The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic

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. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Athletic Football Podcast is a fantastic source for news and commentary. It's from the team at The Athletic, a popular sports coverage website. But even though it is an American publication, the show is about soccer, not the National Football League. New episodes drop every weekday. Mark Chapman hosts most episodes. Ian Irving and Dan Bardell also host some episodes.

Mark has spent most of his career as a sports host across TV and radio. He's also created insightful documentaries. Dan is a sports host, panelist, and creator of a dedicated YouTube channel for fans of Aston Villa. Ian is a Premier League reporter. Other contributors join The Athletic Football Podcast, like David Ornstein and Adam Crafton.

This podcast seeks to provide extra insight into the latest football games. It's the podcast for all the FA Cup and World Cup action. Plus, listeners can enjoy Champions League chat from this season into next season.

The Athletic Football Podcast enjoys a good debate. One episode questions what makes a good Premier League owner. Mark explores the topic with fellow writers Matt Slater, George Caulkin, and Oli Kay. Will Liverpool, Manchester United, or Man City appear top in their ratings? Another interesting topic for discussion is racism within the sport. This episode focuses on Real Madrid's superstar Vinicius Jr and his reports of racism. Does Spanish football have a problem with it, and is there a solution?

Another highlight episode focuses on the talent behind Benfica. What is the club doing to create talented players like Enzo Fernandez? The podcast talks to academy coaches and football experts to find out more. Another episode investigates possible loopholes within the transfer window. Is Financial Fair Play impacting the spending of Leeds United? How are the rules affecting different football clubs? This podcast explains it all.

Listeners of this podcast can expect an interesting and insightful review of football. Each episode combines an expert team offering extra insights into this fast-paced and exciting game. The Athletic Football Podcast is great for soccer fans everywhere.

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The Preview - Premier League Round-Up

The Preview - Premier League Round-Up

Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahead to the next round of Premier League fixtures. Fulham stunned Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, was this a reminder that Enzo Maresca'a side are not yet the finished product? Marco Silva's Fulham face Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth next, are these two sides optimising the fun and unpredictability of the Premier League this season? Liverpool capitalised on Chelsea's slip up, extending their lead at the top of the table — are we witnessing another 2019/20 season? Everything continues to go wrong for Manchester United — suffering their fourth defeat in five Premier League games as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — how does Ruben Amorim turn things around with in-form Newcastle United up next? Plus, back to back wins for Wolves and new boss Vitor Pereira, Nottingham Forest's Champions League chase, and how do Arsenal replace the injured Bukayo Saka? Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episodes

The Preview - Premier League Round-Up

The Preview - Premier League Round-Up

Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahead to the next round of Premier League fixtures. Fulham stunned Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, was this a reminder that Enzo Maresca'a side are not yet the finished product? Marco Silva's Fulham face Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth next, are these two sides optimising the fun and unpredictability of the Premier League this season? Liverpool capitalised on Chelsea's slip up, extending their lead at the top of the table — are we witnessing another 2019/20 season? Everything continues to go wrong for Manchester United — suffering their fourth defeat in five Premier League games as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — how does Ruben Amorim turn things around with in-form Newcastle United up next? Plus, back to back wins for Wolves and new boss Vitor Pereira, Nottingham Forest's Champions League chase, and how do Arsenal replace the injured Bukayo Saka? Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2024 Reviewed: sackings, snubs, and seismic shocks

2024 Reviewed: sackings, snubs, and seismic shocks

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 Christmas countdown. What happened this year, and how have those decisions played out? Here to reminisce and recoil at the year it's editor-in-chief Laura Williamson and senior writer Adam Crafton. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Laura Williamson and Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Preview - Tottenham vs Liverpool

The Preview - Tottenham vs Liverpool

After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. With just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home games, the panel analyse why Spurs are making things so difficult for themselves. Meanwhile Liverpool have shown a more adaptable side to their game this week, could Ange Postecoglou take a leaf out of Arne Slot’s book? Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere and talk sacking season after Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were relieved of their duties this week. Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Mark Carey Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What next for Mudryk and Chelsea?

What next for Mudryk and Chelsea?

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. He has been provisionally suspended. Both club and player have issued statements to make categorically clear that Mudryk has never “knowingly used” any banned substances. So where does this leave Chelsea and the £62m man? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson and senior writer Adam Crafton to discuss the scenario facing the Ukrainian winger. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson and Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to fix Man City

How to fix Man City

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 their current situation? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Sam Lee and Rory Smith Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is this Simeone's best version of Atletico Madrid?

Is this Simeone's best version of Atletico Madrid?

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 the top of La Liga - next up they head to table-toppers Barcelona. So can Diego Simeone’s new-look Atleti sustain their challenge? Ayo Akinwolere is joined from Madrid by The Athletic's La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan as well as Colin Millar to analyse Atleti's red-hot form, their summer investment in the transfer market and whether their title challenge is sustainable ahead of the trip to face Barca. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Colin Millar Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do Wolves want Vitor Pereira?

Why do Wolves want Vitor Pereira?

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 teams, 76 goals conceded. It has been coming. Today, we focus on Wolves, who look set to appoint Vitor Pereira. So… just how much relegation danger are they in? Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Phil Hay and David Novo Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou and Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Story of the Guinea Stadium Disaster

The Story of the Guinea Stadium Disaster

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 and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day. The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth. Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsetting Host: Adam Leventhal Producer: Abi Paterson News reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Preview - Man City vs Man Utd

The Preview - Man City vs Man Utd

Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable. With Pep Guardiola's side picking up just one win in their last 10 games, the panel dissect why it's still going wrong and look at whether Sunday's game presents an opportunity to bounce back. Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League games - but after coming from behind to win in Plzeň - are Ruben Amorim's side showing signs of moving in the right direction? Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across The Athletic FC. Host: Michael Bailey With: Sam Lee, Mark Citchley, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Saudi Arabia a good choice for the World Cup?

Is Saudi Arabia a good choice for the World Cup?

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup after running unopposed. So why has FIFA allowed this to happen? What are the wider controversies surrounding their bid? And could Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a World Cup? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Tottenham stick with Project Postecoglou?

Will Tottenham stick with Project Postecoglou?

Spurs have lost 19 of their last 43 matches in the Premier League, and their most recent defeat against Chelsea was particularly damaging. So have Spurs evolved under Ange Postecoglou? And will he be given the time to turn their season around? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Charlie Eccleshare Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has Maresca turned Chelsea into title contenders?

Has Maresca turned Chelsea into title contenders?

At the weekend, Chelsea overcame their biggest test yet under Enzo Maresca. The 4-3 win away at their bitter rivals Tottenham has seen them go up to second place in the table. So, are Chelsea “back” - and are they real title contenders? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay and Liam Twomey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside Ashworth's shock Man United exit

Inside Ashworth's shock Man United exit

After just five months, Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester United So why has he gone, and what does it say about the new leadership at the club? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Laurie Whitwell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Preview - Tottenham vs Chelsea

The Preview - Tottenham vs Chelsea

After defeat on the South Coast, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham host in form Chelsea. In a fixture that saw five goals scored, five goals disallowed, eight yellow cards, two reds and nine VAR checks in the first half alone last season, are we set up for similar chaos this year? Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are firing on all cylinders, having scored 57 goals in 22 matches in all competitions this campaign. While Spurs are as unpredictable as ever, following up their 4-0 victory at The Etihad by dropping points against Fulham and Bournemouth. After losing support from the fans midweek, how significant is Sunday’s game for Ange Postecoglou? Can Chelsea make a statement in their push for top four, or perhaps more? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is the best time to sack a manager?

When is the best time to sack a manager?

So far just two Premier League managers have been shown the door this season, with Erik Ten Hag and Steve Cooper having been sacked. But as we head toward the January transfer market, who else could follow Manchester United and Leicester City’s lead? And just when is the right time to sack a manager? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Stu James and lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the situations around both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil at West Ham United and Wolves, while Leicester City correspondent Rob Tanner explains Leicester's decision to swap Cooper for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stu James, Phil Hay and Rob Tanner Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the transfer window with David Ornstein

Inside the transfer window with David Ornstein

We’re taking you inside the 2025 transfer market to explain the deals that are being worked on across both the winter and summer windows. This includes the players who could arrive and the ones who could be on their way out, across the Premier League and beyond. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Amorim ready for his first big test against Arsenal?

Is Amorim ready for his first big test against Arsenal?

So Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have got off to a decent start, with two wins and one draw so far. But how are they going to handle a visit to Arsenal this week? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Carl Anka, Art de Roché, Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Man City's title race over already?

Is Man City's title race over already?

As Liverpool moved 9 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a comfortable victory over Manchester City Anfield serenaded Pep Guardiola with "you're getting sacked in the morning". So after four league titles on the bounce is City’s title race over already? Having been at Anfield for The Athletic both Man City writer Sam Lee and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Sam Lee and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Preview - Liverpool vs Man City

The Preview - Liverpool vs Man City

A major weekend of action kicks off on Friday evening, culminating in a massive game in the title race, as Liverpool welcome Manchester City. Arne Slot's Reds have 17 wins from 19 games in all competitions, while Pep Guardiola's side are coming off the back of 3 Premier League defeats in a row - as many as they’d lost in their previous 47. Can Pep turn things around? Or will Liverpool go 11 points clear? Elsewhere, big battles at the bottom for Palace, Southampton and Ipswich and what on earth will we get from Spurs? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Serie A the most electrifying league in Europe?

Is Serie A the most electrifying league in Europe?

Ahead of this weekend’s games the top five teams in Italy are separated by just one point. Added to that, the last five seasons have seen four different clubs end as champions. So, why is Serie A so competitive and it is Europe’s most entertaining league? The Athletic's James Horncastle joins Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the start to the Italian season with Jordan Campbell also dropping by having recently written for The Athletic about The Scots thriving in Italy. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle and Jordan Campbell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices