The Athletic FC Podcast

Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more

<p>Today we speak to one of the best players to have graced the Premier League, İlkay Gündoğan.</p><br><p>The iconic former Manchester City midfielder sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans.</p><br><p>With: Jordan Campbell &amp; İlkay Gündoğan</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>

The Preview: Liverpool vs Man United

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is for many,&nbsp;the marquee match up in English football, Liverpool vs Manchester United.</p><br><p>Oli Kay and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Fulham vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Aston Villa, and the hotly anticipated Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Oli Kay, Megan Feringa</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>

What do football agents actually do?

<p>The transfer window may not be open but the industry is still moving behind the scenes.So what do agents actually do?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the Athletic’s Stu James and James Featherstone, agent of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Stu James and James Featherstone</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>

Is Harry Kane better than ever?

<p>England are heading to the World Cup, and typically it’s thanks to captain Harry Kane.</p><br><p>So how important is he to their chances next summer?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Charlie Eccleshare, Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Featuring: Rob Green</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke 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>

Are Spurs for sale?

<p>In early September, Daniel Levy stepped down from his role as Spurs chairman after nearly 25 years.</p><br><p>So who is running the show now? And are Spurs for up for sale?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Jay Harris and Dan Kilpatrick</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>

Inside Liverpool's 15 year journey from civil war to superclub

<p>This week marks 15 years of FSG ownership at Liverpool</p><br><p>In that time they've won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So, how did Liverpool become a modern superclub?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Simon Hughes and Matt Slater</p><p>Featuring: Peter Moore and Dr Ian Graham</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>

Why goalkeepers are going long

<p>This week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast discusses the evolution of goalkeeper distribution.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Are teams actually going long more often?</p><br><p>Are goalkeepers throwing the ball less?</p><br><p>And how is it changing the game?</p><br><p>Host: Duncan Alexander&nbsp;</p><p>With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey&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>

Premier League review: Who has more questions than answers?

<p>We’re seven games into the 25/26 Premier League season and Arsenal sit top, Wolves are the only side yet to register a win and Sunderland are 9th!?</p><br><p>Carl Anka and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to assess all 20 Premier League teams' respective starts, asking whether they’ve answered the big questions that surrounded them prior to the new season.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Carl Anka, Tim Spiers</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>

How much time will Ange get at Forest?

<p>Seven games played: five defeats, two draws, no wins. Statistically the worst start by any Nottingham Forest manager for a century.</p><br><p>Ange Postecoglou is battling to keep his job at Forest, despite only having four Premier League games in that time.</p><br><p>So, how did things get so bad so soon?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Paul Taylor and Charlie Eccleshare</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>

Is Tuchel improving England?

<p>It’s been a year since Thomas Tuchel signed up as England manager.&nbsp;</p><br><p>He’s had six games to make his mark so far, with the World Cup just eight months away.</p><br><p>So how prepared are the Three Lions?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and&nbsp;Jack Pitt-Brooke</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 the Premier League has gone back to basics

<p>So far, this season we’ve had… long throws, rugby-style kickoffs and big lads up front.</p><br><p>So why has the Premier League gone old school?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Mark Carey, Oli Kay and Thomas Grønnemark</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 have Liverpool lost their way?

<p>Liverpool had a perfect start after record spending, but now they've lost three in a row.</p><br><p>So why is Arne Slot’s Red Machine mis-firing?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and Simon Hughes</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>

Jurgen Klopp on life after Liverpool and his fears for football

<p>Jurgen Klopp&nbsp;<em>is</em>&nbsp;back in football but not as a manager. In January,&nbsp;he began work as global head of soccer at Red Bull.</p><br><p>Our very own Adam Crafton sat down with the former Liverpool boss at the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in New Jersey.</p><br><p>They discuss all things Red Bull, the future of football and why he closed the chapter on his coaching career.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; Jurgen Klopp</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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: Chelsea vs Liverpool

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the red card loving blues of Chelsea versus the no longer red hot reds of Liverpool.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Stu James and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs West Ham and Manchester United vs Sunderland.</p><br><p>Plus after losing 3-2 to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on Thursday night Nottingham Forest fans are already turning on their new manager Ange Postecoglou, who faces a tough trip to St James’ Park on Sunday.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Stu James, Megan Feringa</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>

Why Wirtz is struggling at Liverpool

<p>Eight games into his Liverpool career Florian Wirtz is yet to score or assist. </p><br><p>So why the slow start and how long will he take to adapt to the Premier League?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev Hatchard</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>

How Glasner made Palace unbeatable

<p>Crystal Palace are flying.&nbsp;</p><br><p>They’re the FA Cup holders, they’re in Europe and they’re on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions.</p><br><p>So… what is the secret behind their success?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Reuben Pinder and Jon Mackenzie</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</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 Nuno fix West Ham?

<p>Graham Potter is the latest manager to be shown the door at West Ham.</p><br><p>In comes a new challenger - Nuno Espírito Santo.</p><br><p>But do West Ham’s problems go beyond their manager?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Roshane Thomas and Benji Lanyado</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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>

How much more misery can Man United take?

<p>It’s 17 defeats in 33 Premier League games for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after Saturday's latest defeat at Brentford.</p><br><p>So, how much more misery can they take?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Oli Kay</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead and 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>

The Preview: Newcastle vs Arsenal

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Arsenal.</p><br><p>Eddie Howe's side have won each of their last three home games against Arsenal in all competitions without conceding a single goal, and are looking to make it four in a row for the first time since August 1969. With Liverpool five wins from five, will anything but a win keep Mikel Arteta's title hopes alive?</p><br><p>Oli Kay and Jacob Whitehead join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead</p><p>Executive Producers: 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>

Is a 64-team World Cup inevitable?

<p>FIFA have discussed making the 2030 World Cup a 64-team tournament.</p><br><p>So who actually wants it and could it really happen?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton, Phil Hay and Felipe Cardenas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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>

Is Ousmane Dembele really the best player in the world?

<p>Ousmane Dembele scooped the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.</p><br><p>His 35 goals helped PSG clinch their first ever Champions League.</p><br><p>So how did he evolve from a promising winger to a ruthless goalscorer?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom Williams</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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>

Inside Aston Villa’s power struggle

<p>Aston Villa are currently 18th in the Premier League and have scored just one goal so far.</p><br><p>So is the team really "lazy” or does Unai Emery need to change?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jacob Tanswell and Dan Bardell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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>

How do Arsenal catch Liverpool?

<p>Arsenal have fallen five points off the pace in the Premier League, after drawing 1-1 with Man City on Sunday.</p><br><p>And in the boardroom there are changes as well, so how much do they have to do, to catch Liverpool?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Man City

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester City. </p><br><p>In what is often dubbed as master vs apprentice, Mikel Arteta is looking to become the first manager to go 5 games in a row unbeaten against Pep Guardiola. </p><br><p>Mark Critchley and Nick Miller join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, including the Merseyside derby and Manchester United vs Chelsea.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Mark Critchley, Nick Miller</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale &amp; 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>

Is Chelsea's transfer policy working?

<p>Chelsea’s young squad&nbsp;were given a reality-check on their Champions League return, losing 3-1 in Munich to Bayern after two years out of the competition.</p><br><p>Prior to Wednesday night The Blues Champions League squad only had a combined 117 games in the tournament under their belts in comparison to Bayern's 860.</p><br><p>So, will a lack of experience cost them in Europe and the Premier League?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Simon Johnson and Phil Hay</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>

Has Mbappe overtaken Vinicius as Real Madrid's main man?

<p>Real Madrid are back to winning ways in Champions League.</p><br><p>In their 2-1 win over Marseille on Tuesday night, Kylian Mbappe shone bright, whilst Vinicius Jr was benched again.</p><br><p>So… why are the two Galacticos on such different paths right now?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Guillermo Rai &amp; Colin Millar</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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>

Champions League preview: Who can topple PSG?

<p>The Champions League is back this week.</p><br><p>Last season we had a switch up in format, and PSG were finally triumphant.</p><br><p>So what should we expect this time around?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tom Williams &amp; Tomás Hill López-Menchero</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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>

How far can Haaland’s goals take Man City?

<p>Man City made light work of Man United in Sunday's Manchester derby thanks to Phil Foden and a double from Erling Haaland, who now sits on 90 Premier League goals from just 101 games.</p><br><p>So how far can Haaland’s goals take Guardiola’s side this season?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and Adam Crafton</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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: Man City vs Man United

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby.</p><br><p>Despite winning five of their last eight Premier League matches against Manchester United, Manchester City failed to win either game last season for the first time since 2020-21. Despite getting the better of the Pep Guardiola last season, Ruben Amorim is looking to win sucessive Premier League matches for the first time as Manchester United manager.</p><br><p>Carl Anka, Tim Spiers and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, including Ange Postecoglou taking charge of his first game as Nottingham Forest boss at where else but the Emirates.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Carl Anka, Tim Spiers, Megan Feringa</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>

Why Barcelona still can't play at Camp Nou

<p>What do Barcelona and Post Malone have in common?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Neither of them can play at Camp Nou.</p><br><p>So what's going on, and will this stadium ever be ready?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello Herrero</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>