Seb Stafford-Bloor
@sebsb.bsky.social
German Football correspondent, The Athletic.
Kota Takai is having a tough old time in Germany so far. It’s very early - just his fifth appearance today - but he has a lot of adaption ahead of him.
February 14, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Kota Takai is having a tough old time in Germany so far. It’s very early - just his fifth appearance today - but he has a lot of adaption ahead of him.
Fabio Vieira is such a classy player. Lovely first touch, always playing with his head up and at his own speed.
February 14, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Fabio Vieira is such a classy player. Lovely first touch, always playing with his head up and at his own speed.
Congratulations to Albert Riera. He has his first win as Eintracht Frankfurt head coach, and they have their first win and clean sheet since 13th December.
Gladbach, awful. They’re back to where they were pre-Polanski.
Gladbach, awful. They’re back to where they were pre-Polanski.
February 14, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Congratulations to Albert Riera. He has his first win as Eintracht Frankfurt head coach, and they have their first win and clean sheet since 13th December.
Gladbach, awful. They’re back to where they were pre-Polanski.
Gladbach, awful. They’re back to where they were pre-Polanski.
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Jim Ratcliffe looks like a melted candle
February 14, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Jim Ratcliffe looks like a melted candle
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Two goals conceded in 90 seconds. You know that feeling of dread when you lose your queen in chess? That’s what St. Pauli have just gone through.
February 14, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Two goals conceded in 90 seconds. You know that feeling of dread when you lose your queen in chess? That’s what St. Pauli have just gone through.
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Even if it is only for 12 league games, appointing Igor Tudor as interim manager is the biggest decision Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange will take at Tottenham.
There is no margin for error.
📝 @jackpittbrooke.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
There is no margin for error.
📝 @jackpittbrooke.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
February 14, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Even if it is only for 12 league games, appointing Igor Tudor as interim manager is the biggest decision Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange will take at Tottenham.
There is no margin for error.
📝 @jackpittbrooke.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
There is no margin for error.
📝 @jackpittbrooke.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has agreed a new contract through to 2030.
The 27-year-old's existing contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
@sebsb.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
The 27-year-old's existing contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
@sebsb.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
February 13, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has agreed a new contract through to 2030.
The 27-year-old's existing contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
@sebsb.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
The 27-year-old's existing contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
@sebsb.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Six months ago, I spoke to Edin Terzic about life after Borussia Dortmund — how he overcame that Mainz game in 2023 and then rebuilt his coaching ideas following the 2024 Champions League final.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/641...
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/641...
The reinvention of Edin Terzic: ‘Life is painful sometimes – but pain doesn’t have to be negative’
The ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach lifts the lid on the period of both reflection and preparation that followed his Westfalenstadion exit
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Six months ago, I spoke to Edin Terzic about life after Borussia Dortmund — how he overcame that Mainz game in 2023 and then rebuilt his coaching ideas following the 2024 Champions League final.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/641...
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/641...
A really, really important ingredient of successful football club ownership is being smart enough to know what you don’t know.
Any time a wealthy stakeholder thinks they understand the game better than they do and doesn’t defer sporting decisions, it goes badly.
Any time a wealthy stakeholder thinks they understand the game better than they do and doesn’t defer sporting decisions, it goes badly.
February 12, 2026 at 8:48 PM
A really, really important ingredient of successful football club ownership is being smart enough to know what you don’t know.
Any time a wealthy stakeholder thinks they understand the game better than they do and doesn’t defer sporting decisions, it goes badly.
Any time a wealthy stakeholder thinks they understand the game better than they do and doesn’t defer sporting decisions, it goes badly.
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Thomas Frank gone at Tottenham
Piece on what went wrong, why he never fitted, and how much of it is his fault
With @jaydmharris.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and others
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Piece on what went wrong, why he never fitted, and how much of it is his fault
With @jaydmharris.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and others
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Thomas Frank was meant to bring stability to Spurs, but ended up unpopular with fans and players
There have been some unpopular managers at Spurs in recent years. But even at the worst moments, predecessors were not as scorned as Frank
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Thomas Frank gone at Tottenham
Piece on what went wrong, why he never fitted, and how much of it is his fault
With @jaydmharris.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and others
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Piece on what went wrong, why he never fitted, and how much of it is his fault
With @jaydmharris.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and others
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
A reaction @theathleticfc.bsky.social podcast on Thomas Frank’s departure from Tottenham, with @dankp.bsky.social and me, hosted by @mattdaviesadams.bsky.social
podfollow.com/athletic-fc-...
podfollow.com/athletic-fc-...
The Athletic FC Podcast: Frank sacked: Why now and who next?
Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a miserable eight months in charge.A run of just two league wins in 17 Premier League matches spelled the end for the Dane.So who do they tur...
podfollow.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:15 PM
A reaction @theathleticfc.bsky.social podcast on Thomas Frank’s departure from Tottenham, with @dankp.bsky.social and me, hosted by @mattdaviesadams.bsky.social
podfollow.com/athletic-fc-...
podfollow.com/athletic-fc-...
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
RB Leipzig needed to reset after last season.
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
RB Leipzig and a sense of new beginnings
Last season, the German club fell to their lowest league finish since 2016 and fired manager Marco Rose - it was an opportunity for a reset
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:50 AM
RB Leipzig needed to reset after last season.
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
We’re going to need another cake @cstaffordbloor.bsky.social
February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM
We’re going to need another cake @cstaffordbloor.bsky.social
RB Leipzig needed to reset after last season.
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
RB Leipzig and a sense of new beginnings
Last season, the German club fell to their lowest league finish since 2016 and fired manager Marco Rose - it was an opportunity for a reset
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:50 AM
RB Leipzig needed to reset after last season.
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
New coach, new squad, and a new start.
I spoke to Marcel Schäfer and David Wagner about the road ahead, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
February 10, 2026 at 4:52 PM
For @totallyshow.bsky.social show listeners: here is @cstaffordbloor.bsky.social’s Red Velvet cake.
February 10, 2026 at 3:28 PM
For @totallyshow.bsky.social show listeners: here is @cstaffordbloor.bsky.social’s Red Velvet cake.
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Luka Vuskovic is Tottenham’s biggest prospect, but it’s not clear when he’ll actually play for them.
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Luka Vuskovic: Tottenham’s hottest prospect, but when will he actually play for them?
A simple development move has, in effect, become an advertorial for a player that Spurs would presumably like to keep and build around
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Luka Vuskovic is Tottenham’s biggest prospect, but it’s not clear when he’ll actually play for them.
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
🇪🇺EURO POD!🇪🇺
Never fear - @acjimbo.bsky.social, @jameshorncastle.bsky.social, @tomwfootball.bsky.social , @sebsb.bsky.social & @polballus.bsky.social are here:
🇫🇷Dembele's brilliance
🇮🇹Dimarco's comeback
🇩🇪Diaz's treble for Bayern
🇪🇸Diego's Atleti stunned by Antony
pod.fo/e/38c91a
Never fear - @acjimbo.bsky.social, @jameshorncastle.bsky.social, @tomwfootball.bsky.social , @sebsb.bsky.social & @polballus.bsky.social are here:
🇫🇷Dembele's brilliance
🇮🇹Dimarco's comeback
🇩🇪Diaz's treble for Bayern
🇪🇸Diego's Atleti stunned by Antony
pod.fo/e/38c91a
The Totally Football Show with James Richardson: Inter, Bayern and PSG all score 5 as De Zerbi's woe's mount in Marseille
Jimbo is joined by the Totally European team of Tom Williams, James Horncastle, Pol Ballus and Seb Stafford-Bloor to discuss the latest from European football.Marseille were thrashed 5-0 by PSG in ...
pod.fo
February 10, 2026 at 7:35 AM
🇪🇺EURO POD!🇪🇺
Never fear - @acjimbo.bsky.social, @jameshorncastle.bsky.social, @tomwfootball.bsky.social , @sebsb.bsky.social & @polballus.bsky.social are here:
🇫🇷Dembele's brilliance
🇮🇹Dimarco's comeback
🇩🇪Diaz's treble for Bayern
🇪🇸Diego's Atleti stunned by Antony
pod.fo/e/38c91a
Never fear - @acjimbo.bsky.social, @jameshorncastle.bsky.social, @tomwfootball.bsky.social , @sebsb.bsky.social & @polballus.bsky.social are here:
🇫🇷Dembele's brilliance
🇮🇹Dimarco's comeback
🇩🇪Diaz's treble for Bayern
🇪🇸Diego's Atleti stunned by Antony
pod.fo/e/38c91a
Luka Vuskovic is Tottenham’s biggest prospect, but it’s not clear when he’ll actually play for them.
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Luka Vuskovic: Tottenham’s hottest prospect, but when will he actually play for them?
A simple development move has, in effect, become an advertorial for a player that Spurs would presumably like to keep and build around
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Luka Vuskovic is Tottenham’s biggest prospect, but it’s not clear when he’ll actually play for them.
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On a complex situation, for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
I enjoy the tension in Olympic snowboarding between having to wear the official kit, while still trying to look snowboardy and cool.
February 8, 2026 at 12:14 PM
I enjoy the tension in Olympic snowboarding between having to wear the official kit, while still trying to look snowboardy and cool.
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
Reposted by Seb Stafford-Bloor
❌ NYCFC’s deal to sign Moussa Sylla on a DP deal has collapsed and Schalke is not happy.
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Moussa Sylla move from Schalke to NYCFC falls through: Sources
NYCFC must turn to alternatives as the club looks to boost its attack for the 2026 MLS season
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:35 PM
❌ NYCFC’s deal to sign Moussa Sylla on a DP deal has collapsed and Schalke is not happy.
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...