The Athletic FC Podcast

Chelsea are out of the Champions League after an 8-2 humbling at the hands of PSG.So where does such a damaging defeat leave head coach Liam Rosenior?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Allcott, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 12 wins, six draws and 12 defeats in the Premier League - Newcastle have been struggling to find consistency this season.So a year on from their historic Carabao Cup win at Wembley - are Eddie Howe’s side actually progressing?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Whitehead & George CaulkinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again, boos rang around Anfield as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Spurs. After missing the chance to go 4th, is it Champions League qualification or bust for Arne Slot? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a massive game in the race for Champions League football.Can the Red Devils bounce back from their first loss of the Michael Carrick era against the out of form Villains? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For all the talk of Premier League dominance in Europe no English sides won in this week's Champions League.So, ahead of the second legs next week is this just a blip or a rude awakening?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things aren't getting any better for Tottenham or Igor Tudor, after their 5-2 Champions League last 16 first leg loss to Atletico Madrid.Four games, four defeats, 14 goals conceded and a goalkeeper subbed after 17 minutes.So, what next for Spurs & Tudor?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Jay Harris & Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSG dominated club football last season - finally winning the Champions League.But this year they’ve not yet hit the heights.So can they step up and defend their European title?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Carl AnkaExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal and Man City are still in all four competitions after reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.It's the latest two sides have ever still been in the hunt of the quadruple in English football history.So could we see one of those sides win the lot?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oliver Kay and Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss football’s new rules!They talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and our own suggestions for new football laws.Host: Duncan AlexanderGuests: Michael Cox, Mark CareyProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FA Cup weekend brings a Hollywood tie to the Racecourse Ground, as Wrexham host Chelsea. Can the Championship club upset the odds again? Elsewhere in fifth round action is yet another Newcastle and Manchester City matchup, Arsenal head to Mansfield, Port Vale host Sunderland, and more...Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Adrian Clarke & Richard SutcliffeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of January Aston Villa were level on points with Man City seven points off league leaders Arsenal.One win in six has left them clinging onto a place in the top four as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.So, are the wheels falling off for Unai Emery’s side?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jacob Tanswell, Stuart James and Chris WaughExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 28 matches, Spurs are just four points above the relegation zone.So could they actually get relegated for the first time in almost 50 years?And how would Championship football impact a club of Tottenham’s size?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jay Harris, David Ornstein, Beren CrossExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is launching its own direct-to-consumer streaming channel in Singapore from next season.So what will it look like?And could it be a sign of things to come in the UK?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Matt Slater, Adam LeventhalExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After losing at the Emirates, Chelsea have dropped to sixth.They’ve also registered a £342m loss in their accounts.So, can Chelsea afford to miss out on Champions League qualification?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater & Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale, Guy Clarke, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal host Chelsea in their second London derby in the space of a week.Can the Gunners take momentum from a brilliant win at Tottenham last time out, or will Chelsea put the brakes firmly back on Arsenal’s title charge? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Art de Roché & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite being 10 points clear in Serie A, Inter have been knocked out the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt.Juventus followed suit on Wednesday night meaning Italy’s only round of 16 representative is Atalanta.So, is Italian football in crisis or this season's performance just a blip?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This season, plenty of managers have talked themselves into trouble.Oliver Glasner angered Crystal Palace fans by telling them to “stay humble”.And Ruben Amorim got sacked shortly after public criticism of Man United.So just how powerful are a manager’s words?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Charlie Eccleshare, Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Michael Carrick era at Manchester United has got off to a flying start.So how has he done it?And what would it take for him to get the job permanently?Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Mark Critchley, Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second time this season Arsenal saw off rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the north London derby.But having dropped points against Brentford and Wolves what does a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium prove about Arsenal's ability to embrace the pressure ahead of the title run-in?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Art de Roché, Jay Harris and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal head up the road to Tottenham for a massive North London Derby. Can Igor Tudor start his Spurs career with a big win to help lift the mood, or will Arsenal get back on title track? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Art de Roché & Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With so many big clubs potentially in the market for a new manager this summer.So, what actually is the hardest coaching job in football?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win at Benfica on Tuesday night was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse suffered by goalscorer Vinicius Junior.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris and Dermot Corrigan to break down what happened, discuss the reaction and what might happen next.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jay Harris, Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marseille’s season is in danger of spiralling after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach.So why did his spell come to an end so suddenly?And could the Italian return to the Premier League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs have appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach.So why him, and how does it affect their summer plans? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle, Jay Harris, Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast are talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract beyond the 2026 World Cup. So why has this happened now, and with sacking season in full flow, how does this impact the wider managerial market? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Oli KayExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Dyche has become the third manager to be sacked by Nottingham Forest this season, following Wednesday night's goalless draw at home to Wolves.Former Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira is in pole position to succeed Dyche and would follow on from Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou as the other men to have taken charge of Forest this season.Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, can a fourth manager of the season save Forest from the drop?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a miserable eight months in charge.A run of just two league wins in 17 Premier League matches spelled the end for the Dane.So who do they turn to next? And can that person fight off the very real threat of relegation?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still making headlines.This time, he’s fallen out with his club, Al-Nassr.So why is he unhappy?And what does the future hold for the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After trailing at Anfield Manchester City flipped the script and beat Liverpool with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.So after the dramatic ending, is the title race back on?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of weather. How do the elements impact what happens on the pitch? From the rainy, cold and windy nights at Stoke.To the scorching heat of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S.We’ll discuss it all.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'NeillProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Manchester City.Mark Carey & Jay Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to preview Sunday’s clash, with City looking to keep the pressure on at the top, as Arsenal have the chance to go 9-points clear when they host Sunderland the day before.Elsewhere around the league, Spurs head Old Trafford, Brighton face Crystal Palace in the feisty M23 derby, and down the bottom there's a relegation 6-pointer as Leeds take on Forest.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Carey & Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026 hasn’t started well for Crystal Palace. Their captain sold, 12 games without a win and sliding down the table.So, how much danger are Palace in?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Woosnam and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup final after a 4-2 win on aggregate over Chelsea.So how significant would a first trophy in six years be for Mikel Arteta and his side?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James McNicholas, JPBExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The January transfer window has been relatively quiet by Premier League standards - with a combined spend of £397m between all 20 clubs.But does that mean we’re in for a big summer in both the transfer and managerial markets?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Tim Spiers, Jay HarrisExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea turned half-time boos to into full-time cheers, coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Liam Rosenior said post-match he hopes his appointment as Chelsea boss will be ‘the best decision' the club has made.With six wins from seven, could he be right?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exotic clauses, tapping up and how much agents really get paid. Your questions answered is the transfer special that you control.Adam Leventhal heads to Malaga and beyond to pose your enquiries to those operating in the transfer market right now.Contributions and insight comes from 15 representatives from multiple Premier League, European and global clubs — including takes from the U.S., Brazil, Morocco, Japan and Australia — and financial and legal experts with a deep knowledge of the transfer business.Scouts, sporting directors, agents and former players telling you what it's really like working in the transfer business.Writer & Presenter: Adam LeventhalProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City.Stu James & Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the big fixtures elsewhere including Leeds vs Arsenal and Liverpool vs Newcastle.Plus, a relegation fight is well and truly on as West Ham travel to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest host Crystal Palace amidst the possibility of Jean-Philippe Mateta leaving Selhurst for the City Ground. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James & Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League league phase is over - after a pulsating final night.Five of the top eight sides are Premier League teams.But what else did we learn from the league phase?We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Lang and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last summer was the year of the big-money strikers - from Isak to Gyokeres to Sesko to Woltemade and more!So is it fair to say they’ve struggled to live up to expectations?And if so... why?We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Oli Kay, Mark Carey, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool spent £450m last summer yet the squad still needs major surgery, after their unconvincing 13-game unbeaten run was ended at Bournemouth on Saturday.So how did they get their recruitment so wrong and can Arne Slot turn their fortunes around?We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Tim Spiers and James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League is now down to four points, after losing 3-2 at home to Manchester United.Mikel Arteta's side took a first half lead before going on to lose in front of their home fans for the first time this season.So, is the pressure getting to Arsenal?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art De Roche and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul IliffeWe’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of home and away - discussing the tactical differences between performing in front of your own fans, and taking to the road.What are the key elements to playing on home turf, and how does it impact what happens on the pitch?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouWe’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Research article: Revising home advantage in sport – home advantage mediation (HAM) model Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester United.Both sides will be going into this one full of confidence, Michael Carrick’s return to Old Trafford got off to the perfect start beating Manchester City, while Arsenal made it 7 wins from 7 games in the Champions League midweek, overpowering Inter at San Siro.Stu James & Art de Roché join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Manchester City vs Wolves, Newcastle vs Aston Villa and Crystal Palace vs Chelsea.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James & Art de RochéExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford has been enjoying his football in Spain.Scoring goals and creating goals - as he did in Champions League on Wednesday night.So will Rashford be able to stay at Barcelona permanently?We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday Real Madrid players and president Florentino Perez were booed by the fans.Last night they put on a show in the Champions League that seemed to turn the stadium in their favour - but is Perez still under fire?We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai and Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re already halfway through the January transfer window.So what moves should we be looking out for in the final weeks of the window?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford started with a win.Carrick himself labelling it “a dream start” after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the Manchester derby.So, are Manchester United back already?!Plus we hear what difference Marc Guehi's signing could have for Man City as well as reflecting on an incredible night in Rabat as Senegal beat Morocco in an drama-filled AFCON Final.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Carl Anka and Oli KayFeaturing: Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby. Michael Carrick will take charge of his first game back at Manchester United as interim manager while the Manchester City will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after three straight draws.Carl Anka and Alex Barker join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal, Chelsea vs Brentford and Spurs vs West Ham.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Carl Anka & Alex BarkerFeaturing: Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AFCON 2025 final line-up is set: 2021 winners Senegal v hosts MoroccoBut what does defeat in the last four mean for both Nigeria and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.