The Athletic FC Podcast - podcast cover

The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletictheathletic.com
The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Champions League Preview: PSG vs Inter

On Saturday, PSG will face Inter in the 24/25 Champions League final in Munich. It will be the meeting of the oldest versus the youngest team from the Champions League knockouts, will experience or youthful exuberance prevail? The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ayo Akinwolere to preview the game. Can Luis Enrique’s decision to ditch the ‘superstars’ and change the culture at PSG be validated with the clubs first Champio...

May 30, 202546 min

Has Maresca proven Chelsea's doubters wrong?

Chelsea have won a trophy and have Champions League football next season. So, has Enzo Maresca proven the doubters wrong? Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6 Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 29, 202533 min

Sunderland are back in the Premier League - can they stay there?

Sunderland are back in the Premier League after eight years away. So how did a club who were in League One three years ago make their way back to the top table? And crucially, can they stay there? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay, Chris Weatherspoon, Leo Pearlman Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 28, 202542 min

How Conte conquered Serie A again

Napoli won a second Scudetto in three years as a dramatic Serie A title race went down to the final day. So how did Antonio Conte’s side get the better of Champions League finalists Inter, despite losing their two best players? And what part did former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay play in the title triumph? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

May 27, 202531 min

Have Aston Villa's transfer plans been derailed?

Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a crucial top-five finish in the Premier League—falling short after a moment of controversy at Old Trafford. So, why couldn’t Unai Emery’s side get over the line this season? And what does failing to qualify for the Champions League mean for Villa’s summer transfer ambitions? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell and Villa expert Dan Bardell to unpack the highs, lows, and looming decisions facing the club this summer. Host: Ayo Akinwole...

May 26, 202530 min

Liverpool: The title they never saw

On 25 May 2025, Liverpool will receive their 20th top flight crown, equaling the record set by Manchester United. This season's victory will be defined by Mohamed Salah's goals, Arne Slot's career-defining debut, and the measured manner with which the Reds marched on. But five years ago, when Liverpool last won English football's most prestigious trophy for the first time in 30 years, this was not the scene. Simon Hughes has spoken to families in Liverpool to find out how this title sits five ye...

May 25, 202539 min

The Athletic’s 2024/25 season awards

Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2024-25 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe. The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Jacob Whitehead join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Jacob Whitehead Executive Produce...

May 23, 202551 min

Spurs win Europa League: What now for Postecoglou & Amorim?

Tottenham Hotspur got the job done in Bilbao with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the Europa League Final win over Manchester United. So what does the trophy mean for Spurs & Postecoglou and where does defeat leave Ruben Amorim & Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Laurie Whitwell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 22, 202541 min

Man United v Spurs - who will save their season?

Tonight - Spurs or Manchester United will be crowned Europa League champions So… will it be Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim that rescues a disastrous season? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jay Harris and Manchester United writer Carl Anka. We also hear from The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke & Laurie Whitwell who attended the press conferences of Postecoglou and Amorim ahead of the pivotal game. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris & Carl Anka Executive Producer: ...

May 21, 202546 min

Would the Europa League save Postecoglou's job?

Spurs’ Europa League run has been the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season. They have a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy on Wednesday night. So what would it mean for the club and manager Ange Postecoglou if they win the Europa League? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Danny Kelly & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 20, 202542 min

Would Europa League win fix Man United?

This week, it’s all eyes on Bilbao as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Europa League final. Today, we’re focusing on Ruben Amorim’s side and asking what would success mean for Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 19, 202539 min

Goodbye Goodison

On 18th May 2025, Everton will play their final Premier League game at Goodison Park against Southampton. For the men’s team, it will no longer be their home. In this special episode allow yourself to be transported to the stadium, as The Athletic FC captures the iconic sound that only Goodison could bring. You will hear from fans about their memories of the stadium, what it will mean to move on from the place they have called home for 133 years, and a surprising amount of love for the restricte...

May 17, 202531 min

What would a first ever trophy mean for Palace?

Crystal Palace have the chance to win their first major trophy on Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. So how has Oliver Glasner transformed Palace and would silverware take the Eagles to the next level? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Matt Woosnam, Reuben Pinder, Sam Lee Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 16, 202534 min

What does Kane's first trophy prove?

Harry Kane’s trophy drought is over having helped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany. But is one Bundesliga trophy enough for the England captain - and is silverware the only marker of success? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Art De Roche Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 202540 min

Is it ever OK to boo your own players?

On Sunday afternoon Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield. So why do supporters boo their own players and is it ever acceptable? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Oli Kay, Carl Anka Featuring: Art de Roché, Simon Johnson, Chris Waugh Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 202539 min

Will Brentford lose Mbeumo & Wissa this summer?

Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have lit up the Premier League once again this season. But with Thomas Frank admitting Mbeumo could be sold this summer - what does the future hold for him and strike partner Wissa? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris & Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 13, 202534 min

Real Madrid have collapsed - can Alonso fix them?

Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico, throwing away at 2-0 lead before falling to a 4-3 defeat. Knocked out of the Champions League and defeat to Barcelona makes another league title unlikely. So where has it all gone wrong for Real Madrid and is Xabi Alonso the man to fix them? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 12, 202542 min

Man United & Spurs book this season's unlikeliest final

On Thursday night both Manchester United and Spurs got the job done in the Europa League to book their place in Bilbao. One of them will be the Champions League next season - but who will be joining them via the Premier League? This weekend's standout fixture comes at St. James' Park as Newcastle United welcome Chelsea in a meeting of 4th v 5th. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers and Oliver Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast....

May 09, 202539 min

Why can't Arsenal get over the line?

Arsenal’s European journey is over after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain. So where does this leave Mikel Arteta’s process and why can’t Arsenal get over the line? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Art De Roche, Phil Hay and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 08, 202538 min

Have Inzaghi's Inter proven how good they really are?

Inter are through to the Champions League final after a breathtaking semi-final against Barcelona. So where does that rank among the best knockout matches in the competition's history? And are Inter favourites to lift the trophy now? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus & Max Callegari Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 07, 202535 min

Will Wirtz headline Man City's summer rebuild?

Manchester City have had a disappointing season compared to their usually high standards. But the summer window offers Pep Guardiola the chance to rebuild. So which players are they targeting? And will it be enough for them to be Premier League contenders once again? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Sam Lee & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 06, 202550 min

Why is Trent leaving Liverpool?

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool. So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer? And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes them a better option? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Mario Cortegana and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 05, 202545 min

Why is Trent leaving Liverpool?

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool. So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer? And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes them a better option? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Mario Cortegana and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 05, 202537 min

Will Man United or Spurs save their awful seasons?

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 ref...

May 02, 202540 min

Will Man United or Spurs save their awful seasons?

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 ref...

May 02, 202549 min

When will Wrexham reach the Premier League?

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 Akinwolere With: Richard Sutcliffe, Matt Slater and Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 01, 202542 min

When will Wrexham reach the Premier League?

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 Akinwolere With: Richard Sutcliffe, Matt Slater and Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 01, 202550 min

How do Arsenal hit back in Paris?

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 Akinwolere With: Art de Roché & Stuart James Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 30, 202534 min

How do Arsenal hit back in Paris?

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 Akinwolere With: Art de Roché & Stuart James Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 30, 202542 min

Champions League final four: Who are favourites?

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 Akinwolere With: Max Callegari, Tomas Hill-Lopez Menchero, Tom Williams, Jordan Campbell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 29, 202551 min
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