Talking City - Manchester City podcast
The stories behind the back pages, delivered with authority, knowledge, and humour from the reporters in the stands and at the training grounds. The definitive Manchester City podcast from the heart of the press box. Every week on Talking City, hosts Alex James and chief City correspondent Simon Bajkowski (Manchester Evening News) deliver unfiltered news, tactical breakdowns, and genuine insider insight direct from the Etihad. Expect insights, expertise and fresh takes from both on and off the pitch, with Alex and Si sharing moments from the mix zone, press conferences, and chats with players, coaches and Citizens. Whether we’re pu...
"Unbelievable Football!" | Man City vs PSG Reaction, Squad Rotation & Ipswich Preview
Welcome back to the Talking City Podcast with Alex James and Simon Bajkowski. In this episode, we react to the thrilling 4-2 clash against PSG and discuss whether Manchester City is truly at the pinnacle of European football. Plus, we dig into Enzo Maresca's latest press conference comments on squad rotation—should Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, and key defenders be rested for the upcoming Ipswich and AEK Athens fixtures? In this episode: 00:00 – New Set Impressions ("Hate it!") 01:05 – Manchester City vs PSG: Reaction to an Unbelievable Game 04:15 – Maresca's Tactical Shift & Player Standouts 06:30 – Sponsor Break (NordVPN) 07:00 – Squad Rotation: Rest Haaland & Key Players vs I...
'Perfect panto VILLAINS': City fans don't need to defend themselves | Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski break down a surreal and defiant weekend for Manchester City on the latest edition of the Talking City podcast. Despite the noise surrounding the club's guilty verdict and hypothetical points deductions, Enzo Maresca's squad made a massive statement with a dominant 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Alex and Si analyse how City took control in the second half, heavily featuring Jeremy Doku's brilliant performance and defining goal celebration. The discussion covers the unexpectedly passive Anfield atmosphere, the chaotic officiating involving a soft red card, and Erling Haaland's missed chances. The focus shifts to...
'NO CONCERNS': City RESILIENT ahead of Liverpool clash as charges saga rolls on
Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski with the fallout from Manchester City's guilty verdict of financial charges looming large over their trip to Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca did his best to de-escalate the situation - but how hostile will the reception be at Anfield? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod _ Welcome to the Talking City Podcast by the Manchester Evening News, covering everything Manchester City featuring Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski, Senio...
'It's got VERY MESSY over the last week': can Manchester City players ignore 114 charges drama?
Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss the continued drama over the 114 Premier League charges against Manchester City. They discuss City's "sarky" comments, the price of doing business with the UAE, and why senior players - like Haaland and Dias - need to guide the team through crisis. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"This is SEISMIC": defiant City accused of SHAM by Premier League | 115 Charges Verdict: What Next?
Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League.
In this emergency episode of the Talking City podcast, Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski break down the explosive 40-page verdict from the independent panel and the club's defiant response.
The discussion covers the Premier League's allegations that City disguised £830 million of equity from its owners as sponsorship revenue over nine years, misleading both the Premier League and UEFA.
Alex and Si also break down City's immediate plans to appeal, the timeline for the upcoming s...
'It won't take away the MEMORIES' | Manchester City 115 charges explained | What happens NEXT?
Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski react to the latest leaks surrounding Manchester City’s ongoing Premier League financial charges case. They break down the club Chairman's statement, analyse Enzo Maresca's cryptic post, dissect what "115 charges" actually means, and explore what an appeal process could mean for City's timeline into 2027 and beyond. Plus, a deep dive into potential rival club compensation claims, point deductions, and the debate over City's legacy and titles. Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction & Initial Reaction to the Charges Leak 02:52 - Enzo Maresca’s Cryptic Post & Socrates Quote 03:34 - Man City & Chairman Double Down on I...
'Better to win 1-0 than 5-3?' It's still TOO EARLY to judge Maresca's football
Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to look back at City's entertaining 5-3 victory against Sunderland. They discuss Maresca's style of football, City's defending, and why Enzo Fernandez was an odd choice for Player of the Match. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"Everything is PAYING OFF for Maresca": FIVE-star City youngsters shine in Carabao Cup
Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham discuss Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, new sensation Floyd Samba and look ahead to the final Premier League match before the international break, against Sunderland.
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Phil Foden RED CARD & Manchester Derby DRAMA! | 10-man City Defeat United | Post-Match Reaction
In this episode of the Talking City Podcast, host Simon Bajkowski is joined by City fan, author, and City Fans Foodbank co-founder Alex Timperley to break down a dramatic Manchester derby! The guys discuss Enzo Maresca’s bold tactics, Phil Foden's controversial red card following his clash with Bruno Fernandes, and why City showed the mental toughness to secure all three points down at Old Trafford. Plus, Alex dives into the growing power of football fan activism, joint supporter protests over rising ticket prices, and how fans can take collective action to support their local communities. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Post-Derby Feelin...
Maresca Masterclass in Porto, Bouaddi's Rise, Alan Shearer Negativity & Manchester Derby Preview
Welcome back to Talking City with Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski!In today’s episode, the team breaks down Manchester City’s huge 2-0 Champions League away victory against Porto.
We dissect Enzo Maresca’s tactical masterclass, the brilliance of 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield, and why the TV pundits got the game’s narrative completely wrong.Plus, we look ahead to Sunday’s massive Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. With Michael Carrick already feeling the heat and City firing on all cylinders, could this be Maresca’s biggest statement win yet?
EXCLUSIVE No...
Engineering Future Player 2.0: Thomas Kruecken on Manchester City's Academy Secrets
Manchester City Academy Director Thomas Kruecken sits down with Simon Bajkowski for an exclusive look at how the club engineers the next generation of elite footballers. From embracing Artificial Intelligence to cultivating the "Future Player 2.0" model, Kruecken breaks down the exact methodologies keeping City's youth system ahead of the curve. The Keegan Connection: The story behind Kruecken’s tie and his early days observing the club. Artificial Intelligence in Football: How AI and data analytics are being used to identify specific performance gaps and prepare players for Pep Guardiola’s demanding first team. Hyper-Personalised Development: The strategy behind a 250% incr...
"Different versions of the TRUTH": how did Manchester City perform in the transfer window?
It is the day after the night before: the transfer window is officially SHUT and Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss Manchester City's busy summer in the transfer market. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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'Savinho will NOT be missed!': CHAOS or organised chaos in transfer market for Manchester City
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski discuss the upcoming busy week in the transfer window for Manchester City. They also chat about Enzo Maresca's "muddled" team selection, and who could be arriving at the Etihad before the transfer deadline. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"A MASSIVE few days for recruitment": transfers under the microscope at Manchester City
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski look at the ins and outs at the Etihad, and what is expected to be a "massive 10 days" for Manchester City in the transfer window. They also look ahead to the new Premier League season with Enzo Maresca's side hosting Bournemouth on Saturday. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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'City players BUY into Maresca's ideas': FA Community Shield preview | Arsenal v Man City
Recording from the Manchester City Joie Stadium, Alex James and Simon Bajkowski preview City's Community Shield clash.
They discuss transfer ins and outs at the Etihad, Enzo Maresca's start at City, and why there is a lot of nonsense from people who ought to know better.
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The ONE thing that Rodri OWES Manchester City: Barcelona need to find the cash for City midfielder
Alex James speaks to Simon Bajkowski on his way back from Manchester City's pre-season trip to Asia, catching up on a busy time for Enzo Maresca's side. They discuss whether Rodri will be reporting back to City after the World Cup, the excitement building around Maresca from the squad, and why the kids are alright under the former Chelsea and Leicester boss. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod
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Grealish LEFT OUT of Tour Squad?! 😳 | Savinho to Spurs Latest & City's Asian Pre-Season
Alex James is joined by Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski straight from Hong Kong as Manchester City touch down for their pre-season tour! In this episode, Alex and Si break down the news from the City camp, including: The Tour Squad Announcement: Why Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips were left behind in the UK. Savinho Transfer Gossip: Momentum builds around Spurs' interest—will he finish the tour with City or make a move back home? The Goalkeeper Drama: How Stockport County's injury emergency led to Angers goalkeeper Max Chabot joining City as an unsigned trialist for the tour. As...
Olive branch for Grealish? | £80m MINIMUM for Rodri | Maresca officially unveiled | Talking City
Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss Enzo Maresca's first press conference as Manchester City head coach this afternoon.
They discuss the popularity of the ex-Chelsea and Leicester boss, as well as the futures of Rodri and Jack Grealish.
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Rodri and Elliot Anderson: best midfielders at the 2026 World Cup? | What is the point of the Third Place Playoff?
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski try not to get too depressed about England's semi-final defeat to Argentina in this week's episode.
They discuss why they believe Manchester City has the best midfielders in the 2026 World Cup, and their grumbles about the Third Place Playoff between England and France.
Later on, they chat about ticket prices for the next season, and why it encourage more fans to watch games at the Etihad.
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Manchester City SIGN Elliot Anderson for a British-record fee of £116m | A price worth paying?
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski discuss the chatter around Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City for a British-record transfer fee of £116 million.
Is the England midfielder worth the fee? And what other transfers are in the pipeline for Enzo Maresca's side?
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Enzo Maresca OFFICIALLY signs as Manchester City head coach | Instant reactions
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski discuss the breaking news that we have known for a long time, as Enzo Maresca’s arrival as Manchester City head coach becomes official EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod
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Manchester City: 2026/27 fixtures released | Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali latest
Alex James and Jack Flintham discuss Manchester City’s 2026/27 fixtures after they were released on Friday morning, including an early Manchester derby and the problem with TV picks. We also take a closer look at the latest surrounding Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Enzo Maresca EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"Moving parts over the summer": Elliot Anderson update | Enzo Maresca latest
Alex James and Jack Flintham discuss the latest surrounding Elliot Anderson and Enzo Maresca’s arrivals at Manchester City, as well as looking ahead to the World Cup with a strong contingent of Blues set to be in action. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod
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"Pep changed City and English football FOREVER": Guardiola to leave Manchester City after 10 years
In a special episode of the Talking City podcast, Alex James and Simon Bajkowski react to the news that Pep Guardiola will be leaving Manchester City this summer after 10 years at the Etihad. Alex and Si discuss his impact on the club, and who could replace Guardiola at City. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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Can the Double become the TREBLE? Semenyo shines in FA Cup final | Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski review Manchester City's FA Cup win against Chelsea. With Pep Guardiola's securing the domestic double, can they make it a treble as the Premier League season reaches its conclusion? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"Hyperbole & opportunity": reaction to the City Youth triumph and who will play in the FA Cup final?
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🎧 | Listen to the Talking City Podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/MCFCPod
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Welcome to the Talking City Podcast by the Manchester Evening News, covering everything Manchester City featuring Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski, Senior football writer Tyrone Marshall and Manchester City writer Alex James.
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"It's An Absolute Joke!" 🤬 VAR Chaos, Doku's Masterclass & Title Race Drama
Is VAR officially taking the joy out of football? Welcome back to the Talkin' City podcast! This week, Alex James and Chief City Writer Simon Bajkowski sit down to digest a chaotic and decisive weekend in the Premier League title race. We kick things off by breaking down City’s 3-0 win over Brentford, highlighting Jeremy Doku’s incredible run of form. Then, things get heated as we dive into the Arsenal vs. West Ham game and the massive VAR controversy that has everyone talking. Have referees completely lost control of set pieces? We vent our frustrations on the inco...
"He's the one who keeps everyone's heads together": is it a SIMPLE decision about Rodri's future?
Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss the fight for the title race this weekend. Manchester City host Brentford at the Etihad on Saturday, but fans will also be paying attention to Arsenal's clash against West Ham the following day. Alex and Simon also discuss Rodri's future at the club, and why it should be "a simple decision" to keep the Spaniard. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"You can hang him in City's Louvre": John Stones exit | Everton v Manchester City preview
Alex James is joined by Simon Bajkowski to discuss Manchester City's trip to Everton, and react to the announcement that John Stones will be leaving the club in the summer. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"Positive for the club, but players need to take their chances": Manchester City 2-1 Southampton
Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Southampton, players missing opportunities and what the result means for the title race. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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Wembley AGAIN! Will Manchester City respect flying Saints?
Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham preview Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final trip to Wembley, the victory over Burnley and 2026/27 ticket prices. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"How's your NERVE?': reaction to Manchester City's 2-1 win against Arsenal
Simon Bajkowski and Alex James react to Manchester City's statement 2-1 win against Arsenal. With Pep Guardiola's side turning up the heat in the title race, Simon and Alex discuss the pressure on Arsenal, City's standout players, and why Gabriel wasn't sent off. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity
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"Bernardo is one of City's GREATS": Manchester City v Arsenal preview
Simon Bajkowski tells Alex James about the impact Bernardo Silva has made on Manchester City following the announcement that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
They also preview the potential title decider between City and Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.
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"City building STORMS that teams can't weather": Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City reaction
Alex James and Simon Bajkowski react to Manchester City's thrilling second-half performance against Chelsea. The 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge piles the pressure on Arsenal with the gap to the top narrowing and narrowing. Si tells Alex that the mood at the Etihad on Sunday will be "monstrous" and there's "one hell of a game" coming after this weekend's Premier League action. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"It's a Mancunian thing to say: if it's not right, it's not right": who are the Citizens Trust?
Simon Bajkowski is joined by Nick Clarke, Mark Todd, and Katie Wrench, members from the interim board of The Citizens Trust, a new Manchester City Supporters' Union.
They discuss the importance of Blues fans coming together as a missing link between the club and the supporters.
NIck, Mark and Katie discuss season ticket prices, international fans, and how they want to protect future generations of City supporters.
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"Rodri knew EXACTLY how his words would be taken": the Spaniard's future at Manchester City
Simon Bajkowski has A LOT to say about Manchester City after his week off: whether it's the 115 charges gossip or Rodri's latest comments, he shares his thoughts with Alex James on the Talking City podcast. They discuss the Spaniard's future at the Etihad, as well as his teammate Bernardo Silva, and look ahead to City's FA Cup quarter final against Liverpool. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity
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Has Bernardo Silva played his last Champions League game for Manchester City?
In this bonus clip from the Talking City podcast, Simon Bajkowski and Alex James discuss Bernardo Silva's future at the Etihad.
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"City are starting to smell BLOOD": Manchester City 2026 Carabao Cup WINNERS
Alex James discusses the feeling at Wembley after Manchester City lifted the Carabao Cup. He tells Jack Flintham about how the trophy could impact the title race against Arsenal, as well as Nico O'Reilly grabbing the headlines with his brace against Mikel Arteta's side. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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"Fitting of Haaland's 2026": should City fans be despondent after West Ham draw?
Alex James is joined by Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski to review City's 1-1 draw against West Ham. They look back at Haaland's inconsistent 2026, the thunderbolt to the face for Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Pep Guardiola's side hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League with a huge deficit to overturn. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
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Madrid MADNESS: Champions League fears after Manchester City's 3-0 defeat at the Bernabéu
Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid and where that leaves Man City ahead of the trip to West Ham. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee
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