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

Is Cole Palmer the best player in the Premier League?

Since the start of 2023-24, Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 43 PL goals (28 goals, 15 assists), more than any other player. So, is Palmer the best player in the Premier League? And why is he thriving at Chelsea? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Liam Twomey and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 01, 202435 min

Is Ten Hag running out of excuses?

Today we’re focusing on Manchester United after another damaging defeat, this time to Tottenham. So… what can Erik ten Hag do to turn things around? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell, Jay Harris and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 202435 min

The Preview - Manchester United vs Tottenham

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 Manchester United vs Spurs at Old Trafford. With Ange Postecoglou & Erik ten Hag's sides 10th & 11th respectively, Sunday presents a huge opportunity for one to kick start their season. 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 Executive P...

Sep 27, 202441 min

Who wants the new Club World Cup?

In June FIFA’s new Club World Cup launches but do you know where it’s being held, who’s playing in it or what the format actually is? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton to discuss the tournament ahead of it's relaunch in the USA next summer with Felipe Cardenas also popping by to explain what it means for the US to host the competition. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater & Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on A...

Sep 26, 202439 min

Is Everton’s takeover saga finally over?

An agreement has been reached for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover of Everton. But when will it actually be completed? And how is it being paid for? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Paddy Boyland and James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 202435 min

Has Lopetegui got an impossible job at West Ham?

Today we’re focusing on West Ham. There was so much excitement over their summer transfer business, but Julen Lopetegui has won just one of his first five league games in charge. So… have the Hammers got worse under their new manager or is the job just impossible? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Benji Lanyado, Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 24, 202434 min

Did Arsenal rattle Man City?

On Sunday, champions Manchester City and challengers Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad in which both sides had to come from behind. Despite trailing to Erling Haaland's early goal, Mikel Arteta's side were only denied a win in the depths of added time with John Stones equalising for Pep Guardiola's side. So have Arsenal moved closer to dethroning Man City, despite not beating them? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee and Arsenal writer James McN...

Sep 23, 202438 min

The Preview - Manchester City vs Arsenal

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 1st vs 2nd as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. 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 Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 20, 202437 min

What can Aston Villa achieve this season?

Today we’re focusing on Aston Villa - looking at their season so far and what was a hectic summer transfer window.. So how is Unai Emery’s side managing the demands of both Champions League and Premier League football? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Thom Harris who was there to witness Villa’s return to action in the Champions League this week & also broadcaster Dan Bardell who is very much a Villa fan too. Producer: Nick Thomson Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast....

Sep 19, 202435 min

How do Real Madrid keep their Galacticos happy?

Today we’re focusing on Real Madrid and their super star players - The Galacticos. So how does Carlo Ancelotti manage the talent and the egos to deliver on the pitch? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Ramón Calderón Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 202434 min

Man City's 115 charges: how could they be punished if they lose the case?

Today we’re focusing on Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules after the long-awaited hearing started earlier this week. So how might all this play out for City? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay and Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 17, 202439 min

Is Arsenal's squad deep enough to match Man City?

After victory in the North London derby, is Arsenal's leaner squad capable of keeping pace with Manchester City across both the Premier League and the Champions League? Also, David Ornstein will bring us all the details of manager Mikel Arteta’s new contract And what does defeat to Arsenal say about how far Ange Postecoglou are behind their local rivals. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and newsletter lead writer, Phil Hay Host: Ayo Akinwolere With...

Sep 16, 202437 min

The Preview - Tottenham vs Arsenal

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 the North London derby as Spurs host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jon Mackenzie, Nick Miller Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 13, 202439 min

How do sporting directors prove their worth?

These days, most Premier League clubs have an executive to deal with transfers. From Richard Hughes swapping Bournemouth for Liverpool this summer to Manchester United’s pursuit of Dan Ashworth and Newcastle replacing him with Paul Mitchell who has got off to a tricky start. So, when a transfer window doesn’t go to plan, is the sporting director to blame? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh, lead writer for The Athletic FC's newsletter Phil Hay and seni...

Sep 12, 202434 min

Is too much football ruining the game?

Football is at breaking point. That's the message of yet another stark warning from FIFPro who recently suggested that this season will be the "worst ever" for player workload. We have PFA Chief Exec Maheta Molango on to explain what he's hearing from players, the impact this could have on its youngest stars, and whether we're heading towards a strike. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Maheta Molango and Stuart James Exec Prod: Adey Moorhead Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

Sep 11, 202426 min

The Chelsea ownership crisis explained

Since Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale over two years ago, the club has been plagued with instability on and off the pitch. This week - things have got worse - Clearlake and Todd Boehly’s relationship is at breaking point and the ownership is in crisis. So why has this partnership fractured, and what does it mean for Chelsea’s future? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton, Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

Sep 10, 202443 min

Is Pochettino the right fit for USMNT?

Mauricio Pochettino is set to be confirmed as the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team The Argentine takes charge less than two years out from co-hosting the World Cup So, is Pochettino the right choice to turn US fortunes into an American dream? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Felipe Cardenas to analyse the potential appointment ahead of an official announcement with the countdown to the 2026 World Cup already underway! Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton...

Sep 09, 202435 min

Premier League Review: What we've learned so far

Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening three weeks of the 24/25 Premier League season. The panel reflect on Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, Everton's collapse at home to Bournemouth, and back to back hat-tricks for Erling Haaland - helping Manchester City start the season as they ended last. We also hear from our Tottenham and Chelsea writers from the club podcasts across our network, and talk life after Toney at Brentford. Plus - will Russell Mar...

Sep 06, 202446 min

Is the Premier League losing control of PSR?

This week, Leicester City won their appeal against a Premier League charge for PSR breaches. Everton & Nottingham Forest have already been punished for financial rule breaking and Manchester City face multiple charges of their own, so how did Leicester avoid a points deduction and what does it mean for PSR? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater and lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the complexity of Leicester's appeal and...

Sep 05, 202436 min

Why has Osimhen ended up in Turkey?

Victor Osimhen was once the hottest strikers in European football. But instead of a move to PSG or Chelsea, the 25-year-old is swapping Naples for Istanbul. So… how has Osimhen ended up at Galatasaray? Host: Ian Irving With: James Horncastle and Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 04, 202436 min

Can Everton be saved?

Today we’re focusing on the Premier League club that is rock bottom of the table after three straight losses. Meanwhile, off the pitch, their future is still up in the air. So… what now for Everton? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Paddy Boyland, Phil Hay and Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 03, 202442 min

Has Slot exposed Ten Hag already?

Today we’re picking the bones out of Liverpool’s 3-0 rout of Manchester United. Arne Slot has begun life at Anfield with three wins from three, as for Erik ten Hag’s side they’ve already lost twice this season. So have Liverpool improved or are Manchester United just not the test they once were? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Liverpool writer James Pearce, who were at Old Trafford, to analyse the difference between the two sides and examine the ...

Sep 02, 202439 min

The Preview - Manchester United vs Liverpool

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 Arne Slot's first serious test as Erik ten Hag's Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford. 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, Carl Anka, James Pearce, Neil Mellor Executive Producer: Ben Green Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. S...

Aug 30, 202443 min

Will the new-look Champions League be more exciting?

Ahead of the Champions League returning it’s goodbye to the group stage and that’s not the only change - you’ll probably notice they’ve dabbled with the music as well! To delve into the changes to the format Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football news reporter Matt Slater and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay. The panel get into the the new league structure, explain why it gets called "The Swiss Model" and how it will work in practice. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and P...

Aug 29, 202435 min

Are big-spending Brighton onto something special?

Brighton have had an impressive start under their 31-year old-manager Fabian Hurzeler and an even more impressive transfer window - with £200million spent. On the show it’s tactics writer Liam Tharme and German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor. And we’re asking… is there something exciting happening with the Seagulls this season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Liam Tharme and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more ...

Aug 28, 202430 min

Ugarte, Sancho and Chelsea's fire sale: Ornstein’s transfers to watch

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

Aug 27, 202436 min

Will Kompany restore Bayern's dominance?

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, 202431 min

The Preview - Aston Villa vs Arsenal

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

Aug 23, 202440 min

Is Conte already losing patience at Napoli?

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

Aug 22, 202435 min

Why Barcelona are letting Gundogan re-join Man City

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

Aug 21, 202428 min
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