The Athletic FC Podcast

The World Cup is just four weeks away!From tickets to hotels, broadcast agreements to squads - there’s a lot still to sort out.But are FIFA exploiting fans?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach.So could he bring calm to the chaos at Stamford Bridge?David Ornstein is joined by Cerys Jones to discuss whether Alonso would be a success at Chelsea.Plus, The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell drops in to bring us his story that Michael Carrick is line to take the United job on a permanent basis.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Cerys Jones, Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The relegation race looks set to go to the wire after Tottenham’s draw against Leeds.So have West Ham been given a lifeline?And why do Spurs keep pressing the self-destruct button?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick ThomsonVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week of chaos at Real Madrid, involving in-fighting, things got even worse.Defeat at the Camp Nou meant Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions, again. So, how has Real Madrid’s season fallen apart? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, Pol BallusExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A big game in the title and relegation fight as 1st faces 18th - could this game crown Arsenal and relegate West Ham?And Spurs could take a big step towards safety if they can get a third win in a row, this time against Leeds.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Carl Anka & Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paris Saint-Germain are through to a second successive Champions League final.Luis Enrique will be aiming to win his third European Cup as a manager. So, is he PSG’s biggest star?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom WilliamsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are into their first Champions League final in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid.Mikel Arteta’s side are on the brink of a historic double.So can they get it over the line?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Art de RocheExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s advantage Arsenal in the title race after Man City’s slip-up at Everton.The Gunners are five points clear with three to playSo… have City thrown it all away?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt Brooke, Jay Harris, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have confirmed their place in next season's Champions League.So, what do the club need to handle being back amongst Europe’s elite? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown.This special episode of The Athletic FC hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026.Presenter: Adam LeventhalProducer: Paul IliffeAudio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN, C-SPAN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point.The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025.Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay & Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Oli Kay & Caoimhe O’Neill Featuring: Keith Andrews & Caoimhin KelleherExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.So is the Special One really the man to save Real Madrid?Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick ThomsonVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield.How prepared are Liverpool for his departure?And will it be another big summer of spending?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Pearce, Josh WilliamsExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final.But the question remains, who should be their next manager?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Already relegated Wolves host relegation-threatened Tottenham - can De Zerbi's side finally pick up some momentum against the league's bottom team?Elsewhere, with Man City in FA Cup action, Arsenal have the chance to leapfrog them back to the top of the table at home to out of form Newcastle.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Art De RochéExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 years after winning the Premier League title Leicester City have been provisionally relegated to England’s third tier.So, how have the Foxes gone from fairytale to failure?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Rob Tanner, Matt Slater and Jordan HalfordExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Liam Twomey, reacting to the news that Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after just 106 days in charge of the club.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein & Liam TwomeyFeaturing: Dean Ashton, Executive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champions League football is slipping further from Chelsea’s grasp after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brighton.They’ve now lost five league games in a row without scoring for the first time in 114 years.So how much worse can Chelsea’s season get?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Dean Ashton, Liam Twomey, Cerys JonesExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs’ nightmare season shows little sign of improving.After West Ham’s draw with Crystal Palace - they remain two points from safety with five matches to go.So does De Zerbi have enough time to save Spurs?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After defeat at the Etihad, Arsenal have lost control of the title race.Man City can go top of the Premier League with a win at Burnley on Wednesday night.So, after 22 years of waiting have Mikel Arteta's side blown their chance at the title?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast diiscuss the huge Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis is one of European football’s most outspoken and recognisable owners and this week he’s been telling Adam Crafton all about his plans to revolutionise football - including a European Super Championship.They also discuss his relationship Antonio Conte - who guided Napoli to last season's Serie A title the subject of Filmauro's 'Ag4in' documentary.Plus, De Laurentiis shares his thoughts on the influence agents have within the game whilst also discussing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.This interview is also available to watch on The Athletic FC Podcast YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top two face off in a massive game in the title race.Will Man City continue their excellent recent form, or can Arsenal spring a surprise at the Etihad? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Art De RochéExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in!Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second successive trophyless season for the first time in 16 years.So just how broken are Real Madrid?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The managerial merry-go-round has started up again!The latest mover is Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end the season.So what next for Iraola and the Cherries?And how will this move impact the managerial market?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue.So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever?And if so, who is this World Cup actually for?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Arsenal slumped to defeat Man City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League with a statement win on Sunday.Defeat to Bournemouth now makes it three losses in four in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side.So, are Arsenal losing their nerve, again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton.They cover a huge amount of ground, including his relationship with ‘the boss’ Sir Alex Ferguson, the highs and lows of his Champions League final appearances and his take on whether Michael Carrick should be handed the United job permanently.Host: Adam CraftonGuest: Patrice Evra Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Can the Citizens keep the pressure on in the title race?Elsewhere Arsenal host Bournemouth, Manchester United face local rivals Leeds, and Roberto De Zerbi begins his Tottenham tenure away to Sunderland. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role!So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Dermot CorriganProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Kane’s 49th goal of the season helped Bayern Munich to victory in the Bernabeu.Luis Diaz and Michael Olise played a starring support role.With a front three to be feared - are Vincent Kompany’s side the best in Europe?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Carl Anka & Seb Stafford-BloorProducers: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After losing 4-0 at the Etihad, Liverpool’s season is at risk of unravelling. With so much uncertainty surrounding the club's hierarchy, are FSG allowing Liverpool to drift? Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes & Matt SlaterProducers: Jay Beale & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, and one that will be Mohammed Salah's final trip to the Etihad Stadium as a Red. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris WeatherspoonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 48-team line-up for the World Cup has now been determined, after a night of drama in the play-offs.And for the third successive tournament, Italy miss out…So what now for the four-time champions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Felipe Cardenas, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fallout from the AFCON final in January continues to rumble on.On Saturday - Senegal paraded the trophy in Paris …. despite having their title stripped and handed to Morocco.So what happens next?And how much has this saga damaged the reputation of AFCON?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes, Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur, after just one win from seven games in charge.They’re now pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to replace him.So, can he save them from relegation? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle & Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're into the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. Harry Maguire and Kobbe Mainoo are back in the England squad while Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out by Thomas Tuchel. So, who should be on the plane come June? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League currently and historically has seen a wide range of ownership models from local businessmen to sovereign wealth funds.But what actually makes a good owner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nine years and more than 250 goals, Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool.The Egyptian King has helped fire the Reds to Champions League & Premier League glory.So how much of a loss will he be, and can Liverpool replace him?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Oli Kay, Mark CareyFeaturing: John GibbonsExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From players and managers to executives and owners, the Premier League is made up of some big personalities.But who are the most influential?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City claimed the first silverware of the season, thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. For Arsenal it was another opportunity missed, but what impact will it have on the title race?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Art de RochéExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern and Madrid really are.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan AlexanderProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview. In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race. Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more.Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos & Jack LangGuest: Gabriel JesusExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Rachael Tinde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal and Manchester City take to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. Will Arsenal pick up their first major trophy since 2020, or will Pep Guardiola get his hands on his fifth League Cup with the Citizens?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea have been fined more than £10m and handed a suspended transfer ban for making secret payments in relation to transfers.So does the punishment fit the crime?And what precedent does this for future cases such as the 115 charges Manchester City face?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea are out of the Champions League after an 8-2 humbling at the hands of PSG.So where does such a damaging defeat leave head coach Liam Rosenior?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Allcott, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.