The Athletic FC Podcast

Tuesday night saw goals galore in the Premier League.Nine at Craven Cottage as Manchester City edged a 5-4 win over Fulham - including Erling Haaland’s 100th.And at St James’ Park - there was a last minute equaliser from Cristian Romero, earning Spurs a point.So why are Newcastle dropping points so often, and why can’t Spurs create chances?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Chris Waugh, Charlie Eccleshare, Dan Kilpatrick, Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s now less than a month until the January transfer window opens.Manchester United are in pursuit of a new midfielder, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba among the names being considered.So will they finally fix their midfield in 2026?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Mark Critchley, Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea took a point against Arsenal despite, yet again, being down to ten men. So, will their ill-discipline stop them being title contenders?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: 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 Chelsea vs Arsenal. Which side will make the bigger statement with a win? Does Enzo Maresca have to start Estevao? Who would the panel have in their side out of Rice and Caicedo? Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, Spurs vs Fulham, and West Ham vs Liverpool. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Critchley & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the battle of two of Europe’s heavyweights it was Arsenal who came out on top.So, how much damage does a first defeat of the season do to Vincent Kompany’s Bayern?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.

Real Madrid are top of La Liga and have won three from four in the Champions League, but there’s always drama around the corner at the Bernabeu.Vinicius Junior has told the club he doesn’t want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains strained.So… who will end up winning this battle: star player or head coach?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Mario Cortegana, Dermot Corrigan, Jack LangExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After six defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, reigning champions Liverpool sit 12th in the league.Supporters streamed out of Anfield when Nottingham Forest’s third goal went in on Saturday.So is Arne Slot’s position at risk?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jon Mackenzie and Oli KayExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with Eberechi Eze playing a starring role.So, how important has their summer business been?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: 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 Arsenal vs Spurs. Which side is under more pressure to win? Who replaces Gabriel? Where can Spurs hurt Arsenal? Reuben Pinder and Alexander Barker join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Newcastle vs Manchester City, Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United vs Everton. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Reuben Pinder & Alexander BarkerExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause - as revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein. He could be on the move in January. So who wants him? And where will he go?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Carl Anka, Dan Kilpatrick and Dean HoldenExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 World Cup is almost set. We now know 42 out of the 48 teams going to next year’s tournament.With the draw just around the corner, we're looking at who has qualified already, who is yet to qualify, and what a 48-team World Cup will look like.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Felipe Cardenas, Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we bring you an audio exclusive with David Kogan, Chair of the Independent Football Regulator.A role that makes him one of the most powerful people in English football.So what powers will he actually have, and what difference will they make to fans of clubs in the Premier League and beyond?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and David KoganExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week ago we released a documentary about illegal streaming. It’s fair to say, you’ve had a lot to say about it.So, today we’re going to answer your questions, and look to the future of watching football.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re eleven games into the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal are top, Man City are clinging to their coat tails, Sunderland are in the Champions League places and just four points separate 2nd from 9th. Meanwhile Newcastle are languishing in 14th, Fulham’s top scorer is own goals, West Ham and Nottingham Forest are in the relegation zone and Wolves sit rock bottom, still yet to win a game. So, is this the most unpredictable the Premier League has been in recent years?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Tim Spiers & Megan FeringaExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Como 1907 are one of the most intriguing clubs in modern football. They have gone from Serie D to Serie A in just six years, backed by billionaire owners they have ambitious plans to grow the Como brand and emulate a Disney model.In this show we're talking to Mirwan Suwarso, President of Como 1907 about how the club rose to the top and their plans to sustain their success. You'll hear all about manager Cesc Fabregas's involvement in succession planning, their data-led recruitment strategy, and insight into plans for their match abroad against AC Milan.We also talk fashion, Suwarso's surprising LinkedIn account, and Como's gorgeous lakeside stadium.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Mirwan SuwarsoProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick ThomsonExec Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're bringing you an exclusive interview for The Athletic, Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton in conversation with David Ornstein.Ahead of next summer's World Cup, they get into his England chances, being overly self critical, the constant transfer speculation that surrounds him and much more... Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & Adam WhartonExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruben Amorim’s first year at Manchester United has been box office.From the lows of the Europa League final defeat to the highs of that historic win at Anfield.So how do we assess his time at Old Trafford - and what next for the project?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Critchley, Oli Kay and Charlotte HarpurExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management ended with Liverpool thrashed and Man City just four points off Arsenal.Erling Haaland was among the goals, but Jeremy Doku got all the attention at the Etihad.Can they now sustain a serious challenge for the title?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the rise of illegal streaming pose an existential threat to football?To answer that question, Adam Leventhal has spent the last six months looking into the culture, crime and crisis associated with pirating live football matches.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast you'll hear undercover reporting and behind the scenes access to police investigations, including how the world's largest illegal sports streaming platform was taken down.We get the takes of match-going fans, and ask if 'Premflix' is the future of Premier League broadcasting?If you're an Athletic subscriber you can have your say here.And if you're not yet a subscriber, join here and have your say.Please note that the documentary has content some listeners may find upsetting.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeProducer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from Amazon, Sky Sports, tallkSPORT, Leaders.  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 Manchester City vs Liverpool.Where do you play Wirtz? How do you stop Haaland? And will either of them reel in Arsenal?Andy Jones and Jordan Campbell join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Sunderland vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Manchester United and Crystal Palace vs Brighton.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Andy Jones & Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.