The Athletic FC Podcast

Into a cup final and not spending a penny in January… Couldn’t be Todd Boehly’s Chelsea could it? So, is this another false dawn or is Pochettino's project starting to gather pace? And as the Blues struggle to find suitable buyers for players like Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher - would anyone actually notice if someone gently closed the January transfer window now?Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Egypt scraped through to the knockout stages on another night of pure drama at AFCON, Mo Salah was resigned to cheering on his teammates from the stands, with a hamstring injury...With Salah returning to Liverpool for treatment - confusion reigns over how it was communicated by his club and country.So is his tournament really over? How has Egypt's perception of one of African football's biggest stars changed in recent years and was he put in an impossible position by both Liverpool and the Egyptian FA?Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Less than one month on from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man United being made public, INEOS have already signalled their intentions poaching Omar Berrada from rivals Man City to become their new CEO.But who is he? How significant has he been in building City’s dominance and what impact can he have at Old Trafford?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein, reporter Adam Crafton and FC Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus to analyse the appointment.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the five remaining fixtures of matchday 21. Liverpool head to Bournemouth on Sunday, and will have to cope with the red-hot Dominik Solanke. Can he make the difference against his former club, and could he be in line for a big move in the near future?Arsenal host Crystal Palace hoping to get back to winning ways after three straight defeats. Will their winter break have done their misfiring strikers some good? Elsewhere, Ivan Toney finally returns to the pitch as Brentford host Nottingham Forest; Sheffield United take on West Ham hoping to ignite their dismal season; and Brighton host Wolves to round out the games.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Luke Bosher, Jon Mackenzie, Jay HarrisProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After eight months away, after being banned for 232 betting offences, this weekend marks Ivan Toney’s return.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Brentford writer Jay Harris and Senior Football writer Oli Kay to discuss how much the Bees have missed their talisman ahead of the second half of the campaign.David Ornstein shares the state of play in the transfer market regarding the striker before co-editor of Beesotted Billy ‘The Bee’ Grant reacts to the continued speculation over Toney future, fuelled in no small part by the player himself.Plus, ahead of Euro 2024 this summer, can he do enough to earn himself a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad that will travel to Germany?Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jose Mourinho’s 'Roman reign' came to an abrupt end yesterday...Former captain Danielle de Rossi will now take charge of Roma until the end of the season.It’s almost 20 years on from that touchline sprint at Old Trafford & THAT Chelsea press conference... But is he still special? And what next for Jose Mourinho? Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional production: Guy Clarke & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is close to a year — 49 weeks and counting — since the Premier League handed Manchester City a charge sheet with 115 breaches of its financial rules across NINE different seasons.Just yesterday, the Premier League brought charges against both Nottingham Forest - and for the second time this season - Everton... All before the reigning Premier League champions are to even see a hearing begin?So, what’s going on? Is PSR (Profitability & Sustainability Rules) really about promoting sustainability, meeting arbitrary deadlines or maybe just maintaining the status quo? And is the Everton ruling to blame for an unusually quiet January transfer window?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production by Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a sense of inevitability at St. James' Park on Saturday when Kevin De Bruyne entered the arena.So why can't Newcastle United, the-so-called “richest club in the world” match Manchester City spending power and have their own selection of superstars to call on from the bench?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh and Mark Critchley to analyse.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview matchweek 16 of the Premier League.Five fixtures over the weekend are headlined by Man United vs Tottenham. Will we get a glimpse of new Spurs’ signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, and will they hit the ground running?Elsewhere champions Man City travel up to Newcastle. Both teams won comfortably in the FA Cup last week, with City welcoming back Kevin De Bruyne from a 5-month absence. Can he make the difference in the title race?The remaining fixtures are a 6-pointer at the bottom between Luton and Burnley, a west-London derby as Fulham go to Chelsea, and second-place Aston Villa visiting Goodison Park.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob WhiteheadProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years on from Senegal ending their wait for glory, AFCON returns this weekend.Does this year's tournament represent Mohamed Salah’s best chance to finally lay claim to being King of the Continent?Meanwhile, Andre Onana, one of Africa’s most high profile players, once again sees his international career in jeopardy.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris, Mark Critchley and Thom Harris.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day…What started with a multi-million-pound pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2022 soon expanded to include the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and of course, Jordan Henderson.Well, now it seems Henderson wants out - and to return to the Premier League.But it may not be that easy and could come at a significant cost... So what would an exit from the Saudi Pro League cost Henderson?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Sarah Shephard & Oliver Kay.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.A player who - it’s fair to say - was a disappointment at Chelsea.But if the German international fits the profile and style Spurs are looking for..Can Ange Postecoglou be the one to unlock Werner’s potential? Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jack-Pitt Brooke, Liam Twomey who as one of our Chelsea writers was there to witness Werner’s time at Stamford Bridge and European writer Seb Stafford-Bloor who is based in Germany.Produced by Mike Stavrou.Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home yesterday by Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was despite creating a number of good chances and having relative ‘control’ of the game throughout...Something Gunners' fans haven’t seen since… well, the West Ham game last week! So, how worrying is this pattern for Arteta?And what’s their way out - Is it through coaching? Or in the January transfer window? Host Adam Leventhal is joined by former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke and The Athletic's James McNicholas to discuss.Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Weekend Preview returns for 2024 with an FA Cup special.Headlining the show is the first Tyne-and-Wear derby since 2016, as a wounded Newcastle head to their local rivals Sunderland.Meanwhile, the highest-profile clash sees fourth-place Arsenal welcome table-topping Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal are in poor form, but how much will Liverpool miss Mo Salah, who’s just left for AFCON?Another all-Premier League tie is Brentford vs Wolves, which Jon Mackenzie is off to attend. With Brentford only a couple of places outside the relegation zone, could a cup win re-ignite their season?And finally, we whip out the crystal ball and offer some predictions for the year ahead, covering winners, losers, new trends and best players.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Tim SpiersProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victory last night means Real Madrid have reached the halfway stage of La Liga as league leaders on goal difference.But in terms of stability, resources and recruitment they look miles ahead of everyone else in Spain - and most clubs across Europe. So with the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti secured, overseeing a clutch of talented youngsters in their redeveloped iconic stadium what, if anything, do they need to do to improve? Apart from adding Kylian Mbappe...Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spain Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss Madrid's season so far as well as analyse the ongoing chase to sign Mbappe.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has finally been confirmed, how will this impact the club’s January window?Even if players are sold, is spending even possible given FFP concerns? And is Jadon Sancho set to follow Donny van de Beek out the door at Old Trafford?Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Manchester United writer Laurie WhitwellProduced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the last set of games before Christmas.First up, a Christmas cracker at the top of the table, with Arsenal visiting Anfield. The Gunners lead the league but are without a win away to Liverpool in over a decade.Elsewhere West Ham host Man United, where they have a chance to overtake the Red Devils in the table, while guest Jon Mackenzie shares his controversial take on David Moyes. Other storylines ahead of this weekend include Everton going for 5 wins in a row versus Spurs and a debut at Nottingham Forest for Nuno Espirito Santo.And finally, for our last show of 2023, we look back on our best and worst moments of the year, and make some Christmas wishes for 2024.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, Tim SpiersProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They were frustrated by Man United last weekend, sensational against West Ham last night... Liverpool’s last two games sum up the predicament many fans find themselves in when trying to assess whether Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0 are really ready to win the Premier League this season.Do they need to strengthen in January, are they still over-reliant on talisman Mo Salah and will Arsenal this weekend provide a definitive acid-test? Plus, how the club have reacted to Thursday's big news that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) attempts to block a potential European Super League were “unlawful”.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce to discuss.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even as Nuno Espirito Santo becomes Nottingham Forest's new manager, the fanbase continues to mourn the departure of Steve Cooper - a coach widely regarded as their best since legendary club figure Brian Clough...This is a story that will resonate with fans all over the world - why there is no room for sentiment in modern football.So, does Evangelos Marinakis have a plan, or are this just the latest example of a Premier League side run entirely on the impulses of their wealthy owner? Produced by Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid aren’t the only team upstaging the mighty Barcelona this season… The Catalans are already nine points behind league leaders Girona - and the goals have dried up for star striker Robert Lewandowski too.So, is Xavi on borrowed time in the dugout. Why is Barca president Joan Laporta interfering in team selection?And if they were to make a change - would they have to look further than the long-list of talented coaches all to emerge from the Spanish region of San Sebastian?Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four weeks on from being hit with a record Premier league points deduction, Everton's fighting spirit is undeniable...After four wins on the bounce, the Toffees already clear of the drop-zone - and in fact - if their appeal was successful they'd be firmly in the race for European football.So how has Sean Dyche masterminded their escape, and with a takeover and the January transfer window looming - are they out of trouble just yet?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jacob Whitehead and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland to discuss.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Levethal returns to preview Matchweek 17 of the Premier League!The weekend is headlined by table-topping Liverpool taking on Manchester United. Will Jurge Klopp’s side dish out another 7-0 thumping to The Red Devils at a slightly larger Anfield?Then we switch our minds to the Dyche derby as Everton’s manager returns to Turf Moor. Will the in-form Toffees come unstuck at Vincent Kompany’s Clarets?And finally a whistle stop of other interesting storylines - will Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United win back to back games? Why are Chelsea the worst team not to be relegated in the Premier League in the past 12 months? How do Newcastle Utd refocus after their draining European exit against a re-energised Fulham?Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Jacob Whitehead, Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie.Producers: Adam Jones & Steve Hankey***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United's dreams of Champions League progress ended in failure as AC Milan mounted a second half comeback to knock them out.Newcastle's focus will now be to get back into the competition via the Premier League despite missing key players due to injury as well as Sandro Tonali, the player they signed from AC Milan, suspended until next season.Why did Newcastle’s European campaign fail, what’s happening with Tonali and what room for manoeuvre do they have in January?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Newcastle United writer - and Pod on the Tyne regular - Chris Waugh and our Italian Football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United are out of Europe, 10 points off top spot in the Premier League and it’s not even Christmas… In normal circumstances, any Manchester United manager would be under almost unbearable pressure… So why aren’t the club going to sack Erik ten Hag just yet? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Man United writer Laurie Whitwell and our German football writer Raphael HonigsteinProduced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may want to spend MORE money this January… So, after almost a billion pounds in transfer fees already, could there really be another spending spree?And how much progress has actually been made at Chelsea under Pochettino? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey - also a regular on our Chelsea podcast ‘Straight Outta Cobham’ Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After beating Man City on Wednesday night, Aston Villa backed that up against Arsenal on Saturday, seeing off Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at Villa Park.Having won 15 games in a row at home, Unai Emery has now taken Villa to within two points of the Premier League summit.So what is possible for Aston Villa this season and should they be considered title contenders?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Data Writer Thom Harris to discuss Villa's remarkable transformation under Emery.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview Matchweek 16 of the Premier League!The weekend is headlined by a clash between table-topping Arsenal and surprise-package Aston Villa. Can Villa extend their winning run at home to 15 games?Then we ask what's going wrong at Manchester City? The Champions are without a win in four matches and have only managed three in their last nine. And finally it's a tour of some other interesting storylines - will Manchester United continue their mini-renaissance vs Bournemouth? Will Steve Cooper still have a job by Monday? And how high can Everton climb even with their points penalty? Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Joey D'Urso, Oli KayProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Manchester City fell to defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's side slipped to fourth in the Premier League and six points off pace-setters Arsenal.So what is going wrong at City, is it a glitch in the matrix or are their problems more serious?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Mark Critchley, Pol Ballus and Thom Harris to explore and examine City's winless run as it stretched to four games in the Premier League.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley were beaten again this week & remain in Premier League relegation zone...Kompany has revolutionised their playing style, but does a ‘stubborn’ commitment to one way of playing hold back too many managers in the Premier league?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to discuss.Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive interview for The Athletic, Arsenal and Italy midfielder Jorginho joins host Ayo Akinwolere, to talk about the Gunners' Premier League title charge, 'misunderstood' Kai Havertz and more...What's it really like to play for Mikel Arteta and why deep-lying central midfielders have become so expensive in the transfer market.Jorginho also opens up about the abuse he's suffered having missed penalties for Italy, why dual-nationality can be a gift and a curse in football, and working his way back into the squad for Euro 2024.Plus, if Bukayo Saka is playing too much football and his work to help young players manage their money better.Jorginho is founding Investor and Ambassador at GatherProduced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is flying in the Premier League…A year on from playing a bit-part role in Qatar and struggling for form at home, Trent is now excelling for club & country in a bespoke hybrid role..So is unlocking his immense talent the key to Liverpool’s title challenge & has he finally convinced Gareth Southghate that he has to find a starting place for him for England..Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Liverpool writer James Pearce, Senior Football writer Oli Kay and Data Analyst Mark Carey.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League. First on the docket is the Man City vs Tottenham, with the away side looking to live up to their reputation as the champion's 'bogey team', with Spurs having won 5 of the last 7 matchups. Then it's a trip to Tyneside for Newcastle vs Man United. With both teams having had emotionally exhausting midweek games, who will come out on top?And there's also time for a discussion of basement battle Burnley vs Sheffield United, league leaders Arsenal vs Wolves, and Chelsea vs Brighton. Producer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination...But despite some costly individual errors, is it really all goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fault? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Man United writer Carl Anka and our Italian football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades...Success feels like a virtual guarantee these days with Jude Bellingham at the heart of one of the most exciting young teams on earth - So why would anyone want to leave?The Soap Opera of ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues…Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos and La Liga writer Dermot CorriganProduced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’…So are they actually going to sign Ruben Neves in January? Or anyone else from the Saudi Pro League for that matter? And why is the richest club in the world, turning to a 17 year-old midfielder amid an injury crisis? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, plus Jacob Whitehead & Chris Waugh.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career? And with the best defence in the division - are Arsenal a better team than last season - if not quite as fun to watch? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal writer Amy Lawrence and German football writer Raphael Honigstein. Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the year, with the visitors looking to lay down a marker.Sunday sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park fresh from their 10-point deduction while Tottenham take on Aston Villa in a battle of fourth versus fifth.Newcastle welcome Chelsea to Tyneside to round off the heavyweight clashes, while Sheffield United and Bournemouth play out a relegation 6-pointer. All that and more, as Adam Leventhal hosts Colin Millar, Thom Harris, and Reuben Pinder.Produced by John RogersExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s aristocracy But after 11 games this season - they’re bottom of the table, their world-famous pool of academy talent seems to have dried up, and after losing one of the most influential football executives of this century could a genuine 'legacy club' soon be a second-division side?Ayo Akinwolere is joined one final time this week by The Athletic’s Matt Slater & Adam Crafton, plus our German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins in to connect the dots with our fifth club, Hertha Berlin.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead**• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverware for a fourth consecutive season… Behind the scenes however, the picture isn’t quite as rosy. Despite increased revenues, profits are low and debts are sky-high. Add to that an outdated stadium, an ageing squad and some high-profile departures.So, is it enough for them to just be successful on the pitch and if a takeover is the solution, are they, or any Italian club, attractive enough to buy? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater & our Italian football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead**• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It doesn’t seem that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club.Moving on from Messi & co was always going to be difficult, but a series of failings on and off the pitch, led to a fall from grace. Only last month however, President Joan Laporta proclaimed the crisis he ‘inherited’ was over.But, as the reigning La Liga Champions’, net debt climbs to almost £1.2bn - is everything quite as it seems at Barca? In the second part of our series ‘Crisis Clubs’, examining the financial states of five European football clubs, Ayo Akinwolere, Matt Slater & Dermot Corrigan dig into the numbers and plot a potential way out for Barcelona.Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.Leaving Everton with only four points, and in the relegation zone, despite an up-turn in recent form on the pitch… So today, we’ll explain why Everton have been punished, what happens next & what it might mean for clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater, Football Correspondent David Ornstein & Everton writer Patrick Boyland.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far. With the help of Nick Miller, Jay Harris, and Caoimhe O’Neill, we start by asking whether Man City can be beaten to the title this season, with Liverpool and Arsenal looking like the key contenders.Then it's a trip to the foot of the table, and wondering whether the three promoted clubs - Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton - can escape instant relegation. And finally, it's a tour of our moments of the season so far, featuring our favourite goals, matches, players, signings, and more!***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS set to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, does this move represent the start of a change of direction after a difficult 12 months at the club? And can United live up to the claim they made to investors, that with the right support they can enjoy billion pound revenues? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & Dan Sheldon.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge…Walter Mazzarri is the surprise replacement having previously been in charge of the club in 2013..So how have Napoli gone from winning their first league title in 33 years to sacking their manager just six months later?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric start to his managerial career.After playing under some of the biggest names in coaching during his playing career, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Alonso has already begun to forge an impressive reputation for himself.The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Thom Harris join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Alonso's start in coaching at Leverkusen, which influences have shown within his side as well as assessing what could come next for the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling.But despite being one of the best players on the pitch in Chelsea’s four four draw with Manchester City, Sterling has - once again - not made the latest England squad.So is Sterling being unfairly overlooked or has Gareth Southgate moved on with new faces, such as Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Chelsea writer Simon Johnson as well as Oli Kay.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead ***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal welcomes Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, and Omar Garrick to the studio to preview the weekend's fixtures. Chelsea vs Manchester City headlines the weekend's action as Pochettino's side look to claim another big scalp after taking down Spurs on Monday. Tottenham will look to regroup despite losing four key players to injury or suspension as they take a trip to Wolves.Elsewhere, Brighton are five games without a Premier League win; we ask Tifo tactics expert Jon Mackenzie whether other managers have figured them out, or if it's just a blip, as they prepare to take on Sheffield United. Finally, as Manchester United lurch from one crisis to another, surely they have enough to beat Luton at home? All that and more!Produced by John RogersExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson have felt the weight of expectation following their respective summer moves to Man United and Chelsea.To analyse their starts to life in the Premier League Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and ex-Brighton & Hove Albion forward Glenn Murray as well as The Athletic's Oliver Kay.The panel assess the impact of the environment both players are operating in, the options available within the transfer market for 'elite' clubs as well as what it will take for both Hojlund and Jackson to succeed.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor as well as ex-Bundesliga striker Jan Aage Fjortoft to analyse Borussia Dortmund following their 2-0 Champions League win over Newcastle United.Having lost out on the Bundesliga title on the final day of the 2022/23 season before selling Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in the summer, the panel analyse what is possible for Edin Terzic's side both domestically and in Europe.With Bellingham following on from the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho in leaving Dortmund in recent seasons, we also delve into their changing approach in the transfer market as well as the influence of their supporters.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, Tottenham vs Chelsea was 'Monday night Madness' in North London.Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and Spurs writer Charlie Eccleshare to explore whether Postecoglou's side really emerged stronger in defeat?Plus, what can Chelsea take from a huge win that was arguably one of their worst performances of the season?Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.