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.
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 Akinwolere With: Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou We want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to ...
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 Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Tim Bezbatchenko & Larry Berg Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavr...
This episode explores the growing trend of multi-club ownership (MCO) in football, examining its structure, motivations, and potential pitfalls. Matt Slater interviews AJ Swoboda from Twenty First Group, diving into the history, advantages, and challenges of MCOs, while also discussing successful models like City Football Group and Red Bull. The conversation covers the influence of North American investment, player trading, and operational strategies within multi-club structures, offering a comprehensive overview of this evolving landscape.
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 ...
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 Ma...
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 Akinwolere With: Phil Hay, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & Laia Cervello Herrero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...
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 Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes, Andy Jones & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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....
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 L...
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 ...
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 Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey ...
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 Akinwolere With: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed Walid Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Amo...
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 Leventhal Mixing: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Featuring footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Cul...
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 ...
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 ...
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 Akinwolere With: Phil Hay & Mark Carey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Leventhal With: Rory Smith & Andy Mitten Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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...
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 th...
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 T...
Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio couldn’t save Aston Villa last night as they lost 4-1 away at Crystal Palace. The two marquee signings were brought in to boost Unai Emery’s side at the business end of the season. But are Rashford & Asensio the solution to Villa’s problems right now? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jacob Tanswell & Rory Smith Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last season marked the first time since 1998 that all three promoted Premier League teams were relegated. It looks like history may repeat itself this season, after another miserable weekend for Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. So will all three go down? And if so, what does it say about the gap between the Premier League and the Championship? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stu James & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your...
Liverpool have moved 11 points clear in the Premier League title race with Mohamed Salah leading the way in their 2-0 win over Manchester City. His goal and assists are edging him towards records set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Mohamed Salah is one of the Premier League’s Greatest but could he be THE greatest? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was at the Etihad on Sunday for The Athletic as well as Simon Hughes, author of Chasing Salah: The Biography of Mohamed Salah. Host: Ayo ...
Ever thought about how elite football clubs actually go about using data to analyse and recruit players? Well, The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast has the answers you need. Paul Power from sports data company, Skillcorner, joins the show to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis. Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choic...
Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday in what could be a decisive game in this season’s title race. Pep Guardiola will be hoping to fix Manchester City’s out of possession problems, that contributed to them being dumped out of the Champions League midweek. After consecutive draws away from home in the Premier League, can Arne Slot’s side make a statement at a ground they have won just once at in their previous 15 attempts? The Athletic’s senior data analyst Mark Carey and data writer Thom Har...
On a night Man City had no margin for error, Kylian Mbappe took away any hope scoring his first hat-trick at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid. With his treble, the Frenchman became just the fourth player to score a Champions League knockout hat-trick for Madrid following in the footsteps of the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Karim Benzema and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. So can Mbappe reach Cristano Ronaldo's levels at Real Madrid? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Real Madrid writer Guillermo R...
Defeat at Spurs last weekend left Manchester United in 15th place in the table Next up they take on a resurgent Everton managed by the first person challenged with bringing back the good times at Old Trafford. So from David Moyes to Ruben Amorim, United seems to be stuck in a cycle of underperformance. So what is preventing them from moving forward? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton, Oli Kay, Carl Anka & Charlotte Harpur Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more a...
The Premier League’s financial rules will still be in place for next season despite plans to change them. Teams like Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle blame these rules for stopping them spending heavily on new players. So why the delay for the new rules? And how exactly do they impact clubs and their summer transfer plans? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater & Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. ...
On Friday night Chelsea suffered a fourth defeat in eight Premier League games, going down 3-0 away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Having slipped from fourth to sixth, frustrations have come to the fore including from star player Cole Palmer. So, has Maresca ball gone flat? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and senior football writer Oli Kay to analyse Chelsea's recent shortcomings, discuss the form and contributions of Palmer as well as assess whether or not Chelsea are improvi...
