The Athletic FC Podcast

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...

Can Chelsea afford another January spending spree?

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may want to spend MORE money this January… So, after almost a billion pounds in transfer fees already, could t...

Has Emery made Aston Villa title contenders?

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After beating Man City on Wednesday night, Aston Villa backed that up against Arsenal on Saturday, seeing off Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at Villa Park.Ha...

Weekend Preview: Can Arsenal end Villa's streak?

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Leventhal returns to preview Matchweek 16 of the Premier League!The weekend is headlined by a clash between table-topping Arsenal and surprise-pa...

What's wrong with Man City?

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After Manchester City fell to defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's side slipped to fourth in the Premier League and six points off...

Is Kompany’s iconic status buying him more time?

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Despite a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley were beaten again this week & remain in Premier League relega...

Jorginho interview: Arteta's plan, 'unbelievable' Havertz & penalties

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this exclusive interview for The Athletic, Arsenal and Italy midfielder Jorginho joins host Ayo Akinwolere, to talk about the Gunners' Premier Leag...

Can a rebooted Trent lead Liverpool to the title?

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trent Alexander-Arnold is flying in the Premier League…A year on from playing a bit-part role in Qatar and struggling for form at home, Trent is no...

Weekend Preview: Will Angeball bounce back at Man City?

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League. First on the docket is the Man City vs T...

Is Onana really to blame?

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination...But des...

Will Ancelotti leave Real Madrid for Brazil?

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades...Success feels like a virtual guarantee ...

Will Newcastle really sign players from the Saudi League?

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’…So ar...

Why Havertz suits evolving Arsenal

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career? And with the best de...

Weekend Preview: Liverpool head to Man City as top two clash

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the ...

Lyon and the danger of multi-club ownership

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s arist...

Inter Milan: Winning titles, losing money

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverwar...

Barcelona 'bet the house' on their future - will it work?

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It doesn’t seem that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club.Moving on from Messi & co was always going to...

What Everton’s punishment could mean for Man City & Chelsea

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sus...

Premier League roundtable: The season so far

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far. With the hel...

Man United’s leadership limbo: Arnold’s departure explained

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billion...

Napoli: From champions to chaos in six months

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge…Walter Mazzarri is the surprise ...

Xabi Alonso: Europe's next 'super coach'

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric...

Is Raheem Sterling’s England career over?

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling.But despite being on...

Weekend Preview: Can Chelsea back-up Spurs win against Man City?

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Leventhal welcomes Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, and Omar Garrick to the studio to preview the weekend's fixtures. Chelsea vs Manchester City head...

Can Hojlund and Jackson handle their goalscoring burdens?

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Both Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson have felt the weight of expectation following their respective summer moves to Man United and Chelsea.To analy...

Have Dortmund moved on from Bellingham?

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor as well as ex-Bundesliga striker Jan Aage...

Were Spurs the real winners against Chelsea?

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Forget the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, Tottenham vs Chelsea was 'Monday night Madness' in North London.Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Ath...

Do Arsenal need an 'elite' striker?

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Arteta's Arsenal were furious with VAR following their defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, but with just one shot on target in match - sho...

Weekend Preview: Can Arsenal survive their first big away test?

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of Premier League fixtures. Headlining the weekend is Arsenal's trip to Newcastle, their first aw...

Saudi World Cup: What does it mean for football?

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following Australia's withdrawal to host the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia has been left as the sole bidder to stage world football's showpi...

Why have no Premier League managers been sacked yet?

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last season in the Premier League it felt like there was a manager being sacked every week. This season, it feels like the writing’s on the wall for...