Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

James Pearce & Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to assess Richard Hughes’ time at Liverpool, from appointing Arne Slot and overseeing a Premier League title win to spending more than £670m on reshaping the squad. Was Hughes a success or a failure, and what does Liverpool’s next sporting director need to fix?

We also look at Alexander Isak’s flying start to this season after his two goals against Ipswich, his growing understanding with Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz, and whether Gakpo’s form means Bradley Barcola will have to wait for his chance.

And with Champions League football returning, Liverpool face a much tougher test against Atletico Madrid. Who starts and will this be the first real chance to judge whether Iraola’s ideas can work against elite opposition?

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: James Pearce & Simon Hughes
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Pearce joins Tony Evans to assess Liverpool’s business after deadline day and ask whether the Reds have done enough to challenge this season.

Bradley Barcola arrived for a huge fee but Liverpool chose not to sign a specialist No.6 or another full-back. Was that the right call? Can Andoni Iraola fix Liverpool’s defensive problems through coaching and structure, and was rejecting Manchester City’s £80m offer for Cody Gakpo the right decision?

Plus the guys look ahead to Friday night’s trip to newly promoted Ipswich Town.

What did you make of Liverpool’s transfer window? Let us know in the comments.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to look back on the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest and ask what we’ve learned from Andoni Iraola’s first two games in charge. Is his style beginning to take shape, and why are Liverpool starting matches so slowly?

The panel discuss an encouraging first Anfield start for Victor Muñoz, Alexander Isak’s first goal of the season, as well as the controversial penalty decision.

There’s also plenty of transfer talk, with Bradley Barcola’s arrival confirmed and uncertainty continuing around Cody Gakpo. Could Liverpool really sell Gakpo to Manchester City, and should we be worried about the full-back positions?

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool’s huge move for Barcola and whether the France international could be the attacking signing that transforms their season.

How big a boost is Barcola? Does his arrival change Liverpool’s plans for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr? And with Cody Gakpo attracting interest, has his status suddenly changed from one of Liverpool’s most expendable attackers to an essential member of the squad?

The panel also discuss Andoni Iraola’s impact around the AXA, how his approach differs from Arne Slot’s, and look ahead to Saturday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to dissect an eventful night at St James’ Park and assess Liverpool’s opening weekend.

With a £60m bid for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton, the big question is whether Liverpool need more reinforcements — and if so, where? Is midfield now the biggest concern, particularly defensively?

The panel also discuss Alexander Isak’s return to Newcastle, how he handled the pressure, and how Liverpool’s new signings fared on their Premier League debuts.

Plus, they look across the opening weekend, ask whether second place really is up for grabs this season, and reflect on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s comments about the abuse he received following his departure from Liverpool.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.