The Athletic FC Podcast

This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, and one that will be Mohammed Salah's final trip to the Etihad Stadium as a Red. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris WeatherspoonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 48-team line-up for the World Cup has now been determined, after a night of drama in the play-offs.And for the third successive tournament, Italy miss out…So what now for the four-time champions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Felipe Cardenas, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fallout from the AFCON final in January continues to rumble on.On Saturday - Senegal paraded the trophy in Paris …. despite having their title stripped and handed to Morocco.So what happens next?And how much has this saga damaged the reputation of AFCON?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes, Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur, after just one win from seven games in charge.They’re now pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to replace him.So, can he save them from relegation? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle & Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're into the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. Harry Maguire and Kobbe Mainoo are back in the England squad while Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out by Thomas Tuchel. So, who should be on the plane come June? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League currently and historically has seen a wide range of ownership models from local businessmen to sovereign wealth funds.But what actually makes a good owner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nine years and more than 250 goals, Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool.The Egyptian King has helped fire the Reds to Champions League & Premier League glory.So how much of a loss will he be, and can Liverpool replace him?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Oli Kay, Mark CareyFeaturing: John GibbonsExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From players and managers to executives and owners, the Premier League is made up of some big personalities.But who are the most influential?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City claimed the first silverware of the season, thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. For Arsenal it was another opportunity missed, but what impact will it have on the title race?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Art de RochéExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern and Madrid really are.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan AlexanderProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview. In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race. Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more.Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos & Jack LangGuest: Gabriel JesusExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Rachael Tinde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal and Manchester City take to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. Will Arsenal pick up their first major trophy since 2020, or will Pep Guardiola get his hands on his fifth League Cup with the Citizens?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea have been fined more than £10m and handed a suspended transfer ban for making secret payments in relation to transfers.So does the punishment fit the crime?And what precedent does this for future cases such as the 115 charges Manchester City face?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.