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The Athletic FC Podcast

ByThe Athletic
1095 episodes

Podcast Summary

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#1

How have PSG built the best team in Europe?

PSG have finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy after beating Inter 5-0 in the final in Munich on Saturday night.So, how did they do it and are they set to dominate European football?Listener feedback survey: Adam LeventhalWith: James Horncastle, Adam Crafton and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-06-02•50mins
#2

Champions League Final Preview: PSG vs Inter

On Saturday, PSG will face Inter in the 24/25 Champions League final in Munich. It will be the meeting of the oldest versus the youngest team from the knockout stage, will experience or youthful exuberance prevail?The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ayo Akinwolere to preview the game.Can Luis Enrique’s decision to ditch the ‘superstars’ and change the culture at PSG be validated with the clubs first Champions League trophy or will Inter and Inzaghi achieve the respect they have perhaps deserved more of over the last few years? Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Tom WilliamsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-30•52mins
#3

Has Maresca proven Chelsea's doubters wrong?

Chelsea have won a trophy and have Champions League football next season.So, has Enzo Maresca proven the doubters wrong?Listener feedback survey: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-29•39mins
#4

Sunderland are back in the Premier League - can they stay there?

Sunderland are back in the Premier League after eight years away.So how did a club who were in League One three years ago make their way back to the top table?And crucially, can they stay there?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Chris Weatherspoon, Leo PearlmanExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-28•48mins
#5

How Conte conquered Serie A again

Napoli won a second Scudetto in three years as a dramatic Serie A title race went down to the final day.So how did Antonio Conte’s side get the better of Champions League finalists Inter, despite losing their two best players?And what part did former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay play in the title triumph? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-27•37mins
#6

Have Aston Villa's transfer plans been derailed?

Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a crucial top-five finish in the Premier League—falling short after a moment of controversy at Old Trafford.So, why couldn’t Unai Emery’s side get over the line this season? And what does failing to qualify for the Champions League mean for Villa’s summer transfer ambitions?Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell and Villa expert Dan Bardell to unpack the highs, lows, and looming decisions facing the club this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Tanswell, Dan BardellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-26•34mins
#7

Liverpool: The title they never saw

On 25 May 2025, Liverpool will receive their 20th top flight crown, equaling the record set by Manchester United.This season's victory will be defined by Mohamed Salah's goals, Arne Slot's career-defining debut, and the measured manner with which the Reds marched on. But five years ago, when Liverpool last won English football's most prestigious trophy for the first time in 30 years, this was not the scene.Simon Hughes has spoken to families in Liverpool to find out how this title sits five years on from the Covid-19 pandemic. You'll hear the story of the content creator who feels a disconnect with Anfield now. The former steward who never got to savour a title win. And the Hillsborough survivor for whom the Atletico match was his last.Please note this episode includes strong language, and content some listeners may find upsetting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-25•42mins
#8

The Athletic’s 2024/25 season awards

Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2024-25 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe. The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Jacob Whitehead join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-23•58mins

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#9

Spurs win Europa League: What now for Postecoglou & Amorim?

Tottenham Hotspur got the job done in Bilbao with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the Europa League Final win over Manchester United.So what does the trophy mean for Spurs & Postecoglou and where does defeat leave Ruben Amorim & Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-22•45mins
#10

Man United v Spurs - who will save their season?

Tonight - Spurs or Manchester United will be crowned Europa League championsSo… will it be Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim that rescues a disastrous season? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jay Harris and Manchester United writer Carl Anka. We also hear from The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke & Laurie Whitwell who attended the press conferences of Postecoglou and Amorim ahead of the pivotal game.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-21•54mins
#11

Would the Europa League save Postecoglou's job?

Spurs’ Europa League run has been the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season.They have a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy on Wednesday night. So what would it mean for the club and manager Ange Postecoglou if they win the Europa League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Danny Kelly & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-20•47mins
#12

Would Europa League win fix Man United?

This week, it’s all eyes on Bilbao as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Europa League final.Today, we’re focusing on Ruben Amorim’s side and asking what would success mean for Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-19•45mins
#13

Goodbye Goodison

On 18th May 2025, Everton will play their final Premier League game at Goodison Park against Southampton. For the men’s team, it will no longer be their home.In this special episode allow yourself to be transported to the stadium, as The Athletic FC captures the iconic sound that only Goodison could bring.You will hear from fans about their memories of the stadium, what it will mean to move on from the place they have called home for 133 years, and a surprising amount of love for the restricted view.So sit back and relax, and join us at Everton Football Club… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-17•35mins
#14

What would a first ever trophy mean for Palace?

Crystal Palace have the chance to win their first major trophy on Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. So how has Oliver Glasner transformed Palace and would silverware take the Eagles to the next level? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Matt Woosnam, Reuben Pinder, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-16•39mins
#15

What does Kane's first trophy prove?

Harry Kane’s trophy drought is over having helped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany.But is one Bundesliga trophy enough for the England captain - and is silverware the only marker of success?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Art De RocheExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-15•45mins
#16

Is it ever OK to boo your own players?

On Sunday afternoon Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield. So why do supporters boo their own players and is it ever acceptable?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Oli Kay, Carl AnkaFeaturing: Art de Roché, Simon Johnson, Chris WaughExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-14•45mins
#17

Will Brentford lose Mbeumo & Wissa this summer?

Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have lit up the Premier League once again this season.But with Thomas Frank admitting Mbeumo could be sold this summer - what does the future hold for him and strike partner Wissa?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris & Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-13•39mins
#18

Real Madrid have collapsed - can Alonso fix them?

Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico, throwing away at 2-0 lead before falling to a 4-3 defeat.Knocked out of the Champions League and defeat to Barcelona makes another league title unlikely.So where has it all gone wrong for Real Madrid and is Xabi Alonso the man to fix them? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-12•47mins
#19

Man United & Spurs book this season's unlikeliest final

On Thursday night both Manchester United and Spurs got the job done in the Europa League to book their place in Bilbao.One of them will be the Champions League next season - but who will be joining them via the Premier League?This weekend's standout fixture comes at St. James' Park as Newcastle United welcome Chelsea in a meeting of 4th v 5th.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers and Oliver KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-09•43mins
#20

Why can't Arsenal get over the line?

Arsenal’s European journey is over after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.So where does this leave Mikel Arteta’s process and why can’t Arsenal get over the line?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art De Roche, Phil Hay and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-08•45mins
#21

Have Inzaghi's Inter proven how good they really are?

Inter are through to the Champions League final after a breathtaking semi-final against Barcelona.So where does that rank among the best knockout matches in the competition's history?And are Inter favourites to lift the trophy now?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus & Max CallegariExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-07•42mins
#22

Will Wirtz headline Man City's summer rebuild?

Manchester City have had a disappointing season compared to their usually high standards.But the summer window offers Pep Guardiola the chance to rebuild.So which players are they targeting?And will it be enough for them to be Premier League contenders once again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-06•53mins
#23

Why is Trent leaving Liverpool?

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool.So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer?And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes them a better option?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Mario Cortegana and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-05•37mins

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#24

Will Man United or Spurs save their awful seasons?

Manchester United and Tottenham’s hopes of Champions League football next season are well and truly alive after comprehensive victories in their Europa League semi-final first legs. While Nottingham Forest’s dreams of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition via the Premier League have been dented, after losing 2-0 at home to Brentford. Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Carl Anka, Spurs correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and football writer Tim Spiers to reflect on Thursday night's action and what it means for the clubs chasing European football. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-02•40mins
#25

When will Wrexham reach the Premier League?

Wrexham are now just one step away from the Premier League having now achieved three successive promotions from National League to Championship.How have they managed to climb so quickly and when can we expect to see them in the top flight?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Richard Sutcliffe, Matt Slater and Felipe CardenasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-05-01•41mins
#26

How do Arsenal hit back in Paris?

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 the better of the Gunners?And can Arsenal stage a comeback in the second leg?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art de Roché & Stuart JamesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-30•33mins
#27

Champions League final four: Who are favourites?

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 Inter in the final.So how are the four teams shaping up, and who are the favourites to win it?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Max Callegari, Tomas Hill-Lopez Menchero, Tom Williams, Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-29•51mins
#28

How do Liverpool build on title success?

Liverpool are Premier League champions after securing their second title in five years at home to Tottenham Hotspur, their first in front of supporters since 1990.So how has Arne Slot done it and what needs to be done for Liverpool to stay at the top next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Andy Jones and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-28•46mins
#29

Premier League Draft: Picking our all-time XIs

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 it look like if we held an All-Time Premier League Draft? Which legends go first and can anyone build the perfect squad?Host: Duncan AlexanderWith: Jacob Whitehead, Oli Kay, and Jack LangExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Liam WarburtonPremier League Draft article: Teams:Jacob: Cech, Azpilicueta, Van Dijk, Kompany, Baines, Rodri, Lampard, Silva, Salah, Rooney, GiggsJack: Alisson, Walker, Ferdinand, Campbell, Irwin, Kante, Fabregas, De Bruyne, Hazard, Shearer, HenryDuncan: Ederson, Ferreira, Adams, Vidic, Robertson, Keane, Toure, Beckham, Bergkamp, Aguero, SuarezOli: Schmeichel, Alexander-Arnold, Carvalho, Terry, Cole, Vieira, Gerrard, Scholes, Ronaldo, Kane, Bale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-27•46mins
#30

Is Potter already losing the West Ham fans?

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 of manager Graham Potter? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Roshane Thomas, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-25•35mins
#31

Why does everyone want Dean Huijsen?

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 Real Madrid. So what makes him so special, and who might trigger his £50m release clause?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by senior data analyst Mark Carey and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the Spanish international.Football correspondent David Ornstein as well as James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo Rai also drop by with their insights to the level of interest held in Huijsen across the Premier League and beyond with the Bournemouth defender set to have his pick of a number of clubs this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Carey and Phil HayContributions: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-24•41mins
#32

Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?

After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summerSo… when will it happen? And is Xabi Alonso the inevitable replacement? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai & Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-23•30mins
#33

Are Leeds ready for the Premier League?

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 League relegation last time out?And how can they stay up for the long haul this time?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Beren CrossExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-22•46mins
#34

Can Maresca survive at Chelsea without Champions League?

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 from behind to win 2-1 at Fulham.Victory at Craven Cottage keeps them in the mix for a return to European football’s elite competition next season.But with fan discontent growing, how important is Champions League qualification for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea future?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss the importance of the win as well as our football correspondent David Ornstein to analyse the pressure on Maresca and look ahead to the summer transfer window.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-21•36mins
#35

Man United's Europa League madness & can Villa halt Newcastle's charge?

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, while Manchester United and Spurs kept their dreams of qualifying for next season’s competition alive with victories in the Europa League. Mark Critchley joins us to talk about a ridiculous night at Old Trafford that saw Ruben Amorim's side score two goals in injury time of extra time, to beat Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate. We hear from Jay Harris who was in Frankfurt where a Dominic Solanke penalty saw Spurs win 1-0, so Ange Postecoglou isn't going anywhere quite yet. The Athletic's Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell are with us to preview their respective side's clash at Villa Park on Saturday evening, in what could be a pivotal game in the race for Champions League football. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Tanswell, Mark Critchley, Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-18•31mins
#36

Is Rice the key to Arsenal's Champions League dream?

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 how far does that 5-1 win on aggregate propel Mikel Arteta’s project forward? And crucially, can they now go all the way in the Champions League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art de Roche, Guillermo Rai, Charlie EccleshareExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-17•44mins
#37

Will treble-chasing Barca keep Flick?

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 this team? And will he stay at Barca in the long term?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-16•32mins
#38

Has this season been boring or brilliant?

Has the Premier League been a little boring this season? Especially compared to a thrilling round in the Champions League knockout phase.Have Pep Guardiola’s complex systems killed creativity? Or is the entertainment just coming from different places — tighter mid-table races, smarter tactics, and more goals than ever?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke & Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-15•36mins
#39

Man Utd or Chelsea: Who needs Delap more?

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 the cards - where will Delap end up? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell & Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-14•32mins
#40

Salah stays at Liverpool - Van Dijk next?

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 hand out lucrative contract extensions to ageing players, why have they made an exception and what does it mean for Liverpool’s summer transfer business? The Athletic's David Ornstein and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Matt Davies-Adams to discuss the latest on the Liverpool contract saga. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: David Ornstein, James PearceProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-11•32mins
#41

Have Chelsea found another PSR loophole?

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, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix.Despite their massive outlays, Chelsea announced a £128.4m profit for the year to June 2024.So how have they done it - and have they found another PSR loophole?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss the Blues' latest accounts, sale of their women's team within the ownership group and assess how it will impact their summer transfer activity.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Weatherspoon and Liam TwomeyProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-10•38mins
#42

Arsenal's statement win & is Ancelotti in trouble?

European champions Real Madrid were rocked by a riveting Arsenal display in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last nightWith Madrid facing an uphill task in both the Champions League and La Liga - will they bring in more superstars this summer to bolster their squad? And will Carlo Ancelotti still be the man to make it all gel together next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero James McNicholasProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-09•28mins
#43

Is Luis Enrique the most underrated manager of his era?

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 with six games left to spare - and they face Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals this week.So is Enrique one of the most underrated coaches of the modern era?And are PSG finally ready to win the Champions League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tom Williams, Dermot CorriganProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-08•48mins
#44

How do Man City replace De Bruyne?

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 play in the Premier League and how do City go about replacing him?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Man City writer Sam Lee as they share their reaction to the news, reflect on the brilliance the Belgian has brought to the Premier League and assess how Pep Guardiola's side move on from his departure.Plus football data writer Thom Harris drops by to remember some of De Bruyne's most crucial moments in a Man City shirt.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Sam LeeProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-07•44mins
#45

The Preview - Man United vs Man City

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 first time in five years. With Ruben Amorim's side lacking a cutting edge up front and Pep Guardiola without the injured Erling Haaland, where will both managers look for solutions in attack?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Manchester City writer Sam Lee to preview Sunday's derby. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-04•43mins
#46

Why Moyes is perfect for Everton's new era

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 their neighbours.Defeat to Liverpool makes it 22 visits to Anfield without tasting victory as a manager.But with upshoots of encouragement and the move to their new stadium on the horizon, do Everton have reasons to be optimistic?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and senior football writer Oli Kay to discuss the impact Moyes' return to the blue half of Merseyside has had ahead of what could be a defining summer prior to their move to their new stadium.We want to hear about you and your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a quick survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paddy Boyland and Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-03•40mins
#47

Gyokeres, Zubimendi & contracts: Arsenal's huge summer

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 director Andrea Berta has plenty to do.So where do Arsenal’s priorities lie this summer?And could Viktor Gyokeres be the answer to their number 9 dilemma?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-02•36mins
#48

How have Juventus fallen so far?

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 outside of the top four places. Add to that, they’re out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia as well.So… what has gone wrong at Juventus, and how do they rebuild?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Max Callegari & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-04-01•49mins
#49

Spurs want Iraola - but does he want them?

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 Cup - and with a European finish still possible in the Premier League.What more can Iraola do at Bournemouth? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football data writer Thom Harris who was at Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to discuss the attraction of Spurs to Iraola as well as analyse the work the Spaniard has done on the south coast.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Thom Harris, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-31•37mins
#50

A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals.Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this speaking with the players, stakeholders and fans to find out how they feel about the various subplots surrounding this tournament and the 2026 World Cup.How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi PatersonFeaturing audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-30•1hr 0mins

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