The Athletic FC Podcast

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee and Raphael Honigstein to explore Jude Bellingham's proposed summer transfer to Real Madrid, over a return to England and the Premier League...Why Man City have positioned themselves as "Release Clause FC", the impact of Real Madrid's very public failed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe last summer and Borussia Dortmund's negotiating position.Plus, an insight into the way the Bellingham camp operate, why so many players can't resist the lure of Los Blancos, which 'football project' is the most enticing and why a move to Pep's City might not actually make sense.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football.We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed.We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table.And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final.Italy - It’s chaotic, it’s romantic… but above all you can’t take your eyes off it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League..Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough? Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action.Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification.Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton while Everton and Leicester City look to kick-on following their pulsating draw at the King Power Stadium.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So this week Lionel Messi was suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain and will be fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia…Coming up we’ll discuss the events that surely signal the end of Project Messi in Paris & where he might play next.. Is Messi now more of a very expensive PR tool than a footballer?Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's we have Adam Crafton and also our Paris Saint-Germain writer Peter Rutzler in Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have had a very good season - Champions or not. And with Champions League football back, the future is certainly bright.So, what do Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal need to do to get to the ‘next level’ and how will the way they operate need to change? Joining Mark Chapman it's David Ornstein and Adrian ClarkeProduced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has made history scoring his 50th goal of the season on Sunday - the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years.How has manager Pep Guardiola got the best out of him? How can City look to ensure he stays for as long as possible? Where does this season rank him in terms of the greatest of Premier League strikers? Joining Ian Irving to discuss the goalscoring heroics of Erling Haaland we have The Athletic’s Man City writer Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"This isn't about the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, it's about the decisions they've made since..." The Athletic's Leeds writer Phil Hay joins senior news reporter Matt Slater and host Ian Irving, to reflect on how Leeds got themselves into another relegation scrap this season.The vote of no confidence from the Supporters Advisory Board, the viral video, if Javi Gracia will see out the last four games of the season, what being in the Championship would mean for the takeover and a cautionary tale in how to sink a Premier League football club.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth following a decisive week at the top and bottom of the Premier League.With Arsenal not in action until Tuesday, Man City will look to take top spot when they head to Fulham. In the battle for European qualification Aston Villa head to Old Trafford and Liverpool take on Tottenham while Newcastle play Southampton.Plus, at the bottom, have Nottingham Forest begun their great escape and is there any hope left for Everton after they were smashed at home by Newcastle.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey and Jack Pitt-Brooke, our Tottenham correspondent.The panel discussed how Mauricio Pochettino has become firm favourite to be that man as the new permanent Chelsea manager & why the timing couldn’t be better for all parties involved.Also how Chelsea's dismal form puts Pochettino in a position of strength, why the state of the squad could suit his skills and how his Spurs links will be a hindrance if things don't start well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, Wrexham reached their cliched Hollywood ending with promotion back to promised land of the English Football League. And as emotions poured out of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as much as the fans on the pitch, the questions began about this club’s future. So then EFL, Welcome to Wrexham. Can anyone stop them? And is the Premier League a realistic goal?Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Richard Sutcliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in '99, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United won a historic treble - The Premier League, FA Cup & Champions League - Despite Roman Abramovich’s millions and the genius of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', no one in English football has been able to do it since. Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee, Amy Lawrence and Andy Mitten to discuss Manchester City's chance at Premier League 'immortality'…How much luck was involved in Man United's famous season and what would it mean to their city rivals to stop them at Wembley in this year's FA Cup final? And do Arsenal have to beat City at the Etihad this week to win the league?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham absolutely fell apart yesterday, hammered 6-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park - they are also currently without a first team manager, director of footballSo where do Spurs begin with fixing all these issues both on and off the pitch?And has the club really got the ambition to compete with the very best?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-Brooke - our Tottenham correspondent who was at St James Park yesterday - and also Tim Spiers who has also covered Spurs this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is with George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to the Premier League weekend & FA Cup semi-finals.The panel assess Arsenal's recent wobble ahead of Southampton visiting the Emirates, with Man City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend.We also assess the race for European qualification, analyse the latest twists and turns in the battle for survival including The Athletic's Leeds United writer Phil Hay looking into the Elland Road side's recent struggles.Plus, there's a look ahead to the action at Wembley along with our weekly trivia.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming up, hear how Unai Emery has made Aston Villa a force in the Premier League again. Also how he always seems to find a way to start so well wherever he’s in charge & what Villa can expect to happen next.Joining us for this one The Athletic’s Aston Villa writer Greg Evans, Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan who interviewed Emery for The Athletic last year and Art De Roche who covers Arsenal, one of Emery’s former clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is more than catching the eye this season.In fact he’s leaping higher than Ronaldo, out-scoring everyone in Serie A by some distance, and whilst he won’t be adding a Champions League medal this year, if teams want to bring him in, he’s going to cost an awful lot. So who is the man behind the mask that’s on everyone’s must-buy list? Mark Chapman is joined by Jon Mackenzie, Carl Anka, David Ornstein and James Horncastle.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Lukaku's disappointing loan spell at Inter is coming to an end, Chelsea's problems in front of goal show no signs of abating, so, is it time for a reunion? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss...Was the infamous Sky Italia interview the last straw for then head coach Thomas Tuchel, and could Lukaku's return actually help the club's muddled recruitment strategy start to make sense on the pitch?Plus, James Horncastle reflects on the striker's time in Italy, why June 30th is such an important date in Todd Boehly's calendar and why the whole Lukaku situation may become an uncomfortably familiar one for supporters in the near future.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke.If last week at Anfield was perhaps a point gained, then yesterday at the London stadium was definitely two points dropped.Losing 'control' at crucial moments in games, have they lost control of the title race?How much has Arsenal's lack of depth in squad hurt them and what do they need to do in the summer to address this?The Athletic's David Ornstein brings the latest news on Arsenal's purist of Declan Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Dean Smith prepares to take charge of Leicester City for the first time away at a red-hot Man City.Elsewhere two of the Premier League's form sides meet at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, plus Matt Woosnam gives us the lowdown on Crystal Palace's resurgence under a returning Roy Hodgson.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vincent Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League in impressive fashion but is he destined for even greater things?Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Sam Lee & Andy Jones to assess Kompany's potential to join the ranks of the elite, with Pep Guardiola already talking him up as a future Manchester City manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona writer Pol Ballus and PSG writer Peter Rutzler to debate the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona two years on from leaving.The panel assess how the La Liga side could afford a move for their former star, his relationship with the PSG supporters having been booed in recent home matches, while his name has been chanted at Camp Nou.Plus, what commercial impact could it have on PSG if he were to leave and if not Barcelona what other options are open to Messi?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City may be firing on all cylinders in the Premier League but the Champions League has humbled them in the past. Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Rafa Honigstein and Sam Lee - ahead of their first-leg quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich - to discuss 'over-thinking it', Haaland's form and a familiar face in the opposition dugout...But has Thomas Tuchel, parachuted into Munich as he was at Chelsea in 2021, had enough time to mould Bayern Munich in his image, plus Pep's Bayern legacy, Cancelo-gate and if the treble is actually on?Produced by Abi Paterson and Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League title race stepped up a notch following Sunday's game of the season contender at Anfield as Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils with two-all draw.So what is it about Anfield that causes teams to slip up or sense to go out the window? How much margin for error is there now for Arsenal and City? Ian Irving is joined by Adam Crafton and Oli Kay to assess the damage for Arsenal and state of play in the title race.Produced by Abi Paterson 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 Easter Weekend's Premier League action.League leaders Arsenal head to Liverpool while Man City visit Southampton ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich.Meanwhile, the panel get into the latest managerial movements with Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea, plus, there's a check-in on the race for a top four finish with Newcastle moving into pole position.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when you think you've said all that you can about Chelsea in one week, they appoint Frank Lampard as caretaker manager. Joining host Ian Irving to discuss Lampard's return are the Athletic's Oli Kay, Stu James and Rob Tanner.As the merry-go-round spins ever faster there's also a look at the wider managerial picture and in particular the future of Brendan Rodgers. A man with trophies and plenty of experience under his belt but why isn't be being considered for one of the big jobs available? Is it all a question of timing or are you always judged by your most recent failure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp described himself as the "last man standing" on Monday. It was a tongue in cheek comment but equally an odd one to bring up at a time when Liverpool are, yet again this season, in a rut. So is the great man untouchable or can he rebuild his way out?Joining Ian Irving to talk through the current state of Liverpool and what Klopp can learn from his previous job as Borussia Dortmund boss it's Raphael Honigstein and Caoimhe O'NeillProduced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, we brought you the news that Chelsea head coach Graham Potter had been sacked by Chelsea, today, host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to reveal the full story of how things unravelled for Potter in West London...A playing squad too big to fit into one dressing room, who really wields the power at Cobham, why Bruno Salter and other coaches are likely to still be in charge when the team head to the Bernabeu next week and the "Harry Hogwarts" moniker that underpinned a mutiny.Plus, an update from David on the search for the next permanent manager and why the owners might struggle to find the perfect candidate.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Simon Johnson to discuss the sacking of Graham Potter as Chelsea manager.The panel detail why Chelsea acted now, who is in the frame to take over and where might Potter end up next.There is also reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving his role as Leicester manager - could he be in line to be the new Chelsea manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manchester City prepare to take on Liverpool at the Etihad, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of the weekend's Premier League action.The panel analyse Bukayo Saka's sensational form and ask whether he can rival Erling Haaland for the PFA Player of the Year award, Newcastle are out for revenge for Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United as well as the latest at Tottenham in a week full of incident and drama.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers & Oli Kay to debate how managers & head coaches in the Premier League should be assessed and rated when they are appointed.Two managers widely regarded as the best face each other in The Premier League this weekend as Manchester City & Pep Guardiola play Liverpool led by Jurgen Klopp..Who is the better manager? Or are they just the right fit for their respective clubs? Meanwhile Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, with multiple European trophies on his CV takes on Graham Potter who got the Chelsea job following excellent work at Brighton..How would you compare those two? Is it on trophies or overachievement? Or is it something else? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four big teams, three points separate them, but only one of them will lift the WSL trophy - and one of them won't be playing Champions League football next year either. This season's WSL is the most competitive it's been at the top for some time. Joining Mark Chapman to run the rule over where each team will be fantastic and fallible it's The Athletic's women's football editor Chloe Morgan, writer Charlotte Harpur, and host of The Athletic Women's Football Podcast Lynsey Hooper. Listen as the panel go through where Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal's strengths and weaknesses lie and make a case for why each team could win the league.Yet there's one side that could actually be the disruptors to all this and decide where the title goes... Hint: it's not one of the big four. Produced by: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Adam Crafton to reflect on Steven Gerrard's recent comments about Harry Kane and the 'big decision' he is once again facing over his future at Spurs...Has the lure of winning silverware elsewhere been softened by breaking both the England and Tottenham all-time scoring records and does the modern striker pride individual records over team success? Is Manchester United the only realistic domestic option for Kane and can they afford him this summer amid FFP concerns?Plus, how Spurs' plan to hire 'win-now' managers like Conte and Mourinho in order to satisfy Kane's ambitions, backfired, what kind of manager they could turn to next and how Kane's arrival at Manchester United would impact Marcus Rashford's resurgence.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman get's reaction from The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brooke to Antonio Conte leaving his role as manager at Tottenham.Meanwhile Bayern Munich also made a managerial change as they sacked one of Europe's top young coaches, Julian Nagelsmann. The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Hongistein & also former Premier League & Bundesliga striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft share their insight. Would Julian Nagelsmann be a good fit at Spurs? And was Spurs moving to sack Conte a reason for Bayern move for Thomas Tuchel so quickly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi guys. What you’re about to hear is a recent episode of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast where the panel - consisting of Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Ali Maxwell - discuss whether we can truly measure the importance of a manager to a club’s fortunes.They explore the evolution of a manager’s role, from basic admin roles to becoming the central figurehead of a club in the modern day. Will there be a time soon when a manager’s influence is overtaken by the views and opinions of a club’s data department? And is the ‘new manager bounce’ actually a myth? If you like the show make sure to visit their extensive back catalogue of episodes. Just search for The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Steve Freeth and Nick Miller as they react to England beginning their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a win over Italy.Oli Kay sends his thoughts on Harry Kane becoming England's all-time leading scorer in Naples, Tim Spiers is in Stockholm ahead of a potential international return for Zlatan Ibrahimovic aged 41.Plus, the panel take stock of what's happening in the Premier League ahead of the final throws of the campaign following this week's international action.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writers Pol Ballus & Laia Cervelló Herrero.After victory against Real Madrid sent them 12 points clear, Barcelona might have La Liga all wrapped up.But their problems are never far away, and now news that their young star Gavi could leave Camp Nou for free with a legal battle over his registration..So what’s happened in this latest off the field issue & how will the club deal with it? Will Gavi really leave Barcelona? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following yesterday's foray into the big issues facing international football, host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Matt Slater, Laura Williamson & Adam Crafton turn their attention to the club game...Why FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plans for a new Club World Cup was an inevitable response to the Super League idea, how 'global' and 'match-going' Premier League supporters are on a collision course, why the Manchester United takeover raises more problems for multi-club ownership rules and won't somebody think of the players!Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, and Laura Williamson to discuss the biggest changes to international football.In the week that FIFA announced an expanded 48 team World Cup, extended Gianni Infantino's reign as President, and dropped 'Visit Saudi' as a potential sponsor for the Women's World Cup, we ask what state international football is in, and whether FIFA are getting the big decisions right?00:00 - Intro01:20 - Infantino re-elected FIFA President08:50 - The expanded Men's World Cup20:00 - The Women's World Cup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brook & James Horncastle to reflect on Antonio Conte verbal attack on his Tottenham players and the entire culture and direction of the football club after his side let a two goal lead slip at Southampton.In an astonishing outburst he branded his players “selfish”, said that they only play “for themselves”, and suggested that there was a culture of underachievement at the club.So will his exit as boss come sooner rather than later?Where any of the criticisms he made valid? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Dan Barnes and bet365's Steve Freeth for a relegation special, ahead of this weekend's Premier League action.With Patrick Vieira sacked by Crystal Palace, ahead of a visit to Arsenal, the panel give their reaction as well as speculating over who could take the reigns at Selhurst Park.Jacob Tanswell shares the tale of Southampton's sorry season, prior to taking on Tottenham - and Paddy Boyland discusses Sean Dyche's impact at Everton with the Toffees travelling to Stamford Bridge this weekend.***This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield on Matt Woosnam to discuss what has gone wrong for Patrick Vieira as manager of Crystal Palace.***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.

Joining Mark Chapman to look at the career of Paul Pogba as he turns 30 it's James Horncastle and Carl Anka.Here they discuss whether the France and Juventus midfielder is overrated, why he has such a bad reputation in England, and whether Eric Ten Hag is actually the Manchester United manager that Pogba has been crying out for.And with his return to Serie A not going to plan, it begs the question 'where next'? But why is the obvious answer not necessarily the correct one.***This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21-year-old Josko Gvardiol is a man in high demand. So, which European giant will win the race for his signature? Will Guardiola need to sell a defender first, can Todd Boehly's Chelsea keep spending and does Real Madrid's Champions League lure still trump the Premier League's riches? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus and Simon Johnson to discuss...Plus, Rapha Honigstein explains Gvardiol's current contract situation at RB Leipzig, how big a transfer fee he would command and Nick Miller reveals what a former Croatia u21s coach told him about the man now being described as the 'Haaland of centre-backs'.Produced by Adonis Pratsides***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.

***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.

Dan Bardell is joined by Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Liverpool look to push on from their 7-0 thrashing of Man Utd, while Erik Ten Hag's side look for a response.In the title race, Man City once again play ahead of Arsenal with Pep Guardiola's side taking on Crystal Palace followed by Arsenal travelling to Fulham on Sunday.Down at the bottom Bournemouth welcome Liverpool, having already conceded nine to the Reds this season, Man Utd welcome Southampton and West Ham take on Aston Villa as the Hammers struggle to pull clear of danger.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Mark Chapman to talk through yet another Paris Saint-Germain Champions League exit is The Athletic's Peter Rutzler and french football expert Tom Williams.After the French giants limped out of Europe's top club competition there will be plenty of sneering and sniggering towards them, but why is that? And is it fair to do so?It's a result that forms more questions now than answers - what does the future of Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar look like now? Will their coach Christophe Galtier see through the rest of the season? And does this call for a complete change in approach by the club in how they build their squad? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by two writers from The Athletic’s who were at Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea knock Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League - Liam Twomey & Simon Johnson.Is this the start of something for Graham Potter at Chelsea ?Or is it merely a stay of execution with the next defeat pushing him back to the brink of the sack with question marks over where the club is heading? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enzo Fernandez, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, the list goes on... Boasting an academy record which is the envy of most clubs in world football, The Athletic's Stuart James was granted special access behind-the-scenes at Benfica's famed academy to find out what makes it so special...Alongside host Mark Chapman and Portuguese football expert Jack Lang, the panel examine Benfica's unique approach to talent ID, academy ethos, managing the expectations of so many aspiring young footballers and the mind-blowing size of their operation in Portugal.You'll also hear from a few of the academy coaches and technical director Pedro Marques on why the likes of Bernardo Silva are equally comfortable playing in attack and defence. Plus, how the fans feel about losing a home-grown superstar to the Premier League every year and how far they can go in this year's Champions League knockout stages.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined from The Athletic by Adam Crafton also two of our writers who were at Anfield yesterday Oli Kay & our Liverpool writer James Pearce..Does it show United are still playing catch up with Liverpool or was it a freak result?What were the reasons behind Liverpool's performance and how should Man United manager Erik ten Hag respond? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what really happens in a Premier League changing room? What triggers fallings out between footballers and managers? Fascinated by the nomadic lifestyle of modern players and what the constant relocating means for family members?This is The Real Footballer Show - and you are literally the first people to ever hear it.Joining host and broadcaster Jaydee Dyer and former West Ham, Wolves and Ipswich player Frank Nouble is special guest Anton Ferdinand to lift the lid on the cliques, spats and anxieties of being a footballer at the highest level. It's uncensored and unfiltered.If you like what you hear and think we should make more episodes, please get in contact by emailing [email protected]. And if you're a brand interested in sponsoring the show, also get in touch by emailing [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.