The Athletic FC Podcast

Italian striker Mario Balotelli sits down with his former Manchester City teammate Nedum Onuoha for The Athletic. Hear Mario on his regrets about leaving City, telling teammates he is as good as Messi & Ronaldo, representing Italy and his key role in the most iconic moment in Premier League history. Mario also shares his thoughts on the wild stories about him in the press over the years, how he has grown as a person, how he perceives himself today and his ambitions for the rest of his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Liam Twomey as Chelsea are beaten in the League Cup final. We explain why owner Roman Abramovich is is looking to hand over the ‘care’ of the club and what - if anything - it really means.And our Leeds United writer Phil Hay joins us to reflect on the departure of Marcelo Bielsa from Elland Road with Jesse Marsch likely to replace him as head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the EFL Cup Final - Do Klopp's Liverpool need to boost their trophy haul and does Tuchel go with Lukaku or Havertz upfront? Plus, when does Antonio Conte need to start taking responsibility for Spurs' failures and could Southampton soon challenge for European places? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Matt Slater speaks to Gary Sweet, CEO of Luton Town about his club's rise back up the football pyramid ahead of welcoming the European champions to their famous old stadium and their plans for a new home.Then we also speak to Ukrainian football expert Andrew Todas about the potential impact War with Russia may have on football in Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Dom Fifield, senior writer for The Athletic, to discuss his fascinating interview with Joe Cole, and a year on loan in Lille... They reflect on, why it was so unusual for an English international to make such a move, as well as, an iconic Lille side which already boasted Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet in its attack.Later, the trio debate how the Jadon Sancho effect has dramatically altered the landscape both here in England and on the continent - Are young English footballers simply more willing to play abroad or are they in far greater demand? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal & Adam Crafton take you inside the biggest Premier League stories and look ahead to this week's action in the Champions League.Our Manchester City writer Sam Lee shares his thoughts on a potential title race after he witnessed a Harry Kane masterclass & details how City have been doing just fine without a striker even after dropping points at the weekend.Are Wolves mounting a charge for a Champions League spot? The Athletic's Tim Spiers details how the club he covers are ‘evolving at pace’And we’ll look ahead to this week’s action in the Champions League with a focus on Atletico Madrid who face Manchester United with The Athletic’s Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, just as Newcastle are preparing to keep the run going, without Kieran Trippier... Would Jarrod Bowen offer Gareth Southgate something England sorely lack, are we all guilty of under-appreciating Pep's Manchester City and what job did Conte think he was taking?Plus, does Daniel James have anything to prove to his old club Manchester United, is Kane still one of the best centre-forwards in world football and are Wolves the real dark horses for fourth spot? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Andy Anson, CEO of the British Olympic Association to discuss what the future holds for the Winter & Summer Games. Andy tells us why FIFA’s plan to stage the men’s World Cup every two years will threaten the Olympics and be “terrible” for football.Also on the pod, Andrew Zimbalist, an author and economist whose research has led him to raise questions about the value to cities of hosting the Olympics — and influenced some cities to back away from bidding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's News & Investigations writer Matt Slater, to discuss his special report into a rise in football fan violence: Missiles, Cocaine and Political Agendas...The trio reflect on their own experiences of going to games since the return of fans - post-lockdown - the frightening statistics recently published by the UK Football Policing Unit, as well as, the role of match-day stewards and a younger generation of match-going supporters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Phil Hay to talk Leeds United, whose struggles continued at the weekend, and to assess the challenge ahead next season with or without manager Marcelo Bilesa.Plus, The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle will be with us to assess the work of Antonio Conte at Spurs so far and James will also help up look ahead to the Champions League that return this week as Conte’s former side Inter Milan face Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365s Steve Freeth, to look ahead to the weekend's Premier League action... After the emotion in the away dugout following Southampton's midweek win at Spurs - does anyone think Hasenhuttl could really walk away from the game yet? What has Dean Smith done to Norwich, and how many of KdB's teammates are more deserving of this year's POTY award?Plus, are Gerrard's Villa the new 'agents of chaos', how do you stop and in-form Allan Saint-Maximin and is Brendan Rodgers under serious pressure at Leicester? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by Doug Whaley a former NFL executive to discuss the lawsuit former Dolphins coach Brian Flores has filed against the NFL and to share his thoughts on a range of subjects including the Rooney Rule, coach selection and how the sport should embrace diversity.Plus, we cross to LA where The Athletic’s US Sports business reporter Dan Kaplan is covering the Super Bowl to share what he's heard on the ground ahead of Sunday's finale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Arsenal correspondents, James McNicholas and Art de Roché, to reflect on Aubameyang's legacy, how his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta changed, as well as, how an 'iron-fist' approach to management works in the modern-day Premier League.Plus, the panel discuss Arsenal's quiet January transfer window and assess their chances of sneaking into the Top 4 this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Rob Tanner to discuss Leicester, after a performance described by manager Brendan Rodgers as ‘embarrassing’ - Rob tells us why the squad is in need of an overhaul.We’ll cross to Cameroon and speak to Maher Mezahi for reflections on Senegal finally becoming Africa Cup of Nations Champions and a look back on the impact the tournament has had across the game.And Daniel Taylor joins us to tell us about his special report on the difficult issue of rehabilitation in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview the FA Cup 4th round action, starting with a nostalgic fixture on Friday night as Middlesbrough host Manchester United...Plus, has Liverpool's super-smart recruitment set them up to compete for years to come, did Spurs panic buy in January, will Roy Hodgson keep Watford in the Premier League and is it promotion or bust for Scott Parker's Bournemouth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman and Matt Slater discuss sport’s impact on culture, politics and society and sport in China since the 2008 Games and how international leagues such as the NBA, the WTA and the English Premier League operate in a challenging region that offers an enormous market for business. Our guests today are Mark Dreyer a China Sports Insider, and author of "Sporting Superpower: An Insider's View on China's Quest to Be the Best" and William Nee, who is the research and advocacy coordinator at Chinese Human Rights Defenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondents Greg O'Keeffe and Patrick Boyland, to reflect on a whirlwind month or so at Goodison, as Frank Lampard was finally unveiled as Rafa Benitez' successor AND both Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli signed on Deadline Day to kickstart this new era...Our panel reveal how Lampard came out on top among a seemingly endless list of candidates - which included the likes of Wayne Rooney - who will make up his back-room staff, how he can help reignite Dele Alli's career and if Alli and DvB can even operate in the same team!Plus, senior writer Dom Fifield sets the record straight on Lampard's tenure as Chelsea head coach and explores what 'Lampard-ball' could look like at Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & David Ornstein to discuss the biggest transfer deals of the window taking you inside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move to Barcelona, Dele Alli 's move to Everton and why other players such as Jesse Lingard didn't get the moves they hoped for.The Athletic's Chris Waugh also drops by to discuss an intense window for Newcastle United who didn't get everything they wanted but did they get what they need to stay in the Premier League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Garry Cook, who over the course of a 30 year career is sport has held executive positions at Nike - where he led the Jordan brand - the UFC and he was also the CEO of Premier League side Manchester City helping to secure the £210 million takeover by current owner Sheikh Mansour. As well as sharing some of his own experiences in the business of sport, Garry also gives his thoughts on the current landscape of Premier League football including the takeover of Newcastle United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, to discuss Raheem Sterling's 'complicated' relationship with Man City and manager Pep Guardiola as the prospect of leaving the reigning Champions at the end of his current deal looms large for the England superstar...What is it like to play 'Pep Roulette' as a City squad member and more on Guardiola's January transfer plans, Plus, Dan and Flo find time to react to Roy Hodgson's impending return to the Premier League with Watford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to look at deals that could be done in the final week of the season. They also discuss managerial recruitment as Manchester United step up the hunt for a permanent head coach.Later in the pod we’ll discuss Watford’s struggles with Adam Leventhal and our Investigations Writer Joey D'Urso will detail the story of a bookmaker receiving hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of bets on a player receiving a yellow card in a Premier League game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to another big weekend of Premier League action... Is James Ward-Prowse the best Free-Kick taker in PL history? Is Conor Gallagher better off at Selhurst Park than returning to Stamford Bridge, did Steven Gerrard's return to Goodison Park just get a whole lot harder and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Isha Johansen, who is a member of The FIFA Council, the main decision making body of world football about a range of topics including the challenges she's encountered on her journey to the corridors of power, biennial World Cups, plus diversity and sustainability in the game.Previously Isha was President of the Sierra Leone Football Association , one of only a few women in the world to have headed a national football association. Isla is also owner and CEO of Sierra Leone National Premier League club FC Johansen, the club she started to provide guidance and opportunities to children whose lives had been disrupted by civil war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Joey D'Urso, Investigations writer for The Athletic, to explore the Premier League's increasingly close relationship with Cryptocurrency, NFT's and the Metaverse...What is a 'non-fungible token', why is John Terry promoting something called the 'Ape Kid's Club', what do a cartoon monkey and the Mona Lisa have in common and why supporters should care how millionaire players choose to invest their money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, David Ornstein & Greg O'Keeffe to discuss Everton's sacking of manager Rafa Benitez and how they plan to replace him.Our Brentford writer Jay Harris joins the pod to detail his exclusive story that Brentford have offered Christian Eriksen a six-month contract with the option of a further year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview a North London Derby with so much at stake for both Arsenal and Tottenham... Plus, how Vieira will look to balance all the attacking talent in Crystal Palace's midfield, which Premier League side could use Bissouma this month, how Chelsea can keep the title race alive and Jarrod Bowen's electric form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by Stewart Robertson, managing director of Scottish Premiership champions Glasgow Rangers football club. Rangers won their 55th title last year after financial collapse in 2012 saw them have to climb their way up from the fourth division.Stewart shares his experiences at the club across a wide range of issues including the development of home-grown talent, being a big club in a small TV market and the club's plans to once again compete in the UEFA Champions League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jay Harris to discuss why AFCON matters, as the 33rd edition of the tournament kicked off in Cameroon...The panel discuss this rite of passage for a diaspora of young football fans, how European attitudes towards the festival of football continue to evolve, de-bunk some of the typical misconceptions about African football and tell the sensational story of Comoros, aka, 'The Island of the Moon'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & David Ornstein to discuss some of the latest transfer news. Aston Villa are confident of signing Everton left-back Lucas Digne after picking up Philippe Coutinho on loan, Arsenal could be after a striker and Newcastle are targeting further signings ahead of their crunch relegation showdown with Watford.The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke will join us to tell us what has gone wrong at Spurs for record signing Tanguy Ndombele who wants to leave the club in January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are once again in the company of bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the best of the weekend's FA Cup Third Round action... Will Ben Garner's Swindon stand toe-to-toe with Pep's Man City, could Arsenal be light in midfield against Nottingham Forest and is the Hull City takeover done yet?Plus, why Crystal Palace could be dark horses for the trophy this season, Manuel Lanzini's inspired West Ham form and what Ralf Rangnick could learn from his 29-year-old centre half, Phil Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off this weekend Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by Hicham El Amrani, former Secretary General of the African Football Federation.And later in the pod we’ll be joined by The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon who has been speaking to Martin Semmens CEO of Premier League side Southampton following their takeover by a London-based investment firm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which referee's name strikes fear into your heart as a fan. Does Stuart Attwell really hate Arsenal and why do Premier League referees all look alike?... Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Stuart James and Dan Barnes to reflect on the 'Great Referee Conspiracy' gripping the hearts of supporters across the country...The guys discuss the concerning lack of diversity, accountability and whether 'consistency' is even possible in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman discusses the future of Romelu Lukaku - after he was dropped from the Chelsea squad - with The Athletic’s Simon Johnson & James Horncastle & Adam Crafton.Adam Crafton was at Old Trafford last night for The Athletic and has plenty of thoughts on United's struggles following their loss to Wolves. And with the transfer window now open, The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh joins the pod ahead of a very busy month on his beat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic Football Podcast is taking break this week so we wanted to point you in the direction of the newest addition to the Athletic podcast network.In The Boardroom is hosted by Jacqui Oatley and she speaks to people from up and down the football pyramid about the day-to-day to running a football club. As a taster, this is Jacqui's conversation with Leon Mann, co-founder of The Football Blacklist, where they discuss Leon's on-going mission to make football more inclusive - from coaching to club administration to the media.If you like what you hear, you can listen to the other interviews from the series by searching for In The Boardroom and subscribing for free on Apple, Spotify and everywhere else you get your pods, including of course the Athletic app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ho-Ho-Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the best of the Boxing Day action as Dan questions whether this is a good time for his beloved Villa to face Chelsea and the trio debate where both Newcastle and Manchester United most need to strengthen in January...Plus, Phil Hay chimes in on how badly Leeds need some players back from injury this Christmas, if Liverpool can sustain a title challenge without their African stars and whether the Newcastle project is a more interesting proposition than Brighton's? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mbappe, Pogba, Rudiger and countless other star players are out of contract next summer; The Athletic's senior writer Stuart James joins Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes to explain...How the pandemic has helped to create a truly 'unique' summer, the role of football agents in this trend and how clubs are trying to wrestle back some control. Plus, who the big winners and losers might be in January? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss the fallout from the Premier League's decision on Monday not to postpone a round of fixtures over Christmas despite the rise in COVID cases continuing to put matches in jeopardy.We're also joined by The Athletic's senior writer Dominic Fifield and our Leeds correspondent Phil Hay to look at Chelsea and Leeds - two of the clubs who have been badly affected by the recent chaos in different ways, and with it being announced that 16% of Premier League footballers are unvaccinated we attempt to work out the reasons why and whether football can do anything about this issue.All that plus a look ahead to the January transfer window and our panel pick their footballing highlights of 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview (what's left of) the weekend's Premier League action, as Covid outbreaks continue to disrupt the festive fixture calendar... Has 'Auba-gate' actually galvanised the Arsenal squad and can they take their impressive home form to Elland Road on Saturday? How much Kane would be worth if he tried to engineer another move away from Spurs in January and more on KdB's frighteningly good return to action. Plus, why Gareth Southgate MUST find a way to get Trent Alexander-Arnold into his England team for the World Cup next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Edwin van der Sar to discuss his journey from being a hugely successful player to leading one of European football's most famous football clubs as CEO of AFC Ajax.We also hear how Edwin's work at Ajax is being noticed from other clubs including his former side Manchester United.In a wide ranging discussion, Edwin also details the every day challenges he faces in his role from recruitment, managing finances and creating an authentic connection with fans through the club's unique culture and Bob Marley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Wolves writer Tim Spiers to shine a spotlight on his article: ‘A footballer’s guide to Christmas parties: The fines, fisticuffs, foreign trips and fancy dress,’ for which Tim enlisted the help of former Wolves winger Matt Jarvis... Standby for some outrageous tales from what Matt proudly describes as the 'biggest night on the footballing calendar', how the tradition has withstood scrooge-esque managers, a pandemic and the ever-increasing professional standards we've come to expect.Plus, Dan and Flo react to the news that Arsenal have stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to discuss the off field dispute that led to Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being dropped by Mikel Arteta.David & Adam will share what they know following COVID outbreaks at Aston Villa & Manchester United and explain what could happen next.And we’ll speak to The Athletic’s Crystal Palace writer Matt Woosnam after an important win for Patrick Vieira’s side against Everton at Selhurst Park with Connor Gallagher stealing the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth reconvene to discuss their first impressions of the Ralf Rangnick era at Old Trafford, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka fails his first audition infront of his new manager... They also explore Kasper Schmeichel's big dip in form, how Brentford keep finding new ways to replace their star strikers, Man City's ominous recent PL form and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Rick Parry, Chairman of the English Football League to discuss regulation and sustainability at all levels of English football in the wake of the recommendations made in the Fan-Led Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Women's football writer Jessy Parker Humphreys, to reflect on the many ways in which the sport's openly gay power-couples are creating a safe and 'joyous' environment for the LGBTQ+ community... They discuss how love-stories like Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis, the in-jokes, social media sub-culture and sincere efforts to celebrate the joy of 'queerness' in sport, has left the men's game in the dust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Adam Crafton assess the impact Ralf Rangnick is already having as Manchester United interim manager with our German writer Raphael HonigsteinThe Athletic’s Andy Jones will share his concerns for Burnley who are joint bottom of the Premier League following defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.And, more disarray at Everton means another uplifting Everton chat, this time with Greg O’Keefe as news came through yesterday that director of football Marcel Brands has left the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to reflect on Arsenal's bad habits after scoring a goal, Michael Carrick's Manchester United legacy and Aubameyang's ability to disappear in big away games... Plus, the trio debate Chelsea's best attacking combination, why Everton are lucky to have Rafa Benitez in charge and if Raheem Sterling is back in Pep's good books? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by Tracey Crouch MP who responds to criticism from some leaders at Premier League clubs of The Independent Fan Led Review of Football Governance that was chaired by Crouch.Also on the pod, Danny Macklin, CEO of Leyton Orient, who play in League Two in the English football league, to get his thoughts on the review that he hopes can provide lower league clubs the financial support they need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Senior Writer for The Athletic, George Caulkin, to discuss Newcastle's perilous Premier League position, the Saudi's first January transfer window and early impressions of new manager Eddie Howe...Plus, a special tribute to Gary Speed - 10 years on from his death - as Alan Shearer asks likes of Sam Allardyce, Duncan Ferguson, Chris Coleman, Gordon Strachan and others, what made his mate 'Speedo' so unique. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Ralph Rangnick is confirmed as Manchester United interim manager, David Ornstein who broke the story on The Athletic, joins Mark Chapman to bring the very latest details, whilst Adam Crafton will share some of the details from his piece on United’s five-year pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino. The Athletic's Patrick Boyland joins us to look at what is going wrong at Everton after another defeat at the weekend ahead of the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday.Whilst our Manchester City writer Sam Lee will be with us to share his story on the future of Ferran Torres and why he is thinking about a move in the January window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to reflect on The Athletic's exclusive story, that Ralf Rangnick has agreed a deal to manage Manchester United until the end of the season! Our very own German football expert Raphael Honigstein gives us the low-down on the 'Godfather of Gegenpressing' and the guys discuss what his appointment has done for United's chances at Stamford Bridge on Sunday...Plus, whether Arsenal will be able to bounce back from their annual Anfield humiliation against Eddie Howe's ultra-attacking Newcastle, why there are no more excuses for both Brentford and Everton, why Dan's sceptical of all the recent praise for Graham Potter and why Leeds' teenager Joe Gelhardt is like a young Wayne Rooney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.