The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting 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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Inzaghi and Inter: What next?

Inzaghi and Inter: What next?

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 abroad. But is he better off staying in Italy and a resurgent Serie A? Or does uncertainty around finance and the ownership at Inter mean now is the time for a new challenge? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episodes

Inzaghi and Inter: What next?

Inzaghi and Inter: What next?

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 abroad. But is he better off staying in Italy and a resurgent Serie A? Or does uncertainty around finance and the ownership at Inter mean now is the time for a new challenge? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Ruben Amorim be a Premier League manager next season?

Will Ruben Amorim be a Premier League manager next season?

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 looked at to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool So who is Ruben Amorim and why is he in such high demand? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Man United's Wembley embarrassment runs deep

Why Man United's Wembley embarrassment runs deep

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. Seeing his boyhood side reach a second successive FA Cup Final was only have the story though as Erik Ten Hag's side almost squandered a 3-0 lead to be dumped out by Coventry City. So will success in the FA Cup show enough progress for Ten Hag to remain in position, or do United's problems run deeper than just their manager? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Mark Critchley who were both at Wembley to discuss. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Carl Anka and Mark Critchley Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles Manchester United’s semi-final win was no turning point for Ten Hag – it was a tipping point - The Athletic If Manchester United move on from Ten Hag, who does the data say they should target? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Palmer haunt City again?

Can Palmer haunt City again?

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 Chelsea face Man City and Manchester United go up against Coventry City. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers and Liam Twomey Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How ruthless can Arsenal be this summer?

How ruthless can Arsenal be this summer?

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 Arteta was left lost for words in how to console his side, while they also remain in the Premier League title race. So how can the Spaniard ensure the Gunners season doesn't peter out, how ruthless can they be in this summer's transfer window - or should Arteta be able to get more from the squad already at his disposal? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Art de Roche to discuss and analyse how different Arsenal could look the other side of the summer transfer window. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Art de Roche Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Arsenal’s progress this season will be undermined if their title challenge fizzles out - The Athletic Arsenal are evolving at a pace that could leave Zinchenko, Jesus and others behind - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Premier League matches heading to the U.S.?

Are Premier League matches heading to the U.S.?

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 stop competitive games being taken abroad. So, could we one day see the Premier League or La Liga decided in the USA? Or the UEFA Champions League final in Saudi Arabia? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and Adam Crafton Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Leverkusen's title is just the beginning

Why Leverkusen's title is just the beginning

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 potential treble and the chance to go the entire season unbeaten. But is Xabi Alonso staying enough to keep his squad together next season? Is it still even possible for this team to go to the next level and break into Europe's elite? Or, is this as good as it gets for Leverkusen? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Raphael Honigstein, Seb Stafford-Bloor Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is Klopp's Liverpool farewell faltering?

Why is Klopp's Liverpool farewell faltering?

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 hopes of a second Premier League title and they have a mountain to climb in the Europa League, trailing Atalanta 3-0. So why are Liverpool faltering at the business end of the season? And can they still turn it round? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and James Pearce to assess and analyse where things have gone wrong for Jurgen Klopp's side having gone from potential quadruple winners to seeing his reign possibly end with a whimper. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce and Oli Kay Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The 10 misses that might have ended Liverpool’s Premier League title bid - The Athletic Liverpool’s failure to keep clean sheets is proving deeply damaging - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Villa rattle Arsenal again?

Can Villa rattle Arsenal again?

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 Newcastle and Chelsea play Everton. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jon Mackenzie, Art de Roché & Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is PSG’s Galacticos era over?

Is PSG’s Galacticos era over?

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 League quarter final first leg. So why did Kylian Mbappe struggle to impact the kind of game he’s been renowned for owning in previous years and is he at risk of seeing his PSG career end with a whimper? As for Enrique, is he the man to finally push the Parisians over the line to become a serious contender in years to come? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Peter Rutzler as well as Pierre-Etienne Minonzio of L'Equipe. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Peter Rutzler and Pierre-Etienne Minonzio Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adam Jones Related articles: Mbappe surely cannot bow out so quietly in Barcelona - The Athletic How Paris Saint-Germain made Ousmane Dembele ‘extraordinary’ again - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Diego Simeone ever leave Atletico Madrid?

Will Diego Simeone ever leave Atletico Madrid?

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 unbelievable highs and crushing lows. This season - Atletico are on course for their worst finish in La Liga since Simeone’s first year in charge, but could another Champions League run galvanize his team once again? And with plenty of big clubs looking for ,managers this summer, why isn’t his name mentioned in the conversations anymore? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan & Tomás Hill López-Menchero. HOST: Ayo Akinwolere WITH: Dermot Corrigan & Tomás Hill López-Menchero PRODUCER: Mike Stavrou EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Arteta building a dynasty at Arsenal?

Is Arteta building a dynasty at Arsenal?

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 opportunity to make a serious statement in Europe, how has Arteta revived this Arsenal side? And with Jurgen Klopp leaving and Pep Guardiola’s long-term Manchester City future uncertain, is he ready to build a dynasty in north London? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jordan Campbell, Art de Roché, Amy Lawrence Producer: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should Man United persist with Ten Hag next season?

Should Man United persist with Ten Hag next season?

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 emerged with a point, but was that through luck or design? So has Erik Ten Hag done enough to convince INEOS he’s worth persisting with into next season? And with so much change coming behind the scenes over the summer…can Man United turn chaos into control? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to discuss and debate the Dutchman's future. HOST: Ayo Akinwolere WITH: Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley PRODUCER: Guy Clarke EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adam Jones Related articles: Baffling, beguiling and bewildering: trying to explain this Manchester United - The Athletic Ten Hag’s Manchester United future: Open to operating as head coach, Murtough to leave - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weekend Preview: Can chaotic Man United beat Liverpool again?

Weekend Preview: Can chaotic Man United beat Liverpool again?

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, Burnley go to Everton and Luton play Bournemouth. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jon Mackenzie, Mark Critchley and Andy Jones Producer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Champions League qualification isn't a ‘golden ticket’

Why Champions League qualification isn't a ‘golden ticket’

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 have shown this season, despite the money in brings in, qualifying for Europe puts a huge strain on smaller squads especially when financial rules make it harder to spend. And as Ange Postecoglou commented in the week, Champions League qualification doesn't necessarily provide what clubs are seeking, if they're unable to push on and compete. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to discuss how the Premier League's growing collection of upwardly ambitious clubs sustained continued Champions League qualification amid the backdrop of strict financial spending limits. HOST: Ayo Akinwolere WITH: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Tanswell and Chris Waugh PRODUCER: Guy Clarke EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Unai Emery is all about planning – there was a point to Villa’s ‘practice’ and chaos - The Athletic Beyonce, NFL and boxing help make Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a cash machine - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could De Zerbi or Frank manage at the very top?

Could De Zerbi or Frank manage at the very top?

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 approach behind the scenes, but how do their sought after coaches compare, and who is the most likely to fill a managerial vacancy elsewhere this summer? And what are the reasons for the long running feud between the owners of the two clubs dating back to 2004? Produced by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do Chelsea turn turmoil into triumph?

How do Chelsea turn turmoil into triumph?

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 among the fans, a billion pound squad yet to gel, and growing pressure on the manager. So can Chelsea salvage something from their remaining games? And after all the instability this season will there be another summer of sweeping change? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers and our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, who is also part of another podcast on this network: Straight Outta Cobham. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who do Liverpool target after Alonso decision?

Who do Liverpool target after Alonso decision?

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. Yet off the pitch, uncertainty lingers after Xabi Alonso confirmed last week he'll be staying with Bayer Leverkusen, ruling himself out of the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. So where do Liverpool turn next and who will be on their managerial shortlist to replace Klopp? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Oli Kay to discuss Alonso's decision to stay at Leverkusen before debating the process the Reds will go through with their new sporting director Richard Hughes to find a successor for Klopp. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related Articles: What happened with Liverpool and Xabi Alonso – and where does the club look now? - The Athletic Would Roberto De Zerbi be the right kind of manager for Liverpool? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weekend Preview: Will Man City vs Arsenal decide the title?

Weekend Preview: Will Man City vs Arsenal decide the title?

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, meanwhile, play Brighton and Manchester United go to Brentford. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Nnamdi Onyeagwara, Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who would buy a football club in 2024?

Who would buy a football club in 2024?

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 money So who are the people that try to buy football clubs? And how do football’s authorities decide who gets the green light for a takeover? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Matt Slater Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The nobody who tried to buy Manchester United and Inter Milan by Adam Crafton ‘Under every rock, we found a lie’: How the bid to be English football’s first black owner unravelled by Matt Slater Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices