The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
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...
How will Trump impact football in the U.S.?
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Among the tech billionaires, cabinet nominees and former leaders as Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. president was the most powerful man in football ...
Iraola: The next supercoach?
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth produced one of the performances of the season as they demolished Newcastle at the weekend.They are now seventh in the P...
Do Chelsea really need more signings?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last night, Chelsea ended their winless run with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Wolves.But despite spending more than a billion pounds assembling thei...
Is Postecoglou to blame for Tottenham's problems?
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tottenham's defeat at Goodison Park on Sunday made it seven defeats in their last nine Premier League games.So what is going wrong for Spurs and will ...
Ornstein meets Aubameyang: Arteta relationship, Chelsea ‘chaos’ and more
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For an exclusive interview, David Ornstein sits down with former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a career marked with chaos, mistakes ...
Haaland's huge contract & can Moyes pile misery on Spurs?
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Ornstein and Manchester City writer Sam Lee join Adam Leventhal to discuss Erling Haaland's new 9 and a half year contract, a story David broke ...
Has Arteta made Arsenal too predictable?
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a damaging week with defeat in both Carabao Cup and FA Cup to Newcastle United and Manchester United, Arsenal bounced back on Wednesday night wi...
Have Barcelona solved Olmo saga?
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has taken aim at the club's critics in the wake of the Dani Olmo registration saga.So why is he so angry, and is the ...
Zubimendi, Kvaratskhelia, Walker: Ornstein's transfers to watch
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has confirmed superstar winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wants to leave Naples.So why does he want to depart? And where is his ...
Why Everton and Moyes went back to the future
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After sacking manager Sean Dyche on Thursday, by Saturday Everton have confirmed their decision to bring back David Moyes to replace him.So is Moyes t...
Who needs the FA Cup most this season?
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the FA Cup is upon us again, we're asking which Premier League side needs the competition most this season?Tottenham and Newcastle lead the way o...
Lopetegui to Potter: Inside West Ham's crazy week
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Wednesday, after weeks of speculation West Ham finally sacked Julen Lopetegui.The Spaniard lasted just eight months - and 22 games in charge of the...
How Nuno has transformed Forest
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another week, another beaten opponent and another milestone notched for Nottingham Forest. They made history with six wins on the bounce with their 3...
Rashford, Kolo Muani, Williams: Ornstein's transfers to watch
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The January transfer window is officially open!We take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, We have David Ornstein’s One To ...
How much is Trent distracted by Real Madrid?
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite a 23-point gap between Liverpool and Manchester United, on Sunday there was nothing to separate them.So, how did Man United unsettle Liverpool...
The Preview - Liverpool vs Man Utd
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tifo's Jon Mackenzie and The Athletic's Nick Miller are alongside Michael Bailey ahead of Sunday's meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United at ...
The Preview - Premier League Round-Up
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahe...
2024 Reviewed: sackings, snubs, and seismic shocks
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a year filled with news, moves and eyebrow raising events in the world of football and we're here to look back at them with our own Christma...
The Preview - Tottenham vs Liverpool
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. With just one clean sheet in their l...
What next for Mudryk and Chelsea?
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. He has been provisionally suspended. Both club and player have issued sta...
How to fix Man City
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s now one win and eight losses in 11 games for Man City after the weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester United.So… what will it take to fix th...
Is this Simeone's best version of Atletico Madrid?
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday, Atletico Madrid made it 11 wins on the bounce with Alexander Sorloth scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe.Having drawn level at t...
Why do Wolves want Vitor Pereira?
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sacking season is in full flow. Russell Martin departed Southampton, hours after Gary O’Neil was shown the door at Wolves. Three wins between these ...
The Story of the Guinea Stadium Disaster
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos ...
The Preview - Man City vs Man Utd
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable.W...
Is Saudi Arabia a good choice for the World Cup?
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup after running unopposed.So why has FIFA allowed this to happen? What are the wider controversies sur...
Will Tottenham stick with Project Postecoglou?
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spurs have lost 19 of their last 43 matches in the Premier League, and their most recent defeat against Chelsea was particularly damaging.So have Spur...
Has Maresca turned Chelsea into title contenders?
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At the weekend, Chelsea overcame their biggest test yet under Enzo Maresca.The 4-3 win away at their bitter rivals Tottenham has seen them go up to se...
Inside Ashworth's shock Man United exit
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After just five months, Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester UnitedSo why has he gone, and what does it say about the new...
The Preview - Tottenham vs Chelsea
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After defeat on the South Coast, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham host in form Chelsea. In a fixture that saw five goals scored, five goals disallowed,...
When is the best time to sack a manager?
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So far just two Premier League managers have been shown the door this season, with Erik Ten Hag and Steve Cooper having been sacked.But as we head tow...
Inside the transfer window with David Ornstein
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re taking you inside the 2025 transfer market to explain the deals that are being worked on across both the winter and summer windows.This includ...
Is Amorim ready for his first big test against Arsenal?
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have got off to a decent start, with two wins and one draw so far.But how are they going to handle a visit to Ar...
Is Man City's title race over already?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Liverpool moved 9 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a comfortable victory over Manchester City Anfield serenaded Pep Guardiola w...
The Preview - Liverpool vs Man City
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A major weekend of action kicks off on Friday evening, culminating in a massive game in the title race, as Liverpool welcome Manchester City.Arne Slot...
Is Serie A the most electrifying league in Europe?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of this weekend’s games the top five teams in Italy are separated by just one point.Added to that, the last five seasons have seen four diffe...
Is Aston Villa's Champions League run hurting them?
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa are exceeding expectations in the Champions League, but it’s seems to have come at a cost.Their form has dipped in the Premier League, l...
Premier League APT changes - what does it all mean?
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, Premier League clubs voted in favour of amendments to the associated party transaction rules.After labelling the rules ‘discriminatory an...
Will Liverpool give Salah what he wants?
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"I'm probably more out than in," Mohamed Salah said on his future, after another match-winning performance against Southampton.His goals mean Liverpo...
Sudan: Football and the Forgotten War
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In April 2023, civil war broke out in Sudan. It continues to this day leaving in its wake the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the...
The Preview - Man City vs Tottenham
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City host Tottenham at the Etihad, the first game since Pep Guardiola announced he’ll be staying in Manchester a little longer. Tottenha...
Has FPL transformed how we watch football?
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re talking; captains, differentials, and when to wildcard. You know it. We’re talking Fantasy Premier League aka FPL.So, how has a fantas...
Inside Guardiola's decision to stay at Man City
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pep Guardiola has agreed to extend his contract as Manchester City manager So why has he decided to stay and will he be able to build another team to...
Are Real Madrid worse with Mbappe?
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s focus is on Kylian Mbappe’s stuttering start to life at Real Madrid Has the big-money move made Madrid worse? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: ...
Who are the billionaires that own Premier League clubs?
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week across The Athletic we’re focusing on the people that own the 20 clubs that make up the Premier League.So who are they? How much does it c...
Is the Premier League stronger than ever?
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re eleven games into the season, today we’ll be assessing the table – and asking the question – is the quality of the Premier League the be...
Is Kane right about England dropouts?
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
England have had nine players drop out of their squad ahead of their matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.Captain Harry Kane is not impr...
Are Roma Europe's most chaotic club?
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Roma have sacked a second manager in less than two months and are now in talks to bring former coach Claudio Ranieri out of retirement.So… can Ranie...
Is Project Messi working in the U.S.?
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami crashed out of the MLS Cup in the first round of the playoffs.So what now for Messi and Miami after being granted a place...
Is Angeball working at Tottenham?
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After another defeat Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was quick to accept responsibility following their 2-1 home loss to Ipswich Town.So why are t...
The Preview - Liverpool vs Aston Villa
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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Is Viktor Gyokeres ready for the Premier League?
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As demonstrated in the Champions League this week Viktor Gyokeres is European football's in-form striker.The Sporting striker's hat-trick against Man...
Edu's Arsenal exit
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Edu has resigned as Arsenal’s Sporting Director and is expected to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs.So why has...
Has Slot made Liverpool forget Alonso?
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While their rivals faltered around them on the weekend, Arne Slot’s machine increased their lead at the top of the Premier League.As Xabi Alonso, wh...
How significant is Man City’s defeat?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So Man City suffered defeat in the Premier League for the first time this season away at Bournemouth on Saturday.Added to that, ahead of the game mana...
The Preview - Man United vs Chelsea
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on Manchester ...
Inside Amorim's move to Man United
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United have reached an agreement to make Ruben Amorim their head coach.So how did the deal come about and is Amorim more suited to succeed...
Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Real Madrid were expecting Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday night, but it didn’t go their way.The decision prompted Madrid to canc...
Are Chelsea lacking leaders?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Things are looking good for Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite this, their manager Enzo Maresca has urged captain Reece James to show more leader...
Man United sack Ten Hag: Why now & what next?
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager having won just four games from 14 in all competitions at the start of this season.So, why n...
The Preview - Arsenal vs Liverpool
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on Arsenal vs ...
Are Tottenham's owners looking to sell?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Tottenham on the lookout for potential new investors this week has seen speculation intensify around the possibility of Amanda Staveley, who brok...
Has Klopp damaged his legacy by joining Red Bull?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jurgen Klopp has a new job, but it’s not in management.The former Liverpool manager begins work as Red Bull’s head of global soccer from January...
Are Flick’s Barcelona as good as they look?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
10 games into the La Liga season it’s Barcelona who sit top, after a convincing 5-1 demolition of Sevilla on Sunday.With Bayern Munich and Real Madr...
Will Arsenal's "silly mistakes" harm their title challenge?
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Declan Rice said after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, the team are making "silly mistakes”.So, can Arsenal still be title ...
The Preview - Liverpool vs Chelsea
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on Liverpool v...
Is Jhon Duran the Premier League's next superstar?
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jhon Duran just can't stop scoring!Another goal off the bench for Colombia during the international break makes adds to the six goals he already has f...
Why England chose Tuchel
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
England have chosen a permanent successor to Gareth Southgate.So why has Thomas Tuchel been chosen and does he offer the best chance of winning the Wo...
Why INEOS ended Ferguson's Man United contract
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Crafton exclusively revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United ambassadorial contract has been ended by the club.So why have INEOS tak...
Would Guardiola manage England?
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As things stand, Pep Guardiola’s contract expires at Manchester City at the end of the season.. Meanwhile, the English Football Association are ...
Premier League Review: Assessing every club so far
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening seven gameweeks of the 24/25 Premier League season.The panel discuss al...
What now for Paul Pogba?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He was once the most expensive player in world football but last year Paul Pogba saw his career in tatters after being handed a four-year suspension f...
Man City vs the Premier League explained
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So the verdict has been announced in Manchester City's legal case against the Premier League over the rules on commercial deals involving clubs' owner...
Do the winless clubs need to change to survive?
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re focusing on the four winless clubs in the Premier League; Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.What can these clubs do t...
Are Slot's Liverpool serious title contenders?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Arne Slot has settled in nicely at Anfield with his side are top of the Premier League heading into the October international break following their 1-...
The Preview - Aston Villa v Man United
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on ...
How Arsenal mastered set-pieces
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it that everytime Arsenal get a set-piece it feels like they’ll score?Since the start of the 2021/22 season Mikel Arteta's have scored 44 goa...
Can PSG succeed without superstars?
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday night PSG lost for first time since Kylian Mbappe left for Real Madrid having started the season seven games unbeaten prior to their visit ...
Is Cole Palmer the best player in the Premier League?
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Since the start of 2023-24, Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 43 PL goals (28 goals, 15 assists), more than any other player.So, is Palmer the...
Is Ten Hag running out of excuses?
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re focusing on Manchester United after another damaging defeat, this time to Tottenham.So… what can Erik ten Hag do to turn things around...
The Preview - Manchester United vs Tottenham
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on ...
Who wants the new Club World Cup?
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In June FIFA’s new Club World Cup launches but do you know where it’s being held, who’s playing in it or what the format actually is?Ayo Akinwol...
Is Everton’s takeover saga finally over?
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An agreement has been reached for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover of Everton.But when will it actually be completed? And how is it being pa...
Has Lopetegui got an impossible job at West Ham?
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re focusing on West Ham. There was so much excitement over their summer transfer business, but Julen Lopetegui has won just one of his firs...
Did Arsenal rattle Man City?
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday, champions Manchester City and challengers Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad in which both sides had to come from behind...
The Preview - Manchester City vs Arsenal
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on ...
What can Aston Villa achieve this season?
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re focusing on Aston Villa - looking at their season so far and what was a hectic summer transfer window..So how is Unai Emery’s side man...
How do Real Madrid keep their Galacticos happy?
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re focusing on Real Madrid and their super star players - The Galacticos.So how does Carlo Ancelotti manage the talent and the egos to deli...
Man City's 115 charges: how could they be punished if they lose the case?
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re focusing on Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules after the long-awaited hearing started earlier this ...
Is Arsenal's squad deep enough to match Man City?
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After victory in the North London derby, is Arsenal's leaner squad capable of keeping pace with Manchester City across both the Premier League and th...
The Preview - Tottenham vs Arsenal
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on ...