Talking City - Manchester City podcast

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.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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?

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, Senior football writer Tyrone Marshall and Manchester City writer Alex James.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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...

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus clip from the Talking City podcast, Simon Bajkowski and Alex James discuss Bernardo Silva's future at the Etihad.
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James react to Manchester City's "flat" 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, and discuss how inconsistency could cost Pep Guardiola's side the Premier League title.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski react to Manchester City's 1-0 win at Leeds United, moving Pep Guardiola's side to two points behind league leaders Arsenal.

They discuss the potential of City's young squad and injury updates for Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James react to the "very, very, very, very tricky" Champions League draw, pitting Manchester City against Real Madrid once again.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski review Manchester City's 2-1 win against Newcastle United, bolstering their title hopes. They praise Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland for their versatility across the pitch, and the electric atmosphere building at the Etihad with the title race in action. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on Arsenal dropping points, preview Newcastle United and delve into ticketing problems at Manchester City. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s lacklustre 2-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup as well as James Trafford’s comments regarding his future at the club and the situation he finds himself in. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s 3-0 victory over Fulham, the gap to Arsenal being cut to four points and look ahead to the FA Cup fourth round tie vs Salford City. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James review Manchester City's 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield.

Once again, the officiating was called to question, and Simon questions the role of VAR - and how it is communicated to fans at the ground and on the television.

They also discuss how the dramatic win can give City momentum against Arsenal in the title race, and the stars that shined at Anfield, including Pep favourite Bernardo Silva.

--

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

...

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and look ahead to the trip to Liverpool this weekend. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Refereeing decisions are on the minds of both Pep Guardiola and the Talking City podcast team, with Simon Bajkowski pondering whether some officiating came from Mars. He discusses the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur with Alex James, and whether City can still pick up a trophy after a season of ups and downs. ❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News? Submit them here: ⁠https://forms.gle/zAzTcjpZ6SVUiTzC6⁠ 🌍 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here → ⁠https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s 2-0 victory over Galatasaray, Champions League qualification and a big trip to Tottenham this weekend.

❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News?

Submit them here: ⁠https://forms.gle/zAzTcjpZ6SVUiTzC6⁠

🌍 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here → ⁠https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From ref talk to Guehi's debut, Alex James and Simon Bajkowski look back at City's 2-0 victory against Wolves.

With Arsenal faltering against neighbours Manchester United, the title race is far from over, with Si arguing that the Gunners are "eminently catchable".

❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/zAzTcjpZ6SVUiTzC6 🌍 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here → https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt and where that leaves their Champions League hopes. ❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/zAzTcjpZ6SVUiTzC6 🌍 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here → https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It might have felt like "doom and gloom" on Saturday after the 2-0 loss against Manchester United, but there is still room for optimism, according to Simon Bajkowski. Speaking from Norway, ahead of City's trip to Bodø/Glimt, Simon reflects on the derby defeat with Alex James. They discuss the form of the top 6 in the Premier League, City's transfer policy in January, and the acquisition of Marc Guéhi to bolster the defensive ranks.

❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News? Submit them here: https://forms.gle...

Whilst the two competing halves of Manchester will be fighting for victory on Saturday, our City and United podcasts have teamed up for a derby special. Talking City's Simon Bajkowski is joined by Tyrone Marshall from Manchester is Red to see whether their podcast will live up to its name this weekend. ❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/zAzTcjpZ6SVUiTzC6 🌍 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here → https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski look back at Manchester City's staggering 10-1 win against Exeter in the FA Cup Third Round. With many City graduates playing in the high-scoring game, Si argues that the development of youngsters at the Etihad is "no longer a stick to beat" City with. They also look tentatively ahead to the Manchester derby and respond to the online chatter around Oscar Bobb. 🌍 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee ❓ Q&A with Manchester City writers at the Manchester Evening News. Submit your transfer window questions: https...

Simon Bajkowski joins Alex James to discuss the positive impact Antoine Semenyo could make on the "tired" squad, Pep's selection over the congested fixture list, and whether United under a new caretaker manager can surprise City in the Manchester derby.

🌍 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity

Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

❓ Q&A with Manchester City writers at the Manchester Evening News. Submit your transfer window questions: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-transfer-window-qa-33132769

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James discuss City's disappointing draws against Chelsea and Sunderland, as well as how Pep Guardiola could handle injuries to key players such as Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.

🌍 EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee ❓ Submit your questions for Si's Q&A: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-transfer-window-qa-33132769 🎧 | 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 Sim...