The Athletic FC Podcast

Weekend Preview: Derbies in North London, Manchester and the East Midlands - the Premier League is back

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth to get stuck in to a massive weekend of Premier League football, with the North London derby, the Manchester derby and a crunch encounter in the East Midlands between Leicester and Nottingham Forest the pick of the bunch.</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>

Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal redemption explained

<p>Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's data writer Maram AlBaharna &amp; former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to explain the numbers and facts behind Granit Xhaka's journey to leading his side to the top of The Premier League having been close to leaving and the focus of fierce criticism in the past.</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>

Watford fire and hire again, but why is this one different?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by Adam Leventhal and David Walker to talk about Watford's 17th head coach of the Pozzo era.</p><p>On Monday this week in the space of 15 minutes, Watford announced the departure of Rob Edwards and the arrival of Slaven Bilic. It's not new but this time things felt different, and this time Watford fans are angry. Listen to get the inside story on how the club looks and to try to get inside the mind of Watford's trigger happy owner</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 England ready for the World Cup? Questions remain for Southgate

<p>Ian Irving is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay to reflect on Monday night's 3-3 draw at Wembley between England and Germany.</p><p>It was a spirited comeback for Gareth Southgate's side but big question marks remain over the inclusion of Harry Maguire, whether Foden fits into this system, whether Bellingham has nailed down a starting berth, whether Saka should start, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly out in the cold, to name but a few.</p><p>All these issues and more discussed, plus JPB and Oli pick their starting XIs for England's opening world cup encounter against Iran.</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>

Eric Cantona Interview: United President offer, Sir Alex, Beckham & Qatar

<p>Premier League legend Eric Cantona sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss a range of topics including his offer to become President of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, his thoughts on David Beckham's promotion of the World Cup in Qatar the possibility of World War and his connection with England.</p><p>Eric also shares the inspiration behind that iconic goal celebration, that kick and why he is both humble &amp; arrogant.</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>

Weekend Preview: big tests for England & Southgate

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth for a look ahead to a big weekend of international football which will feature significant tests for Gareth Southgate's England and Rob Page's Wales just two months out from the world cup.</p><p>Will Southgate put his faith in Bellingham? Will out of form Maguire and Shaw retain their starting spots? Who takes the no.1 shirt in Pickford's absence?</p><p>The international break also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Premier League, so the panel cast their eye on how the title race and relegation battles are shaping up after seven games.</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>

Derby weekend preview, Manchester City's recruitment problem, and the best kick off time

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by commentator Robyn Cowen and author Dr Carrie Dunn to look ahead to a big weekend of WSL action where we will be treated to Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Everton, and Chelsea v Man City.</p><p>We discuss why Manchester City has got itself into the state it has, why Manchester United were able to get ahead of Spurs, and what to expect from the big derby matches in the men's stadiums.</p><p>All that plus a debate on the best kick off time</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>

Jude Bellingham: The battle to sign him & why he might not start at the World Cup

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Rafa Honigstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke &amp; James Pearce to detail the battle between clubs such as Liverpool &amp; Manchester United to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.</p><p>Also we hear why, despite impressive performances in the Champions League, Bellingham isn't sure to start for England at this year's World Cup.</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>

Bruno Fernandes on his character, Ten Hag, captaincy, Ronaldo, Solskjaer, Rangnick and more

<p>Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for an exclusive in-depth conversation on topics ranging from Bruno's mindset and attitude when on the pitch, his view of why life under Erik ten Hag started so badly, how it's turned around so quickly, how it feels to be handed the captain's armband, and his relationship with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.</p><p>There's also fascinating insight from Fernandes on how he uses the referee as a reference for finding space on the pitch, his thoughts on what went wrong for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, why it didn't go well for Ralf Rangnick, and much more besides</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 Grealish works at City, De Zerbi to Brighton, Cooper & Rodgers under pressure

<p>Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the two sides to the Jack Grealish debate – and why they are both right.</p><p>Andy Naylor explains how and why Brighton appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new manager.</p><p>Nick Miller on the mounting pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper &amp; Leciester City boss Brendan Rodgers.</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>

Weekend Preview: Time for Richarlison to replace Son, England's Toney to trouble Arsenal, Forest need points over performance

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Jay Harris to look ahead to all seven games this weekend as the Premier League returns from a week off. There's a big game on Friday night between two promoted sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, can Forest pick up some points to match their promising performances of late, or will Mitrovic be too much for that leaky defence?</p><p>There are question marks over Son's place in the Spurs team as they get set to take on Leicester, Brentford take on Arsenal with Ivan Toney looking to celebrate his England call-up with a big performance, and there's a big game for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa look to back up that point against Man City with a positive result at home to Southampton on Friday night</p><p>All that plus Wolves v Man City, Everton v West Ham and Newcastle v Bournemouth</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>

Lewandowski: Why Bayern let him go & how Barca can get the best from him

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein &amp; Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Robert Lewandowski; the reasons he left Bayern Munich &amp; what he offers Barcelona.</p><p>Also, how do the Barcelona &amp; Bayern Munich compare off the pitch and which club is the greater attraction for elite players.</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>

Liverpool's Loss of Rhythm, Neymar's 'World Cup form' & Marcus 'Mini-Messi' Edwards: Champions League Preview

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Spurs and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to talk about Marcus Edwards; the 23-year-old English forward lining up <em>against</em> his former club Spurs in the Champions League...</p><p>Plus, tactics writer Michael Cox is on hand to assess whether Christophe Galtier's PSG are any more balanced than in previous years, as well as, Neymar's imperious form less than two months from the start of the Qatar World Cup. Senior Writer Oli Kay also joins to discuss some fascinating parallels between Klopp's current floundering Liverpool and Arigo Sacchi's great AC Milan side of the late 80s.</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>

AC Milan's redemption: how they turned it round & who are new owners RedBird Capital?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle &amp; Matt Slater to detail how AC Milan was turned around both on and off the pitch, and tell you all you need to know about their new owners RedBird Capital - including their links with the New York Yankees, Drake &amp; Lebron James - and hear about out their plans and challenges for AC Milan in the future.</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 Tuchel's sacking - and why Chelsea have turned to Potter

<p>A day on from Chelsea's sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to analyse how things turned sour at Stamford Bridge. And with Graham Potter's arrival close to confirmation, we ask why the new Chelsea ownership regard him as the key man for the Blue's next decade. Plus, what next for Tuchel - and how do Brighton prepare for life after Potter?</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>

Chelsea sack Tuchel - reaction with David Ornstein

<p>Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel after a string of disappointing results and performances at the start of the new season.</p><p>Join Mark Chapman, David Ornstein and Liam Twomey as they discuss why tensions have been increasing since the US tour, what this might mean for new boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and which manager they could to turn to next.</p><p><em>[This episode of the Athletic Football Podcast was originally broadcast as a live stream]</em></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>

Aubameyang To Chelsea: Unfinished Business, The No. 9 Curse & Boehly v Barcelona

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Pol Ballus to put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deadline day return to the Premier League under the spotlight...</p><p>Where does the 33-year-old goalscorer fit in, six years on from being coached by Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, and how will his arrival impact Sterling, Havertz &amp; Mount? Xavi's reluctance to sell at Barcelona, Auba's status at London-rivals Arsenal and a case of some unfinished business in the Premier League.</p><p>Plus more on Todd Boehly's first transfer window since the Chelsea takeover and the shared desperation/chaos/bad-planning that kept drawing Barcelona and Chelsea together throughout the summer.</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 Brighton sold best players & got better & Diego Costa set for Wolves medical

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Naylor to explain how Graham Potter’s Brighton sold their best players and improved. Alongside him, our Leicester writer Rob Tanner tells us why Brendan Rodgers is safe for now but is on thin ice.</p><p>Elsewhere, with Diego Costa set for a medical at Wolves, we hear what if anything he has left in the tank from The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Jack Land &amp; Wolves writer Steve Madeley.</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>

Weekend Preview: Nunez back for Merseyside derby, Aubameyang in at Chelsea, Gerrard under big pressure

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers for a look at the pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend, there's the Merseyside derby on Saturday lunchtime which should feature the returning Darwin Nunez, and could see new signings debut for both teams.</p><p>Chelsea made a late move for Aubameyang, will he come straight in against West Ham and make an impact? Plus there's a look at Aston Villa v Manchester City, a daunting prospect for under pressure Steven Gerrard.</p><p>All that plus Man United v Arsenal, and the increasingly beleaguered Brendan Rodgers takes his Leicester side to high flying Brighton</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>

Hey big spender! Why the Premier League dominates the transfer window whilst the rest of Europe watches on

<p>The Athletic's Matt Slater and Phil Buckingham join Mark Chapman to look at a transfer window where the Premier League blew its European competition out the spending waters. So much so that players are choosing to come to England rather than stay at their clubs and compete in Europe's elite competition: the Champions League. The how and why of that is explained here.</p><p>Plus there's a discussion on the Super League, what forms it could take should Europe want to compete with the Premier League, and whether we prefer juggernauts doing well but don't want to admit it.</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>

Scott Parker’s Bournemouth sacking: Criticisms, transfers and a summer of tension

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Ahmed Shooble &amp; Peter Rutzler for a deep dive into why Bournemouth sacked Scott Parker as manager.</p><p>Details include the relationship between Parker &amp; the players, his relationship with the board and ownership, what happened inside the club in the after the nine nil battering by Liverpool and of course what who will take over.</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 Great Dele Alli Mystery: Bottled Lightning, A Phenomenon & Totally Unique

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jack Pitt-Brooke to explore the myriad of events which led to Dele Alli making his Besiktas debut last night at just 26 years old...</p><p>The panel reflect on a meteoric rise, their first impressions of a totally self-confident phenomenon who quickly became a symbol of both Pochettino's top-table party-crashers and England's new generation. Was Dele failed by a succession of coaches, is he a player born in the wrong era tactically, or even a victim of the gaps in his own footballing education such was the speed of his rise to the top?</p><p>Plus, did anyone think the Everton loan would work out and do we need to challenge the narrative of what success actually looks like for Alli?</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>

Four days till deadline - Ornstein with latest on Antony to Man Utd, Ronaldo future, Chelsea ins and outs, plus many more...

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Adam Crafton for a comprehensive roundup of the Premier League transfer picture ahead of Thursday's deadline.</p><p>There's the latest on Antony to Man Utd and the future of Ronaldo, plus Chelsea's deal for Wesley Fofana and news of a possible u-turn in their pursuit of Aubameyang. We also look at the potential ins and outs at Everton as they strive to keep hold of Anthony Gordon amidst continued interest from Chelsea.</p><p>All that plus mention of potential activity at Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, West Ham, Newcastle, Arsenal, Tottenham, Leeds, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa as we prepare for the conclusion of what has already been a record breaking summer window.</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>

Weekend Preview: Can Bournemouth spring a surprise against Liverpool? Are Spurs quiet contenders?

<p>Dan Bardell, George Elek, and Tim Spiers gather once again to preview the biggest Premier League fixtures.</p><p>Coming up, can Manchester United get two wins in a week? Will Liverpool be pulled apart by the Cherries? And could Fulham be the first to put a spanner in the Arsenal armoury?</p><p>All that plus some insight into Newcastle's potential new striker Alexander Isak and the striker with a pirate celebration.</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>

Moving on from Marcelo: how Jesse Marsch got Leeds rocking again

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay and tactics writer Ahmed Walid for an in-depth look at how Jesse Marsch's has put his stamp on things at Elland Road, and how that has helped the club and its fans to move on from the Marcelo Bielsa era.</p><p>We look at his soft approach off the pitch, his aggressive tactics on the pitch, his renewed focus on set-pieces and the abandonment of the high-risk man-to-man system used by Bielsa.</p><p>There's also a look at how the new signings like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are the perfect fits for Marsch's system and how he's reinvigorated the likes of the Premier League's leading goalscorer Rodrigo.</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>

Snobbery at Sheffield, cracks at Coventry('s pitch), and inspired Ipswich

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by Nancy Frostick of The Athletic and EFL goal centurion Sam Parkin to bring you up to date on the story lines from across tiers two to four.</p><p>Covering everything from Coventry's dodgy pitch, to Preston's clean sheets, to the manager inspired by Hansi Flick to the coaches Manchester United have waved goodbye to. It's all here in this whip around the lower divisions.</p><p>All that plus Watford's transfers, Wigan and Rotherham's unbeaten records, and the first sacking of the season.</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>

Sancho's Moment, Klopp's Midfield, A Sea of Gold & Green: The Night The Erik ten Hag Era Began

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell, News correspondent Dan Sheldon and Liverpool writer Simon Hughes (somewhat more reluctantly), to reflect on all the drama from Monday night's game at Old Trafford...</p><p>The panel discuss the anti-Glazer protests, how Erik ten Hag's big decisions paid off, while Jurgen Klopp's backfired and what it all meant for the respective futures of the likes of Ronaldo, Alexander-Arnold and more...</p><p>Plus, an update on United's pursuit of Ajax's Antony and PSV's Cody Gakpo, as well as, why Liverpool may need midfield reinforcements more than the manager is prepared to admit.</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>

Chelsea on the hunt for Aubameyang, Fofana, Gordon and De Jong, plus Casemiro set to join Man Utd

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and our Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to reflect on Sunday's chastening defeat at Elland Road for Tuchel's side, and bring you insight on whether this result will hasten Chelsea's transfer pursuit for the likes of Aubameyang, Fofana, Anthony Gordon and even Frenkie De Jong.</p><p>We're also joined by the Athletic's Manchester United writer Carl Anka as Casemiro is set to be the latest big-money star signing to arrive at Old Trafford, but will he be the difference maker that they so badly need?</p><p>Plus there's a look at Man Utd's continued interest in Brazilian winger Antony, after he was left out of Ajax's fixture at the weekend.</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>

Weekend Preview: Could defeat for Man United be a tipping point? Do Liverpool injuries give United hope?

<p>Dan Bardell, Tim Spiers and George Elek preview the best of the weekend's Premier League action starting with the huge game at Old Trafford on Monday night as Manchester United take on Liverpool - will another humiliating defeat prove a tipping point for the disgruntled United fans? Does Liverpool's lengthy injury list give Utd a glimmer of hope? Can Jurgen Klopp's side afford to drop more points this early on?</p><p>Plus there's a look at Spurs v Wolves, Bournemouth v Arsenal, Leeds v Chelsea, and Newcastle v Manchester City</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>

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners on why they did it

<p>The Athletic's Pablo Maurer sits down for an interview with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds &amp; Rob McElhenney about their ownership of Wrexham football club - and their new documentary charting the experience.</p><p>To set the scene, Pablo is joined by Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Nick Miller to discuss the rise of sports documentaries and why football clubs &amp; footballers want to peel back the curtain in the first place.</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>