The Athletic FC Podcast

Manchester United and Tottenham’s hopes of Champions League football next season are well and truly alive after comprehensive victories in their Europa League semi-final first legs. While Nottingham Forest’s dreams of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition via the Premier League have been dented, after losing 2-0 at home to Brentford. Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Carl Anka, Spurs correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and football writer Tim Spiers to reflect on Thursday night's action and what it means for the clubs chasing European football. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wrexham are now just one step away from the Premier League having now achieved three successive promotions from National League to Championship.How have they managed to climb so quickly and when can we expect to see them in the top flight?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Richard Sutcliffe, Matt Slater and Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have it all to do in Paris after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.So how did Luis Enrique’s PSG get the better of the Gunners?And can Arsenal stage a comeback in the second leg?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art de Roché & Stuart JamesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League semi-finals get underway tonight as Arsenal welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium.The winner of that tie faces either Barcelona or Inter in the final.So how are the four teams shaping up, and who are the favourites to win it?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Max Callegari, Tomas Hill-Lopez Menchero, Tom Williams, Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool are Premier League champions after securing their second title in five years at home to Tottenham Hotspur, their first in front of supporters since 1990.So how has Arne Slot done it and what needs to be done for Liverpool to stay at the top next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Andy Jones and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the NFL Draft looming large this weekend, we decided to take a spin on the format and bring it into the world of the Premier League. What would it look like if we held an All-Time Premier League Draft? Which legends go first and can anyone build the perfect squad?Host: Duncan AlexanderWith: Jacob Whitehead, Oli Kay, and Jack LangExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Liam WarburtonPremier League Draft article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6301841/2025/04/24/premier-league-draft/ Teams:Jacob: Cech, Azpilicueta, Van Dijk, Kompany, Baines, Rodri, Lampard, Silva, Salah, Rooney, GiggsJack: Alisson, Walker, Ferdinand, Campbell, Irwin, Kante, Fabregas, De Bruyne, Hazard, Shearer, HenryDuncan: Ederson, Ferreira, Adams, Vidic, Robertson, Keane, Toure, Beckham, Bergkamp, Aguero, SuarezOli: Schmeichel, Alexander-Arnold, Carvalho, Terry, Cole, Vieira, Gerrard, Scholes, Ronaldo, Kane, Bale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Ham sit 17th as they prepare to face Brighton this weekend. So how have they ended up in this position, and how much is it down to the approach of manager Graham Potter? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Roshane Thomas, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 20 years old and with only 22 Premier League starts, Dean Huijsen is attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid. So what makes him so special, and who might trigger his £50m release clause?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by senior data analyst Mark Carey and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the Spanish international.Football correspondent David Ornstein as well as James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo Rai also drop by with their insights to the level of interest held in Huijsen across the Premier League and beyond with the Bournemouth defender set to have his pick of a number of clubs this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Carey and Phil HayContributions: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summerSo… when will it happen? And is Xabi Alonso the inevitable replacement? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai & Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, Leeds United reclaimed their seat at the top table after two years in the ChampionshipSo, what lessons can they learn from their Premier League relegation last time out?And how can they stay up for the long haul this time?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Beren CrossExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They left it late, but Chelsea grabbed a crucial win in their bid to secure a top five finish, as Tyrique George and Pedro Neto saw the Blues come from behind to win 2-1 at Fulham.Victory at Craven Cottage keeps them in the mix for a return to European football’s elite competition next season.But with fan discontent growing, how important is Champions League qualification for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea future?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss the importance of the win as well as our football correspondent David Ornstein to analyse the pressure on Maresca and look ahead to the summer transfer window.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are six games to go in the Premier League, so we’re focusing on the race for Champions League football as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, while Manchester United and Spurs kept their dreams of qualifying for next season’s competition alive with victories in the Europa League. Mark Critchley joins us to talk about a ridiculous night at Old Trafford that saw Ruben Amorim's side score two goals in injury time of extra time, to beat Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate. We hear from Jay Harris who was in Frankfurt where a Dominic Solanke penalty saw Spurs win 1-0, so Ange Postecoglou isn't going anywhere quite yet. The Athletic's Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell are with us to preview their respective side's clash at Villa Park on Saturday evening, in what could be a pivotal game in the race for Champions League football. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Tanswell, Mark Critchley, Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the third time in their history - and they had to beat the holders to do it.So how far does that 5-1 win on aggregate propel Mikel Arteta’s project forward? And crucially, can they now go all the way in the Champions League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art de Roche, Guillermo Rai, Charlie EccleshareExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barcelona are on course for a treble this season.So how has Hansi Flick imprinted his style on this team? And will he stay at Barca in the long term?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the Premier League been a little boring this season? Especially compared to a thrilling round in the Champions League knockout phase.Have Pep Guardiola’s complex systems killed creativity? Or is the entertainment just coming from different places — tighter mid-table races, smarter tactics, and more goals than ever?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke & Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United & Chelsea are just two of the clubs interested in Ipswich Town’s star striker Liam Delap.So with a summer transfer auction on the cards - where will Delap end up? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell & Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk looks set to do the same. With owners FSG usually reluctant to hand out lucrative contract extensions to ageing players, why have they made an exception and what does it mean for Liverpool’s summer transfer business? The Athletic's David Ornstein and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Matt Davies-Adams to discuss the latest on the Liverpool contract saga. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: David Ornstein, James PearceProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake capital, the Blues have spent - unlike any other club bringing in the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix.Despite their massive outlays, Chelsea announced a £128.4m profit for the year to June 2024.So how have they done it - and have they found another PSR loophole?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss the Blues' latest accounts, sale of their women's team within the ownership group and assess how it will impact their summer transfer activity.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Weatherspoon and Liam TwomeyProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European champions Real Madrid were rocked by a riveting Arsenal display in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last nightWith Madrid facing an uphill task in both the Champions League and La Liga - will they bring in more superstars this summer to bolster their squad? And will Carlo Ancelotti still be the man to make it all gel together next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero James McNicholasProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luis Enrique’s young and vibrant PSG side are turning heads with their exuberant brand of football.They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with six games left to spare - and they face Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals this week.So is Enrique one of the most underrated coaches of the modern era?And are PSG finally ready to win the Champions League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tom Williams, Dermot CorriganProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 10 years, 13 major honours and six Premier League titles Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City.So where does he rank amongst the best to play in the Premier League and how do City go about replacing him?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Man City writer Sam Lee as they share their reaction to the news, reflect on the brilliance the Belgian has brought to the Premier League and assess how Pep Guardiola's side move on from his departure.Plus football data writer Thom Harris drops by to remember some of De Bruyne's most crucial moments in a Man City shirt.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Sam LeeProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Manchester United will be hoping to complete a league double over their city rivals for the first time in five years. With Ruben Amorim's side lacking a cutting edge up front and Pep Guardiola without the injured Erling Haaland, where will both managers look for solutions in attack?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Manchester City writer Sam Lee to preview Sunday's derby. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite running Liverpool close, it was a familiar feeling for David Moyes at Anfield, as Diogo Jota scored the only goal as Everton feel to defeat to their neighbours.Defeat to Liverpool makes it 22 visits to Anfield without tasting victory as a manager.But with upshoots of encouragement and the move to their new stadium on the horizon, do Everton have reasons to be optimistic?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and senior football writer Oli Kay to discuss the impact Moyes' return to the blue half of Merseyside has had ahead of what could be a defining summer prior to their move to their new stadium.We want to hear about you and your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a quick survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paddy Boyland and Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the contracts of key players up for renewal in the not too distant future, and a big summer window on the horizon, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has plenty to do.So where do Arsenal’s priorities lie this summer?And could Viktor Gyokeres be the answer to their number 9 dilemma?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The days of Juventus winning Serie A season after season feel like they’re long gone.Last week, Thiago Motta was sacked with Juve languishing outside of the top four places. Add to that, they’re out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia as well.So… what has gone wrong at Juventus, and how do they rebuild?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Max Callegari & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change.Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA Cup - and with a European finish still possible in the Premier League.What more can Iraola do at Bournemouth? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football data writer Thom Harris who was at Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to discuss the attraction of Spurs to Iraola as well as analyse the work the Spaniard has done on the south coast.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Thom Harris, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals.Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this speaking with the players, stakeholders and fans to find out how they feel about the various subplots surrounding this tournament and the 2026 World Cup.How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi PatersonFeaturing audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovany Quenda. So why are Chelsea doing their business so early, and should other clubs be following suit? Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Simon Johnson, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay BealeWe want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.So how did it get to this, the Reds losing a homegrown asset in the prime of his career on a free transfer and where will he fit at the Bernabeu?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool correspondent James Pearce and Phil Hay to delve into the detail around the increased activity regarding Alexander-Arnold’s future.Plus, the panel are joined by Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai to discuss the possibility of a move to the Bernabeu including the use of the media in persuading players to head to the Spanish capital.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Phil Hay and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the third and final part of our multi-club ownership series. We’ve learned how multi-club operations work and provided some practical examples from the world of football.Today - we answer your questions on the effectiveness and future of MCOs.So, can we say for certain multi-club ownership is here to stay?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike StavrouWe want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday we heard part one of our multi-club ownership eries, as we learned about how MCOs work - and their purpose.Today, we get some real-world examples, hearing from inside the operations whose clubs include sides from the Premier League and Major League Soccer.So what is it like to own and manage multiple clubs in different leagues and sometimes in different sports?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Tim Bezbatchenko & Larry BergExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios.But why?How do multi-club ownership groups work, are they purely about making money, or do they help guarantee success on-the-pitch?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater for the first of our three-part series in multi-club ownership including Matt speaking with AJ Swoboda, Managing Director in the Americas for consultancy firm Twenty First Group about the role of MCOs within the global game.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt SlaterFeaturing: AJ SwobodaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. During media duties this week, the England manager put an emphasis on physicality and pressing, a tactic not commonly associated with international football. He also voiced that he felt England were more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than having the hunger and excitement to win it. So is Tuchel's first squad a step forward or step back, and can his more proactive style of management win England the World Cup? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater.Today we’re joined by a man who’s refereed at the highest level of European football - both in the club and international game.With fan-fueled conspiracies on the rise and scrutiny at an all-time high, how difficult is it to be a referee?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Premier League and FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg as well as The Athletic's senior writer Rory Smith to discuss Mark's career, his time at Nottingham Forest as well as the impact conspiracy has on officiating.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Clattenburg and Rory SmithExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona.After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one of Hansi Flick’s most important players.So how has Raphinha reinvented himself to become one of Europe’s most effective players? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & Laia Cervello HerreroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool.Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a hammer blow at Wembley.After an abject display in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, we’re asking if Liverpool have run out of steam.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes, Andy Jones & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United finally have their hands on domestic silverware after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.So how did Eddie Howe’s side make such light work of Liverpool?And will success at Wembley kick start a new era of success on Tyneside?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead, who were both at Wembley, to discuss the significance of the occasion, and the role of a number of Newcastle's individual players. Later, they ask whether League Cup success can provide the launchpad to greater riches.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Whitehead and Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first piece of domestic silverware will be contested between Liverpool and Newcastle when they meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.Eddie Howe's Newcastle are looking to end a 70 year drought, will the occasion get the better of them as it did in 2023?And after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG midweek, how will Arne Slot's side respond in his first final at Liverpool?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writer Tim Spiers, Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Liverpool writer Andy Jones to preview Sunday's tie.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Chris Waugh, Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday night Atletico Madrid found a new way to suffer Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid.Diego Simeone's side were knocked out courtesy of penalties after Julian Alvarez had his effort rule out for a 'two-touch' kick.From VAR, to penalty shootouts, to near misses, Atleti have once again failed to find a way past their neighbours.So why is there always something stopping Simeone’s and his team from getting over the line in this competition? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Phil Hay to reflect on a chaotic night at the Metropolitano, discuss Atleti's 'El Pupas' curse and analyse how Simeone lifts his side for the La Liga title run-in.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Phil Hay and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford home.The news came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated the club could run out of money by Christmas without cost-cutting.So, with concerns around Manchester United’s finances, how would this development be paid for, and how will it affect their on pitch ambitions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season..So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season?And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed WalidExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not for the first time Manchester United have proven they still have glimpses of class in the team - as shown by Bruno Fernandes in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.Despite sitting 14th in the Premier League, the Europa League still offers a backdoor into next season’s Champions League.So how crucial is European qualification to Ruben Amorim’s plans for an Old Trafford overhaul?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Phil Hay to discuss the Ruben Amorim 'project' at Old Trafford to date while Mark Critchley also drops in to explain the financial need to secure European qualification to help finance a summer overhaul of the playing squad.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell, Phil Hay and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.But what damage could they be causing you and others?Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday, looking to win consecutive away games at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. This week, Mikel Arteta’s side thumped PSV 7-1 in the Champions League, meaning there will be no distractions as they look to build on an impressive attacking display. After a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, Ruben Amorim will not be afforded that luxury. Manchester United’s hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification rest on their Europa League campaign, will the United boss have one eye on Thursday’s second leg? Arsenal writer Art de Roché and Manchester writer Mark Critchley join Adam Leventhal to preview Sunday’s tie. Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Art de Roché, Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers having scored 17 goals in his last 17 games since the start of December.The Swede has helped fire Newcastle United to Wembley and has also put them in the mix for Champions League qualification.But the question is can they deliver the success needed to keep him at St James’ Park?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead to explore what it is that makes Isak the player he is as well as the cult hero he's become on Tyneside before exploring how difficult, or not, it may be to keep hold of him this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a new wonderkid on the block, and his name is Florian Wirtz. He has established himself as the man to carry the creative responsibility for Bayer Leverkusen.But how does he measure up against the world’s best in his position? And is there a danger in becoming over-reliant on one player to make things happen?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay & Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No matter where he’s managing, Jose Mourinho simply cannot stay out of the headlines.His time managing in the Turkish Super Lig has seen more of the same.So is this ‘typical Jose’? Or is he a victim of the chaos that surrounds him?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Rory Smith & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are looking to conclude their search for a new Sporting Director by the end of March.So, with the search set to conclude this month, who is the ideal candidate for the role and could this appointment be the missing link to help Arsenal finally end their wait for a Premier League title?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to analyse what the Gunners are looking for and who could be the man to replace Edu in trying to help Mikel Arteta bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just six points separating Nottingham Forest in 3rd and Aston Villa in 10th, European football is up for grabs in the Premier League.Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writers Tim Spiers and Nick Miller to discuss which side needs European qualification the most.After wins midweek, Manchester City and Chelsea sit 4th and 5th respectively, are any of the chasing pack consistent enough to earn Champions League football?With Manchester United and Tottenham languishing in the bottom half of the table, which clubs are eyeing up the Europa and Conference League?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Nick MillerFeaturing: Paul Taylor, Sam Lee, Liam Twomey, Chris Waugh, Jacob TanswellEditor: Nick ThomsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week in which they were dumped out of the Champions League and given a dose of reality by Liverpool, Man City got back to winning ways, beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 courtesy of Erling Haaland on his return from injury.So, with Haaland back from injury and their new recruits bedding in is the City rebuild not as big a job as we thought it might be?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City correspondent Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke to analyse City's performance at the Tottenham Hotspur season before assessing the state of their squad rebuild.New signings Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez are all discussed as well as the ageing spine of Guardiola's dynastic team before questioning whether the Spaniard can return City to their previous standards?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.