Christmas as a Footballer: The Games, The Cold and The Parties

It’s Christmas (almost) so Kyle, Browny and Chris have got their paper hats on and are talking about what the festive season is like for Premier League players: how much are they really allowed to eat on Christmas Day? Which manager was a bit of a Scrooge? And what gift do you buy for a footballer?Browny reveals what used to go on at Christmas parties in his playing days and recalls some of the fancy dress outfits he wore, while Kyle explains why the days of footballers going out in the centre of town have become impossible. They also chat about snoods, Browny’s sleigh and the Christmas legend who lives at the end of Kyle’s road.

What does Pep Guardiola’s office smell like? Who’s in the Man City and England Sauna Clubs? And why did Riyad Mahrez have his own pasta?Kyle is taking us into the inner sanctum in this episode of the pod as we learn what really goes on at a Premier League club training ground. He reveals how often Pep is on the training ground, what they chat about in their one-on-ones and why the gaffer’s office always smells so nice.We learn what footballers keep in their lockers and how one QPR player’s bad breath led to his being messed with. We hear about the hi-tech equipment required to keep elite athletes going like cryogenic chambers and recovery pods, while Browny recalls the old days when the communal bath would become an impromptu diving pool. We also get taken through a regular week at Manchester City: how long they train for, why insomnia is a problem after games and which is the most important training session of the week.And for the first time, a listener is invited into the studio to prove if they can really beat Kyle Walker. But who will prevail in the Three Cracker Challenge?

Kyle and Browny tell Chris about some of the most unforgettable games - for the right and the wrong reasons - they’ve ever played in. The biggest wins, worst defeats, best atmospheres - and craziest clashes. Kyle also reflects on his time recently with England and what it was like playing under Lee Carsley.

Kyle, Chris and Browny are joined by a very special guest - Kyle’s former full-back partner and Spurs legend Danny Rose. Kyle and Danny talk about what it was like growing up playing against each other - and share the secrets of their success playing left and right back together for Spurs. Danny also talks about his famous debut goal against Arsenal - and the impact of confronting Jose Mourinho in the Amazon documentary ‘All or Nothing’. Plus, more of your emails to [email protected]

With Man Utd and England both welcoming in new managers the boys share stories about when a new gaffer comes into the dressing room. The new ideas, the new tactics, the new rules… the new diets! Kyle talks about the first time he met Pep - and the managers who’ve had the biggest impact on him as a player. Plus, more of your emails to [email protected].

After Chris’s break the boys are back together and Kyle is buzzing for his teammate who's just won the Ballon d’Or. Chris, Kyle and Browny give their reaction to Rodri being named the world’s best male footballer - and discuss awards more generally. There’s also a bad Ballon d’Or quiz and, as it’s Halloween, Kyle and Browny talk about the time they both ‘trick or treated’ Ronaldo.

Chris is on holiday this week, so Kyle and Michael are taking the armband - quite literally - as they discuss what it's like to a lead a team. They're joined by the former Everton and England skipper Phil Jagielka to discuss what makes a great captain and why. The trio look back on their careers as leaders and whether they were made or moulded; who their leadership heroes were; the best captains they played under - and the worst - what it's like to face up the media as the skipper; when can you be a friend to your teammates and when you have to be the police; and what sort of responsibilities a modern leader has when the manager takes control of so much of the on-pitch decision making. Phil and Kyle discuss leadership roles at international level and how that differs from being a club captain, and then the current Manchester City skipper talks about the responsibility of taking over the armband of the Premier League champions, the legacy his predecessors left him at the Etihad, and what it was like to raise that trophy above his head at the end of last season.

With Chris Hughes off sunning himself on holiday, Kyle Walker and Michael Brown get together to reflect on Kyle’s time back in the England fold - and react to the news that Thomas Tuchel is to become the new England manager. They also bring listeners the huge news that the podcast now has an email address - [email protected] - a place for people to get in touch with their questions for Kyle, and to tell the world what they think they can beat him at.

On this week's episode, Kyle, Chris and Michael Brown discuss the best and worst away days for a footballer. From intimidating grounds and tight dressing rooms, to travel and pre-match meals, the trio dig into the weeds to find out what happens when a team plays away from home. Kyle discusses what it's like to be out of the country for long periods of time during pre-season tours and international tournaments, and what devices modern players use to quell the boredom. From petting dogs to Playstations, it's a fascinating insight into what happens when you're away from home for as much as five weeks at a time. They discuss the best and worst journeys to away grounds, notably an occasion when Kyle was playing for Spurs where there was a very difficult moment on a plane heading to Sunderland which forced one teammate to decide to take a taxi home to London from the north east rather than board a plane again. They talk best and worst roommates: don't room with Jimmy Bullard; the most intimidating grounds both in England and abroad, and why playing small teams in the FA Cup is unmatched. And the episode ends with a chaotic quiz to see whether Michael can really beat Kyle Walker when it comes to a very specific question set by Chris.To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play You'll Never Beat Kyle Walker”

Kyle, Chris and new, regular dream-team member Michael Brown are joined by a special, mystery guest to chat about all things ‘trash talk’! Which players are the worst for running their mouths on the pitch? How do you know when winding up has worked? Can ‘trash talk' ever backfire? The boys get to the bottom of this, and much more, as well as putting together their ultimate ‘Trash Talk’ XI.