The Athletic FC Podcast

Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change. Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA Cup - and with a European finish still possible in the Premier League. What more can Iraola do at Bournemouth? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football data writer Thom Harris who was at Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Manches...

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop. Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals. Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust...

The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovany Quenda. So why are Chelsea doing their business so early, and should other clubs be following suit? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Simon Johnson, Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale We want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.c...

One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. So how did it get to this, the Reds losing a homegrown asset in the prime of his career on a free transfer and where will he fit at the Bernabeu? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool correspondent James Pe...

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 Produce...

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 Wit...

Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios. But why? How do multi-club ownership groups work, are they purely about making money, or do they help guarantee success on-the-pitch? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater for the first of our three-part series in multi-club ownership including Matt...

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...

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 Leagu...

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 M...

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 Hosted on Acast....

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 d...

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...

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 stopp...

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...

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

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 joi...

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: A...

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 Unite...

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 J...

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...

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

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 corresponden...

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 consist...

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...