The Athletic FC Podcast

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...

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...