The Athletic FC Podcast

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...

The Preview: Liverpool vs Man City

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Manchester City.Mark Carey & Jay Harris join Matt Davies...

How much danger are Palace in?

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

2026 hasn’t started well for Crystal Palace. Their captain sold, 12 games without a win and sliding down the table.So, how much danger are Pala...

Why Arteta is prioritising substance over style

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup final after a 4-2 win on aggregate over Chelsea.So how significant would a first trophy in six years be for Mik...

Ornstein latest: Summer transfers & managerial market

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The January transfer window has been relatively quiet by Premier League standards - with a combined spend of £397m between all 20 clubs.But does that...

Will Rosenior prove to be Chelsea's 'best decision'?

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea turned half-time boos to into full-time cheers, coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Liam Rosenior said post...

Anatomy of a Transfer: Your Questions Answered

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Exotic clauses, tapping up and how much agents really get paid. Your questions answered is the transfer special that you control.Adam Leventhal heads ...

The Preview: Spurs vs Man City

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City.Stu James & Tim Spiers join Matt...

Is the Champions League more fun than the Premier League?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Champions League league phase is over - after a pulsating final night.Five of the top eight sides are Premier League teams.But what else did we le...

Why are the big-money strikers misfiring?

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last summer was the year of the big-money strikers - from Isak to Gyokeres to Sesko to Woltemade and more!So is it fair to say they’ve struggled to ...

Ask Ornstein: Is Slot's job safe?

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Liverpool spent £450m last summer yet the squad still needs major surgery, after their unconvincing 13-game unbeaten run was ended at Bournemouth on ...

Are Arsenal their own worst enemy?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League is now down to four points, after losing 3-2 at home to Manchester United.Mikel Arteta's side took a...

No sweet home: Is 'home advantage' fading?

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of home and away - discussing the tactical differences between performing in front of y...

The Preview: Arsenal vs Man United

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester United.Both sides will be going into this one f...

Why Barcelona want to keep Rashford

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus Rashford has been enjoying his football in Spain.Scoring goals and creating goals - as he did in Champions League on Wednesday night.So will Ra...

Why Florentino Perez is club football's most powerful man

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Saturday Real Madrid players and president Florentino Perez were booed by the fans.Last night they put on a show in the Champions League that seeme...

Ask Ornstein: Nwaneri, Guehi and Glasner's future

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’re already halfway through the January transfer window.So what moves should we be looking out for in the final weeks of the window?Host: Ayo Akin...

Is Carrick more than a short-term fix for Man United?

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford started with a win.Carrick himself labelling it “a dream start” after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the M...

The Preview: Man United vs Man City

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby. Michael Carrick will take charge of his first game ...

How Mane ended Salah's AFCON dream again

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The AFCON 2025 final line-up is set: 2021 winners Senegal v hosts MoroccoBut what does defeat in the last four mean for both Nigeria and Mohamed Salah...

How long can Frank survive at Spurs?

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tottenham are out of both domestic cups and are struggling in the league.So how much longer does Thomas Frank have to turn the ship around?Host: Ayo A...

Why have Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso?

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, David Ornstein told us “the managerial market is about to explode”.Cue Real Madrid sacking Xabi Alonso.So what next for him and Madrid?...

Why is there so much uncertainty at Palace?

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last season Crystal Palace were the kings of the cup beating Man City at Wembley.On Saturday they suffered the biggest of all giant killings losing to...

What is the point of an interim manager?

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the panel discuss the roles and responsibilities of caretaker and interim managers.M...

Premier League Review: Arsenal miss chance to extend lead

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After five league wins in a row Arsenal missed the chance to go 8 points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa after drawing 0-0 with Liverpool at ...

Can Semenyo help City catch Arsenal?

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Man City have dropped points three games in a row, this time to Brighton & Hove Albion.While Antoine Semenyo signed off in style at Bournemouth, s...

How will Rosenior handle the Chelsea chaos?

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Liam Rosenior has signed a six-and-a-half-year deal as Chelsea’s new head coach.His first game in charge is this weekend's FA Cup third-round clash ...

Ask Ornstein: Man United's next manager + likely January transfers

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The January transfer window is open but it’s the managers hogging the headlines so far.Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day and less than a w...

Why Man United sacked Amorim

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After 14 months in charge, Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United.How did it come to this - and where do INEOS turn next?Host: Ayo Akinwole...

Maresca leaves Chelsea ahead of Man City showdown

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea head to Man City fresh from parting company with head coach Enzo Maresca.Matt Davies-Adams is joined by David Ornstein, Simon Johnson and Mark...

Klopp, Gundogan & Grimsby's chuffed chairman: Our guests of the season so far

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re shining a light on those outside The Athletic - we’ve had plenty of guests on the podcast this season and these are the highlights.&n...

The Preview: Arsenal vs Aston Villa

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Arsenal vs Aston Villa.After their impressive victory at Stamford Bridge ...

The Athletic meets... Jesse Marsch

28 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we bring you an exclusive interview with Canada head coach, Jesse Marsch. Speaking to writers from The Athletic in New York, including Adam Craf...

The biggest moments of the 2025/26 season so far

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re nearly halfway through the season and already it’s been one to remember. From Liverpool’s record-breaking transfer window, Forest’s...

How Morgan Rogers is driving Villa's unlikely title charge

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Premier League presented a Christmas cracker of a weekend of football.From Morgan Rogers’ magic in Aston Villa’s win over Manchester United, t...

Are Everton ready to kick on under their US owners?

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A year ago on Friday, Everton's takeover was complete.Since then the club has been rejuvenated. So how far can they go under the David Moyes and ...

The Preview: Spurs vs Liverpool

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool.Cerys Jones and Reuben Pinder join Matt Da...