The Athletic FC Podcast

Will the World Cup rip-off pay off?

10 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the World Cup getting underway there are many outstanding off-field issues to discuss.Ahead of the tournament Adam Leventhal is joined b...

Who will actually win the World Cup?

09 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're continuing our build up to The World Cup. as we assess the favourites to win the tournament - and even make some predictions too.So who ar...

David Ornstein's World Cup transfer watchlist

08 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the World Cup gets underway on Thursday, we're here to look ahead to which deals could happen this summer.David Ornstein joins The Athletic FC's ne...

Emma Paton joins The Athletic FC Podcast for The World Cup

07 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're delighted to welcome Emma Paton to The Athletic FC Podcast team for the World Cup.Emma is a renowned presenter and broadcaster in the UK having ...

The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams

06 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With the World Cup right around the corner, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast discuss the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournamen...

The 10 greatest World Cup moments

05 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As excitement builds for the 23rd edition of the World Cup, it’s time to look back on the defining moments in the competition's recent history.From ...

World Cup Draft: Picking our Best XIs ever... with a twist

04 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, four of our writers were tasked with creating an all-time World Cup draft. From your Yashin’s to you...

What next for Arsenal? & Is Iraola better than Slot?

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After a “painful” defeat in the Champions League final.What do Arsenal need to do to close the gap on PSG next season?And what next for Liverpool ...

The Preview: Champions League Final

29 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal and PSG face off in Budapest in the 2026 Champions League final.Can Arsenal capture their first ever Champions League trophy, or will PSG win ...

How do Palace build on Glasner's legacy?

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A year after winning the FA Cup - Crystal Palace have yet more silverware!Oliver Glasner’s parting gift was to deliver the Conference League.So, wha...

Where next for Iraola?

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After ending the season 18 games unbeaten, Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth with Europa League football to come.But without a job lined up, has he lef...

Will Champions League save Slot at Liverpool?

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Liverpool will play Champions League football next seasonDespite finishing closer in points to the relegation zone - than champions Arsenal!So, is tha...

How much will relegation cost West Ham?

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

West Ham have been relegated from the Premier League just three years after winning the Europa Conference League.But just how costly will the drop be ...

The Athletic's 2025/26 season awards

23 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2025/26 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and ...

Spurs or West Ham's relegation fate + England squad reaction

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Who will beat the drop - Spurs or West Ham? Spurs need a draw against Everton to confirm safety, while West Ham must beat Leeds at the London Stadium....

How Spygate cost Southampton Premier League football

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship Play-Off Final after being caught spying on opponents.They’ll also start next season with a poi...

How Arteta's Arsenal finally became champions

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After 22 years, Arsenal have finally won the Premier League title.So how did Mikel Arteta transform the Gunners from pretenders to champions?Host: Ayo...

Ornstein latest: Guardiola leaving, is Maresca the answer?

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City this summer.And with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca the man expected to replace him.How on earth...

How does Xabi Alonso fix Chelsea?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Xabi Alonso has been announced as Chelsea’s next manager. As their campaign peters out, is he the man to reignite them next season?Host: Ayo Ak...

The Preview: Chelsea vs Man City

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's FA Cup Final weekend. Can City avoid a third consecutive FA Cup Final defeat? Could this be Pep's final trip to Wembley? Can Chelsea end the seas...

Are FIFA exploiting World Cup fans?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup is just four weeks away!From tickets to hotels, broadcast agreements to squads - there’s a lot still to sort out.But are FIFA exploiti...

Ornstein latest: Chelsea want Alonso & Carrick done deal?

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach.So could he bring calm to the chaos at Stamford Bridge?David Ornstein is joined by C...

Why do Spurs keep hitting the self-destruct button?

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The relegation race looks set to go to the wire after Tottenham’s draw against Leeds.So have West Ham been given a lifeline?And why do Spurs keep pr...

How Real Madrid descended into violence and chaos

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After a week of chaos at Real Madrid, involving in-fighting, things got even worse.Defeat at the Camp Nou meant Barcelona were crowned La Liga champio...

The Preview: West Ham vs Arsenal

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A big game in the title and relegation fight as 1st faces 18th - could this game crown Arsenal and relegate West Ham?And Spurs could take a big step t...

Why Luis Enrique is PSG's biggest star

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Paris Saint-Germain are through to a second successive Champions League final.Luis Enrique will be aiming to win his third European Cup as a manager. ...

Are Arsenal finally embracing the pressure?

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal are into their first Champions League final in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid.Mikel Arteta’s side are on the brink of a historic dou...

Have Man City blown the title?

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s advantage Arsenal in the title race after Man City’s slip-up at Everton.The Gunners are five points clear with three to playSo… have City t...

How will Man United cope in the Champions League?

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United have confirmed their place in next season's Champions League.So, what do the club need to handle being back amongst Europe’s elite...

The World Cup and War

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less ...

Keith Andrews: Set-piece coach to Premier League manager?

02 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast...

The Preview: Man United vs Liverpool

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs...

Are Newcastle's Saudi owners losing interest?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.With the ownership in town f...

Mourinho & Madrid: Why? What? How?

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.So is the Special One really the man to save Real Madrid?Plus, the panel react to Tu...

How will Liverpool replace Salah?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield.How prepared are Liverpool for his departure?And will it be another big summer of spending?H...

Who should be Chelsea's next manager?

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final.But the question remains, who should be their next manager?Host: Ayo Ak...

Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius

26 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most ass...

The Preview: Wolves vs Spurs

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Already relegated Wolves host relegation-threatened Tottenham - can De Zerbi's side finally pick up some momentum against the league's bottom team?Els...

How did Leicester go from miracle to misery?

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

10 years after winning the Premier League title Leicester City have been provisionally relegated to England’s third tier.So, how have the Foxes gone...

Chelsea sack Rosenior - reaction

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Liam Twomey, reacting to the news that Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam R...

How has Chelsea become so toxic?

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Champions League football is slipping further from Chelsea’s grasp after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brighton.They’ve now lost five league games in a...

Have Spurs left it too late?

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spurs’ nightmare season shows little sign of improving.After West Ham’s draw with Crystal Palace - they remain two points from safety with five ma...

How can Arteta reignite Arsenal?

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After defeat at the Etihad, Arsenal have lost control of the title race.Man City can go top of the Premier League with a win at Burnley on Wednesday n...

Guardiola vs Arteta: Tactical breakdown

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast diiscuss the huge Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.Can Mikel Arteta finally g...

Napoli owner De Laurentiis: How to fix football

18 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis is one of European football’s most outspoken and recognisable owners and this week he’s been telling Adam Crafton...

The Preview: Man City vs Arsenal

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The top two face off in a massive game in the title race.Will Man City continue their excellent recent form, or can Arsenal spring a surprise at the E...

How broken are Real Madrid?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in!Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second su...

Ornstein latest: Iraola, Slot's future & Liverpool transfers

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The managerial merry-go-round has started up again!The latest mover is Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end the season.So what next fo...

Why is the World Cup such a rip-off?

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue.So will this be the most expensive ...

Are Arsenal losing their nerve, again?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After Arsenal slumped to defeat Man City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League with a statement win on Sunday.Defeat to Bournemouth now make...

Patrice Evra interview: Sir Alex Ferguson, Suarez and Carrick's Man United

12 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton.They cove...

The Preview: Chelsea vs Man City

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Can the Citizens keep the pressure on in the title race?Elsewhere Arsenal host Bournemouth, Manche...

Why Barcelona want Julian Alvarez

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role!So - does...

Has Kompany made Bayern the best in Europe?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Harry Kane’s 49th goal of the season helped Bayern Munich to victory in the Bernabeu.Luis Diaz and Michael Olise played a starring support role.With...

Are FSG letting Liverpool drift?

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After losing 4-0 at the Etihad, Liverpool’s season is at risk of unravelling. With so much uncertainty surrounding the club's hierarchy, are FSG all...

The Preview: Man City vs Liverpool

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, an...

Are Chelsea’s players losing faith in the project?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not unde...

Italy and the World Cup: The curse continues

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The 48-team line-up for the World Cup has now been determined, after a night of drama in the play-offs.And for the third successive tournament, Italy ...

AFCON chaos: Will Senegal keep the trophy?

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The fallout from the AFCON final in January continues to rumble on.On Saturday - Senegal paraded the trophy in Paris …. despite having their title s...

Is De Zerbi the man to save Spurs?

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur, after just one win from seven games in charge.They’re now pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to replace him.So, can he...

Who should England take to the World Cup?

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We're into the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. Harry Maguire and Kobbe Mainoo are back in the England squad while Trent Al...

What makes a good Premier League owner?

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Premier League currently and historically has seen a wide range of ownership models from local businessmen to sovereign wealth funds.But what actu...

What does Salah’s exit mean for Liverpool?

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After nine years and more than 250 goals, Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool.The Egyptian King has helped fire the Reds to Champions League &...

Who are the Premier League's most powerful figures?

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From players and managers to executives and owners, the Premier League is made up of some big personalities.But who are the most influential?Host: Ayo...

Does Pep still have the edge over Arteta?

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester City claimed the first silverware of the season, thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. For Arsenal it was another opportunity missed, but what...

Who are the Champions League favourites after the last 16?

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League st...

Gabriel Jesus interview: Arteta vs Guardiola, Arsenal's title race & more

21 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview. In conversation with Mario C...

The Preview: Arsenal vs Man City

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal and Manchester City take to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. Will Arsenal pick up their first major trophy since 2020, or will Pep Guardiola...

Does Chelsea's punishment fit the crime?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea have been fined more than £10m and handed a suspended transfer ban for making secret payments in relation to transfers.So does the punishment...

Is Rosenior losing the Chelsea fans already?

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea are out of the Champions League after an 8-2 humbling at the hands of PSG.So where does such a damaging defeat leave head coach Liam Rosenior?...

Will Newcastle ever be an elite club?

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With 12 wins, six draws and 12 defeats in the Premier League - Newcastle have been struggling to find consistency this season.So a year on from their ...

Who is to blame for Liverpool's decline?

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, boos rang around Anfield as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Spurs. After missing the chance to go 4th, is it Champions League qualification or bus...

The Preview: Man United vs Aston Villa

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a massive game in the race for Champions League football.Can the Red Devils bounce back from...

Is the Premier League as strong as everyone thinks?

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For all the talk of Premier League dominance in Europe no English sides won in this week's Champions League.So, ahead of the second legs next week is ...

Can Tudor survive much longer at Spurs?

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Things aren't getting any better for Tottenham or Igor Tudor, after their 5-2 Champions League last 16 first leg loss to Atletico Madrid.Four games, f...

Can PSG win the Champions League again?

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PSG dominated club football last season - finally winning the Champions League.But this year they’ve not yet hit the heights.So can they step up and...

Can Arsenal or Man City win the quadruple?

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal and Man City are still in all four competitions after reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.It's the latest two sides have ever still been in ...

Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss football’s new rules!They talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in c...

The Preview: Wrexham vs Chelsea

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

FA Cup weekend brings a Hollywood tie to the Racecourse Ground, as Wrexham host Chelsea. Can the Championship club upset the odds again? Elsewhere in ...

What's wrong with Aston Villa?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of January Aston Villa were level on points with Man City seven points off league leaders Arsenal.One win in six has left them clinging ont...

What would relegation actually cost Spurs?

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After 28 matches, Spurs are just four points above the relegation zone.So could they actually get relegated for the first time in almost 50 years?And ...

Why is the Premier League launching its own streaming service?

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Premier League is launching its own direct-to-consumer streaming channel in Singapore from next season.So what will it look like?And could it be a...

What do Chelsea's record financial losses actually mean?

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After losing at the Emirates, Chelsea have dropped to sixth.They’ve also registered a £342m loss in their accounts.So, can Chelsea afford to miss o...

The Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal host Chelsea in their second London derby in the space of a week.Can the Gunners take momentum from a brilliant win at Tottenham last time out...

Is Italian football actually broken?

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Despite being 10 points clear in Serie A, Inter have been knocked out the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt.Juventus followed suit on Wednesday night mea...

Why are so many managers talking themselves out of a job?

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This season, plenty of managers have talked themselves into trouble.Oliver Glasner angered Crystal Palace fans by telling them to “stay humble”.An...

Is Carrick making the 'impossible job' seem easy?

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Michael Carrick era at Manchester United has got off to a flying start.So how has he done it?And what would it take for him to get the job permane...

Can Arsenal embrace the pressure?

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the second time this season Arsenal saw off rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the north London derby.But having dropped points against Brentford and...

The Preview: Spurs vs Arsenal

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal head up the road to Tottenham for a massive North London Derby. Can Igor Tudor start his Spurs career with a big win to help lift the moo...

What is the hardest job in football?

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With so many big clubs potentially in the market for a new manager this summer.So, what actually is the hardest coaching job in football?Host: Ayo Aki...

Vinicius, Mourinho and another ugly night for football

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win at Benfica on Tuesday night was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse suffered by goalscore...

Will De Zerbi return to the Premier League?

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marseille’s season is in danger of spiralling after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach.So why did his spell come to an end so suddenly?...

Can Igor Tudor save Spurs?

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spurs have appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach.So why him, and how does it affect their summer plans? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James...

Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast are talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range scream...

Why have England extended Tuchel’s contract now?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

England have extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract beyond the 2026 World Cup. So why has this happened now, and with sacking season in full flow, h...

Four managers in one season: Inside Forest's chaos

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Dyche has become the third manager to be sacked by Nottingham Forest this season, following Wednesday night's goalless draw at home to Wolves.For...

Frank sacked: Why now and who next?

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a miserable eight months in charge.A run of just two league wins in 17 Premier League matches ...

What caused Ronaldo's Saudi rift?

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still making headlines.This time, he’s fallen out with his club, Al-Nassr.So why is he unhappy?And what does the future ...

Have Man City reignited the title race?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After trailing at Anfield Manchester City flipped the script and beat Liverpool with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.So after the dramati...

A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of weather. How do the elements impact what happens on the pitch? From the...