The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
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 ...
The Preview: Man City vs Man United
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby.Despite winning five of their last eight Premier Lea...
Why Barcelona still can't play at Camp Nou
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do Barcelona and Post Malone have in common? Neither of them can play at Camp Nou.So what's going on, and will this stadium ever be ready?Ho...
Why the Premier League needs English football's pyramid to thrive
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So far in our series, The Future of Football, we've looked at the global game and the unstoppable power of the Premier League.But away from the top fl...
Is the Premier League’s dominance a problem?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This summer, Premier League clubs set a new record for spending in a single transfer window at over £3bn, that’s more than La Liga, Serie A, Ligue ...
Why are Forest swapping Nuno for Ange?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and look set to replace him with former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.So what’s going on ...
UEFA v FIFA & the battle for club football’s future
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Future of Football, a special three part series asking the biggest questions shaping the game from the impact of the Club World Cup to ...
Levy leaves Spurs & early Premier League conclusions
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Huge news from north London on Thursday as Daniel Levy was removed from his role as Tottenham Hotspur’s executive chairman after almost 25 years at ...
Is women's football still growing?
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Record attendances at the Euros? Check.65k in London to celebrate the Lionesses? Check.Rising attendances for the WSL? Not last season.So is women's f...
Sesko and Gyokeres: Will they adapt to the Premier League?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Premier League clubs went BIG on striker signings this summer. But how difficult is it to adapt to England’s top flight?Former Manchester United str...
The 10 biggest moments of the transfer window
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This has been a transfer window for the ages.There’s been sulks, sagas and over £3billion spent by Premier League clubs. Ayo Akinwolere is joined b...
The DealSheet with David Ornstein
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Ornstein joins Adam Leventhal, Chris Weatherspoon and JJ Bull to run through the top deals on deadline day. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David...
Does Isak make Liverpool unstoppable?
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The summer's major transfer saga is over. Liverpool have agreed a deadline day deal for Alexander Isak.A fee of £130m will help take Liverpool's summ...
Should we be worried about Liverpool this season?
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool have picked up six points from their first two games, but have conceded four goals... So, should Arne Slot be concerned with how his new sig...
The Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Arsenal.Arne Slot's side are without a Premier League victor...
How much worse can it get for Amorim and Man United?
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United have been knocked out the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.Three games into the season they have one point and they've spent ...
Ornstein transfer latest: Mainoo, Jackson & Arsenal sales
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With just days left in the transfer window, the pressure is on Premier League clubs to trim their squads.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein an...
Liverpool win the Isak derby - but do they need more signings?
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was a thrilling night at St James’ Park as Liverpool nicked it in the last minute thanks to teenager Rio Ngumoha. Newcastle showed spirit but it'...
Can Nuno survive at Forest?
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nuno Espirito Santo says he won't walk away from Nottingham Forest after publicly throwing into doubt the state of his relationship with owner Evangel...
The biggest changes in the Premier League so far
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Week in Football, where we dig into the biggest tactical shifts, storylines, and surprises shaping the football world over the past sev...
The Preview: Newcastle vs Liverpool
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Liverpool.Despite the fact he’s got about as much chance o...
Ornstein transfer latest: Arsenal hijack Eze to Spurs
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi EzeSo how did we get here? And could Spurs have avoided this?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Orn...
Is Maresca right to demand more Chelsea signings?
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants more players - and it got us thinking… are new signings always the solution? Or should coaches be more adaptable?...
La Liga set for U.S. match - is the Premier League next?
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Spanish FA have approved the request for the La Liga fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to be played in Miami. So what is the likelihood of ...
Same old Arsenal or a slow evolution?
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At Old Trafford all the talk pre-match was about the new strikers on show, but in the end it was a set piece that made the difference, as Arsenal beat...
The Preview: Man United vs Arsenal
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview from The Athletic FC, where every Friday we’ll look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League action.This week it’s all about...
Can Leeds, Sunderland or Burnley survive?
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the last two seasons, the three promoted clubs have been relegated from the Premier League.So will Leeds, Sunderland or Burnley survive this time a...
Ornstein Transfer Latest: Isak, Eze, Donnarumma
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he won’t play for them again — can he force a move to Liverpool? We bring you the latest.Plus, how are Spurs add...
Isak shuns Newcastle, but who holds the power?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Ornstein dropped the news this morning that Alexander Isak is adamant he won’t play for Newcastle again and that he has no desire to rein...
Are Liverpool still the team to beat?
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Title holders Liverpool have been the talk of the transfer window, but couldn't claim the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. So, are they r...
Inside the world of Premier League referees
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Referees are integral to football. But with every decision scrutinised, why would anyone want to be a referee?The Athletic has been given insider acce...
Will Man United's £200m striker spree fix their problems?
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United have spent over £200m and counting. But after continuous false dawns, will they deliver this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: ...
Ornstein transfer latest: Sesko to Man Utd & what now for Isak?
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re focusing on strikers today. In the latest twist to the transfer story of the summer - Benjamin Sesko looks to be on his way to Manchester...
Dowman & Ngumoha: Why young players are competing earlier
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
15-year-old Max Dowman has been the talk of Arsenal’s pre-season and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has shone for Liverpool.But can either break into the f...
Anatomy of a Transfer - ICYMI
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another chance to hear Anatomy of a Transfer, your one stop guide to how transfers happen. Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at trainin...
Transfers that shook the world: Sol Campbell to Arsenal
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Do shirt numbers still matter?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s new No.14.Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Cole Palmer have all switched to take the No.10 for their clubs.So, how signi...
How long can Newcastle hold on to Isak?
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alexander Isak has refused to go on tour with Newcastle United and wants to leave.So who could afford him and do Newcastle have any chance of keeping ...
Transfers that shook the world: Luís Figo to Real Madrid
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
New manager, new players, new... Spurs?
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Thomas Frank era has officially begun at Spurs and they are busy.After landing Mohammed Kudus, Morgan Gibbs-White is next on the list. But wi...
Why are Barcelona signing Rashford?
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona in a loan deal, with an option to make it permanent, leaving his boyhood club Manchester United.So, is it...
How Cruyff inspired Ajax's rebirth
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series from our friends over at the Athletic FC Tactics podcast, telling the the unsung tales behind mo...
Transfers that shook the world: Ashley Cole to Chelsea
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Ornstein transfer latest: Liverpool move for Isak & Ekitike
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday Liverpool made an approach to sign Alexander Isak.And now they have also made a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, who...
Was the Club World Cup worth it?
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea are the new Club World Cup champions beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Gianni Infantino says t...
Transfers that shook the world: Tevez to Man City
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Thomas Partey charges explained and questions for Arsenal
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday July 4th, news broke that former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault...
How do Man United shift their unwanted players?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Rashford is one of five players Manchester United told didn’t need to report for the start of pre-season but showed up anyway.So where does h...
Ornstein transfer latest: Arsenal move for Gyokeres
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres.So what could the Swede offer Mikel Arteta’s side?And is he the missing piec...
At what cost? Saudi Arabia and soccer
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's been two football tournaments in the United States this summer, the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. Both with an ostensible Saudi feel, all p...
Remembering Diogo Jota
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Evans, James Pearce and Simon Hughes reflect on the tragically sad news Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 along with his bro...
Ornstein transfer latest: Will Chelsea keep spending?
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea wanted to get the majority of their transfer business done by the end of June and they have been busy! Coming up we’ll break down the s...
Why have Lyon been relegated?
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal Palace are battling to keep their Europa League place, while Lyon have been relegated to French football’s second tier. John Textor and...
Transfers that shook the world: Van Persie to Man United
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
How much more will Liverpool spend this summer?
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s still only June but Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market, having signed both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and closing ...
How can Barcelona afford Nico Williams?
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Barcelona have agreed terms to sign Nico Williams - but with their ongoing financial troubles, how can they realistically afford the Athletic Bilbao w...
Transfers that shook the world: Fernando Torres to Chelsea
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Ornstein transfer latest: Nico Williams, Ekitike, Osimhen
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nico Williams has attracted attention from all over Europe but now looks likely to end up at either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.Matt Davies Adams is jo...
Inside Man City's massive rebuild
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City are back on the big stage this week, at the Club World Cup in the USA. And, with a revamped squad and no trophies to show from la...
The Most Powerful Man in World Football
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is world football's most powerful man.His presidency has been marked by the controversial men's World Cups in Russia...
Inside South Africa’s super club
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the best clubs in world football collide? We're about to find out in as the Club World Cup kicks off in the USA.Big names like Lione...
Ornstein transfer latest: What will Arsenal do this summer?
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s been a lot of noise around Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, but the North London club regard the deal as done.Ayo Akinwolere is join...
Why do Spurs want Thomas Frank?
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tottenham Hotspur have sacked the manager who delivered a first trophy in 17 years.So, why have they sacked Ange Postecoglou and why do they want Thom...
How are Man United still spending?
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha for £62.5million, Manchester United have made an opening bid of £55m to sign Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford.So, w...