The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
Ornstein transfer latest: Wirtz, Reijnders & Cherki
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The transfer window is open and Liverpool are after one European football’s brightest talents as they look to complete a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's...
How have PSG built the best team in Europe?
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PSG have finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy after beating Inter 5-0 in the final in Munich on Saturday night.So, how did they do i...
Champions League Final Preview: PSG vs Inter
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Saturday, PSG will face Inter in the 24/25 Champions League final in Munich. It will be the meeting of the oldest versus the youngest team fro...
Has Maresca proven Chelsea's doubters wrong?
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea have won a trophy and have Champions League football next season.So, has Enzo Maresca proven the doubters wrong?Listener feedback survey: http...
Sunderland are back in the Premier League - can they stay there?
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after eight years away.So how did a club who were in League One three years ago make their way back to the t...
How Conte conquered Serie A again
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Napoli won a second Scudetto in three years as a dramatic Serie A title race went down to the final day.So how did Antonio Conte’s side get the bett...
Have Aston Villa's transfer plans been derailed?
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a crucial top-five finish in the Premier League—falling short after a moment of controversy at Old Trafford.So, w...
Liverpool: The title they never saw
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On 25 May 2025, Liverpool will receive their 20th top flight crown, equaling the record set by Manchester United.This season's victory will be defined...
The Athletic’s 2024/25 season awards
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2024-25 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and ...
Spurs win Europa League: What now for Postecoglou & Amorim?
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tottenham Hotspur got the job done in Bilbao with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the Europa League Final win over Manchester United.So what ...
Man United v Spurs - who will save their season?
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight - Spurs or Manchester United will be crowned Europa League championsSo… will it be Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim that rescues a disastrou...
Would the Europa League save Postecoglou's job?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spurs’ Europa League run has been the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season.They have a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy...
Would Europa League win fix Man United?
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, it’s all eyes on Bilbao as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Europa League final.Today, we’re focusing on Ruben Amori...
Goodbye Goodison
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On 18th May 2025, Everton will play their final Premier League game at Goodison Park against Southampton. For the men’s team, it will no longer be t...
What would a first ever trophy mean for Palace?
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal Palace have the chance to win their first major trophy on Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. So how has Oliver Glasner...
What does Kane's first trophy prove?
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harry Kane’s trophy drought is over having helped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany.But is one Bundesliga trophy enoug...
Is it ever OK to boo your own players?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday afternoon Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield. So why do supporters boo their own players and is it ever acceptable?Host: Ayo A...
Will Brentford lose Mbeumo & Wissa this summer?
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have lit up the Premier League once again this season.But with Thomas Frank admitting Mbeumo co...
Real Madrid have collapsed - can Alonso fix them?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico, throwing away at 2-0 lead before falling to a 4-3 defeat.Knocked out of the Champions League...
Man United & Spurs book this season's unlikeliest final
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Thursday night both Manchester United and Spurs got the job done in the Europa League to book their place in Bilbao.One of them will be the Champio...
Why can't Arsenal get over the line?
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal’s European journey is over after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.So where does this leave Mikel Arteta’s process and why ca...
Have Inzaghi's Inter proven how good they really are?
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inter are through to the Champions League final after a breathtaking semi-final against Barcelona.So where does that rank among the best knockout matc...
Will Wirtz headline Man City's summer rebuild?
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City have had a disappointing season compared to their usually high standards.But the summer window offers Pep Guardiola the chance to rebu...
Why is Trent leaving Liverpool?
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool.So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer?And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes ...
Will Man United or Spurs save their awful seasons?
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United and Tottenham’s hopes of Champions League football next season are well and truly alive after comprehensive victories in their Eur...
When will Wrexham reach the Premier League?
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wrexham are now just one step away from the Premier League having now achieved three successive promotions from National League to Championship.How ha...
How do Arsenal hit back in Paris?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal have it all to do in Paris after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.So how did Luis Enrique’s PSG get th...
Champions League final four: Who are favourites?
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Champions League semi-finals get underway tonight as Arsenal welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium.The winner of that tie faces either Barcelona or ...
How do Liverpool build on title success?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool are Premier League champions after securing their second title in five years at home to Tottenham Hotspur, their first in front of supporte...
Premier League Draft: Picking our all-time XIs
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the NFL Draft looming large this weekend, we decided to take a spin on the format and bring it into the world of the Premier League. What would ...
Is Potter already losing the West Ham fans?
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
West Ham sit 17th as they prepare to face Brighton this weekend. So how have they ended up in this position, and how much is it down to the approach ...
Why does everyone want Dean Huijsen?
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At just 20 years old and with only 22 Premier League starts, Dean Huijsen is attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Rea...
Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summerSo… when will it happen? And is Xabi Alonso the ine...
Are Leeds ready for the Premier League?
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, Leeds United reclaimed their seat at the top table after two years in the ChampionshipSo, what lessons can they learn from their Premier Le...
Can Maresca survive at Chelsea without Champions League?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
They left it late, but Chelsea grabbed a crucial win in their bid to secure a top five finish, as Tyrique George and Pedro Neto saw the Blues come fro...
Man United's Europa League madness & can Villa halt Newcastle's charge?
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are six games to go in the Premier League, so we’re focusing on the race for Champions League football as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United...
Is Rice the key to Arsenal's Champions League dream?
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the third time in their history - and they had to beat the holders to do it.So...
Will treble-chasing Barca keep Flick?
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barcelona are on course for a treble this season.So how has Hansi Flick imprinted his style on thi...
Has this season been boring or brilliant?
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has the Premier League been a little boring this season? Especially compared to a thrilling round in the Champions League knockout phase.Have Pep Guar...
Man Utd or Chelsea: Who needs Delap more?
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United & Chelsea are just two of the clubs interested in Ipswich Town’s star striker Liam Delap.So with a summer transfer auction on ...
Salah stays at Liverpool - Van Dijk next?
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk looks set to do the same. With owners FSG usually reluctant to h...
Have Chelsea found another PSR loophole?
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake capital, the Blues have spent - unlike any other club bringing in the likes of Moises Caicedo,...
Arsenal's statement win & is Ancelotti in trouble?
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
European champions Real Madrid were rocked by a riveting Arsenal display in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last nightWith M...
Is Luis Enrique the most underrated manager of his era?
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Luis Enrique’s young and vibrant PSG side are turning heads with their exuberant brand of football.They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title wi...
How do Man City replace De Bruyne?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 10 years, 13 major honours and six Premier League titles Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City.So where does he rank amongst the best to pl...
The Preview - Man United vs Man City
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Manchester United will be hoping to complete a league double over their city rivals for the fi...
Why Moyes is perfect for Everton's new era
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite running Liverpool close, it was a familiar feeling for David Moyes at Anfield, as Diogo Jota scored the only goal as Everton feel to defeat to...
Gyokeres, Zubimendi & contracts: Arsenal's huge summer
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the contracts of key players up for renewal in the not too distant future, and a big summer window on the horizon, Arsenal’s new sporting direc...
How have Juventus fallen so far?
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The days of Juventus winning Serie A season after season feel like they’re long gone.Last week, Thiago Motta was sacked with Juve languishing outsid...
Spurs want Iraola - but does he want them?
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change.Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA...
A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have al...
Why are Chelsea signing players already?
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovan...
Why is Trent set to leave Liverpool for nothing?
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.So how ...
Is multi-club ownership here to stay?
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third and final part of our multi-club ownership series. We’ve learned how multi-club operations work and provided some practical examp...
Inside the world of multi-club ownership
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday we heard part one of our multi-club ownership eries, as we learned about how MCOs work - and their purpose.Today, we get some real-world exa...
How is multi-club ownership reshaping football?
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios....
Can Tuchel's approach win England the World Cup?
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. During...
Mark Clattenburg on refereeing conspiracies
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater.Today we’re joined by a man who’s r...
Is Raphinha the Ballon d’Or favourite?
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona.After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one...
Are Liverpool running out of steam?
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool.Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a hammer blow at Wembley.After an...
Newcastle's trophy drought is over - what next?
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United finally have their hands on domestic silverware after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup Final at We...
The Preview - Liverpool vs Newcastle
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The first piece of domestic silverware will be contested between Liverpool and Newcastle when they meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.Eddie Howe'...
Are Atletico Madrid cursed?
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Wednesday night Atletico Madrid found a new way to suffer Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid.Diego Simeone's side were knocked...
How will Man United pay for their new stadium?
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford hom...
Who is Nottingham Forest’s best player?
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season..So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season?And is their s...
Why Europe is vital to Man United's squad overhaul
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not for the first time Manchester United have proven they still have glimpses of class in the team - as shown by Bruno Fernandes in their 1-1 draw wit...
The Underground World of Fake Football Shirts
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.But what d...
The Preview - Man United vs Arsenal
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday, looking to win consecutive away games at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. This week, Mikel Artet...
Can Newcastle keep hold of Isak?
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alexander Isak is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers having scored 17 goals in his last 17 games since the start of December.The Swede has helpe...
Wirtz, Odegaard, Fernandes: What makes a talisman?
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a new wonderkid on the block, and his name is Florian Wirtz. He has established himself as the man to carry the creative responsibility for...
Has Mourinho added to Turkish football's chaos?
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No matter where he’s managing, Jose Mourinho simply cannot stay out of the headlines.His time managing in the Turkish Super Lig has seen more of the...
Arsenal's new sporting director: Who is in the frame?
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are looking to conclude their search for a new Sporting Director by the end of March.So, with the sear...
Who needs European football the most?
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With just six points separating Nottingham Forest in 3rd and Aston Villa in 10th, European football is up for grabs in the Premier League.Adam Leventh...
How big does Man City's rebuild need to be?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a week in which they were dumped out of the Champions League and given a dose of reality by Liverpool, Man City got back to winning ways, beatin...
Rashford & Asensio: Will Villa's gamble pay off?
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio couldn’t save Aston Villa last night as they lost 4-1 away at Crystal Palace.The two marquee signings were brought...
Is Premier League promotion still the promised land?
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last season marked the first time since 1998 that all three promoted Premier League teams were relegated.It looks like history may repeat itself this ...
Is Salah set for the best Premier League season ever?
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool have moved 11 points clear in the Premier League title race with Mohamed Salah leading the way in their 2-0 win over Manchester City.His goa...
How data and AI is shaping football
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever thought about how elite football clubs actually go about using data to analyse and recruit players?Well, The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast has the ...
The Preview - Man City vs Liverpool
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday in what could be a decisive game in this season’s title race. Pep Guardiola will be hoping to fix Manchest...
Can Mbappe reach Ronaldo's levels at Real Madrid?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On a night Man City had no margin for error, Kylian Mbappe took away any hope scoring his first hat-trick at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid.With his tre...
Amorim's Man United: growing pains or a deeper crisis?
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Defeat at Spurs last weekend left Manchester United in 15th place in the table Next up they take on a resurgent Everton managed by the first person c...
How will PSR shape the summer transfer window?
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Premier League’s financial rules will still be in place for next season despite plans to change them.Teams like Manchester United, Aston Villa ...
Has Maresca-ball gone flat?
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday night Chelsea suffered a fourth defeat in eight Premier League games, going down 3-0 away to Brighton & Hove Albion.Having slipped from ...
The Preview - Tottenham vs Man United
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The self destruction derby? The banter bout? El Calamitico? The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke...
Can Liverpool keep their heads ahead of pivotal period?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Goodison Park’s final Merseyside derby delivered with James Tarkowski popping up with the stoppage time equaliser for Everton in their 2-2 draw with...
How will leaving Goodison impact Everton?
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight’s Merseyside derby will be the last ever at Goodison Park - and there have been some absolute belters in the past.So what are Everton losing...
Has Neymar delivered on the hype?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, Santos fans welcomed back club legend Neymar after 12 years away.So why is he back in Brazil, why did it go so wrong in Saudi Arabia?And ho...
What now for Tottenham after disastrous week?
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the space of just four days, Tottenham Hotspur have been knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the hands of Liverpool and Aston Villa.I...
Can Newcastle finally end their trophy drought?
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The first piece of silverware in 2025 will be contested between Newcastle and Liverpool, when they meet in the Carabao Cup final. The Athletic's seni...
Will the independent regulator fix football?
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy to discuss the introduction of an independent football regulator within...
Will Bayern dominate the Bundesliga again?
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After Bayer Leverkusen’s miraculous title-win last season, this season it seems to be business as usual, with Bayern Munich six points clear of Leve...
Rashford, Gonzalez, Tel: Transfer window analysed
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The January transfer window has officially shut.We saw Marcus Rashford move to Aston Villa on loan, while Manchester City brought in a much-needed mid...
Has Arsenal's academy revived their title hopes?
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen who famously said "you can't win anything with kids"Yet on Sunday Arsenal’s teenagers took centre stage as they dismant...
Anatomy of a Transfer
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Football fans are desperate for transfer news - and it's often bigger than the sport itself.Open twice a year - in January and the summer - the trans...
The Preview - Arsenal vs Man City
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday in what some are called the 'stay humble' derby.The last time these sides met was back in September's thrilling...
Is the new Champions League format better?
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On an evening of mayhem across Europe, Man City got the job done and avoided Champions League elimination, beating Club Brugge 3-1 to progress into th...
Does the 'Big Six' still exist?
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are languishing in the bottom half of the table - they sit in 12th and 15th place respectively. Tough times h...
Where have all the elite strikers gone?
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As revealed by David Ornstein on today’s Transfer DealSheet, Aston Villa could be tempted to sell Jhon Duran for around 80 million pounds.That valua...
Is Amorim's brutal honesty helping Man United?
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A smashed TV, a lack of cash, and more box office quotes from Ruben Amorim who told the media after his side's 1-0 win at Fulham he would prefer to na...
The Preview - Man City vs Chelsea
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad on Saturday and with just two points separating the sides this could be a key battle in the race for the to...