Williams and Lehman coming off and making way for Mouchon and Goodwin but it kind of felt like the energy it went up a little bit and then it kind of dipped back off again and it kind of just allowed Liverpool to kind of press into the game and just kind of finish it out but there was that mentality I didn't see that Leicester kind of felt that they'd even get themselves really back into it it did feel a bit flat for me and it was only 1-0 from majority of the game you know Holland got her the second goal in the 89th from a penalty so you know they're there for the taking it's just being effective in that counter attack and you know I think Mouchon needs a little bit more time a young player equally Williams is probably the opposite end of her career and can't do a full 90 minutes and it's when do you deploy Williams if you know what I mean and you know with the last five minutes yeah it's a template mate we've seen it we've seen what she can do but that's not why Leicester have brought her in which is really interesting she's now got this more important role of playing much more minutes for them and in the United game she was interesting enough just on that Rachel Brown finished who was doing co-coms for the Man United-Chelsea game was that this is the kind of moment of the United game where you want someone like Rachel Williams to be stepping in these final 10 minutes and bringing it back to a 2-2.

34:59This is the thing now. Her role has completely shifted, if you like. For sure. She's been brought in with a bit more expectation on her shoulders. And as I was going to say, in that United game, she worked well with Hannah Kane in that she was playing with her up front, but also doing a really good defensive job so that when the ball was launched forward, Hannah Kane could kind of pick it up with her speed and wait for Williams to catch up if you like but yeah I just didn't deploy as well in this game and yeah I think the main thing for me was just trying to sustain that game plan which they were struggling with

35:29Rachel: Definitely it almost felt like they were deflated and then getting that penalty so late on as well I mean it was a clear penalty you know she was brought down in the box it was very clear I don't think that's a controversial one at all credit again like you said to Holland stepping up and taking that and it was you know It was so cool, calm and collected from her and she definitely deserved a goal. But yeah, it kind of felt like I don't know where... I'm really hoping that Liverpool kind of take this and sort of carry this momentum into the next fixtures. I feel like this should be a bit of a boost.

35:59Rachel: Yes, it's a Leicester City and they just weren't at the races for this game. But at the same time, I think there's a lot of positives. Liverpool were creating decent chances. NDB, I thought, was amazing. I think she was giving Ashley Neville a run for her money. Thankfully, that injury pre-international break wasn't as serious as it looked because that looked really worrying for Liverpool. They've got Brighton next as well, which I think, and sometimes like, honestly, the run of fixtures can really just undo you when you get a little bit of momentum. And we're going to come on to this, but I thought similar with Aston Villa in terms of the way they finished the international break.

36:31And I thought, oh, great. You've got Manchester City as your first game. So I think sometimes... Don't you go jumping ahead now. I'm just saying the order of fixtures can be quite beneficial or can really kick you sometimes. And I think for Liverpool, they'll look at that Brighton game and say, right, this is the opportunity to kind of sustain a bit of momentum.

36:48Rachel: Well, for Leicester, they'll obviously be a little bit more nervous now that we're coming to the business end of the season. Don't we love that for us? The relegation battle is in well. Well, I think it's... They have a game in hand over Liverpool. I'll just say that. Yes, they do. But we can't get away from the fact that they've just been dwelling in this zone for far too long. And you just can't help but think of what the end of the season is looking like. It's almost like sacking the manager wasn't the issue. You know what? It's almost like we're women's football experts in a way. And we can kind of predict all the trials and tribulations that these things, the weird decisions will make.

37:25Rachel: But speaking of relegation and the battle at the bottom of the table, we definitely need to touch on the new relegation promotion playoff. So during the international break, WSL football confirmed the playoff game between the third place WSL two side and the bottom place WSL side will take place at the home of the second tier side. I actually love this. I actually, I know it's controversial. I know some people were saying, okay, this should be taking place at a neutral ground. But I actually love the fact that they're kind of giving a bit of a home advantage to a championship WSL2 side and kind of also, obviously it's good for their fan base as well to kind of see these games take place and also be potentially a part of a really historic moment for a WSL 2 side to possibly go into the WSL for the first time and to celebrate that in front of a home crowd.

38:13I mean, I kind of like it. What are your thoughts? I do. I think as well you have to factor in that it's not like they're both finishing their seasons at the same time. And you can argue it both ways, but the WSL 2 teams have a longer wait until that final game. for WSL teams they finish on May 16th and the following week is the playoff game so you would think you've got a kind of a rhythm you've got like your you've got match fitness all that kind of stuff WSL 2 teams finish on the 2nd of May so they've got quite a long wait so it's almost balancing out a little bit by allowing them to have the home tie That's chaos for internal planning for the WSL 2 side Oh yeah and what's great as well which is a real cherry on top is that the Champions League final is the same day

39:01Rachel: Yes, yeah. That is the most ridiculous matchup. So, I mean, the playoff match, this is the first of its kind, obviously, in the English women's game. It's scheduled for 12.30 on Saturday, the 23rd of May. What are you going to do? Like, so from one and you're going to be the other. I've already booked Oslo. Oh, crap. Got to book it way in advance. I'll cover it for you. Oh my God, we'll hire you. Let's talk. I'll be in the hospitality box. So whatever I can capture from there, fine. On your phone. Yes, I will. Phone in one hand. And champagne in the other. Zoom in. Well, it also depends though where it is.

39:34Rachel: If it's a Charlton's home ground, there is no hospitality box. The Valley. What? Is there? Okay, can we just talk about Charlton very quickly? I know this is slightly off topic, but they lost. It's your special day today. They lost midweek to Portsmouth. They're still nine points ahead of Birmingham. Fine. I know this isn't, you know, Charlton are unlikely to be the third place team in this playoff, by the way. but they are at nine points ahead Birmingham have two games in hand so should they win it suddenly it's down to three points Charlton and Birmingham play each other in the final day of the season How have they done this?

40:10And if Birmingham win it's on goal difference How have they done this? I don't know but third place game cannot call it I cannot call who's going to I thought it was going to be Bristol you know then maybe was it going to be Newcastle now Crystal Palace are in that position Bristol and Newcastle are you know snapping at their heels I think it's It's all to play for honest to God it's going to be so interesting to see Southampton are only three points off Newcastle and Bristol they're a bit of a the jump behind Crystal Palace it's just we need to take a deeper

40:39Rachel: look at this we need to take a much deeper look at this producer Finn we're going to be taking a deeper look at the WSL too let's get some players on as well yeah 100 % I want to find out how they're I mean everyone talks about one game at a time we focus on ourselves but when you've got like three or four teams in and around you who could also be in that position I don't know how you block it out you can't block it out you absolutely you genuinely cannot block it out. I remember doing the same battle with Spurs and all you think about every single time you wake up, you know, like sometimes you enjoy sleeping and then you wake up and you think, oh, fuck.

41:09Rachel: Like you remember something that you didn't want to remember or you've had a really bad, I don't know, whatever's going on. Like that's how it feels. Like you live, eat and breathe points next game. Like there's nothing you're thinking about. But I don't think there's that much of a gap between these top competing teams, the WSL 2 now, and the bottom competing teams in the WSL 1. Interesting. I've not heard many with that opinion I think there is I've heard quite a few thinking I think on their day on their day I think it's like a cup final isn't it I think it's all to play for and I think it's that effectively it almost doesn't matter how they've played for the whole season because it just comes down to that day and if you're a Leicester if it is Leicester and they've got nine players missing there you go calling it now could be very interesting Leicester City back in WSL2 my gosh that's a throwback

42:04Rachel: Aston Villa 0-0 against Man City I didn't see that coming No one did Man City are now nine points clear at the top of the table It was a really exciting game Villa enjoyed so many chances in the first half City kind of improved after the break but it just they looked a bit flat to me they've obviously not played in three weeks they hadn't had a league game in four weeks people are kind of saying is there a bit of rust here um i just i it's the same for villa i just don't think you can apply one thing to one team and not to another rust is only blue it's not claret yeah exactly rust and claret actually go together really well um no i think i i was concerned for villa because obviously they'd been battered 7-3 by tottenham before the break and i thought okay this is coming a really good time for them reset refocus you know get everyone back on track a team that might actually enjoy there being a bit of a lengthy break and then I was like oh Jesus they're playing Manchester City you know how do you kind of get everyone back on top but then be like but it's fine if we lose this game because they're top of the table no no that's not how they went into this and Villa have shown flashes of this in the past and it's again it's the same narrative where people look at results and then just don't talk more broadly about how teams have played across the season and suddenly Villa with the shittest team who were shipping goals left, right and centre of the worst record, blah, blah, blah.

43:28And I'm like, yeah, but a lot of those goals came in like two or three games as opposed to, you know, across the whole season. So they have had games where they've played really well. You remember that Chelsea game? So unlucky not to come away with three points from that. Ended up losing it. Knocking on the door. So good in halves, I think, at times. And that's perhaps where Villa have struggled is that playing like that across 90 minutes and taking their bloody chances. Jesus wept. These weren't just like pissy little chances in and around the box where you dribble the ball of the goalkeeper.

43:58These were high quality chances hitting the bar like... Chastity Grant. Chastity Grant's amazing. I'm so glad she's back. She was injured for a bit. Kirsty Hansen's unbelievable. Like she is so brave and physically strong. Like, yeah, I just, I'd be watching it going, oh my God. Had it not been for her team doing so badly, I feel like she's the kind of player who would be in contention for the player of the season. And I think that kind of goes unnoticed because she's playing with Aston Villa, who are mid-table at the moment. But she's so consistent, given how inconsistent Villa have been this season.

44:33But that's what Villa can do. And you're tactically really well set up. Yes, Manchester City weren't at their best. You can't pretend they were playing against a City who were absolutely flying. But what we'd seen from City so far this season was that even when they weren't playing their best, they'd gotten to a point now where they could grind out results they could get the goal they could knock on the door and eventually get in the back of the net and that just wasn't happening despite the second half where they were the better team and they created I think they had four shots on target in the second half because they you know Villa better possession had shots on target Man City had none in the first half like that was that's really impressive they were penned back in the first half and then yeah I kind of expected I was just waiting for that Bunny Shaw heads at home in like the 87th minute

45:15Rachel: but that was the weirdest thing about this game it's like all the things that you tick off on your bingo list like a bunny shore header or viv like converting and like late doors like all these things just weren't happening it didn't feel like you know we keep talking about this like bunny shore viv midemar partnership but they just have this symbiosis they know where each other's going to be they just have they can read each other almost kind of like automatically don't even have to look up and see they just know that viv's going to be here bunny shore's going to be here hemp's going to deliver this kind of cross and they need to be in these positions to be able to to get the head on the end of it it felt like they were just like a a bit slow just slightly off the mark kind of like inches off or just like weren't in the right position in and it felt weird to kind of see those partnerships that we'd come to you know consistently rely on pretty much for like the last well pretty much all of the season just kind of break down a little bit i didn't see the same level of like just understanding between each other yeah and that's not that i'm not i'm not fear-mongering here i'm not saying this is like a prolific problem that we should really be concerned about city speed bump this is like yeah all of a sudden they're not they're not in contention still on track yeah I still feel like this is just kind of like one of those they still picked up a point it wasn't a loss they didn't play as well as they should have done we weren't seeing the things that we have been seeing for pretty much the majority of the season but yeah it was it was it was weird not to see it because they've been so consistent they could be those kind of players that need to be playing with each other regularly to sustain that for sure that kind of symbiosis if you like or that kind of link-up play that we're so used to seeing some maybe it comes easier others maybe it just comes with playing with each other more.

46:40And you could even see how frustrated they were. For me, seeing Miedema play the full 90 minutes, she's often, you know, comes off maybe 60, 70, 80 minutes, but they knew they needed all of their best players on that pitch to try and find that goal. And they were getting frustrated, which I guess we're not really used to seeing. And there was a moment where Chastity Grant cleared the ball off the line with her chest. I thought that was incredible.

47:02Rachel: Trying score goals, saving goals. Hitting the post, clearing off the line, like unbelievable. but yeah obviously missing Hasegawa who is the heartbeat the engine the motor it did feel like they were looking for her in moments but there's enough quality in that team I feel that can't be an excuse and that's kind of what I was alluding to earlier it was so interesting to see how perhaps the top teams didn't adjust as well to missing those players whereas the likes of Liverpool did quite well and Everton did quite well despite the players missing Tottenham less so it's just it's really interesting to see how teams adapt and look you know I'm not comparing like for like here Hasegawa is absolutely top notch world class but it's not like City are lacking in world class players definitely but yeah I just thought it was a it was really interesting that that was the game where they dropped points and perhaps it's the style of play that Aston Villa play that quick counter attacking football against maybe City's back line you know we saw how effective Arsenal were against City when they played that one two three shoot kind of football rather than this pissing around dancing around each other like so perhaps it was also an element of that as well well I would say that one person who really did show up for the city side is Kiara Keating oh wow my god this gal so just her third start this season the saves that she had to make were absolutely world class I mean really timely kind of coming out staying alert at the entire duration of the game that kind of there was a shot that was fired from from long range and it was a heel flick at the very last minute just on the penalty spot and the way that she adjusted her body so quickly to react to that I thought absolutely like 100 % like I just you know how much I love her I do have a soft spot for her I'm gonna let you go um talk more about her because as you say she hasn't started that often and I I do feel with Kiara sometimes she does have a little blooper in her every now and then and there was one where she passed the ball out straight to an Aston Villa player yeah and she was quite high in her own box so suddenly she left the goal gaping but I do wonder if Did she get a hand to it?

49:02Yes

49:02Rachel: I still can't work it out Yeah yeah she did I think on the replay when you see her from behind she does get fingertips to it but I just wonder if part of that is needing more game time to eliminate those little bloopers and you know when you see the quality she has even when she's not starting that often like you remember when she came into the Barcelona game she was unbelievable Oh my god yeah and she was one of I don't think she'd been starting that often and she'd come in and she was one of a number of players who had to come in due to injuries and stuff like that I know they ultimately lost that game, but like she was unbelievable.

49:33So that's what you have when she's not playing regularly. Imagine what she has if she is getting much more game time.

49:39Rachel: Definitely. And I think it's confidence from her. Like even when she does make a bit of a blooper and I 100 % like we have seen them sort of throughout games. It's just that it's the mental resilience that I now see from her that she doesn't let that affect her game. It was like, yeah, she owned it. She, you know, she held her hand up like my mistake. Like she tried to do the right thing. I just think the player wasn't in the right position. I think it was Alex Greenwood that she was trying to pass out to. I can't remember. I think it was Alex that she was trying to pass out to. I don't think Alex was fully aware that pass was coming so that's a communication point on her.

50:06Rachel: She tries to do the right thing though not just boofing it and going long but trying to actually play out from the back. So I also credit that and it's obviously a really intense game. Villa have been knocking on the door for the best part of 70-80 minutes at this point but she is an absolute part of the reason they managed to salvage the draw and this wasn't chalked up as a loss for City. Talk to me about Adi Robock. two goalkeepers who had really good quality games. And again, you know, I remember, I can't remember which game it was. It might've been Brighton where, actually, no, I'm not going to put that on Roebuck because it was Sabs to Angelo at the time.

50:40And I remember it because the commentator kept calling her Dan Galo. So actually that was the playing out from the back that the Sabs didn't enjoy too much. But I do think Eddie Roebuck had a very good game.

50:49Rachel: 100%. Yeah, obviously, I mean, City's best chance with Rebecca Knack at the back post for that header. I mean, again, the reaction time. it's that it's kind of it's that how little time they have to react and the athleticism and Ellie Roebuck I think like the way that she's built also naturally makes her quite a good goalkeeper because she's quite limmy she's she can reach up but she's good airily yeah she has a long arm span she can cover a lot of the goal and things like that really make a difference in in those positions but but yeah I thought also yeah I've got to give credit and a big shout out to her as well yeah I thought she was pretty pretty sick it was it was a good day for goalkeepers on this game despite it being nil nil less so for It's like attackers.

51:28Rachel: Yeah, attackers need to be better. Goalkeepers, carry on doing what you're doing. Let's talk then about the biggest news at Villa, the arrival of Brian Sorensen. What a throwback. I haven't heard his name in quite a while. A couple of weeks. He's joined as technical advisor. So just the backstory then, obviously Everton sacked him as head coach in February after four years at the club. Now he's been appointed, Sorensen said, Aston Villa have made significant investment into their women's organisation during the past seasons and possess a formidable squad. I've seen some not very nice things said about Brian Sorensen from various different people.

52:04Like, God, what have they brought him in for and all this kind of stuff? Not Brian. First of all, as a person, I like him actually. He's quite a nice guy. And, you know, you're able to chat to him away from the pitch and stuff. He's very thoughtful, gives a lot kind of in terms of when you're having conversations around tactics and stuff like that. I'm also delighted for his family because I know his wife had put up on Instagram quite a heartfelt message that she had to leave her Merseyside family and, you know, their little girl is growing up with a Scouse accent and, you know, like stuff like that.

52:36You forget that, like the family has to move, the kids in school, like what's going to happen next? They have to go back to Denmark, all that kind of stuff. So from that respect, delighted that hopefully they've managed to sustain a little bit of consistency and they get to stay there. But I like to listen more to, rather than just people who look at results perhaps or don't like that their team is losing. So the manager shit and maybe don't necessarily look into the context around that and the players they have and the injuries they have and everything else. I'm not saying he was like an unbelievable manager.

53:05I just think he got a lot laid at his door. Other managers always spoke about how difficult Everton were. A, to play against and B, to predict. Not just as a, you know, tactically in 90 minutes, but across different phases in the pitch, whether that was defensively, whether that was, you know, you know trying to close down their attackers they were very good at playing different styles of football and tactically adapting in games and that's the kind of that's what I took from what Brian Sorensen was like as a manager I'd take it from other managers and how they considered his setup and I think that's quite a useful tool to have someone who's got that tactical mind who can be quite adaptable and I think as well you know he'll be able to look into what kind of players will be effective for this kind of Aston Villa setup.

53:51He's also maybe able to perform without that stress and pressure of, oh God, I've got another injury. My injury list is getting longer. How am I kind of putting a team together when I don't have the right players or the right positions? So it'd be nice to see how he does kind of away from that kind of stress. And it was funny when I asked Natalya Arroyo about him coming in. I mean, I don't know how much say she had over this kind of thing, but she did say he doesn't know how to beat Manchester City. or he doesn't know how to play against Manchester City. I can't remember what the exact words were.

54:22And in my head, I was thinking, God, I hope so, because he obviously didn't do very well against Tottenham. He's better aged well.

54:26Rachel: Turns out it aged quite well. So there you go. That is not bad. I don't realise she'd appreciate it. She said that. I mean, great timing. Absolutely great timing. But yeah, I do think he's going to deliver quite a lot. I think it's really... It's more, it's WSL experience, right? And, you know, I don't know... He knows the teams. He knows the players. How they'll work together, but yeah. He knows what to expect. He knows the hiccups, the challenges along the way. And obviously, I mean, we've got to give a shout out to our friend of the pod, Maggie Murphy as well. It feels like she's made some pretty good changes already.

54:56Rachel: But Brian having that much of an impact in the first time. I don't think we can lay that at Brian's door. But what she said was... It's pretty wild. He goes, I mean, I don't think Everton beat Man City that often. But she did. I think it might have been once. But she said he definitely knows how to win and beat Manchester City. So let's take a lot from his notebook. Love that. There you go. golden notebook of Brian Sorensen it's generally just players out every now and then he gets a new page where he can write some tactics but normally it's like Veja out that's the one I take most from Brian was Catherine Veja who was often out and always started a press conference Veja's out so yeah it'll be interesting to see what kind of impact he can make watch this space.

55:37Rachel: Thank you for listening to our front we'll be back on Tuesday in the meantime you can find us on Instagram and x slash Twitter I'm at morgi underscore 89 or h is at girls on the ball and we are at up front underscore pod you can also find us on youtube at um from pod see you next week slan

56:07Rachel: up front is a stack production and part of the acast creator network

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