The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
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 ...
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...