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

Relief and anger at Everton - what next?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O’Keeffe & Patrick Boyland to detail the story of Everton’s latest escape from relegation & how they’ll be looking to avoid it happening again next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 31, 202335 min

Ivan Toney's ban & Gambling's grip on football

Host Mark Chapman is joined by Steven Caulker & The Athletic's Jay Harris to explain Ivan Toney's 8-month ban from football and discuss the game's 'toxic' relationship with gambling... What exactly was Ivan Toney found guilty of, the 'extreme' nature of his punishment and a 'culture' that still plagues English football. Plus, Steven talks about an academy project of his launching this summer, Behind The White Lines , aimed at providing support to young players who have been rejected by profe...

May 30, 202341 min

Why Leeds & Leicester were relegated & what next

So Leicester City & Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League and will be playing in the second tier of English football next season.. So how did it come to this? And how will both clubs deal with various off pitch issues and look to bounce straight back? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay & Rob Tanner who covers Leicester City for us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 29, 202327 min

Weekend Preview: The battle at the bottom heads to the final day as Everton, Leicester & Leeds await their fate

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as the curtain comes down on this Premier League season. Ahead of the scrap for survival at the bottom the panel assess what twists and turns could happen as Everton, Leicester and Leeds look to avoid relegation. Plus, there's a look ahead to the shootout for the Europa League Conference qualification between Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brentford as well as our 'End of Season' awards along with the Trivia and Six Scores Ch...

May 26, 202350 min

The Fairytale Play-Off Final for the biggest prize in football

As recently as 2018 both Coventry City and Luton Town were playing one another in League Two, yet on Saturday meet at Wembley for a place in the Premier League next season. Luton having climbed back from dropping out in the EFL in 2009 and Coventry City, who have been 'homeless' due to stadium disputes and evictions during the last decade both have the chance of returning to the top flight. Mark Champman is alongside Matt Slater, Richard Sutcliffe and Nancy Froston to discuss football's 'Richest...

May 25, 202333 min

Vinícius Júnior has had enough

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono , after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid. La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches. But is that going to make a difference? The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil. Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

May 24, 202338 min

Newcastle United: Where next?

Newcastle United will be returning to the Champions League after 20 years away next season, after securing a top four finish with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night. Having also reached a first cup final in 24 years this season, their first under Saudi Arabian ownership and with Eddie Howe in the dugout what comes next for the Magpies? Mark Chapman is alongside George Caulkin and Oli Kay to explore where Newcastle go next... Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

May 23, 202334 min

Manchester City: Champions and Allegations

So Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in the past six years. But off the pitch questions remain after over 100 Premier League charges - for allegedly breaching financial regulations - were brought against the club.. So is there an asterisk over City’s success until the charges are resolved either way? Or will the allegations just be forgotten about as more titles are collected and the long process drags on? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and ou...

May 22, 202330 min

Weekend Preview: Man City aim to complete first leg of potential Treble, Newcastle looking to confirm Top Four finish & Big Sam heads back to West Ham in need of points

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the penultimate weekend of action in the Premier League. Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad hoping to seal their third successive league title while Newcastle know a win over Leicester City on Monday night will be enough to secure Champions League qualification. At the bottom, Big Sam heads back to West Ham hoping to keep Leeds alive heading into the final day, plus there's the Trivia & Six Scores Challen...

May 19, 202348 min

What rest of Europe thinks of Man City's dominance

So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances. But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manche...

May 18, 202329 min

Why did Southampton's data gamble fail?

Mark Chapman is joined by Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell to dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League under the stewardship of data-driven Sport Republic. The role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, appointment of Nathan Jones as well as the club's bold youthful transfer policy are all put under the spotlight. Produced by Guy Clarke *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast....

May 17, 202334 min

Barcelona: Why winning La Liga is not enough

Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.” But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club? Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future. *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first m...

May 16, 202331 min

Pochettino’s Chelsea - will the players and owners buy into his plan?

What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need? And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson & David Ornstein *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 15, 202332 min

Weekend Preview: Leeds & Leicester in need of relegation reaction, Liverpool applying top four pressure & Man City's Treble charge continues

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest. At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip. Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four. Produced ...

May 12, 202349 min

Manchester United: A season on a knife edge

Are Manchester United really back? That was the feeling back in February after winning the League Cup and beating Barcelona. But now league form is faltering and their Champions League place is under threat from arch-rivals Liverpool and do they have enough in the tank to stop City winning a possible treble? All this plus the uncertainty over the ownership rumbles on. Ian Irving sits down to discuss it all with The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

May 11, 202335 min

Why Bellingham to Real isn't a done deal. Yet.

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee and Raphael Honigstein to explore Jude Bellingham's proposed summer transfer to Real Madrid, over a return to England and the Premier League... Why Man City have positioned themselves as "Release Clause FC", the impact of Real Madrid's very public failed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe last summer and Borussia Dortmund's negotiating position. Plus, an insight into the way the Bellingham camp operate, why so many players can't resist the...

May 10, 202335 min

Is Italian football back?

James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football. We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed. We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table. And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final. Italy - It’s chaotic, it...

May 09, 202332 min

How Sam Allardyce plans to keep Leeds in the Premier League

Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League.. Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough? Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 08, 202334 min

Weekend Preview: Big Sam is back, Man Utd leave top four door open & Erling Haaland powering City towards Premier League Coronation

As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action. Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton w...

May 05, 202350 min

Project Messi: How it fell apart at PSG

So this week Lionel Messi was suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain and will be fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia… Coming up we’ll discuss the events that surely signal the end of Project Messi in Paris & where he might play next.. Is Messi now more of a very expensive PR tool than a footballer? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's we have Adam Crafton and also our Paris Saint-Germain writer Peter Rutzler in Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

May 04, 202335 min

Arteta’s Arsenal: The next phase

Arsenal have had a very good season - Champions or not. And with Champions League football back, the future is certainly bright. So, what do Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal need to do to get to the ‘next level’ and how will the way they operate need to change? Joining Mark Chapman it's David Ornstein and Adrian Clarke Produced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 03, 202334 min

How Haaland has demolished the Premier League

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has made history scoring his 50th goal of the season on Sunday - the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years. How has manager Pep Guardiola got the best out of him? How can City look to ensure he stays for as long as possible? Where does this season rank him in terms of the greatest of Premier League strikers? Joining Ian Irving to discuss the goalscoring heroics of Erling Haaland we have The Athletic’s Man City writer Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke… ...

May 02, 202334 min

Leeds United: How to sink a Premier League team

"This isn't about the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, it's about the decisions they've made since..." The Athletic's Leeds writer Phil Hay joins senior news reporter Matt Slater and host Ian Irving, to reflect on how Leeds got themselves into another relegation scrap this season. The vote of no confidence from the Supporters Advisory Board, the viral video, if Javi Gracia will see out the last four games of the season, what being in the Championship would mean for the takeover and a cautionary ...

May 01, 202335 min

Weekend Preview: City look to take top spot after shooting down the Gunners, Villa march onto Old Trafford & are Everton doomed?

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth following a decisive week at the top and bottom of the Premier League. With Arsenal not in action until Tuesday, Man City will look to take top spot when they head to Fulham. In the battle for European qualification Aston Villa head to Old Trafford and Liverpool take on Tottenham while Newcastle play Southampton. Plus, at the bottom, have Nottingham Forest begun their great escape and is there any hope left for Everton af...

Apr 28, 202353 min

Why the timing is right for Pochettino and Chelsea

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey and Jack Pitt-Brooke, our Tottenham correspondent. The panel discussed how Mauricio Pochettino has become firm favourite to be that man as the new permanent Chelsea manager & why the timing couldn’t be better for all parties involved. Also how Chelsea's dismal form puts Pochettino in a position of strength, why the state of the squad could suit his skills and how his Spurs links will be a hindrance if thin...

Apr 27, 202330 min

How quickly can Wrexham reach the Premier League?

On Saturday, Wrexham reached their cliched Hollywood ending with promotion back to promised land of the English Football League. And as emotions poured out of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as much as the fans on the pitch, the questions began about this club’s future. So then EFL, Welcome to Wrexham. Can anyone stop them? And is the Premier League a realistic goal? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Richard Sutcliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Apr 26, 202332 min

Will Manchester City win the treble?

Back in '99, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United won a historic treble - The Premier League, FA Cup & Champions League - Despite Roman Abramovich’s millions and the genius of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', no one in English football has been able to do it since. Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee, Amy Lawrence and Andy Mitten to discuss Manchester City's chance at Premier League 'immortality'… How much luck was involved in Man United's famous season and what would it mean to t...

Apr 25, 202335 min

Broken Tottenham: How can they be fixed?

Tottenham absolutely fell apart yesterday, hammered 6-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park - they are also currently without a first team manager, director of football So where do Spurs begin with fixing all these issues both on and off the pitch? And has the club really got the ambition to compete with the very best? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-Brooke - our Tottenham correspondent who was at St James Park yesterday - and also Tim Spiers who has also covered Spur...

Apr 24, 202335 min

Weekend Preview: Arsenal look to take control, European race hots up & how do Leeds stop the rot?

Dan Bardell is with George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to the Premier League weekend & FA Cup semi-finals. The panel assess Arsenal's recent wobble ahead of Southampton visiting the Emirates, with Man City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend. We also assess the race for European qualification, analyse the latest twists and turns in the battle for survival including The Athletic's Leeds United writer Phil Hay looking into the Elland Road side's recent struggl...

Apr 21, 202351 min

How Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa

Coming up, hear how Unai Emery has made Aston Villa a force in the Premier League again. Also how he always seems to find a way to start so well wherever he’s in charge & what Villa can expect to happen next. Joining us for this one The Athletic’s Aston Villa writer Greg Evans, Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan who interviewed Emery for The Athletic last year and Art De Roche who covers Arsenal, one of Emery’s former clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 20, 202331 min
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