Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In today’s episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore one of the most powerful stories in football history: Zambia’s remarkable triumph at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.Jonathan, who covered the 2012 tournament on the ground, shares firsthand reflections of what he calls the most emotional press box moment he’s ever experienced. Nineteen years after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of their national squad, Zambia rose from the ashes to claim continental glory. This episode retraces their journey - from the tragedy off the coast of Gabon in 1993, the rebuilding efforts led by legendary captain Kalusha Bwalya, right through to their unforgettable victory on penalties in the very same country that witnessed their darkest hour.00:00 The Final Match: A Battle Beyond the Pitch00:15 Introduction to an Inspiring and Tragic Football Story00:36 Zambia's Uplifting Victory After Tragedy02:26 The 1993 Plane Crash: A National Tragedy04:37 Zambia's Football Rise in the Late 80s08:15 The Aftermath of the Crash and the Struggle for Resources18:42 Rebuilding the Team: The Role of Kaia and New Coaches24:01 The 2012 African Cup of Nations Journey25:06 The Quarterfinals and Beyond27:01 Gabon vs. Mali: A Penalty Heartbreak27:30 Unexpected Journey to Bata31:12 Ghana's Complacency and Zambia's Rise38:38 The Emotional Beach Ceremony40:27 The Dramatic Final Against Ivory Coast51:10 Zambia's Historic Victory52:16 Reflecting on the Significance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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54:22
Luis Enrique: Triumph, Tragedy, and PSG's Champions League Glory
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the remarkable life and career of Luis Enrique, fresh off delivering Paris Saint-Germain’s first-ever Champions League title.From leading Barcelona to a historic treble in 2015 to now rewriting PSG's narrative in Europe, Enrique’s managerial legacy is already carved into footballing folklore. But behind the silverware lies a deeply personal story; one of resilience, heartbreak, and unshakable determination.In 2019, Enrique stepped away from football during his time as Spain’s national team coach after the tragic death of his 9-year-old daughter, Xana, who lost her battle with bone cancer. The podcast reflects on how he faced unimaginable grief and later returned to the sidelines with a renewed sense of focus, channeling his pain into purpose.We also explore the lesser-known side of Enrique — the ultramarathon runner, the iron-willed competitor, and the fitness fanatic who demanded relentless physical commitment from his players. His obsession with endurance has shaped not only the way his teams play but also the culture he instills: high pressing, relentless movement, and mental toughness.Where does Luis Enrique’s legacy stand now? From Gijón to Camp Nou to Paris, and from personal tragedy to professional triumph — this is a story of more than just football. It’s about the making of a modern great.0:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection00:32 Luis Enrique's Early Life and Background04:15 Football Beginnings and Early Career07:03 Transition to Real Madrid and Barcelona16:06 International Career and Notable Incidents22:52 Post-Playing Career and Coaching Beginnings29:07 Luis Enrique's Coaching Journey31:01 Barcelona's Missed Opportunity with Luis Enrique32:36 Luis Enrique's Success at Celta Vigo32:49 Barcelona's Second Chance with Luis Enrique35:41 The Messi Conundrum37:54 Luis Enrique's Triumphs and Challenges at Barcelona44:53 The Tragic Loss of Luis Enrique's Daughter47:15 Return to the Spanish National Team52:26 Luis Enrique's Tenure at PSG01:00:36 The Emotional Impact of Luis Enrique's Journey01:02:41 Conclusion and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paris Saint-Germain's Journey: Chasing the Champions League Dream
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this episode, Jonathan and Rob explore the history of Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their Champions League final against Inter Milan.Join us as we uncover the intriguing journey of PSG - and their transformation from a club with little history to a European powerhouse. Rob and Jonathan explore the significant matches, the controversial ownership and the club's elusive quest for Champions League glory. For more build-up to the Champions League Final - listen to our episode on Inter Milan - The Birth of the Catenaccio - released earlier this week.00:00 Introduction to the Football History Podcast01:08 PSG's Humble Beginnings02:59 The Formation of PSG04:30 Challenges and Controversies06:53 The Role of Media and Public Support08:48 The Birth of Paris Saint-Germain11:10 The Struggle for Identity14:38 The Rise of PSG20:12 Fashion and Football: The Daniel Hechter Era25:27 Financial Misconduct in French Football26:15 PSG's Rise in the 1980s27:20 Early European Struggles28:41 Financial Turmoil and Media Takeover30:32 Golden Years and European Semi-Final Curse33:31 Qatari Takeover and Controversies41:45 Branding and Big Signings46:31 Modern Challenges and Future Prospects50:12 Conclusion and Champions League final thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:47
Herrera's Inter Milan: The Birth of the Catenaccio
Welcome to this Champions League special episode of It Was What It Was with hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson. In this episode, they dive deep into the rich tactical history of Inter Milan, tracing the origins and impact of the famous Catenaccio system introduced by legendary coach Helenio Herrera in the 1960s. They explore Herrera's significant influence on modern football management, his controversial methods, and the eventual decline of his tactical system. Additionally, the hosts draw parallels between Herrera's era and Inter Milan's current approach under Simone Inzaghi, highlighting how historical tactics still resonate today as they face PSG inJoin us at the end of the week as we turn our attention to PSG's history, as they look to win the Champions League for the first time.00:00 Introduction 00:19 Champions League Special: Setting the Scene00:34 Helena Herrera: The Tactical Genius01:56 The Birth of Catenaccio02:56 Karl Rappan and the Swiss Influence08:43 Catenaccio's Evolution in Italy13:31 The Rise of Inter Milan19:02 Herrera's Early Career and Philosophy27:31 Herrera's Impact at Barcelona29:54 Transition to Inter Milan30:07 Inter's Turbulent Coaching History30:39 Helenio Herrera's Arrival and Impact31:17 Herrera's Strict Regimen and Control34:55 Tactical Innovations and Success42:06 Controversies and Criticisms49:31 The Decline of Herrera's Inter56:50 Legacy and Modern Comparisons01:02:19 Conclusion and Upcoming Content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast
Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was.Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world.The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left.Join us at Football University!If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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