The Big Interview with Graham Hunter

Today's story comes from Rainer Bonhof, who describes his friendship with Germany and Borussia Monchengladbach team-mate Berti Vogts, who epitomised the German winning mentality.Listen to the original full episodes:Rainer Bonhof: How to Win the World Cup - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastRainer Bonhof: Gerd Muller, King of the Penalty Box - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola will be remembered as two of the all-time Champions League icons. And yet both have a love-hate relationship with the 'Cup with the Big Ears' - climaxing with last year's meeting between the two teams who drew in the first leg of their semi-final rematch last night. Here, for ESPNFC, is my story on the ingredients that make this tie a distillation of the very best of this wonderful competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Darren Anderton, who describes the incredible team spirit that imbued England's Euro '96 squad.Listen to the original full episodes:Darren Anderton: Fathers, Sons and Football - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastDarren Anderton: Sheringham, Euro 96 & Eng-Arg 98 - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Martin Braithwaite, whose father's unyielding demands made sense to him when he became a successful footballer.Listen to the original full episodes:Martin Braithwaite: The Hypnotist of Barcelona - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastMartin Braithwaite: In the Court of King Leo - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli's Serie A triumph put me in mind of my chat with their former centre-half Federico Fernandez, who himself tasted glory in the sky blue. The Argentine reminisces on scoring a double against Bayern Munich, winning the Coppa Italia and how the craziest of football cities still belongs to Diego Armando Maradona.Listen to the full original episodes:Federico Fernandez: From Ayala to Veron - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastFederico Fernandez: Dinner with Cavani - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Walter Smith, who describes Dundee United's 1984 European Cup semi-final against Roma, an event marred by hostility and skulduggery.Listen to a classic version of the original episode:Classic Big Interview: Walter Smith - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Simon Stainrod, who describes spotting Ousmane Dembele when we was just a Rennes academy starlet and knowing that he was watching sheer class.Listen to the original full episode:Simon Stainrod: Last of the Bullfighters - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since José Luis Mendilibar took over at Sevilla at the trough of a crisis, they are unbeaten, and have taken down Manchester United, Valencia and Villareall. They have done so amid a spate of injuries and suspension and at a time when the entire city is in the middle of a massive, three-week party that culminates with the traditional Feria D'Avril. Here's how the Saboteur of Sevilla is doing it – but first, more news of the issue of racism in LaLiga stadia, and its highest-profile victim, Vinicius Junior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Uwe Rosler, who tells how as a promising youngster in East Germany he was picked up by the dreaded Stasi and pressured to spy on his Lokomotive Leipzig team-mates.Listen to the original full episodes:Uwe Rösler: From Stasi Survivor to City Slicker - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastUwe Rösler: The Cult Hero of Maine Road - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Stephen Glass, who talks about how Aberdeen players who couldn't stand Scott Brown when he was Celtic's combative captain came to love the man after he arrived at Pittodrie.Listen to the original full episodes:Stephen Glass: The Long Road Home - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastStephen Glass: Scott Brown and the Leadership Gene - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Stuart Baxter, who explains how on earth he managed to persuade the mighty, magnificent Michael Laudrup to come to disaster-torn Kobe.Listen to the original full episodes:Stuart Baxter: Rebuilding AIK, Resurrecting Kobe - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastStuart Baxter: Working with Laudrup and Larsson - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messi back to Barca? I didn't think this story had much legs - until I was briefed about its point of origin. Who is the chief choreographer of the idea of a Last Dance for the greatest footballer in the world? Why, it's none other than Lionel Messi, esquire. Here's everything I know about where the story is, as reported to ESPNFC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of my engaging conversation with Manuel Pellegrini we hear how during the South American phase of his managerial career the Chilean learned to control his temper and develop emotional intelligence – although a little dose of the hairdryer treatment doesn't go amiss from time to time.We learn how a clash of ideas with Real Madrid's president caused a departure which led to three happy years at Malaga. And there's great stuff about current club Real Betis – working with wing legend Joaquin and winning the Copa del Rey. Like veteran Joaquin, 69-year-old Manuel is incredibly demanding of himself to maintain peak condition; every day, he says, he treats as the first of his career.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I caught up with Chilean managerial legend Manuel Pellegrini in beautiful Seville and spoke about his Atlantic crossing to sample the different footballing styles that Italy, France and England had to offer. The English game wasn't as primitive as some might claim – thanks to the innovating force of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal and the adaptations of Fergie at Manchester United. Also in part one, the importance of an open, enquiring, cultivated mind, and working with talents like Riquelme, Senna, Pires and Cazorla at Villareal.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Vinny Samways, who describes swapping a career in England for the searing heat of the Canary Islands where he excelled with Las Palmas.Listen to the full original episodes:Vinny Samways: Viva Las Palmas - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastVinny Samways: Ossie's Pivote - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Sven-Göran Eriksson, who recalls how club president Paolo Mantovani was instructed by his star turns Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli to bring him to Sampdoria.Listen to the original full episodes:Sven-Göran Eriksson: Lazio's scudetto, 20 years on - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastSven-Göran Eriksson: Mancini - The Art and the Fury - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Simon Stainrod, who reminisces about his happy days at Falkirk – where he is forever a club legend. He started playing for just a quid a week under old-school manager Jim Jefferies.Listen to the original full episode:Simon Stainrod: Last of the Bullfighters - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HolaHere's the audio version of my latest ESPN column, to get you in the mood for tonight's Real Madrid v Chelsea Champions League quartert-final first leg. EnjoyG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Jimmy Bullard from season five.It was back at the start of the pandemic lockdown that I chatted with Jimmy, who was surviving thanks to his love for landscape gardening. This gifted former footballer is now an insightful and ebullient media personality, and he describes signing for boyhood heroes West Ham, the genius of Paulo Di Canio, Pep, Zizou and Juan Román Riquelme, and gives keen analysis about how speed of thought sets the greats apart from the rest.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Uwe Rosler, who tells how Pep Guardiola revolutionised German football, and also pays tribute to Paul Walsh, his erstwhile strike partner at Manchester City.Listen to the original full episodes:Uwe Rösler: From Stasi Survivor to City Slicker - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastUwe Rösler: The Cult Hero of Maine Road - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Stephen Glass, who talks about how Tony Mowbray instilled an indomitable sense of confidence in a Hibernian squad brimming with youthful talent.Listen to the original full episodes:Stephen Glass: The Long Road Home - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastStephen Glass: Scott Brown and the Leadership Gene - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from my old pal Stuart Baxter, who describes taking over Vissel Kobe as manager just after the terrible Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995 had devastated the Japanese club's home.Listen to the original full episodes:Stuart Baxter: Rebuilding AIK, Resurrecting Kobe - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastStuart Baxter: Working with Laudrup and Larsson - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HolaHere's my latest column for ESPN. EnjoyG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Shaun Maloney, recorded when the Scot was assistant at Belgium. Shaun explains how to work with bona fide – but surprisingly humble – superstars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Edin Hazard & Romelu Lukaku.Listen to the full episode:Shaun Maloney: Wigan's Great Escape - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Wednesday, at Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex, I caught up with the mighty Harry Kewell.In part two of our fascinating conversation, we hear how a message from Ange Postecoglou sold Harry on a coaching role at Celtic – despite Ange having once rejected Harry for the Socceroos squad. Harry is brilliant at describing how Ange's combination of simple messaging and human decency influences his footballers. And Harry himself is no slouch at getting inside players' heads. Indeed, World Cup star Daizen Maeda said he's the best educative coach he's worked with.Also in part two: How Klopp's Liverpool can come good again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from our 100th guest Rio Ferdinand, who recalls Manchester United's two Champions League finals against Barcelona, and how those painful defeats revealed flaws in the genius of Sir Alex Ferguson.Listen to the original full episodes:Guest #100 Rio Ferdinand: Addicted to Winning - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastGuest #100 Rio Ferdinand: Sir Alex and my Champions League Quest (Pt 2) - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Big Interview Bitesize is from Robert Snodgrass, who relates how he prank called Sheffield United's Nick Montgomery, telling him that his dream of pulling on the dark blue of Scotland had come true.Listen to the original full episodes:Robert Snodgrass: A Streetwise Education - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastRobert Snodgrass: Prank Calls and Killer Balls - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday, at Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex, I caught up with the mighty Harry Kewell, now a coach for the Glasgow giants.When you think of Harry, you picture a footballer of elegance, intelligence, lethal effectiveness. And the great Leeds United side he played in was his perfect domain, surrounded by formidable talents such as Alan Smith, Lee Bowyer, Gary Kelly, Mark Viduka, Michael Bridges, Robbie Keane, Robbie Fowler and not least David Batty. Yet for all their sophistication, those men would battle it out in training – with regular flare-ups, and be willing to go to war for each other come Saturday.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Ledley King, who describes the arrival of Edgar Davids at Tottenham Hotspur in 2005, and how the Dutchman's ultra-competitive mentality rubbed off on the whole squad.Listen to the full original episodes:Ledley King: Terry, Cole and the Greatest School Team You've Never Heard Of - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastLedley King: Davids, Defoe & Derbies at The Lane - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend the gap between Barcelona and Madrid could stretch to 12 points or be reduced to six – and which way the title race swings could depend on how the two coaches consider a match-up that has had more effect on recent Clasicos than any other: that between Madrid's dynamic attacker, Vinicius Junior and Barcelona's dominant defender, Ronald Araujo.Here, in an audio version of the column I wrote for ESPNFC, I trace the situation back to one of the most famous matches in the history of FC Barcelona – with a little help from a couple of the participants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Kevin Campbell, who describes playing alongside a 14-year-old Wayne Rooney at Everton reserves and watching him run rings around grown men. Kevin could not believe his eyes.Listen to the full episodes:https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/kevincampbell-myhat-trickinhellhttps://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/kevincampbell-gloryatgoodison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from former West Germany midfielder Rainer Bonhof, who describes beating the magnificent Netherlands – a nation he could have played for – in the 1974 World Cup final, and lifting the new, and actually quite heavy, trophy!Listen to the full original episodes:Rainer Bonhof: How to Win the World Cup - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastRainer Bonhof: Gerd Muller, King of the Penalty Box - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another chance to hear my interview with Paul Robinson from season five.Paul was a Leeds United academy graduate and was goalkeeper during the stunning highs and then crushing financial collapse of the Peter Ridsdale era.Paul went to Spurs where he won the League Cup, a victory dedicated to his little son who was ill at the time.Also from this clear-thinking, straight-talking man: how it took nearly two years to get over a freak Croatia goal that wasn't even his fault.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Owen Hargreaves, who describes just how hard it was to make the grade as an academy player at Bayern Munich, where the senior players saw the new kids on the block as a threat.Listen to the full original episodes:Owen Hargreaves: Bayern, Basketball & The Brilliance Of Zidane - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastOwen Hargreaves: Scholes, Gerrard & England's Golden Generation - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Neil Lennon, who reminisces about how Martin O'Neill came calling at his, let's just say ‘characterful', home, and jotted down a Leicester City contract on the back of a pizza box.Listen to the Classic version of this episode in full:Classic Big Interview: Neil Lennon - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Martin Compston, who tells how he was led astray for an evening with rock legend Prince which meant he wasn't in the best fettle to play alongside Clarence Seedorf in Jose Mourinho's Soccer Aid side.Martin Compston: Prince, Paolo and Gary Tank Commander - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastMartin Compston: The Night We Stopped Messi's Celebration - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HolaHere is the audio version of my column for ESPN FC - on how two LaLiga giants are facing perilous times. EnjoyG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hola!This is part 2 of the monthly Q&A, where we take questions on Girona, Sevilla, the Spanish football pyramid and the job being done by Javier Aguirre at Mallorca.Enjoy!G Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HolaHere's me and Pete Jenson's dissection of last Thursday's Clasico Copa del Rey semi-final at the Bernabeu, which finished 1-0 to Barcelona.We also talk Casemiro and reflect on players who have crossed the Clasico divide, include Luis Enrique Martinez, Figo, Michael Laudrup and Robert Prosinecki. EnjoyG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A referee scandal. Contract disputes around two of his teenage sensations. Impending player sales that must fill a 200m black hole in the club accounts. And the prospect of moving his team to an inferior playing surface, and playing in front of smaller crowds. The pressures on Xavi are serious – and that's before a Clasico on Thursday. Here, for ESPN, is how I think it all fits together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Ledley King, who describes learning his stuff as a kid in Bow along with a few other future kings of London.Listen to the original full episodes:Ledley King: Terry, Cole and the Greatest School Team You've Never Heard Of - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | AcastLedley King: Davids, Defoe & Derbies at The Lane - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to promote him to the first team full-time next season.Raúl accelerated his development after watching one goal.Spain and Uruguay are set to duel it out for his international future.His debut drew comparisons with Messi.And so, for ESPNFC, here's an audio version of my column about Álvaro, the 18-year-old who may well become the tip of the spear for a new generation of winners in white. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from John McGinn, who recalls winning with Hibernian at Hampden in 2016 in a dramatic match against Rangers, to claim the club's first Scottish Cup in over a century.Listen to the full original episodes:https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnmcginn-thefireinsidehttps://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnmcginn-herooftheholteend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of my intense, fascinating Big Interview with Martin O'Neill, we hear about how this keen student of human nature has an obsession with true crime. Martin speaks about captaining a Northern Ireland side which transcended the sectarian divide and defeated hosts Spain in the 1982 World Cup. Oh, and there's glory days with Nottingham Forest – who says lifting the European Cup was just for the likes of Puskas, Di Stefano and Best?Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from John Hartson, who informs us that coming up against Roberto Ayala was his toughest physical test – despite the former Celtic striker being nicknamed ‘Big Bad John' and the ex-Valencia centre-half being nicknamed ‘The Mouse'.Listen to the full original episodes:https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnhartson-knock-emover-pick-embackup https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnhartson-howisilencedthekop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As one of the most charming and thoughtful men to have graced football, Martin O'Neill didn't require a ghost writer for his recent autobiography On Days Like These.When we spoke, Martin reflected on the human tragedy of the Troubles, and, as an Irishman living in England at the time, the impact on his own life. There's also great content about how as a manager, winning changes everything – even your family Saturday nights.Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from Kevin Campbell, who reflects on his time at Trabzonspor, which although brief, brought affection and admiration from the fans that still endures.Listen to the full original episode:https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/kevincampbell-myhat-trickinhellhttps://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/kevincampbell-gloryatgoodison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HolaThis is my weekly column for ESPN FC and covers Carlo Ancelotti's obsession with Liverpool - stretching back decades and culminating in last night's incredible 5-2 win for his Real Madrid team at Anfield. EnjoyG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I chatted with Adam Lallana recently, and the Brighton midfielder reflected on famous Real Madrid encounters from his Liverpool days. Ahead of the forthcoming clash of these giants, here's a reminder of what Adam said about relentless Real and magnificent Modric.Listen to the original full episodes:https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/adam-lallana-p1 https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/adam-lallana-p2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's story comes from John McGinn, who recalls Scotland's first qualification for a major tournament in over two decades, when they won in Serbia in their Euro 2000 play-off. Oh what a night!Listen to the full original episodes:https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnmcginn-thefireinsidehttps://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnmcginn-herooftheholteend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xavi has some history with Manchester United. He seriously considered joining them when he felt unwanted and unloved at Barcelona. He played in some epic encounters between the two teams. And now, a little over a year after taking over at Camp Nou, his team in transition meet a resurgent United. Here's my ESPNFC column about their previous, the amendments Xavi has made to Pep Guardiola's bible, and why he may revert to it when he faces Erik ten Hag's team in the Europa League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.