The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
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...
Ornstein exclusive: City target Maresca to replace Guardiola
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Ornstein reports that Chelsea's Enzo Maresca is high on the list to replace Pep Guardiola with the anticipation of this being his last season at...
AFCON 2025: 'Fired up' Salah, favourites and surprise packages
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Excitement is building for the start of Africa Cup of Nations this weekend.The tournament kicks off this Sunday, 21st December and runs until the fina...
Man United’s wild night and why Bruno feels ‘hurt’
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another week of chaos at Manchester United, what’s new?Bournemouth came from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Ruben Amorim’s side in the game o...
What next for Salah and Liverpool?
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mohamed Salah shone brightly, coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Brighton, grabbing an assist along the way.Now he heads off to ...
Are FIFA exploiting fans with World Cup ticket prices?
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpac...
The Preview: Sunderland vs Newcastle
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle.After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to ...
Is Alonso still facing Real Madrid sack?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance.They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine himSo, i...
Is ‘sacking season’ still a thing?
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
December is traditionally sacking season. But things feel a little different this season.So have clubs become more patient? And why?Ayo Akinwolere is ...
Why Villa can (and can't) challenge for the title
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa failed to win any of their first five league games this season, but have since won nine of the next 10.They’re now third in the table. S...
Will Salah play for Liverpool again?
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Saturday night Mohamed Salah spoke telling reporters the club has thrown him under the bus.Liverpool have responded by dropping him for Tuesday nig...
Who are the Premier League's most versatile players?
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the team discuss some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premi...
The Preview: MW15
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week we're looking ahead to the biggest games of MW15.Tim Spiers and Cerys Jones join Matt Davie...
Is Declan Rice the Premier League's best midfielder?
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal continue to set the pace in the Premier League, but there was a minor scare at the Emirates as Declan Rice was forced off against Brentfo...
Are Spurs fans losing faith in Frank?
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tuesday night saw goals galore in the Premier League.Nine at Craven Cottage as Manchester City edged a 5-4 win over Fulham - including Erling Haaland’...
Man United's midfield wishlist for 2026
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s now less than a month until the January transfer window opens.Manchester United are in pursuit of a new midfielder, with Elliot Anderson, Adam ...
Will Chelsea's lack of discipline cost them?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea took a point against Arsenal despite, yet again, being down to ten men. So, will their ill-discipline stop them being title contenders?Ho...
The Preview: Chelsea vs Arsenal
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Chelsea vs Arsenal. Which side will make the bigger statement with a win?...
Why Bayern are still Arsenal's main European rivals
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the battle of two of Europe’s heavyweights it was Arsenal who came out on top.So, how much damage does a first defeat of the season do to Vincent...
Vinicius vs Xabi Alonso: what's going on?
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Madrid are top of La Liga and have won three from four in the Champions League, but there’s always drama around the corner at the Bernabeu.Vini...
Is Slot under pressure at Liverpool?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After six defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, reigning champions Liverpool sit 12th in the league.Supporters streamed out of Anfield w...
Has Arsenal’s recruitment set them apart?
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with Eberechi Eze playing a starring role.So, how important has their summer business be...
The Preview: Arsenal vs Spurs
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Arsenal vs Spurs. Which side is under more pressure to win? Who replaces ...
Ornstein transfer latest: Is Semenyo on the move?
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause - as revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein. He could be on the move in January.&nb...
World Cup 2026: Who has qualified + are the hosts ready?
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The 2026 World Cup is almost set. We now know 42 out of the 48 teams going to next year’s tournament.With the draw just around the corner,...
Meet the man expected to fix English football
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we bring you an audio exclusive with David Kogan, Chair of the Independent Football Regulator.A role that makes him one of the most powerful peo...
The future of watching football
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A week ago we released a documentary about illegal streaming. It’s fair to say, you’ve had a lot to say about it.So, today we’re going to answer...
Premier League review: The biggest surprises so far
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re eleven games into the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal are top, Man City are clinging to their coat tails, Sunderland are in the Champio...
Cesc Fabregas, data, and Disney: Inside Como
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Como 1907 are one of the most intriguing clubs in modern football. They have gone from Serie D to Serie A in just six years, backed by billionaire own...
Ornstein meets Adam Wharton: “I was born in Blackburn not Barcelona”
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're bringing you an exclusive interview for The Athletic, Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton in conversation with David Ornste...
One year of Amorim: The good, the bad and "the worst Man United team in history"
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ruben Amorim’s first year at Manchester United has been box office.From the lows of the Europa League final defeat to the highs of that historic win...
Can Man City challenge Arsenal for the title?
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management ended with Liverpool thrashed and Man City just four points off Arsenal.Erling Haaland was among the goal...
The Underground World of Illegal Streaming
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does the rise of illegal streaming pose an existential threat to football?To answer that question, Adam Leventhal has spent the last six months lookin...
The Preview: Man City vs Liverpool
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Manchester City vs Liverpool.Where do you play Wirtz? How do you stop Haa...
Are Premier League sides finding the Champions League too easy?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Halfway through the Champions League league phase and one pattern is emerging; the dominance of the Premier League.But is that a problem for the balan...
Have Liverpool stopped the rot?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Anfield roared - and booed - as Liverpool emphatically defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League.So could this victory reignite their season?Host: ...
Can anyone save Wolves?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wolves have sacked manager Vitor Pereira.With zero wins in the league, and just two points, all signs lead to relegation.So, can anyone save them?Host...
Why are Spurs so bad at home?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another home defeat, and flat performance against Chelsea, losing 1-0 on Saturday.But Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League - having finished...
The Preview: Spurs vs Chelsea
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea. Carl Anka and Jay Harris join Matt Davies-A...
Can Juventus succeed under Spalletti?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Juventus have sacked Igor Tudor and are set to appoint Luciano Spalletti.With the ghost of Cristiano still haunting the club, are they in crisis?Host:...
How Sunderland surprised the Premier League
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sunderland have enjoyed a dream start so far in the Premier League.Their win over Chelsea means they’re in the top four after nine games.17 points f...
Has Lamine Yamal reignited El Clasico?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
El Clasico was back to its fiery best on Sunday, as Lamine Yamal's pre-match comments sparked fury in Madrid.Has he reignited this famous fixture?Host...
Why Arsenal are the team to beat
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal are top of the Premier League - four points ahead of Bournemouth in second.It was an important win for them against Crystal Palace on Sunday, ...
Liam Rosenior interview: Strasbourg's rapid rise & the value of diversity
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After eight games, RC Strasbourg sit 3rd in Ligue 1, two points behind league leaders Marseille and just one point behind European champions PSG.Today...
The Preview: Aston Villa vs Man City
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Aston Villa vs Manchester City.Stu James and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-...
Why was Barcelona's league game in Miami cancelled?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Barcelona were set to play Villarreal in Miami in December.That’s now been cancelled. Today, we explain why.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corriga...
Are Newcastle over Isak already?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Life after Alexander Isak has been hit and miss for Newcastle.But in Nick Woltemade, have they already found the key to Newcastle's fortunes this seas...
How do Man United build on Liverpool win?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016 was a massive moment for the club.But how does Ruben Amorim ensure this isn’t another fals...
Why Forest are turning to Dyche
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After just 39 days, Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou.He recorded no wins in his eight games in charge.Sean Dyche is set to succeed him, ...
Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we speak to one of the best players to have graced the Premier League, İlkay Gündoğan.The iconic former Manchester City midfielder sat down w...
The Preview: Liverpool vs Man United
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is for many, the marquee match up in English football, Liverpool vs Man...
What do football agents actually do?
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The transfer window may not be open but the industry is still moving behind the scenes.So what do agents actually do?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the A...
Is Harry Kane better than ever?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
England are heading to the World Cup, and typically it’s thanks to captain Harry Kane.So how important is he to their chances next summer?Host: Ayo ...
Are Spurs for sale?
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In early September, Daniel Levy stepped down from his role as Spurs chairman after nearly 25 years.So who is running the show now? And are Spurs for u...
Inside Liverpool's 15 year journey from civil war to superclub
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week marks 15 years of FSG ownership at LiverpoolIn that time they've won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League. So, how did Liverpool ...
Why goalkeepers are going long
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast discusses the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often?Are goalke...
Premier League review: Who has more questions than answers?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re seven games into the 25/26 Premier League season and Arsenal sit top, Wolves are the only side yet to register a win and Sunderland are 9th!?C...
How much time will Ange get at Forest?
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seven games played: five defeats, two draws, no wins. Statistically the worst start by any Nottingham Forest manager for a century.Ange Postecoglou is...
Is Tuchel improving England?
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a year since Thomas Tuchel signed up as England manager. He’s had six games to make his mark so far, with the World Cup just eight ...
Why the Premier League has gone back to basics
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So far, this season we’ve had… long throws, rugby-style kickoffs and big lads up front.So why has the Premier League gone old school? Host: A...
Why have Liverpool lost their way?
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool had a perfect start after record spending, but now they've lost three in a row.So why is Arne Slot’s Red Machine mis-firing?Host: Ayo Akin...
Jurgen Klopp on life after Liverpool and his fears for football
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jurgen Klopp is back in football but not as a manager. In January, he began work as global head of soccer at Red Bull.Our very own Adam...
The Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the red card loving blues of Chelsea versus the no longer red hot reds of...
Why Wirtz is struggling at Liverpool
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eight games into his Liverpool career Florian Wirtz is yet to score or assist. So why the slow start and how long will he take to adapt to the Premier...
How Glasner made Palace unbeatable
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal Palace are flying. They’re the FA Cup holders, they’re in Europe and they’re on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions.So…...
Can Nuno fix West Ham?
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Graham Potter is the latest manager to be shown the door at West Ham.In comes a new challenger - Nuno Espírito Santo.But do West Ham’s problems go ...
How much more misery can Man United take?
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s 17 defeats in 33 Premier League games for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after Saturday's latest defeat at Brentford.So, how much more mise...
The Preview: Newcastle vs Arsenal
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Arsenal.Eddie Howe's side have won each of their last three ...
Is a 64-team World Cup inevitable?
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FIFA have discussed making the 2030 World Cup a 64-team tournament.So who actually wants it and could it really happen?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam ...
Is Ousmane Dembele really the best player in the world?
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ousmane Dembele scooped the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.His 35 goals helped PSG clinch their first ever Champions League.So how did he evolve from a...
Inside Aston Villa’s power struggle
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa are currently 18th in the Premier League and have scored just one goal so far.So is the team really "lazy” or does Unai Emery need to ch...
How do Arsenal catch Liverpool?
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal have fallen five points off the pace in the Premier League, after drawing 1-1 with Man City on Sunday.And in the boardroom there are changes a...
The Preview: Arsenal vs Man City
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester City. In what is often dubbed as master vs appr...
Is Chelsea's transfer policy working?
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea’s young squad were given a reality-check on their Champions League return, losing 3-1 in Munich to Bayern after two years out of the co...
Has Mbappe overtaken Vinicius as Real Madrid's main man?
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Madrid are back to winning ways in Champions League.In their 2-1 win over Marseille on Tuesday night, Kylian Mbappe shone bright, whilst Vinicius...
Champions League preview: Who can topple PSG?
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Champions League is back this week.Last season we had a switch up in format, and PSG were finally triumphant.So what should we expect this time ar...
How far can Haaland’s goals take Man City?
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Man City made light work of Man United in Sunday's Manchester derby thanks to Phil Foden and a double from Erling Haaland, who now sits on 90 Premier ...