The Athletic FC Podcast

Spain are deservedly champions of Europe. So why are England once again unable to take the final step? And will it be Gareth Southgate’s final game as manager? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Pol Ballus Executive Producer: Adey... more

Lamine Yamal turns 17 the day before Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England and he’s already produced the moment of the tournament with his wonder goal in the semi-final win over France. So how did he get so good so young? And will his club side... more

England left it late, but thanks for Ollie Watkins' last minute winner are through to the final at Euro 2024. So are they now good, or just really lucky having relied on a number of big moments throughout the tournament? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The... more

On Friday, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as head coach in a new era at Liverpool. Yesterday, The Athletic reported that the club’s owners FSG are interested in purchasing French club Bordeaux. So what is the plan, and how would it benefit... more

Manchester United are working to finalise a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee. His performances in Italy have earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for the Euros. So is Zirkzee an upgrade on United’s existing forward options? Or could they be... more

England are through to the semi-final at Euro 2024 after seeing off Switzerland on penalties. Yet for Gareth Southgate’s side there were familiar problems in Dusseldorf with Harry Kane again struggling to make an impact. No doubt he’ll start Wednesday’s... more

Just weeks after considering managerial replacements, Manchester United have extended Erik ten Hag’s contract until 2026. With so much structural change at the club, is this a genuine show of faith in the manager? And with preseason starting Monday, what... more

Try as he might, Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting for his first goal at Euro 2024, despite having 20 shots at goal during the tournament so far. Maybe, time is finally catching up with the 39 year old. If that’s the case - is the power and influence... more

Tottenham have won the race for teenage sensation Archie Gray, seeing off competition from the likes of Brentford and Borussia Dortmund. Leeds United said they were heartbroken after seeing him go - so why did they let their academy star leave? And what... more

Less than a month into this summer’s transfer window, one crucial deadline has already passed as club’s scrambled to comply with PSR. Amongst those were Newcastle United, so how did they find a way to balance the books? And what is the situation at St... more

England have squeezed through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 thanks in part to a moment of genius from who else but Jude Bellingham. It was an underwhelming performance, but post match the England midfielder silenced critics. So, does it matter how... more

After three lacklustre displays - France failed to top their group at a major tournament for the first time in 12 years. Their two goals so far at Euro 2024 have consisted of an own goal and a penalty, so what is going wrong for Didier Deschamps’ side?... more

At Euro 2024, there is one team everyone seems to have a soft spot for, and they have probably been the most impressive. Ralf Rangnick's Austria finished top of their group and are into the knock out stages. The German manager seems to have put his... more

So, England are through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as group winners but once again were underwhelming in their 0-0 draw with Slovenia. Could turning to Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo be the solutions to the puzzle Gareth Southgate needs to solve if England are... more

Welcome to the latest edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer window. David Ornstein brings us the latest developments across the Premier League and beyond. And after a flurry of homegrown transfer deals emerged over the... more

Having grown synonymous with their tiki-taka style of play, Spain have so far shown another side at Euro 2024, in beating both Croatia and Italy. So why have Spain moved away from their patient, possession-based approach and will this summer's transfer... more

Germany have been one of the most dominant sides so far at this summer’s Euros. They’ve already qualified for the knockout stages after impressive wins over Hungary and Scotland. So how has Julian Nagelsmann put his Bayern Munich disappointment behind... more

The Euros may have already exploded into action - but tonight comes Copa America! As ever Brazil are amongst the tournament favourites - but will they deliver and what impact has the cloud hanging over Lucas Paqueta had on their preparations? Ayo... more

Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign got off to a winning start last night, with a late show from their substitutes. But it was far from a convincing performance by Roberto Martinez’s unbalanced and chaotic side. So, does the Spaniard know how to get the best... more

With the transfer window now officially open, Manchester United have wasted no time in making their intentions clear, submitting a bid for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite. Despite the deal being rejected, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David... more

England’s Euro 2024 is up and running with a win over Serbia. With their superstar talents, is there perhaps a whiff of arrogance by those who follow Gareth Soutgate’s team? And what is the view across Europe where Kane & Bellingham have starred for... more

After weeks of uncertainty, news broke on Tuesday that Erik Ten Hag is to remain as manager of Manchester United. So why have Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS come to this decision and what will Ten Hag’s relationship with his squad and the owners look like... more

Welcome to another edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer market where David Ornstein will bring us latest developments across the Premier League and beyond. We take a deep dive on the market in Spain, including Barcelona's... more

Welcome to episode 12 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

Welcome to episode 11 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

Welcome to episode 9 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

Welcome to episode 10 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América. Kendry... more

Welcome to episode 8 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

Welcome to episode 7 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América. RB... more

Welcome to episode 6 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

Welcome to episode 5 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

The summer transfer window officially opens on June 14 as clubs look to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2024/25 season. So what kind of business is your club likely to do this summer? Which big players could be on the move? How restricted will... more

Welcome to episode 4 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América. ... more

Welcome to episode 3 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América. Paris... more

Welcome to episode 2 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa... more

Welcome to episode 1 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América. Prodigal... more

After a three month search, Bayern Munich have finally secured a new head coach having appointed former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany. So why have Bayern chosen Kompany? How influential were his links to Pep Guardiola in their decision and how will the... more

On Tuesday, Mauricio Pochettino left his position as Chelsea head coach by mutual consent after less than 11 months in the job. After a poor start he led his side to a sixth place finish in the Premier League, but the upturn in form wasn’t enough. So,... more

Manchester City have created English football history by winning a fourth consecutive top flight title. But do Pep Guardiola’s side get the recognition their achievements deserve? Does future dominance depend on how long the manager stays and is the... more

It’s matchday 38 in the Premier League and the title race is down to the final day with Man City taking on West Ham and Arsenal up against Everton. The race for Europe involves the following matches: Sheffield United vs Spurs, Chelsea vs Bournemouth,... more

Ange Postecoglou was clearly furious after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. But what made him so upset after what was one of Spurs’ better performances in recent months? And was he right to be so angry? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The... more

On Monday, The Athletic reported news of Bayern Munich’s attempt to prize Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace for a hefty sum. That’s credit to the remarkable job Glasner has done since succeeding Roy Hodgson just three months ago. The Austrian coach has... more

Newcastle United face Manchester United on Wednesday with both clubs competing for a place in Europe next season. But is the increased strain on squads that comes with qualifying for UEFA’s lesser competitions actually worth it? Or would a season out... more

After recording just a second win in 17 Premier League visits to Old Trafford Arsenal have taken the title race to the final day. So can Arsenal now complete the job and win the league for the first time in 20 years, despite Man City still having the title... more

It’s matchday 37 in the Premier League and the main focus is on Manchester United vs Arsenal, another huge match in the title race. Elsewhere, Fulham host City and Nottingham Forest go up against Chelsea. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers and Jon... more

Last night in L.A. Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said he drew positives from his side’s recent form in the Premier League. So has the Chelsea project turned a corner under Mauricio Pochettino? And has he done enough to still be in charge next... more

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 yet to find a replacement. Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and now Ralf Rangnick have opted to... more

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’ successor, it seems the Hammers have landed on Julen Lopetegui. So… why have West Ham chosen the former... more

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 they do it, why was this title not as easy as it looked and can anyone stop Real Madrid being European... more

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. Elsewhere, in the relegation battle, it’s Luton vs Everton, Burnley vs Newcastle and Sheffield United vs... more

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 earning side in the top flight. Why do some clubs want more financial regulation? Who is pushing back against... more

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 “wears you down”. But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for... more

Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer. Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are... more

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, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to deal with the “details” to be contenders. So what exactly... more

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 City go to Nottingham Forest and West Ham host Liverpool. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Charlie... more

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 do Liverpool want Feyenoord’s Arne Slot? And is he the right personality to replace Klopp at Anfield?... more

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... more

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?... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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... more

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 United’s best players - and after a man of the match performance for England last night Gareth Soutgate was... more

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. With plenty of clubs looking for a new head coach this summer — could Motta be ready for a move to one of... more

For anyone that didn’t know about him already, 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick introduced himself with a winner against England at Wembley on Saturday. So how good is Brazil's next big thing - and where will he fit in at Real Madrid when he completes his move... more

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 favourites; France & England. Host Michael Bailey is joined by England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke, PSG and... more

Following Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules earlier this week, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater as well as Tim Spiers. The... more

Once again Newcastle United will finish the season trophyless, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League. There have been question marks over finances, transfers and team selection. But if the belief in manager Eddie Howe remains strong, how long will... more

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 players in Europe, in his position, not want to represent his country? And why do some followers of the England... more

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 Akinwolere to discuss the significance of the result for Erik ten Hag. The Manchester United manager has... more

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 Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, while Man City host Newcastle. There’s also Premier League action to... more

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 club announced plans for a “world-class” stadium, so why is it so important to have a state of the art arena and... more

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. But after all the off-pitch issues, could this actually be a turning point? Or is it just a false... more

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 remain 11th in the table which has led sections of the fanbase harking back to the days of Roman... more

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 Brentford 2-1 on Saturday night to move to the top of the table. Meanwhile, off the pitch for Liverpool the... more

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, Aston Villa welcome Tottenham to Villa Park as both sides chase Champions League football, and Everton go to... more

This weekend sees Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the final time in the Premier League. Two hugely successful managers but would either have been quite so successful without the other? And with Klopp about to leave... more

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 had their season not been hampered by injury?  And how does Ange Postecoglou’s start as a manager in the... more

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 all?! In their last seven league games they have scored 31 times. So, what has Mikel Arteta changed... more

Manchester City eventually ran out convincing winners over Manchester United in the derby at the weekend. Yet, Erik ten Hag said afterwards that the gap in quality between the two sides wasn’t that big.. Is he right? And if there is a summer of... more

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. Elsewhere, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on Spurs,... more

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 contention to be crowned champions in May. So are we set for the most nail-biting climax in Premier League... more

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 he start to think about a fresh challenge? There’s always been a suspicion that Haaland will one day join... more

Why has Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules been reduced to six points? How will the decision impact sides around them locked in a relegation battle? What might it say about Everton's upcoming second case? And... more

Following Liverpool's 10th League Cup success manager Jurgen Klopp described it as the most special achievement of his career, given the reliance he had to put in a number of academy graduates. Youngsters Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jayden Danns and... more

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 the line. Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Carabao... more