The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
Why can’t Bayern Munich find a manager?
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bayern Munich announced back in February that this season would be Thomas Tuchel’s last as their manager.Fast forward three months and Bayern are ye...
Why does Lopetegui want West Ham?
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last night, West Ham announced that David Moyes will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.After a prolonged search for Moyes’ succ...
Can anyone stop Real Madrid?
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Saturday Real Madrid were confirmed as La Liga champions for a record-extending 36th time, following Barcelona's 4-2 defeat at Girona.So how did t...
Will Arsenal or City slip up in the title race?
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 36 in the Premier League and the title race is once again the main focus. Arsenal host Bournemouth while Man City go up against Wolves...
New Premier League financial rules explained
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So on Monday Premier League clubs opted to push on with plans for a hard spending limit — a de facto salary cap tied to the income of the lowest ear...
Inside Xavi's bizarre Barcelona U-turn
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wea...
Salah set to stay at Liverpool - but for how long?
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool...
Can Project Postecoglou make Spurs contenders?
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.After the games, Spu...
Can Spurs halt Arsenal's title charge?
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 35 in the Premier League and it’s a huge north London derby as Arsenal go to Spurs hoping to stay in the title race.Elsewhere, Man C...
Is Slot the right man for Liverpool?
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost three months on from Jurgen Klopp announcing his intention to stand down, Liverpool have earmarked the man they’d like to replace him.So why...
Inzaghi and Inter: What next?
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Playing an exciting brand of attacking football it’s no wonder Simone Inzaghi is now being linked to high-profile managerial jobs in England and abr...
Will Ruben Amorim be a Premier League manager next season?
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, The Athletic revealed that West Ham have held talks with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to be their next manager… He is also being lo...
Why Man United's Wembley embarrassment runs deep
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Before taking his seat at Wembley, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon and compared the race, to the job he has to do at Old Trafford.Seei...
Can Palmer haunt City again?
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 34 in the Premier League as Arsenal go to Wolves in the big clash in the title race.Elsewhere, it’s the FA Cup semi-finals, as Chels...
How ruthless can Arsenal be this summer?
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Wednesday night, Arsenal's Champions League hopes were ended in Munich, in their first quarter-final at that level in 14 years.Afterwards Mikel Art...
Are Premier League matches heading to the U.S.?
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last night were were reminded why the Champions League is the biggest draw in world football.Meanwhile, FIFA seem to be stepping back in the battle to...
Why Leverkusen's title is just the beginning
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen won the first league title in their 120-year history, and the celebrations were wild.Still to play for this season; a pot...
Why is Klopp's Liverpool farewell faltering?
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool’s terrible week got a whole lot worse.A shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has dealt a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s hope...
Can Villa rattle Arsenal again?
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 33 in the Premier League and Arsenal host Aston Villa as they look to hold on to top spot in the league table.Elsewhere, Spurs go to N...
Is PSG’s Galacticos era over?
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After overseeing a 27-game unbeaten run, Luis Enrique’s PSG fell to defeat at home to Barcelona on Wednesday night, losing 3-2 in their Champions Le...
Will Diego Simeone ever leave Atletico Madrid?
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid have enjoyed and endured a 12-year love affair and it is hard to imagine one without the other. He has overseen both...
Is Arteta building a dynasty at Arsenal?
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mikel Arteta takes charge of Arsenal’s first Champions League quarter final in 14 years on Tuesday night.Top of the Premier League and with the oppo...
Should Man United persist with Ten Hag next season?
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday Old Trafford witnessed more mayhem as Manchester United and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw.Despite facing another 28 shots, Man United emer...
Weekend Preview: Can chaotic Man United beat Liverpool again?
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 32 in the Premier League and Manchester United host Liverpool in a match that will have big implications on the title race.Elsewhere, ...
Why Champions League qualification isn't a ‘golden ticket’
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last night, Aston Villa stumbled in pursuit of securing a top four place in the Premier League losing 4-1 away to Manchester City.But as Newcastle ha...
Could De Zerbi or Frank manage at the very top?
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight, Thomas Frank and Roberto de Zerbi go head-to-head in what some might call the data derby… Brentford and Brighton may adopt a similar appro...
How do Chelsea turn turmoil into triumph?
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea’s difficult season continued as Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Burnley at the weekend..There’s division am...
Who do Liverpool target after Alonso decision?
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On the pitch Liverpool have seized the initiative in the Premier League title race following their 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.Y...
Weekend Preview: Will Man City vs Arsenal decide the title?
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 30 in the Premier League and the huge meeting of the weekend sees Manchester City host top-of-the-table Arsenal.Title rivals Liverpool...
Who would buy a football club in 2024?
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us can only dream of owning a football club .But for the very rich it’s an opportunity towards power, influence and… even more moneySo wh...
Should Mainoo start at the Euros?
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few months ago Kobbie Mainoo had not played a minute for his club at senior level let alone his country.Now at just 18, he is one of Manchester Unit...
Is Thiago Motta the next great coach?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thiago Motta, the mastermind behind Bologna's unlikely push for a Champions League spot, is seen as one of the most impressive up-and-coming managers....
Will Endrick be football's next superstar?
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For anyone that didn’t know about him already, 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick introduced himself with a winner against England at Wembley on Saturda...
Can anyone stop England or France at Euro 2024?
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s just 84 days until the European Championships begin in Germany - so we are looking ahead to Euro 2024, with a particular focus on two of the fa...
Is PSR doing more harm than good?
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules earlier this week, Ayo Ak...
How long will Newcastle's faith in Eddie Howe last?
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Once again Newcastle United will finish the season trophyless, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League.There have been question marks over financ...
Why doesn’t Ben White want to play for England?
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last week England boss Gareth Soutgate announced that Arsenal’s Ben White does not want to play for England.So, why doesn’t one of the best player...
Can the FA Cup save Ten Hag?
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following Manchester United's dramatic FA Cup Sixth Round win over Liverpool at Old Trafford The Athletic's David Ornstein and Mark Critchley join Ayo...
Weekend Preview: Can Man Utd end Liverpool’s 'quadruple' hopes?
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s matchday 29 in the Premier League & the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend. The big meeting of the weekend sees Manchester United take on...
Should Man United knock down Old Trafford?
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday at their iconic home Old Trafford, but the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ isn’t what it once was.Last week the c...
Can Barcelona's youngsters save the club?
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday night, Barcelona made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.There was a time when that would have been very much routine...
How does Chelsea's multi-club model work?
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea saw off Newcastle in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, a win that eased pressure on Mauricio Pochettino…But the bigger picture is they ...
Why do Liverpool want Michael Edwards back?
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Only one point separates the top three in the Premier League following Liverpool and Man City drawing 1-1 at Anfield on Sunday, while Arsenal beat Bre...
Weekend Preview: Liverpool vs Man City
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s another huge weekend in the Premier League, with a pivotal matchup in the title race as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.Elsewhere, As...
Klopp v Guardiola: The Premier League's greatest rivalry?
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend sees Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the final time in the Premier League.Two hugely successful man...
Is Postecoglou on the right track at Spurs?
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With 12 games to go Spurs look like a good bet for Champions League football.So are Spurs punching above their weight or could they be even higher ha...
Do Arsenal still need to sign a striker?
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last night, Arsenal swept the floor with another of the Premier League’s relegation candidates, Sheffield United.So do they need a new striker after...
Will Ten Hag ever close the gap on Man City?
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City eventually ran out convincing winners over Manchester United in the derby at the weekend. Yet, Erik ten Hag said afterwards that the...
Weekend Preview: Manchester Derby
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the Manchester derby, with City hosting United at the Etihad Stadium. United will be hoping to better their 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.E...
How long will three-team Premier League title race last?
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With 12 Premier League games to play, the top three are separated by just two points, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all still firmly in ...
Is Haaland destined for Real Madrid?
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last night, Manchester City moved a step closer to another treble, thanks to the formidable Erling Haaland.If City do win the lot - again - could h...
Does the Everton case damage the Premier League?
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why has Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules been reduced to six points? How will the decision impact sides a...
Why Klopp's kids offer Liverpool a goldmine
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following Liverpool's 10th League Cup success manager Jurgen Klopp described it as the most special achievement of his career, given the reliance he h...
Weekend Preview: Carabao Cup Final
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of top-flight football ahead, with not only Premier League points but also domestic silverware on ...
Can Palace match Glasner's ambition?
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Oliver Glasner has been chosen as the man to re-energise Crystal Palace after a barren run of just two wins from 16 in all competitions.The Europa Lea...
What Tuchel's Bayern exit means for Alonso race
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bayern Munich and head coach Thomas Tuchel will part ways at the end of the season.Why has the announcement come now and what does it tell us?Why isn’...
How do PSG replace Mbappe?
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last week Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint Germain of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season with Real Madrid the expected destination ...
Why Man United want Dan Ashworth
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Man United want Dan Ashworth to be their new sporting director.He has been placed on gardening leave after informing Newcastle of his desire to leave ...
Weekend Preview: Can returning Palmer derail City's title charge?
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Bailey and co breakdown matchweek 25 of the Premier League.The headline clash is Saturday's late game between Manchester City and Chelsea. Th...
Why China and Hong Kong turned on Messi
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia.After playing j...
Can West Ham do better than Moyes?
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
West Ham’s 6-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend was the club’s worst home defeat in over 60 years… and the fans voted with their feet.Wins over Ma...
Could Bayern tempt Alonso this summer?
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bayern Munich are out of both domestic Cup competitions and were humbled by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side at the weekend.As pressure mounts ahead of...
Is this another false dawn at Man United?
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United's 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday made it four consecutive wins for the first time this season, but what is the significance of that...
Weekend Preview: Can Villa hold off Man United?
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal returns to preview a bumper weekend of football ahead, including the Premier League as well as title matchups in Germany and Spain, and...
Has this been the best AFCON ever?
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After four weeks of showcasing what the continent has to offer, the Africa Cup of Nations is down to a final two.Hosts Ivory Coast play Nigeria in Sun...
Why Man City might not win the title
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Man City look unstoppable… Victory over Brentford on Monday was their ninth consecutive win across all competitions…Win all their games and Pep ...
Do Chelsea still believe in Project Pochettino?
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a heavy defeat at the weekend, home fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear..Less than a year on from the sacking of Graham Potter, M...
Can Arsenal win the Premier League?
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having moved to within just two points of the top of the Premier League, are Arsenal serious contenders to win this season's Premier League?The Gunner...
Weekend Preview: Will Liverpool end Arsenal’s title challenge?
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Bailey sits in for Adam Leventhal for another preview of the weekend ahead! Headlining the fixture list is Arsenal vs Liverpool - is it now o...
Has FFP killed the transfer window?
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a low-key transfer window as the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules showed their teeth.Saudi spending paused, the “...
Have Man United been tough enough with Rashford?
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United say Marcus Rashford has “taken responsibility for his actions” and will be available for selection again after being dropped Th...
How Barcelona’s toxicity forced Xavi out
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a humiliating defeat on Saturday, Barcelona manager Xavi announced he’d be stepping down from his position at the end of the season. So what...
How do Liverpool replace Klopp?
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday morning the world of football was shaken by news Jurgen Klopp is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.After more than eight years in ...
Weekend Preview: Maddison returns and a Black Country derby
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal and co return to preview another bumper FA Cup weekend, featuring 16 matches, including several heavyweight Premier League ties.Friday ...
Klopp to leave Liverpool at end of season
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool have announced that Jurgen Klopp is stepping down as manager at the end of the season.After a hugely successful eight and a half years at th...
What went wrong for Kalvin Phillips at Man City?
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just 18 months after completing a £45m move to Manchester City from his boyhood club Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips is heading out on loan to West Ham...
Where are all the January transfers?
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Into a cup final and not spending a penny in January… Couldn’t be Todd Boehly’s Chelsea could it? So, is this another false dawn or is Pochetti...
How Salah's AFCON descended into chaos
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Egypt scraped through to the knockout stages on another night of pure drama at AFCON, Mo Salah was resigned to cheering on his teammates from the s...
Why Man United took Berrada from Man City
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Less than one month on from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man United being made public, INEOS have already signalled their intentions poaching O...
Weekend Preview: Will Solanke haunt Liverpool?
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal returns to preview the five remaining fixtures of matchday 21. Liverpool head to Bournemouth on Sunday, and will have to cope with the...
Ivan Toney’s return & rehabilitation
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After eight months away, after being banned for 232 betting offences, this weekend marks Ivan Toney’s return.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athleti...
Is Jose Mourinho still special?
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jose Mourinho’s 'Roman reign' came to an abrupt end yesterday...Former captain Danielle de Rossi will now take charge of Roma until the end of the s...
More FFP charges but what about Man City?
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is close to a year — 49 weeks and counting — since the Premier League handed Manchester City a charge sheet with 115 breaches of its financial ...
Why can’t Newcastle buy success?
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There was a sense of inevitability at St. James' Park on Saturday when Kevin De Bruyne entered the arena.So why can't Newcastle United, the-so-called ...
Weekend Preview: Spurs new faces to storm Old Trafford?
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal returns to preview matchweek 16 of the Premier League.Five fixtures over the weekend are headlined by Man United vs Tottenham. Will we ...
AFCON Preview: Favourites, outsiders and Onana return
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Two years on from Senegal ending their wait for glory, AFCON returns this weekend.Does this year's tournament represent Mohamed Salah’s best chance ...
What would Henderson's Saudi u-turn cost him?
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day…...
Will Werner be a success at Spurs?
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.A player who - it’s fair to say - was a disappointment at Chelsea.But if...
Why can't Arsenal score goals?
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home yesterday by Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was despite creating a number of good chances and having relative ‘contro...
Weekend Preview: Can Sunderland add to Newcastle’s misery?
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Weekend Preview returns for 2024 with an FA Cup special.Headlining the show is the first Tyne-and-Wear derby since 2016, as a wounded Newcastle he...
Will Real Madrid finally get Mbappe?
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Victory last night means Real Madrid have reached the halfway stage of La Liga as league leaders on goal difference.But in terms of stability, resourc...
Man United’s January plans & Sancho’s future
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has finally been confirmed, how will this impact the club’s January window?Even if pl...
Weekend Preview: Arsenal’s Anfield test and 2023 in review
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Leventhal returns to preview the last set of games before Christmas.First up, a Christmas cracker at the top of the table, with Arsenal visiting ...
Are Liverpool 2.0 ready to win the Premier League?
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
They were frustrated by Man United last weekend, sensational against West Ham last night... Liverpool’s last two games sum up the predicament many f...
Cooper & Marinakis reach breaking point: Good luck Nuno…
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Even as Nuno Espirito Santo becomes Nottingham Forest's new manager, the fanbase continues to mourn the departure of Steve Cooper - a coach widely reg...
Is Xavi losing his grip on the Barcelona job?
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid aren’t the only team upstaging the mighty Barcelona this season… The Catalans are already nine points behind leag...
How Dyche got Everton out of trouble
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Four weeks on from being hit with a record Premier league points deduction, Everton's fighting spirit is undeniable...After four wins on the bounce, t...
Weekend Preview: More Anfield pain for Man United?
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Levethal returns to preview Matchweek 17 of the Premier League!The weekend is headlined by table-topping Liverpool taking on Manchester United. W...
What now for Newcastle?
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Newcastle United's dreams of Champions League progress ended in failure as AC Milan mounted a second half comeback to knock them out.Newcastle's focus...
Why Man United are unlikely to sack Ten Hag – yet
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Man United are out of Europe, 10 points off top spot in the Premier League and it’s not even Christmas… In normal circumstances, any Manchester U...