The Athletic FC Podcast

On the eve of the World Cup Final, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Laura Williamson to evaluate the Qatar 2022 World Cup.From the build-up to the tournament, the treatment of migrant workers and the handling of the tournament by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the panel analyse all aspects.What comes next? What happens to the stadiums, Qatari football and what lessons have been learned? Plus, there's reaction to Infantino's announcement over an expanded FIFA Club World Cup as well as confirmation over his second term as President. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Argentinian journalist Martin Mazur to discuss Lionel Messi as he looks to crown his career with a World Cup winners' medal on Sunday.Having taken Argentina to the final in 2014 as his country's talisman, now at 35, in his last World Cup Sunday offers his final chance for World Cup glory.The panel analyse his tournament so far as well as his role within the Argentine side, plus Jay DeMerit, Adrian Mariappa and Leon Balogun share their experiences of playing against Messi while former PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino tells The Athletic what it's like to coach Messi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kylian Mbappe once more shone brightly on the world's stage as he helped France through to consecutive World Cup finals. He is a superstar on the pitch, yet look around Qatar and you won't see a lot of, if any, shirts with his name on the back which is a surprise given that he plays his club football for Qatari backed PSG.Joining Adam Leventhal to discuss "brand Mbappe" and its future is The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur. Off the back of yet more french success we discuss why the France camp is so united and what fears they have ahead of Sunday's final, if any.And in the final it's Messi v Mbappe, club mates at PSG, making this final a great success for the French club and its owners.Plus, Adam Leventhal managed to grab a word with elusive Manchester United owner Avram Glazer post match, hear what he had to say on the sale of his club, and whether it is in fact a "sale". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morocco made history when they beat Portugal as they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, and this incredible team aren't done yet.Adam Leventhal hosts a special episode of The Athletic Football Podcast as we dive deep into the story of the 'Rocky' of the World Cup, a name given to them by their coach Walid Regragui.The identity of Moroccans, what it means to have an African nation at this stage of the World Cup, and why the Moroccan players have been hugging their mums after matches are topics all discussed on this edition.Abi Paterson speaks to The Athletic's Jay Harris, Luke Bosher and many Moroccan fans. While out in Casablanca, Jacob Whitehead helps build the picture of the impact of this Moroccan success in their homeland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup resumes tonight as Messi and Argentina prepare to face Croatia - A far smaller footballing nation which has somehow reached back-to-back World Cup semi finals... To explain how they keep doing it and to tell us more about the remarkable personal journeys of the players, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and host of Nova TV in Croatia, Sasa Lugonjic.Hear about Luka Modric’s backstory of war and personal trauma, to his rise as the best player in the world, possibly even the best midfielder of this generation. Sasa tells us about Josip Juranovic’s “Cinderella story” from competition winner (literally) to National stardom. And the panel discuss where hot property Josko Gvardiol might end up in the coming transfer windows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the January transfer window coming into sight, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Adam Crafton in Qatar to discuss which players could be on the move this winter.Following glowing World Cup displays there's growing interest in both England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Portugal striker Gonçalo Ramos, as well as the latest on his compatriot Joao Felix with a number of Premier League clubs interested.Cristiano Ronaldo's future is still yet to be resolved after leaving Manchester United ahead of the start of the tournament, meanwhile away from the World Cup, Arsenal continue to be linked with Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhailo Mudryk.For more, read David Ornstein's transfer column on The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3991075/2022/12/12/ornstein-world-cup-transfer-targets/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal brings you immediate fallout following England's quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup, following yet more penalty heartbreak at a major tournament.Jack Pitt-Brooke, Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Charlotte Harpur and Abi Paterson are all on hand at the Al Bayt Stadium as England exit the tournament after an evening of penalty drama involving captain Harry Kane.There's also the view of the fans out in Qatar, analysis of what next for the England squad and Gareth Southgate as well as the French winning scorer Olivier Giroud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke to look ahead to England’s huge quarter-final against France as the draw opens up for Gareth’s Southgate side.One of the clear favourites to win the World Cup, Brazil, are out after their defeat to Croatia on penalties. A win against the reigning world champions would see England go into a semi-final against Morocco or Portugal, while Argentina scraped through on penalties against the Netherlands.They discuss Kyle Walker vs Kylian Mbappe, and if that duel really matters.And the panel pay tribute to American sports journalist Grant Wahl, who sadly passed away in Doha last night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Daniel Taylor, Jay Harris and Dutch journalist Sjoerd Mossou for a looking into one of the most fascinating coaches to shape modern football: Louis van Gaal.Ahead of the Netherlands quarter-final tie with Argentina the panel debate and discuss the career of the 71-year-old including his time at Manchester United as well as how he has cultivated a 'loving' atmosphere within the Dutch camp.There's reflections on his personal battle with cancer in the build-up to the tournament as well as how he has brought his collection of unlikely lads, including goalkeeper Andries Noppert to the cusp of greatness on the highest stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Qatar has hosted the 'best group stage ever' at a World Cup. But what about all of the issues off the field of play casting a large, looming shadow over the tournament?Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and writers Adam Crafton and Matt Slater to dissect all.We hear the tragic story of how a Filipino migrant worker died during the group stage at Saudi Arabia’s training resort in Qatar.The panel also discuss the 'Disney-fication' of the World Cup, LGBTQ+ issues, sportswashing and much, much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Abi Paterson is in Doha, Qatar at the World Cup and has a few burning questions regarding a player who many consider as the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi.The forward has captained his Argentina side to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, which is widely thought to be his last ever World Cup tournament at 35 years of age.With questions ranging from; is Lionel Messi the greatest? To is he better than fellow Argentine Diego Maradona, or his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo? And has his ambassadorial role with Saudi Arabia effected him?Abi is joined by a host of guests including James Horncastle, Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas, Sam Lee, Michael Cox, and a number of other journalists and fans in Qatar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by James Horncastle, Raphael Honigstein & Jack Pitt-Brooke to debate and analyse the values and importance of a no.9 in international football.With the likes of Olivier Giroud, Richarlison and Harry Kane all playing prominent roles in their nations' hopes of winning the World Cup, yet playing the centre forward role in a differing way: what exactly are the hallmarks of a successful no.9?The role of a false nine, target man and wide forward converted into a striker are all evaluated as well as the evolution of the centre forward through football history along with the role academies have played in the 'decline' of no.9 production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Jude Bellingham played the starring role in England's 3-0 last 16 win over Senegal join Adam Leventhal from the Al Bayt Stadium for all the reaction.Michael Cox gives his tactical breakdown on how the 19-year-old dominated on the biggest stage, David Ornstein catches up with Declan Rice and discusses his midfield partner.Plus there's reaction from England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke on Harry Kane scoring his first goal of the tournament and Oli Kay on England's next opponents France - and Charlotte Harpur reflects with Abi Paterson on a day spent with the Senegal fans and their drums! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writers Oli Kay and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss England manager Gareth Southgate's starting XI to face Senegal...US soccer correspondent Sam Stejskal reflects on the many positives that USMNT can take from this World Cup and James Horncastle purrs over yet another milestone and masterclass from Leo Messi.Plus, an insight into the mindset of England's opponents from Senegalese journalist Mahmoud Gueye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Athletic writers Jay Harris and Paul Tenorio to discuss the drama on the final day of the group stages and also look ahead to the USA’s huge knockout clash against Netherlands. South Korea scored a late, late goal to beat Portugal and seal their place in the Round of 16 ahead of Uruguay, leaving Luis Suarez in tears.In the other group, Switzerland edged a five-goal thriller against Serbia to progress, while Brazil topped Group G, despite their 1-0 loss to Cameroon.We also hear from Michael Cox, who gives his thoughts on South Korea’s win, and Cameroonian journalist Francis Ajumane discusses Cameroon becoming the first African team to beat Brazil in a World Cup match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Michael Cox following another dramatic night in Qatar with two European heavyweights in Germany and Belgium exiting the World Cup.There's reaction from Japan's dramatic win over Spain which eliminated Germany and also sent Japan through as Group E winners. Raphael Honigstein gives immediate reaction to Germany heading home, while Jack Pitt-Brooke revels in Japan's joy.With Belgium also out coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the end of his time in charge with the panel assessing where and what next for the Spaniard before Carl Anka looks ahead to Uruguay v Ghana on Day 13 with a look back to their quarter-final meeting in 2010. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, James Horncastle and Adam Crafton react to Argentina's 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday night that saw both teams make it through to the last 16, but it wasn't without its drama as Messi had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny and Poland came perilously close to exiting the tournament on yellow cards.If this World Cup isn't enough for you, we cast ahead to 2026 as Adam Crafton brings us news that FIFA are considering the possibility of having penalty shoot-outs pre-match in the group stages as a way of guarding against possible collusion in the expanded 48-team tournamentWe also hear from the Athletic's Jay Harris who witnessed Australia's triumph over a disappointing Denmark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s a wrap for Groups A and B. England sailed past Wales with a resounding 3-0 win, courtesy of a remarkable Marcus Rashford brace and goal from Phil Foden. Gareth Southgate’s side will face Group A runners-up Senegal in the last-16.USA qualify in second place in Group B after their 1-0 win over Iran, and they will go up against Group A winners, the Netherlands. That match was largely overshadowed by the political tension surrounding Iran.Joining Adam Leventhal to bring us the stories of anti-Iranian government protests and how female Iran fans fear they are being spied on whilst attending games are Athletic writers Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur, while Jack Pitt-Brooke and Alex Abnos dissect the football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the finale of Group B, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Matt Slater on Day 10 of the Qatar World Cup.Matt reflects on attending all four games on the final day of four separate kick-off times before Michael Cox and Dermot Corrigan reflect on Andre Onana being suspended from the Cameroon squad by coach Rigobert Song.James Horncastle reacts to Brazil's 1-0 win over Switzerland while Laura Williamson and Felipe Cardenas watched Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice - despite Cristiano Ronaldo's best attempts to claim one.Meanwhile, ahead of England v Wales David Ornstein has the latest on the England team news before Sam Stejskal reflects on a heated press conference prior to USA v Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay following a day of shocks in Qatar with Costa Rica and Morocco two of the noteworthy winners, while German's draw with Spain keeps their hopes of qualification alive.Abi Paterson reports from Al Bayt Stadium along with Michael Cox, Raphael Honigstein and David Ornstein, who spoke with Ilkay Gundogan post-match, on Germany's draw with Spain.Plus there's the latest from the England camp as Marcus Rashford speaks ahead of the Three Lions taking on Wales on Tuesday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Sunday morning and host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas and Charlotte Harpur to reflect on Lionel Messi handing Argentina a World Cup lifeline in typical style...James Horncastle offers his thoughts on Messi's moments of brilliance, was Enzo Fernandez' goal an even sweeter strike and why Mexico fans are frustrated with coach Gerardo Martino.Then, following a 'prickly' Deschamps post-match press conference - and despite France's 2-1 win over Denmark - our panel also discuss how good Mbappe is in the flesh, Tunisian fan envy, Australia's Mitchell Duke and Jurgen Klinsmann's comments about Iran and their head coach Carlos Queiroz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Adam Leventhal for immediate reaction from England's goalless draw with USA in Group B from the Al Bayt Stadium.With comprehensive post-match analysis and reaction, tactics writer Michael Cox discusses where England failed to capitalise, USMNT writers Paul Tenorio and Alex Abnos dissect the US performance before heading to the mixed zone.David Ornstein and Sam Stejskal give their thoughts on the game with Abi Paterson along with hearing from Kieran Trippier, Jordan Henderson and US midfielder Yunus Musah.England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke reacts to Gareth Southgate's press conference, meanwhile elsewhere in Group B Laura Williamson watched on as Wales fell to defeat against Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Day Six of the World Cup, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Sam Stejskal to preview England v USA this evening.They discuss the historic context of the fixtures and development of the USMNT before debating where the game will be won or lost.David Ornstein speaks with Bruno Fernandes following Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana with Abi Paterson and Michael Cox reacting to Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the first player to score in five World Cups.James Horncastle reports from Brazil's opener, having beaten Serbia 2-0 with talisman Neymar forced off through injury. Plus, Adam Crafton speaks with Piara Powar from anti-discrimination group Fare giving his take on the tournament so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal joins Raphael Honigstein and James Horncastle to reflect on day four of the World Cup, a day which saw Germany lose 2-1 to Japan after a disjointed performance but they took the headlines pre-match with their show of defiance against FIFA in the ongoing armband row.We discuss both the on and off field issues from that game, plus reflect on Spain's 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, Belgium's underwhelming win over an unlucky Canada, and we have an update from the England camp as David Ornstein brings us news on Harry Kane's ankle injury as well as updates on Kyle Walker and James Maddison.There's also a look at Brazil ahead of their tournament bow against Serbia later today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day three of the World Cup started with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1, and ended with the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United, the Glazers have put Man Utd up for sale, oh and England captain Harry Kane is having a scan on his ankle ahead of Friday's game vs USA.Here to reflect on all of that is the Athletic's Adam Leventhal, who is joined by Matt Slater following his trip to the Saudi/Qatar border to look at that shock result amid the backdrop of Messi's commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia, plus Matt gives us his expert view on how things will play out at Man Utd now the Glazers have effectively announced they want to sell.We also hear from David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Laura Williamson on Cristiano Ronaldo's second tenure at Old Trafford finally coming to an end and what it means not just for his world cup but for the rest of his career.Plus we get the latest on the Harry Kane injury situation from our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Day 3 of the World Cup dawns, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to reflect on England's 6-2 win over Iran...They discuss Saka's joy, Kane's influence, why no one's talking about Maguire or Sterling's club form this morning, as well as, which former German international Jude Bellingham reminds Jack of.Plus, Producer Abi spoke to Iranian fan Sahir, about why she is protesting at the World Cup and USMNT writer Paul Tenorio checks in after the 1-1 draw with Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Laurie Whitwell on day two of the World Cup to discuss England's World Cup opener against Iran...The panel reflect on Qatar's opening day defeat, empty seats in the stadium, choreographed support and relations between Qatar and former hosts Russia.Plus, whether England and other nations should risk punishment for their 'OneLove' armbands in support of LGBT rights, comedian Omid Djalili's message to Rashford and co, as well as, American excitement levels ahead their Group B clash with Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the first of our daily World Cup podcasts throughout the tournament as Adam Leventhal brings you the latest news, views and reaction from Qatar.Ahead of the start of the tournament, Matt Slater reacts to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's speech on the eve of the tournament, before Simon Hughes shares his thoughts having returned from an eight-day trip to Nepal to hear from the migrant families and their families who have prepared Qatar for hosting the World Cup.Plus David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell are at Portugal training with the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke checks in from England's training base in Al-Wakrah.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's dedicated England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to look ahead to how England could get on out in Qatar, as well as USMNT writer Paul Tenorio.The panel look at England's standing and form under Gareth Southgate having led the Three Lions to the semi-final in Russia in 2018 prior to reach the Euro 2020 Final last year at Wembley.Plus, in a group containing USA, Iran and Wales how far are England expected to progress and what does the potential road to glory look like?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, Rafa Honignstein & Adam Leventhal to debate whether managing at international level is an attractive proposition for the very best managers like Jurgen Klopp & Pep Guardiola? On the flip side are national teams managers in the conversation to be the head coach at elite clubs that expect Champions League glory? Plus we’ll hear Mauricio Pochettino’s thoughts on whether he’d take the England job.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Carl Anka, Andy Mitten and Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan to debate whether either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo can finally claim FIFA World Cup glory, in Qatar.The panel look back through the international careers of both Messi and Ronaldo debating and analysing their impact on their national sides' fortunes and the struggle for both to perform to their highest on the international scene.Who is better set for glory in Qatar is also discussed as well as whether or not World Cup victory for one over the other will finally settle the great debate over who is the greatest.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Editor-in-Chief Alex Kay-Jelski, Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and Investigations writer Matt Slater, to pause and reflect, just days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar...How Qatar retained the World Cup following the controversy surrounding their bid to host. The moral dilemmas of covering and even sending reporters to the tournament, how much Doha has changed in the intervening years and what visiting fans from all over the world can expect.Plus, how Gareth Southgate and the FA have navigated human rights issues in the lead up to the biggest festival of football in the world, Gianni Infantino's lamentable letter, Jurgen Klopp's aspersions on the media and if sportswashing is really at the heart of Qatar's World Cup project.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's interview where he criticised the club & his manager. Is this the end for him at Old Trafford?Greg O'Keefe then tells us the challenges Frank Lampard faces in turning round Everton who seem to be slipping into another crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic has a brand new documentary series following Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk. Here is an introduction to the seriesIn this episode, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton speaks to Taras Stepanenko, the captain of Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk, as he and his young family take refuge in an underground shelter when war breaks out in Ukraine. Adam also meets with Shakhtar's Croatian head coach, Igor Jovicevic, who was separated from his family when Russia invaded. Meanwhile, as the team prepares for their first match in Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, we hear from Shakhtar midfielder Ivan Petryak, who lost a family member to the war with Russia. With all the odds against Shakhtar, can the Ukrainian club pull off a shock victory against the German club Red Bull Leipzig?CreditsPresenter: Adam CraftonProducers: Adam Crafton, Abi Paterson, Mike StavrouSound mixing: Ollie BellwoodFeaturing footage from: The Daily, AP, ABC News, Sport BILD, DW News, Al Jazeera, and BT Sport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as well as bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the final weekend of Premier League action prior to the World Cup.Chelsea's visit to Newcastle is top of the bill before looking ahead to Nathan Jones' Southampton start away at Anfield, before discussing Wolves welcoming Arsenal to Molineux.Plus there's reaction to the latest in the Cristiano Ronaldo fiasco ahead of Manchester United taking on Fulham.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jay Harris for reaction to Gareth Southgate naming his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. The big news is Leicester's James Maddison is finally in the squad, plus a surprise inclusion for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, as well as a place for Newcastle's in-form striker Callum Wilson.There's a look at how those three will feature during the tournament, plus discussion of Harry Maguire's role in the team, whether Sterling will keep his place, how you get the best out of England's many attacking options, and we pick our starting XI for the game against Iran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's George Caulkin sit down with Martin O’Neill to talk about his new book On Days Like These and his life in football. As well as discussing the numerous career highs, Martin also shares his regrets during managing in the Premier League.Martin talks about the charisma of playing in Brian Clough’s legendary Nottingham Forest team & about his time as manager of the Republic of Ireland at Euros in 2016, when they made it to the second round for the first time in their history.On Days Like These – My Life in Football by Martin O’Neill is published by Pan Macmillan, 10 November Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand's 3-part documentary series, 'Tipping Point' aims to find real solutions to the racism, homophobia and mental health crisis which plague our sport... prior to its release, Rio sat down for an honest conversation with The Athletic's Roshane Thomas on the current state of play.Host Dan Barnes is joined by Roshane and editor Richard Amofa to keep that conversation going. Over the course of this episode you'll hear the interview with Ferdinand, but also from Wilfried Zaha, Romelu Lukaku and Josh Cavallo, as our panel evaluate football's progress.Rio Ferdinand’s Tipping Point is available on Prime Video from Friday 11 NovemberProduced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by football correspondent David Ornstein & senior football news writer Matt Slater to discuss the latest on FSG's decision to explore an exit from Anfield.Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes shares his thoughts on the decision too, giving insight into the American consortium's reign at Liverpool over the past 12 years and the impact the decision to sell could have on manager Jurgen Klopp.Plus, the panel explore who could be interested in buying Liverpool as well as analysing the short-term impact on the sporting side of things at Anfield.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In breaking news, The Athletic's David Ornstein reveals Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has put Liverpool up for sale.Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jacob Tanswell to discuss the breaking news that Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. Adam also discusses his new podcast series Away From Home, where he follows Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk's during their champions league campaign whilst their country is at war with Russia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, The Athletic's Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Arsenal head to Chelsea in the weekend's standout Premier League game.The panel also look ahead to Liverpool's visit to Tottenham following Antonio Conte's first anniversary in charge of Spurs.Plus there's a look ahead to Unai Emery starting his reign at Villa Park against Manchester United, including some trivia, as well as Man City v Fulham & Everton v Leicester.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group stages of the Champions League are now over & despite pulling various levers Barcelona have not qualified for the knockout stagesMark Chapman is joined by Spanish football journalist Alvaro Romeo & The Athletic’s Oliver Kay to discuss what has gone wrong & what are the financial consequences of being eliminated? And with stalwarts Atletico & Juventus also being eliminated, does a less predictable Champions League make for a better competition and weaken the argument for a European Super League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur writer and Serie A expert James Horncastle to analyse one year of Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur.Fresh from winning their Champions League group to make it through to the last 16 of the competition, the panel comment of Spurs' style of play under the Italian as well as the mentality he has instilled, helping to get the best from Harry Kane.Given the uncertainty over Conte's long-term future as well there is debate into the likelihood of him remaining in north London while also considering any potential return to Juventus?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka to explore why 14 years on from Uriah Rennie's last Premier League game, he remains the only black referee in Premier League history... What are the major obstacles that continue to prevent aspiring male and female officials - from marginalised or ethnic communities - from reaching the Premier League? The cost, the abuse, and how much progress has been made in recent years - following a 2021 FA initiative to combat the problem head on.We'll hear from Ashley Hickson-Lovence, a former semi-professional referee and author of Your Show, written in collaboration with Rennie, as well as, Russell Hoyte, who helps semi-professional referees navigate their way through the ranks.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce to discuss What is going wrong at Liverpool & the financial implications on missing out on a top four place.We’ll hear how Manchester United are weighing up changes to their goalkeeper department and the future of David De Gea - Laurie Whitwell joins us.And David Ornstein will tell us about the MLS club who are confident of signing Lionel Messi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Man City look to leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and Graham Potter returns to Brighton with his in-form Chelsea side.Following Unai Emery's return to the Premier League the panel give their take on the Spaniard taking over at Aston Villa, as well as Villa's visit to Newcastle United.The panel also discuss Liverpool v Leeds at Anfield with the Reds in need of kickstarting their campaign while pressure being to mount on Jesse Marsch.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman sits down with Sean Dyche who is looking to return to being a football manager after nearly ten years with Burnley - including seven seasons in the Premier League.Sean outlines why his brand of football is sometimes misunderstood, explains why Pep Guardiola compared facing Burnley to visiting the dentist & what he is looking for in his next role & the moment in football be wished he could live again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Aston Villa writer Gregg Evans and Pol Ballus to discuss Unai Emery's appointment at Aston Villa.The end of Steven Gerrard's reign is analysed prior to look at what Emery will bring with him to Villa Park having taken Villarreal to Europa League success as well as last season's Champions League semi-finals since being sacked by Arsenal in 2019.Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan also gives his view from Spain as well as the tactical ideas Emery may look to instil at Aston Villa.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes, editor Dan Barnes and author Jimi Jagne, to discuss the issues facing Everton, in light of revelations about John Bramley-Moore (after whom the site of their new stadium is named) and his involvement in the slave trade...The panel detail Bramley-Moore's connections to the horrors of slavery in Brazil and handle many uncomfortable truths relating to how the City of Liverpool prospered from men like him - as well as, how local authorities are trying to confront these aspects of their past.Plus, a frank assessment of Everton's response, and how a problem inherited may also present a unique opportunity to lead new discussions around racism in football.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Phil Hay to share his insight on the future of Jesse Marsch as Leeds manager - could he hang on till after the World Cup?Our Newcastle writer Chris Waugh details how Eddie Howe has turned his side into top four contenders as he approaches a year in charge.Dan Bardell tells us what went wrong for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and who he'd like to see as their new manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.