The Athletic FC Podcast

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...

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:...