The Athletic FC Podcast

Vinicius vs Xabi Alonso: what's going on?

<p>Real Madrid are top of La Liga and have won three from four in the Champions League, but there’s always drama around the corner at the Bernabeu.</p><br><p>Vinicius Junior has told the club he doesn’t want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains strained.</p><br><p>So… who will end up winning this battle: star player or head coach?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Mario Cortegana, Dermot Corrigan, Jack Lang</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton</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 Slot under pressure at Liverpool?

<p>After six defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, reigning champions Liverpool sit 12th in the league.</p><br><p>Supporters streamed out of Anfield when Nottingham Forest’s third goal went in on Saturday.</p><br><p>So is Arne Slot’s position at risk?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jon Mackenzie and Oli Kay</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson</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 Arsenal’s recruitment set them apart?

<p>Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with Eberechi Eze playing a starring role.</p><br><p>So, how important has their summer business been?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</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: Arsenal vs Spurs

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Arsenal vs Spurs. </p><br><p>Which side is under more pressure to win? Who replaces Gabriel? Where can Spurs hurt Arsenal? </p><br><p>Reuben Pinder and Alexander Barker join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Newcastle vs Manchester City, Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United vs Everton. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Reuben Pinder &amp; Alexander Barker</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</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>

Ornstein transfer latest: Is Semenyo on the move?

<p>Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause - as revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein.&nbsp;</p><br><p>He could be on the move in January.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So who wants him? And where will he go?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Carl Anka, Dan Kilpatrick and Dean Holden</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</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>

World Cup 2026: Who has qualified + are the hosts ready?

<p>The 2026 World Cup is almost set. We now know 42<strong>&nbsp;</strong>out of the<strong>&nbsp;</strong>48 teams going to next year’s tournament.</p><br><p>With the draw just around the corner, we're looking at who has qualified already, who is yet to qualify, and what a 48-team World Cup will look like.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Felipe Cardenas, Adam Crafton</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson</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>

Meet the man expected to fix English football

<p>Today we bring you an audio exclusive with David Kogan, Chair of the Independent Football Regulator.</p><br><p>A role that makes him one of the most powerful people in English football.</p><br><p>So what powers will he actually have, and what difference will they make to fans of clubs in the Premier League and beyond?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and David Kogan</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe</p><p><br></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 future of watching football

<p>A week ago we released a documentary about illegal streaming. It’s fair to say, you’ve had a lot to say about it.</p><br><p>So, today we’re going to answer your questions, and look to the future of watching football.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Matt Slater</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</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>

Premier League review: The biggest surprises so far

<p>We’re eleven games into the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal are top, Man City are clinging to their coat tails, Sunderland are in the Champions League places and just four points separate 2nd from 9th.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Meanwhile Newcastle are languishing in 14th, Fulham’s top scorer is own goals, West Ham and Nottingham Forest are in the relegation zone and Wolves sit rock bottom, still yet to win a game.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So, is this the most unpredictable the Premier League has been in recent years?</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Tim Spiers &amp; Megan Feringa</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</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>

Cesc Fabregas, data, and Disney: Inside Como

<p>Como 1907 are one of the most intriguing clubs in modern football. They have gone from Serie D to Serie A in just six years, backed by billionaire owners they have ambitious plans to grow the Como brand and emulate a Disney model.</p><br><p>In this show we're talking to Mirwan Suwarso, President of Como 1907 about how the club rose to the top and their plans to sustain their success. You'll hear all about manager Cesc Fabregas's involvement in succession planning, their data-led recruitment strategy, and insight into plans for their match abroad against AC Milan.</p><br><p>We also talk fashion, Suwarso's surprising LinkedIn account, and Como's gorgeous lakeside stadium.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and Mirwan Suwarso</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson</p><p>Exec Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson</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>

Ornstein meets Adam Wharton: “I was born in Blackburn not Barcelona”

<p>Today we're bringing you an exclusive interview for The Athletic, Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton in conversation with David Ornstein.</p><br><p>Ahead of next summer's World Cup, they get into his England chances, being overly self critical, the constant transfer speculation that surrounds him and much more... </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein &amp; Adam Wharton</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><br><p><br></p><p><br></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>

One year of Amorim: The good, the bad and "the worst Man United team in history"

<p>Ruben Amorim’s first year at Manchester United has been box office.</p><br><p>From the lows of the Europa League final defeat to the highs of that historic win at Anfield.</p><br><p>So how do we assess his time at Old Trafford - and what next for the project?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Mark Critchley, Oli Kay and Charlotte Harpur</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson</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 Man City challenge Arsenal for the title?

<p>Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management ended with Liverpool thrashed and Man City just four points off Arsenal.</p><br><p>Erling Haaland was among the goals, but Jeremy Doku got all the attention at the Etihad.</p><br><p>Can they now sustain a serious challenge for the title?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Paul Iliffe</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 Underground World of Illegal Streaming

<p>Does the rise of illegal streaming pose an existential threat to football?</p><br><p>To answer that question, Adam Leventhal has spent the last six months looking into the culture, crime and crisis associated with pirating live football matches.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast you'll hear undercover reporting and behind the scenes access to police investigations, including how the world's largest illegal sports streaming platform was taken down.</p><br><p>We get the takes of match-going fans, and ask if 'Premflix' is the future of Premier League broadcasting?</p><br><p>If you're an Athletic subscriber you can have your say&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6742752/2025/11/09/illegal-streaming-poll-results/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p>And if you're not yet a subscriber, join&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/athletic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and have your say.</p><br><p>Please note that the documentary has content some listeners may find upsetting.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Mixing: Jay Beale</p><p>Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from Amazon, Sky Sports, tallkSPORT, Leaders.&nbsp;</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 City vs Liverpool

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Manchester City vs Liverpool.</p><br><p>Where do you play Wirtz? How do you stop Haaland? And will either of them reel in Arsenal?</p><br><p>Andy Jones and Jordan Campbell join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Sunderland vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Manchester United and Crystal Palace vs Brighton.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Andy Jones &amp; Jordan Campbell</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</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 Premier League sides finding the Champions League too easy?

<p>Halfway through the Champions League league phase and one pattern is emerging; the dominance of the Premier League.</p><br><p>But is that a problem for the balance of the Champions League?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Michael Cox and James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><p><br></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 Liverpool stopped the rot?

<p>Anfield roared - and booed - as Liverpool emphatically defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League.</p><br><p>So could this victory reignite their season?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Pearce and Tomás Hill López-Menchero</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers</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 anyone save Wolves?

<p>Wolves have sacked manager Vitor Pereira.</p><br><p>With zero wins in the league, and just two points, all signs lead to relegation.</p><br><p>So, can anyone save them?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Matt Slater &amp; Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers</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 Spurs so bad at home?

<p>Another home defeat, and flat performance against Chelsea, losing 1-0 on Saturday.</p><br><p>But Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League - having&nbsp;finished 17th last season.</p><br><p>So, are Spurs improving under Thomas Frank?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><br><p><br></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: Spurs vs Chelsea

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea. </p><br><p>Carl Anka and Jay Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's derby before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Manchester City vs Bournemouth, Liverpool vs Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Carl Anka &amp; Jay Harris</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</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 Juventus succeed under Spalletti?

<p>Juventus have sacked Igor Tudor and are set to appoint Luciano Spalletti.</p><br><p>With the ghost of Cristiano still haunting the club, are they in crisis?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; Paul Iliffe</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 Sunderland surprised the Premier League

<p>Sunderland have enjoyed a dream start so far in the Premier League.</p><br><p>Their win over Chelsea means they’re in the top four after nine games.</p><br><p>17 points from their opening nine Premier League games is the best return by a promoted club at this stage of a season since Hull City in 2008-09.</p><br><p>So how have they done it?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Chris Weatherspoon, Phil Hay and Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers</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 Lamine Yamal reignited El Clasico?

<p>El Clasico was back to its fiery best on Sunday, as Lamine Yamal's pre-match comments sparked fury in Madrid.</p><br><p>Has he reignited this famous fixture?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, Guillermo Rai</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and John Rogers</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 Arsenal are the team to beat

<p>Arsenal are top of the Premier League - four points ahead of Bournemouth in second.</p><br><p>It was an important win for them against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea also losing.</p><br><p>Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three times in nine games, so does a solid defence win you titles?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe</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>

Liam Rosenior interview: Strasbourg's rapid rise & the value of diversity

<p>After eight games, RC Strasbourg sit 3rd in Ligue 1, two points behind league leaders Marseille and just one point behind European champions PSG.</p><br><p>Today we’re bringing you a special episode sitting down with the man at the helm, Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior.</p><br><p>In conversation with Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka, the panel discuss RC Strasbourg’s incredible start to the season, Rosenior's management style, working in a multi-club ownership model and the importance of representation, diversity and role models.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Co-Host: Carl Anka</p><p>With: Liam Rosenior</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</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: Aston Villa vs Man City

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Aston Villa vs Manchester City.</p><br><p>Stu James and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Brentford vs Liverpool, Manchester United vs Brighton, and Everton vs Spurs.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Stu James &amp; Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</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 was Barcelona's league game in Miami cancelled?

<p>Barcelona were set to play Villarreal in Miami in December.</p><br><p>That’s now been cancelled. Today, we explain why.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan and Matt Slater</p><p>Featuring: James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><br><p><br></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 Newcastle over Isak already?

<p>Life after Alexander Isak has been hit and miss for Newcastle.</p><br><p>But in Nick Woltemade, have they already found the key to Newcastle's fortunes this season?</p><br><p>And in terms of Isak, why is he struggling after that record-breaking £125million summer move to Liverpool?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Chris Waugh, Oli Kay, Andy Jones</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers</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 United build on Liverpool win?

<p>Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016 was a massive moment for the club.</p><br><p>But how does Ruben Amorim ensure this isn’t another false dawn?</p><br><p>The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley join host Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the win over Liverpool, Harry Maguire, Matheus Cunha, the Brighton fixture this weekend and Amorim’s future.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers</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 Forest are turning to Dyche

<p>After just 39 days, Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou.</p><br><p>He recorded no wins in his eight games in charge.</p><br><p>Sean Dyche is set to succeed him, will he do any better?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Paul Taylor and Dan Kilpatrick</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</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>