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The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast

1,353 episodes — Page 19 of 28

Weekend Preview: Reaction to Gerrard sacking, Man United motoring on without Ronaldo, shambles at Wolves

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Bet 365's Steve Freeth and the Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to all the action in the Premier League this weekend.We start with reaction to Aston Villa sacking Steven Gerrard on Thursday night, with Villa fan Dan very pleased with the decision, before moving on to the big game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening between Chelsea and a Ronaldo-less Manchester United.There's also a look at Spurs v Newcastle, Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, Manchester City v Brighton and Leicester v still managerless WolvesProduced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 202248 min

What next for Ronaldo after Old Trafford walkout?

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Jack Pitt-Brooke to reflect on Manchester United's comfortable win over Tottenham that was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle after being an unused substitute.What did this performance tell us about Erik ten Hag’s influence on his United side?What does the defeat say about Spurs nearly a year into Antonio Conte’s tenure as manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 202230 min

Crystal Palace Feeling Glad All Over

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield and Crystal Palace writer Matt Woosnam to discuss and dissect Crystal Palace's start to the new Premier League season.After making it three unbeaten against Wolves on Tuesday night we explore how the South London club continue to evolve under Patrick Vieira, the key men on the pitch including Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha, plus what does the future hold at Selhurst Park?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 202236 min

Parenthood, Pressure & Porridge: A Day In The Life Of A Footballer

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Mark Chapman presents a special report from The Athletic's Tim Spiers who, over the weekend, was granted an all-access, behind the scenes pass on a match day in the life of a professional footballer...With special thanks to both Omar Beckles and Leyton Orient FC, Tim was invited into the Grenada international defender's home for breakfast with his family, right through to moments before kick-off in the home dressing room for this 'fly-on-the-wall' insight into what it's really like.We learn about the pressures of victory and defeat on a young family, the duty Omar and his teammates feel towards their local community, how important match-day routine and diet have become and also about the role of his faith in his career.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 202234 min

Did Man City get a raw deal at Liverpool?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee & Oli Kay to reflect on that titanic battle that saw Liverpool see off Manchester City at Anfield. Pep Guardiola suggested afterwards that his side get a bit of a raw deal at Anfield - is he right?Also, we’ll cross to Spain to look back on an El Clasico victory for Real Madrid that puts Barcelona manager Xavi under pressure with The Athletic's Deromot Corrigan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 17, 202229 min

Weekend Preview: City out to end Anfield curse, Gerrard's Villa future & Newcastle eyeing an upset

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek and bet 365's Steve Freeth as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool look to get their Premier League campaign back on track up against Pep Guardiola's Man City.Steven Gerrard's position at Aston Villa has been up for debate ahead of Chelsea heading to Stamford Bridge.Plus Newcastle United visit Old Trafford looking to upset Manchester United, meanwhile, will Tottenham finally provide style as opposed to substance up against Everton?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 202244 min

Ex-Premier League boss Richard Scudamore on why independent regulator won't work, American owners & overseas games

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Richard Scudamore who was the Premier League’s executive chairman for 20 years, a tenure that saw it develop into the world's leading sports entertainment product.Scudamore addresses a range of issues including his thoughts why an independent regulator won't work, the failed European Super League, foreign ownership of Premier League clubs, games being played overseas and his role in the infamous 39th game propsal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 202245 min

Chaos at Nottingham Forest - what is going on?

Mark Chapman is joined by Nottingham Forest writer Paul Taylor and Nick Miller to delve into exactly what is going on at Nottingham Forest, having made more than a splash on their return to the Premier League.22 new signings, just one win in nine and having sacked their recruitment team, Forest are certainly making up for 23 years away from the Premier League.Steve Cooper's position is also analysed as well as Senior Writer Daniel Taylor taking a look at Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 202242 min

The Story of the Indonesia Stadium Disaster: Panic, Grief & The Search For Justice

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Host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Adam Leventhal present a special report into the Kanjuruhan stadium disaster in Malang, Indonesia on October 1st. When a pitch invasion escalated, as tear gas was fired onto the pitch and into the stands by Police, several locked exits led to a crush and the death of 131 people.Adam later provides an update on the independent investigation into what happened, the government's response, FIFA's involvement and the search for justice which will feel all too familiar for many UK football fans.* Please be advised that this episode contains reporting that some people may find disturbing.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 11, 202237 min

How Arteta & Edu have changed Arsenal & the challenges ahead

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to detail how have things turned out round so quickly at Arsenal & the role of manager Mikel Arteta and the increasing influence of technical director Edu.In contrast, our Liverpool writer James Pearce explains the challenges for Jurgen Klopp as he tries to turn things at Anfield.The Athletic Manchester United writer, Laurie Whitwell shares his thoughts on what he saw of Casemiro who was man of the match in victory over Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 202237 min

Weekend Preview: Leaders vs Liverpool & Cooper hanging on at Forest

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet 365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to preview the weekend's Premier League action, with a big focus on Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates.There's also a look at Erling Haaland's incredible run of form before getting stuck in to Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Manchester United and Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd.All this plus the meeting on Monday night of two managers under increasing pressure as Steven Gerrard takes his Aston Villa side to the City Ground to take on Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 202248 min

Qatar: Is it ready to host a World Cup?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Phil Buckingham to look at ahead to preparations for the World Cup in Qatar in just 45 days time. Is the country ready for the influx of people from both an accommodation & security point of view?What do Qatari residents feel about the attention the World Cup has brought to their country and the scrutiny it has been under from those who have highlighted human rights and environmental abuses in the host nation.Also, what will the knock on effect be in the Premier League in terms of players returning to their clubs ahead of a busy Christmas schedule and just before the January transfer window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 202234 min

Liverpool's stuttering start & how Klopp can transition them into title challengers

Mark Chapman is joined by Senior Football Writer Oli Kay and Liverpool Reporter Andy Jones to analyse Liverpool's start to the new season. Whilst the European recovery continued at Anfield on Tuesday night, seeing off Rangers 2-0, the Reds remain 11 points off the pace in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's visit to league leaders Arsenal.We explore the on-pitch issues that have led to Jurgen Klopp's side struggling to build momentum this season as well as explore the off-pitch transition within the recruitment team.Having replaced Michael Edwards as Sporting Director in the summer, Julian Ward oversaw Mohamed Salah's contract extension, the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich as well as the potentially club-record arrival of Darwin Nunez, but have the Reds done enough in the transfer market to keep pace with Man City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 202232 min

Chelsea x Christopher Nkunku: Will It Work?

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey and German Football expert Raphael Honigstein, to explore RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku's prospective move to Chelsea in the summer... Where he would fit in, the inevitable questions about 'Bundesliga tax', whose feathers will be ruffled in Potter's existing squad, a potential attacking duo of Nkunku and Lukaku and why the new owners have elected to pay over the odds now, rather than wait til next Spring.Plus, an assessment of his strengths, character, form and whether the next superstar to arrive in the Premier League from the Bundesliga, will ultimately turn out to be more Haaland or Werner? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 4, 202228 min

Nkunku to Chelsea agreed, Foden contract close & why Wolves sacked Lage

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein. They discuss Man City's demolition of United with The Athletic's Sam Lee with news on a new contract on the cards for Phil Foden.The Athletic's Wolves writer Steve Madeley tells has all the details as to why Bruno Lage was sacked and we hear how the influence of agent Jorge Mendes at the club who could be lined up as the Wolves manager.David also has news on Chelsea's pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 3, 202232 min

Taking The Knee: What's Changed?

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The Athletic's Dan Barnes, Carl Anka & Roshane Thomas in conversation about Taking The Knee - the gesture was popularised ahead of games in England following the death of George Floyd in the USA.What purpose has taking the knee served? What if anything has changed? And why does it make some people so angry? What should happen next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 202233 min

Weekend Preview: Derbies in North London, Manchester and the East Midlands - the Premier League is back

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth to get stuck in to a massive weekend of Premier League football, with the North London derby, the Manchester derby and a crunch encounter in the East Midlands between Leicester and Nottingham Forest the pick of the bunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 202243 min

Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal redemption explained

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's data writer Maram AlBaharna & former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to explain the numbers and facts behind Granit Xhaka's journey to leading his side to the top of The Premier League having been close to leaving and the focus of fierce criticism in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 202233 min

Watford fire and hire again, but why is this one different?

Ian Irving is joined by Adam Leventhal and David Walker to talk about Watford's 17th head coach of the Pozzo era.On Monday this week in the space of 15 minutes, Watford announced the departure of Rob Edwards and the arrival of Slaven Bilic. It's not new but this time things felt different, and this time Watford fans are angry. Listen to get the inside story on how the club looks and to try to get inside the mind of Watford's trigger happy owner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 202239 min

Are England ready for the World Cup? Questions remain for Southgate

Ian Irving is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay to reflect on Monday night's 3-3 draw at Wembley between England and Germany.It was a spirited comeback for Gareth Southgate's side but big question marks remain over the inclusion of Harry Maguire, whether Foden fits into this system, whether Bellingham has nailed down a starting berth, whether Saka should start, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly out in the cold, to name but a few.All these issues and more discussed, plus JPB and Oli pick their starting XIs for England's opening world cup encounter against Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 27, 202236 min

Eric Cantona Interview: United President offer, Sir Alex, Beckham & Qatar

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Premier League legend Eric Cantona sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss a range of topics including his offer to become President of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, his thoughts on David Beckham's promotion of the World Cup in Qatar the possibility of World War and his connection with England.Eric also shares the inspiration behind that iconic goal celebration, that kick and why he is both humble & arrogant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 26, 202250 min

Weekend Preview: big tests for England & Southgate

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth for a look ahead to a big weekend of international football which will feature significant tests for Gareth Southgate's England and Rob Page's Wales just two months out from the world cup.Will Southgate put his faith in Bellingham? Will out of form Maguire and Shaw retain their starting spots? Who takes the no.1 shirt in Pickford's absence?The international break also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Premier League, so the panel cast their eye on how the title race and relegation battles are shaping up after seven games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 202237 min

Derby weekend preview, Manchester City's recruitment problem, and the best kick off time

Mark Chapman is joined by commentator Robyn Cowen and author Dr Carrie Dunn to look ahead to a big weekend of WSL action where we will be treated to Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Everton, and Chelsea v Man City.We discuss why Manchester City has got itself into the state it has, why Manchester United were able to get ahead of Spurs, and what to expect from the big derby matches in the men's stadiums.All that plus a debate on the best kick off time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 202237 min

Jude Bellingham: The battle to sign him & why he might not start at the World Cup

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Rafa Honigstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & James Pearce to detail the battle between clubs such as Liverpool & Manchester United to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.Also we hear why, despite impressive performances in the Champions League, Bellingham isn't sure to start for England at this year's World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 202230 min

Bruno Fernandes on his character, Ten Hag, captaincy, Ronaldo, Solskjaer, Rangnick and more

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for an exclusive in-depth conversation on topics ranging from Bruno's mindset and attitude when on the pitch, his view of why life under Erik ten Hag started so badly, how it's turned around so quickly, how it feels to be handed the captain's armband, and his relationship with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.There's also fascinating insight from Fernandes on how he uses the referee as a reference for finding space on the pitch, his thoughts on what went wrong for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, why it didn't go well for Ralf Rangnick, and much more besides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 20, 202258 min

How Grealish works at City, De Zerbi to Brighton, Cooper & Rodgers under pressure

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the two sides to the Jack Grealish debate – and why they are both right.Andy Naylor explains how and why Brighton appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new manager.Nick Miller on the mounting pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper & Leciester City boss Brendan Rodgers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 19, 202229 min

Weekend Preview: Time for Richarlison to replace Son, England's Toney to trouble Arsenal, Forest need points over performance

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Jay Harris to look ahead to all seven games this weekend as the Premier League returns from a week off. There's a big game on Friday night between two promoted sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, can Forest pick up some points to match their promising performances of late, or will Mitrovic be too much for that leaky defence?There are question marks over Son's place in the Spurs team as they get set to take on Leicester, Brentford take on Arsenal with Ivan Toney looking to celebrate his England call-up with a big performance, and there's a big game for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa look to back up that point against Man City with a positive result at home to Southampton on Friday nightAll that plus Wolves v Man City, Everton v West Ham and Newcastle v Bournemouth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 202247 min

Lewandowski: Why Bayern let him go & how Barca can get the best from him

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein & Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Robert Lewandowski; the reasons he left Bayern Munich & what he offers Barcelona.Also, how do the Barcelona & Bayern Munich compare off the pitch and which club is the greater attraction for elite players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 202231 min

Liverpool's Loss of Rhythm, Neymar's 'World Cup form' & Marcus 'Mini-Messi' Edwards: Champions League Preview

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Spurs and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to talk about Marcus Edwards; the 23-year-old English forward lining up against his former club Spurs in the Champions League...Plus, tactics writer Michael Cox is on hand to assess whether Christophe Galtier's PSG are any more balanced than in previous years, as well as, Neymar's imperious form less than two months from the start of the Qatar World Cup. Senior Writer Oli Kay also joins to discuss some fascinating parallels between Klopp's current floundering Liverpool and Arigo Sacchi's great AC Milan side of the late 80s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 13, 202235 min

AC Milan's redemption: how they turned it round & who are new owners RedBird Capital?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle & Matt Slater to detail how AC Milan was turned around both on and off the pitch, and tell you all you need to know about their new owners RedBird Capital - including their links with the New York Yankees, Drake & Lebron James - and hear about out their plans and challenges for AC Milan in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 12, 202237 min

Inside Tuchel's sacking - and why Chelsea have turned to Potter

A day on from Chelsea's sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to analyse how things turned sour at Stamford Bridge. And with Graham Potter's arrival close to confirmation, we ask why the new Chelsea ownership regard him as the key man for the Blue's next decade. Plus, what next for Tuchel - and how do Brighton prepare for life after Potter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 202237 min

Chelsea sack Tuchel - reaction with David Ornstein

Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel after a string of disappointing results and performances at the start of the new season.Join Mark Chapman, David Ornstein and Liam Twomey as they discuss why tensions have been increasing since the US tour, what this might mean for new boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and which manager they could to turn to next.[This episode of the Athletic Football Podcast was originally broadcast as a live stream] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 202228 min

Aubameyang To Chelsea: Unfinished Business, The No. 9 Curse & Boehly v Barcelona

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Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Pol Ballus to put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deadline day return to the Premier League under the spotlight...Where does the 33-year-old goalscorer fit in, six years on from being coached by Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, and how will his arrival impact Sterling, Havertz & Mount? Xavi's reluctance to sell at Barcelona, Auba's status at London-rivals Arsenal and a case of some unfinished business in the Premier League.Plus more on Todd Boehly's first transfer window since the Chelsea takeover and the shared desperation/chaos/bad-planning that kept drawing Barcelona and Chelsea together throughout the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 6, 202241 min

How Brighton sold best players & got better & Diego Costa set for Wolves medical

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Naylor to explain how Graham Potter’s Brighton sold their best players and improved. Alongside him, our Leicester writer Rob Tanner tells us why Brendan Rodgers is safe for now but is on thin ice.Elsewhere, with Diego Costa set for a medical at Wolves, we hear what if anything he has left in the tank from The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Jack Land & Wolves writer Steve Madeley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 5, 202236 min

Weekend Preview: Nunez back for Merseyside derby, Aubameyang in at Chelsea, Gerrard under big pressure

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers for a look at the pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend, there's the Merseyside derby on Saturday lunchtime which should feature the returning Darwin Nunez, and could see new signings debut for both teams.Chelsea made a late move for Aubameyang, will he come straight in against West Ham and make an impact? Plus there's a look at Aston Villa v Manchester City, a daunting prospect for under pressure Steven Gerrard.All that plus Man United v Arsenal, and the increasingly beleaguered Brendan Rodgers takes his Leicester side to high flying Brighton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 202245 min

Hey big spender! Why the Premier League dominates the transfer window whilst the rest of Europe watches on

The Athletic's Matt Slater and Phil Buckingham join Mark Chapman to look at a transfer window where the Premier League blew its European competition out the spending waters. So much so that players are choosing to come to England rather than stay at their clubs and compete in Europe's elite competition: the Champions League. The how and why of that is explained here.Plus there's a discussion on the Super League, what forms it could take should Europe want to compete with the Premier League, and whether we prefer juggernauts doing well but don't want to admit it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 202232 min

Scott Parker’s Bournemouth sacking: Criticisms, transfers and a summer of tension

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Ahmed Shooble & Peter Rutzler for a deep dive into why Bournemouth sacked Scott Parker as manager.Details include the relationship between Parker & the players, his relationship with the board and ownership, what happened inside the club in the after the nine nil battering by Liverpool and of course what who will take over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 202225 min

The Great Dele Alli Mystery: Bottled Lightning, A Phenomenon & Totally Unique

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Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jack Pitt-Brooke to explore the myriad of events which led to Dele Alli making his Besiktas debut last night at just 26 years old...The panel reflect on a meteoric rise, their first impressions of a totally self-confident phenomenon who quickly became a symbol of both Pochettino's top-table party-crashers and England's new generation. Was Dele failed by a succession of coaches, is he a player born in the wrong era tactically, or even a victim of the gaps in his own footballing education such was the speed of his rise to the top?Plus, did anyone think the Everton loan would work out and do we need to challenge the narrative of what success actually looks like for Alli? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 30, 202247 min

Four days till deadline - Ornstein with latest on Antony to Man Utd, Ronaldo future, Chelsea ins and outs, plus many more...

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Adam Crafton for a comprehensive roundup of the Premier League transfer picture ahead of Thursday's deadline.There's the latest on Antony to Man Utd and the future of Ronaldo, plus Chelsea's deal for Wesley Fofana and news of a possible u-turn in their pursuit of Aubameyang. We also look at the potential ins and outs at Everton as they strive to keep hold of Anthony Gordon amidst continued interest from Chelsea.All that plus mention of potential activity at Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, West Ham, Newcastle, Arsenal, Tottenham, Leeds, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa as we prepare for the conclusion of what has already been a record breaking summer window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 29, 202233 min

Weekend Preview: Can Bournemouth spring a surprise against Liverpool? Are Spurs quiet contenders?

Dan Bardell, George Elek, and Tim Spiers gather once again to preview the biggest Premier League fixtures.Coming up, can Manchester United get two wins in a week? Will Liverpool be pulled apart by the Cherries? And could Fulham be the first to put a spanner in the Arsenal armoury?All that plus some insight into Newcastle's potential new striker Alexander Isak and the striker with a pirate celebration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 202240 min

Moving on from Marcelo: how Jesse Marsch got Leeds rocking again

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay and tactics writer Ahmed Walid for an in-depth look at how Jesse Marsch's has put his stamp on things at Elland Road, and how that has helped the club and its fans to move on from the Marcelo Bielsa era.We look at his soft approach off the pitch, his aggressive tactics on the pitch, his renewed focus on set-pieces and the abandonment of the high-risk man-to-man system used by Bielsa.There's also a look at how the new signings like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are the perfect fits for Marsch's system and how he's reinvigorated the likes of the Premier League's leading goalscorer Rodrigo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 202230 min

Snobbery at Sheffield, cracks at Coventry('s pitch), and inspired Ipswich

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Mark Chapman is joined by Nancy Frostick of The Athletic and EFL goal centurion Sam Parkin to bring you up to date on the story lines from across tiers two to four.Covering everything from Coventry's dodgy pitch, to Preston's clean sheets, to the manager inspired by Hansi Flick to the coaches Manchester United have waved goodbye to. It's all here in this whip around the lower divisions.All that plus Watford's transfers, Wigan and Rotherham's unbeaten records, and the first sacking of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 24, 202243 min

Sancho's Moment, Klopp's Midfield, A Sea of Gold & Green: The Night The Erik ten Hag Era Began

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Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell, News correspondent Dan Sheldon and Liverpool writer Simon Hughes (somewhat more reluctantly), to reflect on all the drama from Monday night's game at Old Trafford...The panel discuss the anti-Glazer protests, how Erik ten Hag's big decisions paid off, while Jurgen Klopp's backfired and what it all meant for the respective futures of the likes of Ronaldo, Alexander-Arnold and more...Plus, an update on United's pursuit of Ajax's Antony and PSV's Cody Gakpo, as well as, why Liverpool may need midfield reinforcements more than the manager is prepared to admit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 23, 202237 min

Chelsea on the hunt for Aubameyang, Fofana, Gordon and De Jong, plus Casemiro set to join Man Utd

Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and our Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to reflect on Sunday's chastening defeat at Elland Road for Tuchel's side, and bring you insight on whether this result will hasten Chelsea's transfer pursuit for the likes of Aubameyang, Fofana, Anthony Gordon and even Frenkie De Jong.We're also joined by the Athletic's Manchester United writer Carl Anka as Casemiro is set to be the latest big-money star signing to arrive at Old Trafford, but will he be the difference maker that they so badly need?Plus there's a look at Man Utd's continued interest in Brazilian winger Antony, after he was left out of Ajax's fixture at the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 202242 min

Weekend Preview: Could defeat for Man United be a tipping point? Do Liverpool injuries give United hope?

Dan Bardell, Tim Spiers and George Elek preview the best of the weekend's Premier League action starting with the huge game at Old Trafford on Monday night as Manchester United take on Liverpool - will another humiliating defeat prove a tipping point for the disgruntled United fans? Does Liverpool's lengthy injury list give Utd a glimmer of hope? Can Jurgen Klopp's side afford to drop more points this early on?Plus there's a look at Spurs v Wolves, Bournemouth v Arsenal, Leeds v Chelsea, and Newcastle v Manchester City Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 202246 min

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners on why they did it

The Athletic's Pablo Maurer sits down for an interview with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney about their ownership of Wrexham football club - and their new documentary charting the experience.To set the scene, Pablo is joined by Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Nick Miller to discuss the rise of sports documentaries and why football clubs & footballers want to peel back the curtain in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 18, 202232 min

"Where's Balotelli?" Why Newcastle United aren't spending like Man City did

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Joining Mark Chapman this week it's Newcastle's "Pope of Mope" George Caulkin and senior writer Oli Kay to answer the question: "Why aren't Newcastle doing the thing we expected them to do?" ie spend tonnes of money.To answer that question and get an insight into the running of this rejuvenated football this is the podcast for you. Hear about comparisons with Chelsea, City, and Everton and why this is such a different situation to those clubs.There's also a look into a matchday at St James' Park including something significant on cheese. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 17, 202233 min

Hasenhuttl's Grip on Saints & Gamble on Youth

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Southampton writer Jacob Tanswell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes, to explore the huge gamble the club's new owners are taking on young talent - despite mounting concerns over Premier League relegation and manager Ralph Hasenhutll's job... The panel detail and discuss the new profile of player being targeted by the club and why new Head of Recruitment, Joe Shields, is the right man for the right time. Plus, what it's like to actually play for Hasenhuttl, why a tactical shift has dented his popularity among supporters and what the last few years have done to his once glowing reputation on the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 16, 202235 min

How Brentford demolished Manchester United

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jay Harris - who were both at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday - to explain how Brentford blew Manchester United away.Hear details from both clubs as to how they prepared and the fallout out behind-the-scenes at United featuring a an extra running session , strained relations and Ten Hag changing his mind on Ronaldo.We also get a report from The Athletic's Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan as he left Camp Nou on Saturday after Barcelona’s frantic week to register their new signings for their season opener. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 15, 202228 min

Weekend preview: Gerrard v Lampard 2.0, Brentford’s Great Dane, and finisher-less Chelsea take on Spurs

Dan Bardell, Tim Spiers and George Elek preview the best of the weekend's Premier League action as Gerrard prepares to take on Lampard.Is Stevie G missing Mick Beale? Do Chelsea have everything to lose against Spurs? And will somebody hit 40 goals in the Premier League this season? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 12, 202242 min