With just days left until the transfer window closes - what big moves should we look out for? So what is going to happen with Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho? Are Liverpool getting Federico Chiesa? And is Manuel Ugarte finally on his way to Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Carl Anka Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 27, 2024•44 min
One game, one win but Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich had to leave it late to get the job done! Serge Gnabry with a late winner as they came from behind to beat Wolfsburg 3-2. So after Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern’s run of 11 straight titles last season, can Kompany lead them back to the top? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy Jones, who watched Kompany's Burnley during his two-year stay at Turf Moor to analyse the Belgian's start to li...
Aug 26, 2024•40 min
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend. This week — we’re focusing on Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who host title chasing Arsenal on Saturday. Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme, James McNicholas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Aug 23, 2024•49 min
Only a week into the season but it appears Napoli boss Antonio Conte has already gone full Conte. After an opening day defeat he said his side "melted like snow in the sunshine”. So how can Napoli avoid another disappointing season after their title triumph in 2023? Is moving on Victor Osimhen and reuniting Conte with Romelu Lukaku the answer? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle and Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Aug 22, 2024•43 min
So Manchester City have now reached agreement with Ilkay Gundogan over a free transfer from Barcelona. So is it a no-brainer for City to bring back a player they let go just 12 months ago? And why are Barca willing to allow one of their best players to leave so soon? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Sam Lee and Pol Ballús Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 21, 2024•36 min
It felt like a host of top clubs would be queuing up to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer. He’s been linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League But where is the interest from Premier League clubs for the England international? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris and Liam Tharme Additional reporting: Laurie Whitwell, James McNicholas, Sam Lee Producers: Abi Paterson & Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...
Aug 20, 2024•41 min
Once again we’re asking what is going on at Stamford Bridge. So after being unhappy at being left out for the season opener. What now for Raheem Sterling at Chelsea? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay and Liam Twomey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 19, 2024•44 min
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend. This week — Opening week! — we’re focusing on the ever-changing Chelsea, who host Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday. Plus, which Chelsea player would start for City, and a look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network. Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Liam Twomey, Sam Lee Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead...
Aug 16, 2024•56 min
After missing out on European football last season, it’s been a summer of uncertainty at Newcastle United. Changes in the boardroom have seen Eddie Howe lose a key ally in Amanda Staveley and with a new Sporting Director Newcastle are yet to truly flex their strength in the transfer market. So will Newcastle do the business they need and is the manager’s position vulnerable? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh and The Athletic FC's lead newsletter write...
Aug 15, 2024•52 min
Liverpool have been rejected. So why has Martín Zubimendi turned down a move to Anfield under new manager Arne Slot? And are they at risk of being left behind by their busy rivals in the transfer market? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay and Simon Hughes Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 14, 2024•49 min
It’s been a year since the departure of Harry Kane from Tottenham. But with record signing Dominic Solanke are Tottenham finally replacing their all-time record goalscorer? And what can we expect from Ange Postecoglou’s second season in charge at Spurs? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 13, 2024•39 min
New coaches, new CEO, new Sporting Director - you name it - it’s been a summer, of upheaval at Manchester United. That's before you even look at the transfer market! But will the changes be enough for the drastic, improvement needed after finishing 8th in the Premier League last season? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writers, and Talk of the Devils regulars Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka to assess how Erik Ten Hag's men are preparing for the new season, while David O...
Aug 12, 2024•47 min
Pep Guardiola has entered the final year of his Manchester City contract. With the uncertainty around many players futures, and the 115 charges still looming, could this be the end of an era at Manchester City? Adam Levethal is joined by Phil Hay, lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter as well as our Manchester City writer Sam Lee to reflect on their eventful U.S tour, Julian Alvarez's potential €95m move to Atletico Madrid, and discuss whether this could be Pep Guardiola's last season in Ma...
Aug 09, 2024•47 min
With just one win in five games, Chelsea’s US Tour hasn’t quite gone to plan, conceding four goals apiece to both Celtic and Manchester City along the way. New boss Enzo Maresca blamed ‘old habits’ for their defensive misgivings after his side’s latest defeat to Real Madrid. So, with the Premier League season just over a week away what should we expect from Chelsea? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Phil Hay, lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter as well as our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to analy...
Aug 08, 2024•51 min
Fresh off an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, Dani Olmo is close to a 60 million euro move to Barcelona. But given their ongoing financial issues, how are Barca affording this? And with plenty of stars already established in midfield, do they even need Olmo? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-Menchero Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 07, 2024•36 min
On today’s podcast we bring you our reporter Adam Crafton’s exclusive interview with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With 561 goals for club and country and 12 league titles across four countries - he is truly one of football’s greats. You’ll hear the former Manchester United, PSG, Milan and Sweden striker open up on his childhood, his tattoos, how Jose Mourinho got the best out of him, and… viewing himself as ‘God’. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Sta...
Aug 06, 2024•50 min
Despite going close in each of the past two seasons, Arsenal have ultimately finished both empty-handed. So is this the season Mikel Arteta finally delivers the Premier League title? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Art De Roche as well as Handbrake Off regular and former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke to assess Arsenal's title chances ahead of the new season. Italian football correspondent James Horncastle also shares his thoughts on the Gunners move for Riccardo Calafiori following his...
Aug 05, 2024•47 min
Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are just some of the teams in America during pre-season supposedly giving back to their fans abroad. But is it enough? Do Premier League teams need to play competitive matches away from England to truly make this a global game? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Adam Crafton to discuss the importance of pre-season tours in the US for Premier League clubs with the likes of James McNicholas, Laurie Whitwell, Sam Lee and James Pearce also sharing their views while ...
Jul 31, 2024•50 min
Spain are deservedly champions of Europe. So why are England once again unable to take the final step? And will it be Gareth Southgate’s final game as manager? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Pol Ballus Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 15, 2024•49 min
Lamine Yamal turns 17 the day before Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England and he’s already produced the moment of the tournament with his wonder goal in the semi-final win over France. So how did he get so good so young? And will his club side Barcelona be able to keep hold of him in the long term? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who is out in Germany covering Spain at Euro 2024 as well as La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan is analyse the rise of Lamine Yamal and look ahead...
Jul 12, 2024•43 min
England left it late, but thanks for Ollie Watkins' last minute winner are through to the final at Euro 2024. So are they now good, or just really lucky having relied on a number of big moments throughout the tournament? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay who was in Dortmund for the 2-1 win over the Netherlands as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers to analyse England's route to the final and the role of manager Gareth Southgate. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-...
Jul 11, 2024•40 min
On Friday, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as head coach in a new era at Liverpool. Yesterday, The Athletic reported that the club’s owners FSG are interested in purchasing French club Bordeaux. So what is the plan, and how would it benefit Liverpool? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 10, 2024•41 min
Manchester United are working to finalise a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee. His performances in Italy have earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for the Euros. So is Zirkzee an upgrade on United’s existing forward options? Or could they be about to make a move for a more experienced Premier League striker? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 09, 2024•41 min
England are through to the semi-final at Euro 2024 after seeing off Switzerland on penalties. Yet for Gareth Southgate’s side there were familiar problems in Dusseldorf with Harry Kane again struggling to make an impact. No doubt he’ll start Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands but should he? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay as well as Jacob Whitehead to discuss Kane's role ahead of Wednesday's meeting in Dortmund. Football tactics writer Ahmed ...
Jul 08, 2024•42 min
Just weeks after considering managerial replacements, Manchester United have extended Erik ten Hag’s contract until 2026. With so much structural change at the club, is this a genuine show of faith in the manager? And with preseason starting Monday, what are the problems that still need to be fixed before the Premier League returns? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Mark Critchley, Dan Sheldon Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...
Jul 05, 2024•39 min
Try as he might, Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting for his first goal at Euro 2024, despite having 20 shots at goal during the tournament so far. Maybe, time is finally catching up with the 39 year old. If that’s the case - is the power and influence Ronaldo has on this Portugal side still worth it? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was in the Frankfurt Arena for Portugal's last 16 tie with Slovenia on Monday night, as well as Tim Spiers to analyse what Ronaldo brings both on and off the...
Jul 04, 2024•43 min
Tottenham have won the race for teenage sensation Archie Gray, seeing off competition from the likes of Brentford and Borussia Dortmund. Leeds United said they were heartbroken after seeing him go - so why did they let their academy star leave? And what does the signing of Gray tell us about Spurs’ summer transfer policy? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Nancy Froston and Jay Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 03, 2024•35 min
Less than a month into this summer’s transfer window, one crucial deadline has already passed as club’s scrambled to comply with PSR. Amongst those were Newcastle United, so how did they find a way to balance the books? And what is the situation at St James’ Park for the rest of the summer transfer window? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to analyse a frantic weekend of dealing. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dav...
Jul 02, 2024•37 min
England have squeezed through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 thanks in part to a moment of genius from who else but Jude Bellingham. It was an underwhelming performance, but post match the England midfielder silenced critics. So, does it matter how England play as long as they win? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 01, 2024•34 min
After three lacklustre displays - France failed to top their group at a major tournament for the first time in 12 years. Their two goals so far at Euro 2024 have consisted of an own goal and a penalty, so what is going wrong for Didier Deschamps’ side? And how much good will is left in the bank from their 2018 World Cup triumph? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tom Williams, Pierre-Etienne Minonzio Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
Jun 28, 2024•40 min
