The Athletic FC Podcast

Everton are rock bottom of the Premier League with zero points and zero goals from their opening three games, but their problems extend way beyond their on pitch struggles.Joining Ayo Akinwolere today is The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and investigations writer Matt Slater to explain what the collapse of the MSP Capital deal means for both the club's new stadium and its transfer strategy, plus whether there's any light at the end of the tunnel.Plus, insight from Italian football writer James Horncastle, on whether their new striker, Beto, can at least help to end the goal drought.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike Stavrou & Guy Clarke***• Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool writer James Pearce and Nick Miller following Darwin Nunez's explosive cameo at St James' Park as the Reds came from behind to win 2-1.The panel analyse the Uruguayan's contribution and potential after a season of adaptation in the Premier League.Plus there's the latest on Liverpool's transfer search in the final week of the summer market as well as pondering the possibility of Mohamed Salah moving to Saudi Arabia.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Spiers takes on hosting duties of our weekend preview with help from Nick Miller, Nnamdi Onyeagwara, and Reuben Pinder. They break down the big talking points ahead of matchday three, including whether Newcastle or Liverpool are in with a title shout this year ahead of their Sunday clash, should Manchester United fans be worried ahead of a visit from Nottingham Forest, and is Everton vs Wolves already a relegation six-pointer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a summer Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez has moved on and with Kevin De Bruyne struggling with injury, Man City's Bernardo Silva has committed his future to the club, signing a new one year contract extension through to 2026.Join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to dissect and debate the importance of the Portuguese during a turbulent time for City's midfield.Plus, our Man City writer Sam Lee drops by to share his thoughts on Phil Foden with the England international getting his long awaited chance to shine in the centre of midfield.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Sarah Shephard, to reflect on Manchester United's U-turn over the decision to bring back Mason Greenwood and discuss what's next for both?What really happened in the days after Adam's reporting revealed Chief Executive Richard Arnold's plans for Greenwood's re-integration with the first team. And did the combined statements leave us with more questions than answers?Plus, the panel are joined by Theresa Parker from Women's Aid - who've been in contact with the club this week - on the lessons that still need to be learned from this.Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield and Jay Harris to reflect on the significance of Michael Olise's decision to stay at Crystal Palace, amid interest from serial spenders Chelsea...What is it about the 21-year-old winger that attracted interest from Chelsea (and even Manchester City) and is it important that so-called 'smaller' Premier League clubs, fight back against the tide of mega-rich teams - like Chelsea - stockpiling the best young prospects from elsewhere in the league.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having scored three goals in his opening two La Liga games Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a meteoric start to his career with Real Madrid.The Athletic's Guillermo Rai and Dermot Corrigan join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Bellingham's start to life in Madrid and role in Carlo Ancelotti's tactical overhaul.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bonus episode from The Athletic's team in Australia, Michelle Owen is joined by Michael Cox, Charlotte Harpur, Mark Carey and Laia Cervelló Herrero to reflect on how Spain became Women’s World Champions.Their 1-0 victory over the Lionesses sees La Roja go from entering the tournament with internal strife and acrimony, being humiliated 4-0 by Japan in the group stages; to winning the whole thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the second round of fixtures of this Premier League season, featuring mouth-watering clashes such as Man City vs Newcastle, Spurs vs Man Utd, and... Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United? Nick Miller is on hand to make the case for the latter, while Arsenal writer Art de Roche and Spurs correspondent Tim Spiers make up the rest of this star-studded (their words) panel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday Adam Crafton broke the news on The Athletic that Manchester United’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, told the club’s executive leadership in early August that United were planning to reintegrate Mason Greenwood into the first team.This comes after Greenwood had sexual assault charges against him dropped in February - charges that he denied.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s deputy editor Laura Williamson, reporter Adam Crafton and Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell to explain what has happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Peter Rutzler and Carl Anka, French football writer Tom Williams and Brazilian football correspondent Renato Senise, to reflect on Neymar's move to Saudi Arabia...The panel assess his PSG legacy, after six years in the French capital and the world-record transfer fee, that represented a watershed moment for the sport.Plus, how he is viewed back in Brazil and if Neymar remains a truly generational talent or a case of talent unfulfilled?Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike Stavrou & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and our Chelsea and Liverpool writers Simon Johnson & James Pearce to discuss how Mauricio Pochettino’s side won the race to sign Moises Caicedo for a whopping £115m.We also hear how Chelsea also swooped in for Romeo Lavia from under the noses of Liverpool and the story behind the transfer battle between the two clubs.And the panel answer the question on everyone's lips - how on earth can Chelsea keep spending like this?!Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay Beale & Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the transfer window’s longest-running sagas is over now Harry Kane has swapped Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in a deal worth more than €100 million (£86.4m, $110m).Join Ayo Akinwolere, David Ornstein, Charlie Eccleshare and Seb Stafford-Bloor as they delve into the detail of the deal, explain how Bayern secured the England captain’s signature and assess where Tottenham go next.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal previews the return of the Premier League with the help of a crack team of Athletic staff: Laura Williamson, Jay Harris & Nick Miller. Plus, David Ornstein and Rafa Honigstein on Kane.On the agenda, we discuss Harry Kane's decision to sign for Bayern Munich. Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge, and how optimistic are you - we reveal the results of our Hope-O-Meter survey... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019 Manchester United signed defender Harry Maguire for a world-record £80m for a defender, four years later he’s set to join West Ham in a £30m deal.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to assess where it went wrong for Maguire at Old Trafford, his importance to England ahead of Euro 2024 and why moving to West Ham could rejuvenate the 30-year-old.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Walk On podcast host Tony Evans, to take a closer look at how and why Liverpool went from being the best side in the Premier League at signing players… to being not so great...Will the deal for Romeo Lavia get over the line and what's the hold up? And how have three different sporting directors in 18 months impacted Jurgen Klopp's position at the club.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Peter Rutzler and Adam Crafton to discuss latest round of drama at Paris Saint Germain...Nine new faces in, including rising star Goncalo Ramos - Why didn’t one of the Premier League sides who need a striker make a move for him? Are PSG actually preparing for life after Mbappe and could Neymar still leave this summer as well? Plus, how to assess a decade of investment from QSI and manager Luis Enrique's new-look team on the eve of the new season?Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay Beale & Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years on from re-joining Chelsea in a club-record move, Romelu Lukaku has no future at Stamford Bridge - but where will he be playing this season?Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Chelsea writer Simon Johnson and Italian football writer James Horncastle to assess what happens next for the Belgian.Inter Milan may have been priced out of a move, arch rivals Juventus linger with a possible swap move involving Dusan Vlahovic on the cards, meanwhile are Chelsea any closer to signing Moises Caicedo?Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City have agreed a €90m (£77.6m, $98.6m) deal to sign their top summer target Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, ahead of looking to begin a fourth successive Premier League title charge.Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Manchester Football writer Mark Critchley and former City defender Nedum Onouha to discuss what it takes to play for Pep Guardiola, how much the move strengthens the champions and ponder who is capable of stopping their domestic domination.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adrian Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Erik ten Hag has been able to strengthen his squad in three key positions this summer already but will the arrival of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund help Manchester United close the gap to Man City?Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Carl Anka, to discuss what United have learnt from their recent mistakes in the transfer market, why they didn't pull out all the stops for Harry Kane, replacing David de Gea and the protracted sale of the football club.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional production: Mike Stavrou & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adrian Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do Arsenal want to sign Brentford’s David Raya and what does it mean for current number one (and fan-favourite) Aaron Ramsdale? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Arsenal writer Art de Roché, to dig into David Ornstein's exclusive...Did something happen on tour in the US? Can a closer look at the Arsenal Women's team shed some light on Arteta's thinking and is there ever actually room for two top goalkeepers at a football club? Professional goalkeeper coach and former player David Preece shares his perspective.Plus, our data writer Mark Carey takes a closer look at Raya's numbers from last season.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay Beale, Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adrian Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Harris introduces The Athletic's new podcast series, Access All Areas: Brentford. It's a behind the scenes look at how to build a modern Premier League team.In this episode - episode 2 of the series - Jay talks to those responsible for Brentford's famed recruitment strategy to detail how they scout and how they convince players that west London is a place for them to thrive.To listen to the full series click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What you're about to hear is a sample of our new three part narrative series; The Making of Messi.With arguably the greatest player of all time set to make his debut in MLS on Friday, we charted his extraordinary career on and off the pitch.In this episode, we explore the complexities and nuances of the deal that brought him to the US and what legacy he will leave behind.If you'd like to hear the rest, follow this link to listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/godeeperIllustration credits: Marcus Marritt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein and Adrian Clarke join host Adam Leventhal to reveal how Arsenal won the race to sign Declan Rice...How serious were Pep Guardiola and Manchester City about signing him, how Arteta helped to convince the West Ham captain and how Arsenal can afford to keep spending in transfer market.Plus, why Arsenal became determined to sign him, where he'll fit into the manager's midfield plans for next season and how West Ham will attempt to use their £100M+ windfall to replace him.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid a series of reported bids for unwanted Chelsea stars, host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, to examine the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the new owners at Stamford Bridge...Does the rapidly subscribed to 'conspiracy theory' that Chelsea are attempting to 'cheat FFP' stand up to questioning, is there a genuine conflict of interest for Newcastle's owners or are calls from rival supporters and pundits for a blanket embargo on transfers, premature?Football correspondent David Ornstein also provides an update on the Kingdom's pursuit of various PL stars and the panel assess Saudi Arabia's longer-term footballing ambition.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manchester City sweep all before them to win a treble, where does City’s dominant season rank in comparison with those conjured by teams across football and other sports down the years?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jack Pitt-Brooke to share the teams they think are the greatest in sporting history, the various caveats & bias we all hold plus debate the futility on agreeing on these debates in the first place!***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Istanbul plays host to the Champions League final tonight just months after the horrific earthquake that killed tens of thousands of people in Turkey.Our reporter Adam Leventhal went to the country to see how it is recovering from the worst natural disaster in its modern history.In part one of our two-part series, Adam visits Hatayspor; the club Christian Atsu played for before he tragically passed away in the quake.To check out part two, just search for The Athletic's audio documentary feed 'Go Deeper' wherever you listen to your podcasts:https://pod.fo/e/182cacProduced by Adonis Pratsides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manchester City head to Istanbul in search of a Treble, having already secured the Premier League and FA Cup, Inter Milan stand in their way of achieving football greatness.Pep Guardiola aims to lead City to their first European success and in doing so end his own 12-year wait for Champions League success.Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the action as well as discuss some of the week's other big issues, including Ange Postecoglou's appointment at Tottenham Hotspur, plus, there's the Trivia as ever!Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi has opted to join Inter Miami in MLS over a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia or a romantic return to Barcelona.On this bonus episode of The Athletic Football Podcast, Adam Leventhal is joined by Felipe Cardenas in the US, Pol Ballus in Spain and Matt Slater in, err, Macclesfield to explain the intricacies of the move from every angle.How close was a return to Barcelona realistically? Why did Miami eventually win him over? Here’s all the big questions answered…Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Real Madrid won the race to sign Jude Bellingham and why he chose La Liga over the Premier League.. We also have all the detail of how much are they paying Dortmund, how Real funded the deal and why they will not be finished spending just yet.Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein - who broke the story - our German football writer Rafa Honigstein & Dermot Corrigan who is in Madrid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the Saudi Arabian domestic league announced a big revamp. In short it’s more teams, bigger talent, and a huge injection of cash. How will it work? Who could be joining Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema out there? And what is the Kingdom's ultimate goal?To answer these questions Mark Chapman is joined by Adam Crafton, Jacob Whitehead and Wael Jabir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 72 days of searching for Antonio Conte's successor, Tottenham Hotspur have named Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach.Following his successive spell north of the border with Celtic, can he replicate that in North London and turn around Tottenham's fortunes?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare and CODE Sports' Adam Peacock to delve into the Australian's career to date and consider how suitable a fit he is for the hotseat at Spurs.Produced by Guy Clarke***• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming up, how far are Manchester United from Manchester City in terms of success on the football pitch? And with uncertainty around ownership and transfer funds, what can they realistically do to close the gap next season? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Mark Critchley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth are here to cast an eye over events at Wembley this weekend as Manchester City look to take a step closer to sealing the Treble.With Manchester United out to stop them matching Sir Alex Ferguson's feat of 1999 the panel look in depth to the match-up at Wembley with both The Athletic's Man City and Man Utd writers Sam Lee and Laurie Whitwell giving the perspective from both sides of Manchester.Plus there's a look at the managerial merry-go-round following the end of the Premier League season as well as the Trivia too!Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor after a hectic finale to the Bundesliga season in which Bayern Munich pipped Borussia Dortmund to the title.The reigning Bavarian champions acted quickly, relieving Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn of their duties as their rebuild begins.Meanwhile, it was another emotional collapse for Dortmund as they failed to snatch Bayern’s crown.So what next for Bayern and Dortmund, and… their stars like Jude Bellingham, Leon Goretzka. Also, who could they bring in this summer? The panel answer all.Produced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O’Keeffe & Patrick Boyland to detail the story of Everton’s latest escape from relegation & how they’ll be looking to avoid it happening again next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by Steven Caulker & The Athletic's Jay Harris to explain Ivan Toney's 8-month ban from football and discuss the game's 'toxic' relationship with gambling...What exactly was Ivan Toney found guilty of, the 'extreme' nature of his punishment and a 'culture' that still plagues English football.Plus, Steven talks about an academy project of his launching this summer, Behind The White Lines, aimed at providing support to young players who have been rejected by professional clubs.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Leicester City & Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League and will be playing in the second tier of English football next season..So how did it come to this? And how will both clubs deal with various off pitch issues and look to bounce straight back?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay & Rob Tanner who covers Leicester City for us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as the curtain comes down on this Premier League season.Ahead of the scrap for survival at the bottom the panel assess what twists and turns could happen as Everton, Leicester and Leeds look to avoid relegation.Plus, there's a look ahead to the shootout for the Europa League Conference qualification between Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brentford as well as our 'End of Season' awards along with the Trivia and Six Scores Challenge.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As recently as 2018 both Coventry City and Luton Town were playing one another in League Two, yet on Saturday meet at Wembley for a place in the Premier League next season.Luton having climbed back from dropping out in the EFL in 2009 and Coventry City, who have been 'homeless' due to stadium disputes and evictions during the last decade both have the chance of returning to the top flight.Mark Champman is alongside Matt Slater, Richard Sutcliffe and Nancy Froston to discuss football's 'Richest Game' and the impact this season's Championship Play-Off Final could have for its winner.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono, after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid.La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches.But is that going to make a difference?The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil.Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United will be returning to the Champions League after 20 years away next season, after securing a top four finish with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night.Having also reached a first cup final in 24 years this season, their first under Saudi Arabian ownership and with Eddie Howe in the dugout what comes next for the Magpies?Mark Chapman is alongside George Caulkin and Oli Kay to explore where Newcastle go next...Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in the past six years.But off the pitch questions remain after over 100 Premier League charges - for allegedly breaching financial regulations - were brought against the club..So is there an asterisk over City’s success until the charges are resolved either way? Or will the allegations just be forgotten about as more titles are collected and the long process drags on? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and our Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the penultimate weekend of action in the Premier League.Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad hoping to seal their third successive league title while Newcastle know a win over Leicester City on Monday night will be enough to secure Champions League qualification.At the bottom, Big Sam heads back to West Ham hoping to keep Leeds alive heading into the final day, plus there's the Trivia & Six Scores Challenge.Produced by Guy Clarke***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances.But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manchester City's rivals make of their dominance.***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell to dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League under the stewardship of data-driven Sport Republic.The role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, appointment of Nathan Jones as well as the club's bold youthful transfer policy are all put under the spotlight.Produced by Guy Clarke***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.”But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club?Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future.***• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need? And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson & David Ornstein ***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest.At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip.Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Manchester United really back?That was the feeling back in February after winning the League Cup and beating Barcelona.But now league form is faltering and their Champions League place is under threat from arch-rivals Liverpool and do they have enough in the tank to stop City winning a possible treble?All this plus the uncertainty over the ownership rumbles on.Ian Irving sits down to discuss it all with The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.