The Athletic FC Podcast

Halfway through the Champions League league phase and one pattern is emerging; the dominance of the Premier League.But is that a problem for the balance of the Champions League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Michael Cox and James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anfield roared - and booed - as Liverpool emphatically defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League.So could this victory reignite their season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce and Tomás Hill López-MencheroExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wolves have sacked manager Vitor Pereira.With zero wins in the league, and just two points, all signs lead to relegation.So, can anyone save them?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Matt Slater & Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another home defeat, and flat performance against Chelsea, losing 1-0 on Saturday.But Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League - having finished 17th last season.So, are Spurs improving under Thomas Frank?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive 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 Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea. Carl Anka and Jay Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's derby before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Manchester City vs Bournemouth, Liverpool vs Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Carl Anka & Jay HarrisExecutive Producers: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juventus have sacked Igor Tudor and are set to appoint Luciano Spalletti.With the ghost of Cristiano still haunting the club, are they in crisis?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunderland have enjoyed a dream start so far in the Premier League.Their win over Chelsea means they’re in the top four after nine games.17 points from their opening nine Premier League games is the best return by a promoted club at this stage of a season since Hull City in 2008-09.So how have they done it?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Weatherspoon, Phil Hay and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

El Clasico was back to its fiery best on Sunday, as Lamine Yamal's pre-match comments sparked fury in Madrid.Has he reignited this famous fixture?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League - four points ahead of Bournemouth in second.It was an important win for them against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea also losing.Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three times in nine games, so does a solid defence win you titles?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adrian Clarke and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After eight games, RC Strasbourg sit 3rd in Ligue 1, two points behind league leaders Marseille and just one point behind European champions PSG.Today we’re bringing you a special episode sitting down with the man at the helm, Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior.In conversation with Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka, the panel discuss RC Strasbourg’s incredible start to the season, Rosenior's management style, working in a multi-club ownership model and the importance of representation, diversity and role models. Host: Ayo AkinwolereCo-Host: Carl AnkaWith: Liam RoseniorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 Aston Villa vs Manchester City.Stu James and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Brentford vs Liverpool, Manchester United vs Brighton, and Everton vs Spurs.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James & Tim SpiersExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona were set to play Villarreal in Miami in December.That’s now been cancelled. Today, we explain why.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Matt SlaterFeaturing: James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life after Alexander Isak has been hit and miss for Newcastle.But in Nick Woltemade, have they already found the key to Newcastle's fortunes this season?And in terms of Isak, why is he struggling after that record-breaking £125million summer move to Liverpool?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh, Oli Kay, Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016 was a massive moment for the club.But how does Ruben Amorim ensure this isn’t another false dawn?The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley join host Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the win over Liverpool, Harry Maguire, Matheus Cunha, the Brighton fixture this weekend and Amorim’s future.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After just 39 days, Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou.He recorded no wins in his eight games in charge.Sean Dyche is set to succeed him, will he do any better?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Paul Taylor and Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to one of the best players to have graced the Premier League, İlkay Gündoğan.The iconic former Manchester City midfielder sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans.With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay GündoğanExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou 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 for many, the marquee match up in English football, Liverpool vs Manchester United.Oli Kay and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Fulham vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Aston Villa, and the hotly anticipated Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Oli Kay, Megan FeringaExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The transfer window may not be open but the industry is still moving behind the scenes.So what do agents actually do?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the Athletic’s Stu James and James Featherstone, agent of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Stu James and James FeatherstoneExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are heading to the World Cup, and typically it’s thanks to captain Harry Kane.So how important is he to their chances next summer?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Charlie Eccleshare, Seb Stafford-BloorFeaturing: Rob GreenExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In early September, Daniel Levy stepped down from his role as Spurs chairman after nearly 25 years.So who is running the show now? And are Spurs for up for sale?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Jay Harris and Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks 15 years of FSG ownership at LiverpoolIn that time they've won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League. So, how did Liverpool become a modern superclub?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes and Matt SlaterFeaturing: Peter Moore and Dr Ian GrahamExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast discusses the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often?Are goalkeepers throwing the ball less?And how is it changing the game?Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re seven games into the 25/26 Premier League season and Arsenal sit top, Wolves are the only side yet to register a win and Sunderland are 9th!?Carl Anka and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to assess all 20 Premier League teams' respective starts, asking whether they’ve answered the big questions that surrounded them prior to the new season.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Carl Anka, Tim SpiersExecutive Producers: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven games played: five defeats, two draws, no wins. Statistically the worst start by any Nottingham Forest manager for a century.Ange Postecoglou is battling to keep his job at Forest, despite only having four Premier League games in that time.So, how did things get so bad so soon?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paul Taylor and Charlie EccleshareExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a year since Thomas Tuchel signed up as England manager. He’s had six games to make his mark so far, with the World Cup just eight months away.So how prepared are the Three Lions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far, this season we’ve had… long throws, rugby-style kickoffs and big lads up front.So why has the Premier League gone old school? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Carey, Oli Kay and Thomas GrønnemarkExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool had a perfect start after record spending, but now they've lost three in a row.So why is Arne Slot’s Red Machine mis-firing?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp is back in football but not as a manager. In January, he began work as global head of soccer at Red Bull.Our very own Adam Crafton sat down with the former Liverpool boss at the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in New Jersey.They discuss all things Red Bull, the future of football and why he closed the chapter on his coaching career.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Jurgen KloppExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 red card loving blues of Chelsea versus the no longer red hot reds of Liverpool. Stu James and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs West Ham and Manchester United vs Sunderland.Plus after losing 3-2 to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on Thursday night Nottingham Forest fans are already turning on their new manager Ange Postecoglou, who faces a tough trip to St James’ Park on Sunday.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James, Megan FeringaExecutive Producers: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight games into his Liverpool career Florian Wirtz is yet to score or assist. So why the slow start and how long will he take to adapt to the Premier League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev HatchardExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace are flying. They’re the FA Cup holders, they’re in Europe and they’re on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions.So… what is the secret behind their success?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Reuben Pinder and Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Potter is the latest manager to be shown the door at West Ham.In comes a new challenger - Nuno Espírito Santo.But do West Ham’s problems go beyond their manager?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Roshane Thomas and Benji LanyadoExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 17 defeats in 33 Premier League games for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after Saturday's latest defeat at Brentford.So, how much more misery can they take?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Oli KayExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi PatersonProducers: 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 Newcastle vs Arsenal.Eddie Howe's side have won each of their last three home games against Arsenal in all competitions without conceding a single goal, and are looking to make it four in a row for the first time since August 1969. With Liverpool five wins from five, will anything but a win keep Mikel Arteta's title hopes alive?Oli Kay and Jacob Whitehead join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Oli Kay, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FIFA have discussed making the 2030 World Cup a 64-team tournament.So who actually wants it and could it really happen?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Phil Hay and Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ousmane Dembele scooped the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.His 35 goals helped PSG clinch their first ever Champions League.So how did he evolve from a promising winger to a ruthless goalscorer?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom WilliamsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa are currently 18th in the Premier League and have scored just one goal so far.So is the team really "lazy” or does Unai Emery need to change?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jacob Tanswell and Dan BardellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have fallen five points off the pace in the Premier League, after drawing 1-1 with Man City on Sunday.And in the boardroom there are changes as well, so how much do they have to do, to catch Liverpool?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive 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 Arsenal vs Manchester City. In what is often dubbed as master vs apprentice, Mikel Arteta is looking to become the first manager to go 5 games in a row unbeaten against Pep Guardiola. Mark Critchley and Nick Miller join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, including the Merseyside derby and Manchester United vs Chelsea.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Critchley, Nick MillerExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea’s young squad were given a reality-check on their Champions League return, losing 3-1 in Munich to Bayern after two years out of the competition.Prior to Wednesday night The Blues Champions League squad only had a combined 117 games in the tournament under their belts in comparison to Bayern's 860.So, will a lack of experience cost them in Europe and the Premier League?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Simon Johnson and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid are back to winning ways in Champions League.In their 2-1 win over Marseille on Tuesday night, Kylian Mbappe shone bright, whilst Vinicius Jr was benched again.So… why are the two Galacticos on such different paths right now?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai & Colin MillarExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League is back this week.Last season we had a switch up in format, and PSG were finally triumphant.So what should we expect this time around?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tom Williams & Tomás Hill López-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City made light work of Man United in Sunday's Manchester derby thanks to Phil Foden and a double from Erling Haaland, who now sits on 90 Premier League goals from just 101 games.So how far can Haaland’s goals take Guardiola’s side this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Adam CraftonExecutive 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.Despite winning five of their last eight Premier League matches against Manchester United, Manchester City failed to win either game last season for the first time since 2020-21. Despite getting the better of the Pep Guardiola last season, Ruben Amorim is looking to win sucessive Premier League matches for the first time as Manchester United manager.Carl Anka, Tim Spiers and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, including Ange Postecoglou taking charge of his first game as Nottingham Forest boss at where else but the Emirates.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Carl Anka, Tim Spiers, Megan FeringaExecutive Producers: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do Barcelona and Post Malone have in common? Neither of them can play at Camp Nou.So what's going on, and will this stadium ever be ready?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello HerreroExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far in our series, The Future of Football, we've looked at the global game and the unstoppable power of the Premier League.But away from the top flight there are 72 other professional clubs across the English Football League - and some are fighting to survive.For the final instalment of the series we're joined by EFL chairman, Rick Parry, to discuss what the future holds for the EFL and what can be done to redress the balance within English football?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Matt Slater and Rick ParryExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This summer, Premier League clubs set a new record for spending in a single transfer window at over £3bn, that’s more than La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga combined.On episode two of The Future of Football, we discuss whether the strength of Premier League and the widening gap between the English game and the other top European leagues is an issue.Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Matt Slater and James Horncastle to discuss the future of the English top flight and its competitors.We also hear from two experts from accounting firm Deloitte: head of sport Tim Bridge and Tim Lunn, who is director of media rights.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Matt Slater & James HorncastleExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and look set to replace him with former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.So what’s going on at the City ground? And is it the right move?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers and Matt Davies AdamsExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Future of Football, a special three part series asking the biggest questions shaping the game from the impact of the Club World Cup to whether anyone can keep up with the Premier League. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, which direction is the power, the politics and money around the game heading?The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton join host Adam Leventhal for episode one to discuss the direction of travel for club football.We also hear from Maheta Molango, the CEO of the PFA English player’s union, on governance and burn-out, plus we’ll get the take of Ronan Evain, the executive director of Football Supporters Europe, on the contentious issue of playing domestic games abroad.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, Maheta Molango, Ronan EvainExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale, Guy Clarke, Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Huge news from north London on Thursday as Daniel Levy was removed from his role as Tottenham Hotspur’s executive chairman after almost 25 years at the club. We discuss what that means for the future of the club. .Also, as the Premier League takes a break, Liverpool are the only perfect side, Aston Villa can’t score and Sunderland have won more games than Manchester City!We draw some hasty conclusions based on what we’ve seen so far!Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Oli Kay & Jay HarrisExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale, Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.