The Athletic FC Podcast

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.

Record attendances at the Euros? Check.65k in London to celebrate the Lionesses? Check.Rising attendances for the WSL? Not last season.So is women's football still growing?Plus, Nikki Doucet, chief executive of the Women’s Professional League - who took control of the WSL in 2024, joins us ahead of the start of the new season.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Charlotte Harpur, Megan Feringa and Nikki DoucetExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League clubs went BIG on striker signings this summer. But how difficult is it to adapt to England’s top flight?Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha joins Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka to reveal what it really takes to adapt to the Premier League. From his own journey at Newcastle and Fulham to breaking down the challenges facing big-money summer signings like Sesko, Gyökeres and Isak, Louis shares unique insight into the pressures of English football and the mentality needed to succeed. Plus, Louis has his say on the current situation at Manchester United.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Louis Saha and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This has been a transfer window for the ages.There’s been sulks, sagas and over £3billion spent by Premier League clubs. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the transfer guru himself, David Ornstein, to wrap up the window. And then, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers and Jacob Whitehead debate and rank the top 10 moments.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein joins Adam Leventhal, Chris Weatherspoon and JJ Bull to run through the top deals on deadline day. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Chris Weatherspoon, JJ Bull Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer's major transfer saga is over. Liverpool have agreed a deadline day deal for Alexander Isak.A fee of £130m will help take Liverpool's summer spending over £400m. So, with the imminent arrival of Isak who can compete with Liverpool?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool have picked up six points from their first two games, but have conceded four goals... So, should Arne Slot be concerned with how his new signings are adapting to his system as they look to defend their Premier League title?Jon Mackenzie and JJ Bull joined Ayo Akinwolere to delve deeper. You can watch the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSK-xIEtU8k 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 Liverpool vs Arsenal.Arne Slot's side are without a Premier League victory over Arsenal in six matches but the Gunners haven't won at Anfield since a 2-0 victory back in 2012, a game Mikel Arteta started in midfield.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, as sacking season looks to be on the horizon.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Tim Spiers, Megan FeringaExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have been knocked out the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.Three games into the season they have one point and they've spent almost £200m to get here.So can Ruben Amorim survive this latest humiliation?Plus we're joined by Grimsby owner Jason Stockwood to describe the night and achievement from their perspective.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Mark Critchley and Jason StockwoodExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just days left in the transfer window, the pressure is on Premier League clubs to trim their squads.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein and Carl Anka to discuss Manchester United’s so-called “bomb squad,” Chelsea’s long contract headaches, and Arsenal’s attempts to balance the books. Plus, could Donnarumma be on the move to Manchester City?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a thrilling night at St James’ Park as Liverpool nicked it in the last minute thanks to teenager Rio Ngumoha. Newcastle showed spirit but it's clear their squad needs some serious work before the transfer window closes next week.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by George Caulkin and Oli Kay to chat through the key talking points from the match, and later on, David Ornstein joins to give us the latest on the situation of Alexander Isak.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: George Caulkin, Oli Kay and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nuno Espirito Santo says he won't walk away from Nottingham Forest after publicly throwing into doubt the state of his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.After an explosive press conference, The Athletic revealed the breakdown in relationship between Nuno and Global Head of Football, Edu, is at the centre of the head coach's frustrations. So what's going on, and can it be fixed?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Daniel TaylorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Week in Football, where we dig into the biggest tactical shifts, storylines, and surprises shaping the football world over the past seven days.The new season has just begun , but the Premier League has already thrown up a lot of surprises. So, which teams have changed the most tactically, and how will this shape the rest of the campaign? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by JJ Bull and Jon Mackenzie to find out.You can also watch the show here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhigFO4g6Yo 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 Liverpool.Despite the fact he’s got about as much chance of starting up front for Newcastle on Monday as Alan Shearer, Alexander Isak’s future dominates much of the discourse around the game which marks the first meeting of these sides since the Carabao Cup final, in which Isak scored.Stu James and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to what will be a fiery affair before casting their eyes on Crystal Palace versus Nottingham Forest, traditionally a very benign fixture that is suddenly rife with rancour. Plus a look ahead to the first match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton face Brighton, strong starts for Manchester City and Spurs who meet at the Etihad, and another seemingly make or break game for Ruben Amorim at Craven Cottage.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James, Megan FeringaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi EzeSo how did we get here? And could Spurs have avoided this?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Adrian Clarke and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants more players - and it got us thinking… are new signings always the solution? Or should coaches be more adaptable?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spanish FA have approved the request for the La Liga fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to be played in Miami. So what is the likelihood of the December fixture happening - and what does it mean for the Spanish game?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Old Trafford all the talk pre-match was about the new strikers on show, but in the end it was a set piece that made the difference, as Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0.So is it the same old Arsenal or can they evolve under Mikel Arteta?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview from The Athletic FC, where every Friday we’ll look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League action.This week it’s all about the start of the season and the big one at Old Trafford – well, it was the big one 10 years ago – it’s Manchester United vs Arsenal.Tim Spiers and Stu James join Matt Davies-Adams to discuss Amorim and Arteta’s attempts at an A star start, before casting a beady eye over the fixtures elsewhere. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last two seasons, the three promoted clubs have been relegated from the Premier League.So will Leeds, Sunderland or Burnley survive this time around?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jon Mackenzie and Nick MillerExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he won’t play for them again — can he force a move to Liverpool? We bring you the latest.Plus, how are Spurs addressing their urgent need for players, and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma faces an uncertain future.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein dropped the news this morning that Alexander Isak is adamant he won’t play for Newcastle again and that he has no desire to reintegrate into the squad.So what happens now? And are there any glimmers of hope for Eddie Howe’s side going into the new season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Whitehead and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Title holders Liverpool have been the talk of the transfer window, but couldn't claim the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. So, are they ready to defend their Premier League crown?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Referees are integral to football. But with every decision scrutinised, why would anyone want to be a referee?The Athletic has been given insider access to the life of Premier League referees. From a gruelling pre-season training camp to matchday, join Adam Leventhal as he finds out what it takes to take command of the football pitch.We'll explain the new laws you'll see this season and the refs will explain why they should benefit the game.You'll hear from PGMO chief, Howard Webb, current Premier League refs Andy Madeley and Peter Bankes, the latest VAR recruits, and many more.Join us as we take you inside the world of referees.Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have spent over £200m and counting. But after continuous false dawns, will they deliver this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Andy Mitten & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re focusing on strikers today. In the latest twist to the transfer story of the summer - Benjamin Sesko looks to be on his way to Manchester United So what does this mean for Newcastle and their wantaway striker Alexander Isak? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15-year-old Max Dowman has been the talk of Arsenal’s pre-season and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has shone for Liverpool.But can either break into the first team and when is too soon to get excited?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Stuart James and Jacob TanswellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another chance to hear Anatomy of a Transfer, your one stop guide to how transfers happen. Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club.Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to July 2001, when Sol Campbell completed perhaps the most controversial move in Premier League history.More than 20 years on, why are feelings still so strong? And was Campbell vindicated in swapping Spurs for their bitter rivals Arsenal?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Amy Lawrence & Danny Kelly Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s new No.14.Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Cole Palmer have all switched to take the No.10 for their clubs.So, how significant is a squad number?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Lang, Stuart James, Pol BallusExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.