The Athletic FC Podcast

Premier League Draft: Picking our all-time XIs

<p>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. </p><br><p>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?</p><br><p>Host: Duncan Alexander</p><p>With: Jacob Whitehead, Oli Kay, and Jack Lang</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Liam Warburton</p><br><p>Premier League Draft article: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6301841/2025/04/24/premier-league-draft/">https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6301841/2025/04/24/premier-league-draft/</a> </p><br><p>Teams:</p><br><p>Jacob: Cech, Azpilicueta, Van Dijk, Kompany, Baines, Rodri, Lampard, Silva, Salah, Rooney, Giggs</p><br><p>Jack: Alisson, Walker, Ferdinand, Campbell, Irwin, Kante, Fabregas, De Bruyne, Hazard, Shearer, Henry</p><br><p>Duncan: Ederson, Ferreira, Adams, Vidic, Robertson, Keane, Toure, Beckham, Bergkamp, Aguero, Suarez</p><br><p>Oli: Schmeichel, Alexander-Arnold, Carvalho, Terry, Cole, Vieira, Gerrard, Scholes, Ronaldo, Kane, Bale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Potter already losing the West Ham fans?

<p>West Ham sit 17th as they prepare to face Brighton this weekend. </p><br><p>So how have they ended up in this position, and how much is it down to the approach of manager Graham Potter? </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal </p><p>With: Roshane Thomas, Liam Tharme</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why does everyone want Dean Huijsen?

<p>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. </p><br><p>So what makes him so special, and  who might trigger his £50m release clause?</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Mark Carey and Phil Hay</p><p>Contributions: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo Rai</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?

<p>After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summer</p><br><p>So… when will it happen? </p><br><p>And is Xabi Alonso the inevitable replacement?  </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Guillermo Rai &amp; Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; John Rogers</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are Leeds ready for the Premier League?

<p>On Monday, Leeds United reclaimed their seat at the top table after two years in the Championship</p><br><p>So, what lessons can they learn from their Premier League relegation last time out?</p><br><p>And how can they stay up for the long haul this time?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay, Beren Cross</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can Maresca survive at Chelsea without Champions League?

<p>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.</p><br><p>Victory at Craven Cottage keeps them in the mix for a return to European football’s elite competition next season.</p><br><p>But with fan discontent growing, how important is Champions League qualification for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea future?</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Twomey and David Ornstein</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>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. </p><br><p>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. </p><br><p>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. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Chris Waugh, Jacob Tanswell, Mark Critchley, Jay Harris</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>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<strong>.</strong></p><br><p>So how far does that 5-1 win on aggregate propel Mikel Arteta’s project forward? </p><br><p>And crucially, can they now go all the way in the Champions League?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Art de Roche, Guillermo Rai, Charlie Eccleshare</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; John Rogers</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Will treble-chasing Barca keep Flick?

<p>Through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barcelona are on course for a treble this season.</p><br><p>So how has Hansi Flick imprinted his style on this team? </p><br><p>And will he stay at Barca in the long term?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Pol Ballus, Thom Harris</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Simon Watts</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Has this season been boring or brilliant?

<p>Has the Premier League been a little boring this season? Especially compared to a thrilling round in the Champions League knockout phase.</p><br><p>Have Pep Guardiola’s complex systems killed creativity? </p><br><p>Or is the entertainment just coming from different places — tighter mid-table races, smarter tactics, and more goals than ever?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke &amp; Duncan Alexander</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Man Utd or Chelsea: Who needs Delap more?

<p>Manchester United &amp; Chelsea are just two of the clubs interested in Ipswich Town’s star striker Liam Delap.</p><br><p>So with a summer transfer auction on the cards - where will Delap end up? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell &amp; Simon Johnson</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Salah stays at Liverpool - Van Dijk next?

<p>Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk looks set to do the same. </p><br><p>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? </p><br><p>The Athletic's David Ornstein and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Matt Davies-Adams to discuss the latest on the Liverpool contract saga. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: David Ornstein, James Pearce</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Have Chelsea found another PSR loophole?

<p>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.</p><br><p>Despite their massive outlays, Chelsea announced a £128.4m profit for the year to June 2024.</p><br><p>So how have they done it - and have they found another PSR loophole?</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Chris Weatherspoon and Liam Twomey</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Arsenal's statement win & is Ancelotti in trouble?

<p>European champions Real Madrid were rocked by a riveting Arsenal display in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last night</p><br><p>With 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?  </p><br><p>And will Carlo Ancelotti still be the man to make it all gel together next season?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero<strong> </strong>James McNicholas</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Luis Enrique the most underrated manager of his era?

<p>Luis Enrique’s young and vibrant PSG side are turning heads with their exuberant brand of football.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>So is Enrique one of the most underrated coaches of the modern era?</p><br><p>And are PSG finally ready to win the Champions League?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How do Man City replace De Bruyne?

<p>After 10 years, 13 major honours and six Premier League titles Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City.</p><br><p>So where does he rank amongst the best to play in the Premier League and how do City go about replacing him?</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Plus football data writer Thom Harris drops by to remember some of De Bruyne's most crucial moments in a Man City shirt.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and Sam Lee</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Man United vs Man City

<p>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. </p><br><p>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?</p><br><p>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. </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Carl Anka, Sam Lee</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Moyes is perfect for Everton's new era

<p>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.</p><br><p>Defeat to Liverpool makes it 22 visits to Anfield without tasting victory as a manager.</p><br><p>But with upshoots of encouragement and the move to their new stadium on the horizon, do Everton have reasons to be optimistic?</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>We want to hear about you and your podcast habits. Go to <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/ac68194a-f6db-11ea-a6b3-4f85e866207a/podcasts/d6a1cc60-feab-11ea-9f65-33145e3af2d6/episodes/d2927b14-ea11-11ef-a68f-df2de74edc97/theathletic.com/athletic/survey25">theathletic.com/athletic/survey25</a> to fill out a quick survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Paddy Boyland and Oli Kay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Gyokeres, Zubimendi & contracts: Arsenal's huge summer

<p>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.</p><br><p>So where do Arsenal’s priorities lie this summer?</p><br><p>And could Viktor Gyokeres be the answer to their number 9 dilemma?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein &amp; James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How have Juventus fallen so far?

<p>The days of Juventus winning Serie A season after season feel like they’re long gone.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>So… what has gone wrong at Juventus, and how do they rebuild?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Max Callegari &amp; Carl Anka</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Spurs want Iraola - but does he want them?

<p>Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change.</p><br><p>Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA Cup - and with a European finish still possible in the Premier League.</p><br><p>What more can Iraola do at Bournemouth? </p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Thom Harris, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil Hay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026

<p>In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Exec Prod: Abi Paterson</p><p>Featuring audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why are Chelsea signing players already?

<p>The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovany Quenda. </p><br><p>So why are Chelsea doing their business so early, and should other clubs be following suit? </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Simon Johnson, Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><br><p>We want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/athletic/survey25</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why is Trent set to leave Liverpool for nothing?

<p>One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.</p><br><p>So how did it get to this, the Reds losing a homegrown asset in the prime of his career on a free transfer and where will he fit at the Bernabeu?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool correspondent James Pearce and Phil Hay to delve into the detail around the increased activity regarding Alexander-Arnold’s future.</p><br><p>Plus, the panel are joined by Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai to discuss the possibility of a move to the Bernabeu including the use of the media in persuading players to head to the Spanish capital.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Phil Hay and Guillermo Rai</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is multi-club ownership here to stay?

<p>This is the third and final part of our multi-club ownership series. </p><br><p>We’ve learned how multi-club operations work and provided some practical examples from the world of football.</p><br><p>Today - we answer your questions on the effectiveness and future of MCOs.</p><br><p>So, can we say for certain multi-club ownership is here to stay?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater </p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><br><p>We want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to <a href="https://www.honesty-box.com/flowlive.html?folder=athletic-com-25&amp;resp=av&amp;origin=false">theathletic.com/athletic/survey25</a> to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inside the world of multi-club ownership

<p>Yesterday we heard part one of our multi-club ownership<strong> </strong>eries, as we learned about how MCOs work - and their purpose.</p><br><p>Today, we get some real-world examples, hearing from inside the operations whose clubs include sides from the Premier League and Major League Soccer.</p><br><p>So what is it like to own and manage multiple clubs in different leagues and sometimes in different sports?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Tim Bezbatchenko &amp; Larry Berg</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How is multi-club ownership reshaping football?

<p>Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios.</p><br><p>But why?</p><br><p>How do multi-club ownership groups work, are they purely about making money, or do they help guarantee success on-the-pitch?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater for the first of our three-part series in multi-club ownership including Matt speaking with AJ Swoboda, Managing Director in the Americas for consultancy firm Twenty First Group about the role of MCOs within the global game.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater</p><p>Featuring: AJ Swoboda</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can Tuchel's approach win England the World Cup?

<p>Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. </p><br><p>During media duties this week, the England manager put an emphasis on physicality and pressing, a tactic not commonly associated with international football. He also voiced that he felt England were more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than having the hunger and excitement to win it. </p><br><p>So is Tuchel's first squad a step forward or step back, and can his more proactive style of management win England the World Cup? </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mark Clattenburg on refereeing conspiracies

<p>From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater.</p><br><p>Today we’re joined by a man who’s refereed at the highest level of European football - both in the club and international game.</p><br><p>With fan-fueled conspiracies on the rise and scrutiny at an all-time high, how difficult is it to be a referee?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Premier League and FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg as well as The Athletic's senior writer Rory Smith to discuss Mark's career, his time at Nottingham Forest as well as the impact conspiracy has on officiating.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Mark Clattenburg and Rory Smith</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Raphinha the Ballon d’Or favourite?

<p>Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona.</p><br><p>After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one of Hansi Flick’s most important players.</p><br><p>So how has Raphinha reinvented himself to become one of Europe’s most effective players? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero &amp; Laia Cervello Herrero</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>