PLAY PODCASTS
The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast

1,423 episodes — Page 24 of 29

Business Of Sport: Crystal Palace Co-owner John Textor Interview

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by John Textor, who earlier this year invested almost £90million in English Premier League side Crystal Palace and in doing so became a fourth partner and director at the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 202139 min

Spurs & The Y-Word

E

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Tottenham correspondent Charlie Eccleshare and News Editor Amitai Winehouse, to discuss Spurs' complicated relationship with an antisemitic slur - The Y word...The panel delve into this nuanced debate, reflect on the origins of its association with the North London club, how it continues to divide the fanbase and even the wider Jewish community. Plus, how the heart-warming story of a lesser-known, Leeds-mad Jewish community in Yorkshire factors into this enduring debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 202144 min

Inside Solskjaer’s dismissal at Man United

Mark Chapman is joined by The Atheltic’s David Ornstein, Lauire Whitwell & Adam Crafton to discuss the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager of Manchester United. We’ll go inside the turbulent final weeks of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign with detail of how it went wrong and who Manchester United are planning to bring in next.Later in the pod Mark & Adam are joined by to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers who has been speaking to Wolves striker Raul Jimenez about his excellent return to form and the documentary that charts his return from a life-threatening injury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 202146 min

Weekend Preview: Kane Vs Rooney, Arteta's Anfield Mid-Term & Is Brendan Rodgers Distracted?

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview some much-needed Premier League football following the last international break of 2021... Antonio Conte welcomes Marcelo Bielsa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a fascinating tactical match-up and Arsenal travel to Liverpool to find out how much progress they've really made since the start of the season...Plus, has Brendan Rodgers achieved all he can at Leicester and is Rafa Benitez 'pragmatism' starting to stifle Everton's creative talents? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19, 202141 min

Business of Sport: Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman resigns

The Athletic's Matt Slater and guests react to the news that Gary Hoffman has announced he is resigning as chairman of The Premier League after just 18 months in the job.He is joined by Simon Johnson, currently chair of The Rugby Football League, he spent 5 years as Chief Operating Officer at the English Football Association and was Director of Legal & Business Affairs at the Premier League. Also, on the panel is Alex Horne, former CEO of The English FA for 5 years, he oversaw financing, completion and opening of both Wembley National Stadium and the National Football Centre.And in the final part of the podcast, Keith Wyness, former CEO of Premier League sides Aston Villa & Everton reveals what it’s like inside meetings between executives and chairs like Gary Hoffman at The Premier League and CEOs at Premier League clubs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 18, 202132 min

Gerrard's 'Big Audition', Klopp's Sabbatical & Edwards' Departure

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Rangers correspondent for The Athletic, Jordan Campbell, to explore the warning signs that Gerrard had become unsettled at Ibrox... The carefully assembled back-room staff Villa are set to inherit, including revered assistant coach Michael Beale, and why the likes of Emi Buendia could be set to flourish under new management.Later, Liverpool writer James Pearce joins in to discuss Klopp's contract, the impact of Sporting Director Michael Edwards' decision to step down at the end of the season and where Gerrard now fits into the bigger picture at Anfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 202142 min

Lampard's managerial future, Howe's Newcastle plans & Smith new Norwich boss

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton to look at the different challenges faced by three newly appointed managers in the Premier League. We’ll hear about the unlikely bond between Steven Gerrard & Christian Purslow that played a part in Gerrard landing the Aston Vila job.They also look at how Newcastle United could be about to be given a new identity by new boss Eddie Howe and how they might approach the transfer window - The Athletic's George Caulkin will join us for that. And Michael Bailey will be with us to tell us why Norwich City have decided to go for Dean Smith as their new manager and why Frank Lampard pulled out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 15, 202137 min

Weekend Preview: Gerrard & Lampard Returning, Sancho the RWB & Another Dele Alli Renaissance?

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to discuss Steven Gerrard's appointment as Aston Villa boss - Is it really a bad thing if he views Villa as a stepping stone to Liverpool? Plus, why Norwich choosing Frank Lampard to replace Daniel Farke would be a surprise...The trio also attempt to pick Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup in Qatar next year and look ahead to an important week for both Scotland and Wales' qualification hopes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 12, 202138 min

Business of Sport: The Power Of Sports Documentaries

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater discuss the rise of sport documentaries that pull back the curtain on the lives of professional athletes and attract new fans into watching live sport.Guests include Christian Horner, Team Principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula One who features in the hugely successful Netflix series Drive to Survive.Then we’ll hear from Leo Pearlman from Fulwell 73 who has produced multiple hours of television and feature films including Sunderland Till I Die & I am Bolt.And we’ll get a commercial overview with sports media rights expert Murray Barnett of 26 West Sport who has also worked for the likes of Formula 1, The NBA, World Rugby and ESPN. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 202152 min

Erik ten Hag, Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar & The Ajax Pheonix Project

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's European football writer Raphael Honigstein, to discuss one of the "forgotten super-coaches" - Ajax manager Erik ten Hag... Rafa, reveals the secrets to their re-emergence as a major European force, just two years on from *that* sensational Champions League run and their heart-breaking semi-final exit to Spurs.Plus, the trio compare the trajectory of both Tottenham and Ajax since that game, analyse why the stars of their 'Class of 2019' side (Ziyech, van de Beek, de Jong et al.) have struggled since leaving, as well as, how the trio of ten Hag, Sporting Director Marc Overmars and Chief Exec Edwin van der Sar, has become the envy of the footballing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 202136 min

Aston Villa & Norwich City's new manager shortlists

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, David Ornstein & Gregg Evans to discuss the sacking of Aston Villa manager Dean Smith and who might replace him.Norwich City are also now looking for a new manager, Michael Bailey covers the club for The Athletic and tells us what he knows from inside Carrow Road & who might take over from Daniel Farke.The Athletic's Roshane Thomas brings some positivity by talking West Ham and David Moyes, who last week coached his one thousandth and saw his side beat Liverpool to move to third in the Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 202138 min

Weekend Preview: Moyes Smiling Again, Ramsdale's England Stock & Ronaldo's Sore Back

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another fascinating weekend of Premier League action... Can Ronaldo outscore Man City and is Liverpool's trip to West Ham actually the game of the weekend? Plus, why Saints are quietly impressing George and Dan's ready to give Arsenal (and Ramsdale in particular) some overdue credit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 202138 min

Business of Sport: how football can take action against climate change

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Dale Vince, owner of Forest Green Rovers Football Club who is at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Dale's side are recognised by FIFA as being the greenest football club in the world - we’ll discuss how sport can take action against climate change..And we are joined by Rob Sullivan, CEO of The Football Foundation to tell us about the £205million worth of Government funding the charity received last week to invest in grassroots football in England and how their work is linked to the 2030 UK and Ireland World Cup bid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 202134 min

Xavi, Conte, Emery: 'Club DNA' & Modern Management

E

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Andy Mitten to discuss Xavi's 'inevitable' return to manage Barcelona... Senior Writer Dom Fifield sheds some light on what Spurs fans can expect from new boss Antonio Conte and with David Ornstein reporting that Unai Emery could soon become Newcastle's first post-takeover head coach, they discuss the true value of 'club DNA' in modern management as big clubs continue to turn to inexperienced former players to get them out of trouble! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 202158 min

Conte set for Spurs, Bielsa secure at Leeds & how Potter works at Brighton

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke & James Horncastle to get the inside track on the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo as Tottenham boss and the imminent arrival of Antonio Conte.We’ll also talk Brighton and their manager Graham Potter whose reputation continues to grow after an impressive draw at Anfield at the weekend with The Athletic’s Andy Naylor.And Phil Hay explains why Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is rarely linked with other jobs and gives his thoughts on an important win at Norwich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 1, 202133 min

Weekend Preview: Maddison's Swagger, Bielsa Burnout & Villa Post-Grealish

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to discuss Leicester's return to form, as Maddison 'gets his swagger back' and with summer signing Patson Daka's star on the rise... Are Leeds "too good to go down", how much does David Moyes deserve a trophy and why it's too soon to expect Villa to move on from Jack Grealish. Plus, who's worse right now - Spurs or Man United? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 29, 202145 min

Business of Sport: The English coach transforming Canadian football

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater as they speak with Canada Men's Football coach John Herdman.Herdman is bidding to qualify for men’s World Cup in Qatar next year for the first time since 1986, having previously seen success with Canada's women's team at the Olympics, winning two bronze medals. Listen to his story and the way that he's been able to transform a nation's prospects, whilst not always receiving the best support out there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 28, 202146 min

Super League 2.0: 'Evolution not Revolution'

E

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke, to discuss his article on the "inevitable" re-launch of a Super League...The trio reflect on its failure to launch earlier this year, discuss why it was more successful than many believe and what a 'Super-league 2.0' might actually look like... Think boxing meets the biennial World Cup! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 27, 202135 min

Pressure builds at United & what next for Farke at Norwich?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Oli Kay & United writer Laurie Whitwell to analyse what is going wrong inside Old Trafford and what could happen next regarding the future of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Liverpool inflicted an embarassing defeat on Sunday.Norwich City correspondent Michael Bailey drops in to discuss the future of manager Daniel Farke after the terrible run of results continues in the Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 25, 202141 min

Weekend Preview: Resting Ronaldo, Mane Under The Radar + Set Piece-Savvy West Ham

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview Liverpool's trip to Old Trafford - could defeat really spell the end for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Plus, how 'set-piece kings' West Ham have become favourites for their London derby against Spurs, whether Phil Foden could end up with both the Player AND Young Player of the Year awards at the end of the season and how Aaron Ramsdale has softened the blow of Emi Martinez' Arsenal exit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 202144 min

Business of Sport: Inside the 'incredible' Premier League meeting

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Dan Sheldon to take you inside the extraordinary meeting that saw Premier League clubs vote to block potential Newcastle United sponsorship deals. Sports Lawyer Daniel Geey will also be with us to discuss the various legal ramifications, the wider context as to how it got to this point and what could come next.Matt Slater is away this week but we’ll also discuss his piece on the battle to show the Premier League in the US, The Athletic’s Felipe Cardenas - who co-wrote the piece - joins us from Atlanta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 202134 min

Kyrie Irving, Jurgen Klopp & The Premier League's Vaccination Fight

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Tas Melas (of NBA podcast 'No Dunks' fame) to dive into sport's global vaccination effort... Why the Premier League are still lagging behind major US sports leagues in terms of vaccine uptake, the 'conspiracy culture' in English football, how Qatar's vaccine mandate could rock the boat ahead of the World Cup next year and how Wolves managed to vaccinated their entire squad. Plus, more on the curious case of NBA superstar Kyrie Irving: Un-vaxxed and so un-able to play! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 202146 min

Rashford camp upset over Solskjaer comments & Premier League clubs seething about Newcastle takeover

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Simon Johnson to discuss issues involving Manchester United, Newcastle United & Chelsea.After a shambolic defeat at the start of a difficult run of games, we’ll discuss what the future holds for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United..We’ll also talk about Newcastle United, who got off to a disappointing start under new ownership, The Athletic has learned there is considerable pressure from Premier League clubs around the takeover and other issues..And our Chelsea writer Simon Johnson will join us to talk Edourd Mendy, Romelu Lukaku and Olivier Giroud who David has been speaking to for The Athletic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 202148 min

Weekend Preview: Ranieri's Rough Start, Lukaku Teething & Vieira's Shadow

Hosts George Elek and Ian Irving (standing in for Dan this week) are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the return of Premier League football...The trio discuss Claudio Ranieri's tough start to life at Vicarage Road and whether Ismaila Sarr was guilty of 'coasting' last year? Plus, how the Arsenal faithful will feel if club legend Patrick Vieira, and his thrilling Crystal Palace side, can take the points on offer at the Emirates on Monday night?Are Chelsea still working out how best to use Lukaku, what do Newcastle have to get right before they can start spending their new-found fortune and more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 15, 202154 min

Business of Sport: Les Ferdinand offers fans chance to invest in club's future

The Athletic's Matt Slater visits Championship club Queens Park Rangers to speak to club legend Les Ferdinand who is now director of football at the club & Ruben Gnanalingam, QPR vice-chairman to discuss the club's plans to offer their fans the chance to invest in the club's future both on & off the pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 202137 min

Never-mind Newcastle Or Ronaldo, There's Something Going On In Non-League...

Hosts Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Athletic Editor Dan Barnes (filling in for our usual Dan this week) are joined by reporter Michael Walker, to discuss his article on increasing attendances at non-league football...As Newcastle supporters continue to chant 'we've got our club back', the trio discuss real fan-ownership, a nostalgic match-day experience, out-dated stigmas about supporters and quality of football - all of which, might explain why more and more fans are turning to their local clubs.Plus, as The Athletic continues to celebrate Black History Month, Dan digests some of the latest articles from the collection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 202139 min

The key decisions for Newcastle owners & English football's moral maze

E

Flo Lloyd-Hughes is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chris Waugh & Oli Kay to discuss the takeover of Newcastle United ending Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership of the club.We’ll discuss the big decisions that need to be made by the new owners; the future of Steve Bruce, January spending, how to address the negative publicity and English football’s obsession with money no matter the source. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 11, 202147 min

Weekend Preview: Will Kane find his scoring boots for England? Salah for golden boot? Brentford for top 6?

The Athletic's George Elek is joined by Bet 365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to England's world cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary, games which are surely the perfect opportunity for Harry Kane to build up some form and score some much-needed goals.There's also a look at how last weekend's Premier League action leaves the season poised as we head into the international break. Is Mo Salah heading for another golden boot and could he win Player of the Year for the second time? Might Brentford's excellent start have some of the top 6 hopefuls looking over their shoulder?All this plus we're joined by From The Rookery End's David Cameron Walker for a look at what Claudio Ranieri's arrival at Watford could mean for the Hornets as they prepare to embark on a daunting run of fixtures against most of the top clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 202132 min

Newcastle takeover confirmed, West Ham bid still on table & Football Index update

The Athletic's Matt Slater & George Caulkin react to the takeover of Newcastle United by The Saudi Arabia-financed consortium.Then Mark Chapman & Matt Slater speak to Nasib Piriyev, the man who is the head of a consortium trying to buy Premier League club West Ham.And The Athletic’s Joey D'Urso joins us for an exclusive update on a story he has been leading on - The collapse of Football Index. We hear from two people who have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 20211h 5m

Paul Riley & The NWSL: 'A Pattern Of Control & Silence'

E

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's NWSL & Women's Soccer Correspondent, Meg Linehan, to discuss the impact of and fall-out from her sensational story that has brought the league to a standstill...Meg reflects on the harrowing details from her piece, it's place in the wider context of protecting women in all walks of society and how the swell of support from across the globe can shape the future of women's soccer.Also, as The Athletic marks Black History Month, you'll hear an extended clip from an exclusive interview between Adam Leventhal and Troy Deeney - on the continuing fight for equality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 202142 min

Salah waits for Liverpool contract talks & Ranieri to Watford

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton & Italian football writer James Horncastle to detail all you need to know about the owners of Premier League side Watford who have sacked Xisco Munoz to make way for Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.And our Liverpool writer Simon Hughes joins us to discuss the future of Mohamed Salah as discussions over a contract extension have so far failed to reach an agreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 4, 202147 min

Weekend Preview: Neglecting Curtis Jones, Sancho v Townsend & Wasting Vardy's Goals

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview Manchester City's trip to Anfield... Will Liverpool seize an early opportunity to prove their title credentials and is Curtis Jones the most underrated English starlet in the Premier League?Plus, how a buoyant Arsenal will fare against xG-defiant Brighton, how Leicester have flat-lined despite Vardy's goals, and a closer look at how two wingers - Jadon Sancho and Andros Townsend - have settled in to life at Manchester United and Everton respectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 202141 min

Business of Sport: Was the Super League illegal?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater to explain why UEFA are locked in a legal battle with Barcelona Real Madrid & Juventus as the Super League fallout continues.Dr Katarina Pijetlovic an expert on breakaway leagues. Sports law specialist helps us dig a little deeper & outlines why things played out the way they did and what could happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 202135 min

Does Bruno Have Anything To Apologise For?

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Senior Writer Simon Hughes, to discuss his latest article on Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty apology and a growing trend of footballers feeling as though they have to say 'sorry' for in-game mistakes...Do footballer's social media accounts need to be managed, who is drafting the posts - and for what kind of supporter? Plus, the impact of online abuse and players no longer just 'sticking to football' on the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 202138 min

Arteta's bonds, Premier League propsal, Villa invest in youth

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & Adam Crafton to discuss the stories behind Arsenal's demolition of Spurs and how Arteta, unlike Nuno, has built strong relationships at boardroom level to secure his future.David shares a line from his column about a proposal from the Premier League for meaningful, competitive matches abroad.And The Athletic's Gregg Evans, will tell us why he thinks Aston Villa are going places after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and how they are investing heavily in youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 27, 202133 min

Weekend Preview: NLD Nerves for Arteta & Nuno, Pep v English Football + Hassenhuttl's Style

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview a North London Derby, which neither manager can afford to lose... Plus, whether Pep's Manchester City can enact some Champions League final revenge on Tuchel's Chelsea, how Southampton have coped with some big summer departures and what Michael Olise will bring to Crystal Palace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 24, 202136 min

Business of Sport: What happens when a club enters administration?

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by football administrator Paul Appleton & business economist Mark Gregory to explain what happens when clubs like Derby County enter administration, how clubs try to survive & how English football can break the cycle of its professional clubs getting into severe financial difficulties in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 202146 min

Ivan Toney & Brentford's B-Team 'Big Gamble'

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Brentford correspondent Jay Harris, to explain why Brentford's impressive start to the season is no surprise to those who've been paying attention over the last five years...Jay discusses the unprecedented decision to replace their Academy with a B-team, innovative recruitment strategy and a model which has become the envy of EFL clubs now trying to replicate the formula for their success.Plus, what is Ivan Toney's ceiling and does a comparison between him and Didier Drogba stand up to scrutiny? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 202142 min

Declan Rice Future, Guardiola Debate, Chelsea v Spurs Boardroom Battle

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Roshane to discuss the future of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and explain why United forward Jesse Lingard may play a key role for Manchester United this season.Our Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare, saw Chelsea breeze past Spurs on Sunday & he’ll be with us to tell us about the rivalry at boardroom level that has developed between the two clubs.And The Athletic’s Manchester City writer Sam Lee will share his take on the Pep Guardiola comments about his club’s fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 202136 min

Weekend Preview: Bruce Wars, Doucoure Flourishing & Sorry Spurs

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another big weekend of Premier League football... Who needs the points more on Friday night as Newcastle face Leeds - and how can Bielsa get record signing Rodrigo, to start firing? Can Manchester United bounce back from their Champions League humbling away at an Antonio-less West Ham? Plus, Brentford's work-rate, Spurs' dismay and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 17, 202142 min

Business of Sport Interview: Maheta Molango PFA chief

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Maheta Molango, the new chief executive of the union that represents professional footballers in England - the PFA.In a wide raging discussion - on topics such as racism, dementia, & the two-year World Cup plan - Maheta shares his vision for leading an organisation, that has faced a series of challenges both on and off the pitch and within the PFA itself under the tenure of the previous CEO Gordon Taylor.After visiting dressing rooms of Premier League clubs and beyond, Maheta tells us what the players in his union view as the most issues he should address. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 202146 min

Marcelo Bielsa & Leeds Reborn

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, to discuss his unmissable new book: 'And It Was Beautiful' - on Marcelo Bielsa's impact at Leeds United...Phil dives into the 'cult of Bielsa' sweeping West Yorkshire, the origins of 'murder-ball', how Kalvin Phillips was transformed from the 'runt of the litter' and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 202136 min

Pogba exclusive, Wolves evolving & time for change in Bundesliga?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein who reveals Paul Pogba leaning towards signing new Manchester United contract.Our Wolves writer Tim Spiers joins us to assess the start of manager Bruno Lage and also to tell us about his interview with the club’s owner Jeff Shi..Also as The Champions League returns, The Athletic’s Oli Kay tell us why he believes despite its imbalanced excesses, the tournament is fantastic and has lots to get excited about this season..And The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about an exciting start to the Bundesliga that, like the Premier League, is dominated by familiar names and questions if that will ever change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 202135 min

Weekend Preview: Patrick Vieira's Palace, Salah's Century & Villa Firepower

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth as the Premier League returns... The trio assess Crystal Palace's summer overhaul ahead of Saturday's London Derby with Tottenham and ask if Dan James and Marcelo Bielsa are a match made in heaven? Plus, Newcastle's chances of spoiling Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford and Villa's slow start to the new campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 10, 202144 min

Business of Sport: Barry Hearn on 40 years in the industry & what's next

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Barry Hearn, a man who is a legend in the business of sport, to share what he has learnt in a 40 year career promoting a range of sports including football, boxing, snooker & darts.In a wide-ranging discussion, Hearn compares the running of football clubs to other industries. He also spoke about the pros and cons of gambling sponsorship and how boxing much embrace the evolving new audience that has been attracted to the sport by the likes of social media star Jake Paul & KSI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 202140 min

Ronaldo's Homecoming & The 3pm Blackout

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent, Laurie Whitwell, to discuss 'Article 48' and the 3 o'clock blackout in English football that will prevent many Premier League fans from seeing Cristiano Ronaldo's second debut on Saturday... An outdated idea or a vital one, given the effects of the pandemic on football's landscape? Plus, how illegal streaming and a growing disparity between the biggest clubs, and the rest, may have accelerated the need for compromise? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 202134 min

James Rodriguez future, Joyless Newcastle & Farke To-Do List

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's George Caulkin to talk Newcastle United after the club released a lengthy statement attempting to defend their approach to the summer transfer window. George also shares his experience of being at Wembley to watch England amongst the fans.The Athletic's Everton writer Greg O’Keeffe has the latest on the future of James Rodriguez under Rafa Benitez.And The Athletic’s Norwich City writer Michael Bailey will tell us how Daniel Farke has been getting on with his lengthy international break to do list… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 202136 min

Weekend Preview: Hungary Beaten, Sterling's Leadership & Kalvin's Rise

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to assess an important victory on the road for England. The trio wax lyrical about Raheem Sterling's strength and leadership, as well as, an amazing year for Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 3, 202141 min

Business of Sport: Agent Erkut Sögüt on the £1bn transfer window

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater follow the money spent during one of most interesting transfer windows in years. To help them make sense of the numbers - over £1 billion in the Premier League - they are joined by Tim Bridge, a director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.We are then joined by someone whose job it is to make the deals happen - football agent Erkut Sögüt, whose clients include Mesut Ozil. Erkut explains what it has been like to work in this window and why the importance details in player contracts have come into stark focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 202150 min

Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid: The Transfer That Didn't Happen

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Spanish football correspondent, Dermot Corrigan, to assess the fall-out from Real Madrid's failed pursuit of PSG forward Kylian Mbappe... Dermot explains the origins of Real President Florentino Perez' 'obsession' with Mbappe, as well as how PSG could afford to reject £180M! Plus, the impact of La Liga's salary cap, the chaos in Barcelona and how well Atletico's Saul Niguez will fit in at Chelsea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 202133 min