The Athletic FC Podcast

Lopetegui to Potter: Inside West Ham's crazy week

<p>On Wednesday, after weeks of speculation West Ham finally sacked Julen Lopetegui.</p><p>The Spaniard lasted just eight months - and 22 games in charge of the Hammers, the shortest reign of a permanent manager or head coach in the club's 124-year history</p><p>Joining Ian Irving to analyse the decision to sack Lopetegui and replace him with Graham Potter are The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and West Ham United writer Roshane Thomas.</p><p>Plus, Football Tactics writer Liam Tharme also drops-by to discuss Potter's fit at the London Stadium and look back on his previously successful spell in the Premier League with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.</p><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Roshane Thomas and Liam Tharme</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>

How Nuno has transformed Forest

<p>Another week, another beaten opponent and another milestone notched for Nottingham Forest. They made history with six wins on the bounce with their 3-0 victory away at Wolves.</p><br><p>So how have Nuno Espirito Santo’s side gone from fighting relegation &amp; PSR last campaign to being one of the very best sides in the Premier League this season?</p><br><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>Guests: <strong> </strong>Paul Taylor, Tim Spiers, Matt Slater, Mark Carey</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Video Producer: Liam Warburton</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>

Rashford, Kolo Muani, Williams: Ornstein's transfers to watch

<p>The January transfer window is officially open!</p><br><p>We take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, </p><br><p>We have David Ornstein’s One To Watch, Kolo Muani, plus, ongoing interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in Nico Williams.</p><br><p>And fresh news today from David of a possible loan move for out of favour Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.</p><br><p>Plus, we hear all about David’s excellent exclusive interview with former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which is available to read on The Athletic right now. </p><br><p>https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036322/2025/01/07/aubameyang-arsenal-arteta-chelsea-saudi/</p><br><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein and Phil Hay</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 much is Trent distracted by Real Madrid?

<p>Despite a 23-point gap between Liverpool and Manchester United, on Sunday there was nothing to separate them.</p><p>So, how did Man United unsettle Liverpool? </p><p>And with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance under the microscope, amid transfer interest from Real Madrid, is his contract uncertainty causing a distraction?</p><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Simon Hughes</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>

The Preview - Liverpool vs Man Utd

<p>Tifo's Jon Mackenzie and The Athletic's Nick Miller are alongside Michael Bailey ahead of Sunday's meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield.</p><p>Fresh from Real Madrid outlining their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold we also hear the thoughts of both Simon Hughes and James Pearce on the future of the England international.</p><p>Plus, Carl Anka drops in with his take on a disappointing December for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford having suffered four successive defeats in charge of Man United.</p><p>As well as focusing on the meeting at Anfield, there's also a look at some of the Premier League's other standout games of the weekend including Arsenal's visit to Brighton, Newcastle United heading to Tottenham and Nuno Espirito Santo returning to Molineux with his in-form Nottingham Forest.</p><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Jon Mackenzie and Nick Miller</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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 - Premier League Round-Up

<p>Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahead to the next round of Premier League fixtures.</p><p>Fulham stunned Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, was this a reminder that Enzo Maresca'a side are not yet the finished product?</p><p>Marco Silva's Fulham face Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth next, are these two sides optimising the fun and unpredictability of the Premier League this season?</p><p>Liverpool capitalised on Chelsea's slip up, extending their lead at the top of the table — are we witnessing another 2019/20 season?</p><p>Everything continues to go wrong for Manchester United — suffering their fourth defeat in five Premier League games as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — how does Ruben Amorim turn things around with in-form Newcastle United up next?</p><p>Plus, back to back wins for Wolves and new boss Vitor Pereira, Nottingham Forest's Champions League chase, and how do Arsenal replace the injured Bukayo Saka?</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Duncan Alexander</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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>

2024 Reviewed: sackings, snubs, and seismic shocks

<p>It's been a year filled with news, moves and eyebrow raising events in the world of football and we're here to look back at them with our own Christmas countdown.</p><p>What happened this year, and how have those decisions played out?</p><p>Here to reminisce and recoil at the year it's editor-in-chief Laura Williamson and senior writer Adam Crafton.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Laura Williamson and Adam Crafton</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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 - Tottenham vs Liverpool

<p>After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. </p><p>With just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home games, the panel analyse why Spurs are making things so difficult for themselves. </p><p>Meanwhile Liverpool have shown a more adaptable side to their game this week, could Ange Postecoglou take a leaf out of Arne Slot’s book? </p><p>Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere and talk sacking season after Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were relieved of their duties this week. </p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Mark Carey</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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>

What next for Mudryk and Chelsea?

<p>Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. </p><p>He has been provisionally suspended. </p><p>Both club and player have issued statements to make categorically clear that Mudryk has never “knowingly used” any banned substances.</p><p>So where does this leave Chelsea and the £62m man?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson and senior writer Adam Crafton to discuss the scenario facing the Ukrainian winger.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Simon Johnson and Adam Crafton</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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>

How to fix Man City

<p>It’s now one win and eight losses in 11 games for Man City after the weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester United.</p><br><p>So… what will it take to fix their current situation?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Sam Lee and Rory Smith</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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 this Simeone's best version of Atletico Madrid?

<p>On Sunday, Atletico Madrid made it 11 wins on the bounce with Alexander Sorloth scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe.</p><p>Having drawn level at the top of La Liga - next up they head to table-toppers Barcelona.</p><p>So can Diego Simeone’s new-look Atleti sustain their challenge?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined from Madrid by The Athletic's La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan as well as Colin Millar to analyse Atleti's red-hot form, their summer investment in the transfer market and whether their title challenge is sustainable ahead of the trip to face Barca.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan and Colin Millar</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>

Why do Wolves want Vitor Pereira?

<p>Sacking season is in full flow. Russell Martin departed Southampton, hours after Gary O’Neil was shown the door at Wolves. Three wins between these teams, 76 goals conceded. It has been coming. </p><p>Today, we focus on Wolves, who look set to appoint Vitor Pereira.</p><p>So… just how much relegation danger are they in?</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Phil Hay and David Novo</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou and 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 Story of the Guinea Stadium Disaster

<p>On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day.</p><p>The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth.</p><p>Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsetting</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>News reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News</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 City vs Man Utd

<p>Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable.</p><p>With Pep Guardiola's side picking up just one win in their last 10 games, the panel dissect why it's still going wrong and look at whether Sunday's game presents an opportunity to bounce back.</p><p>Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League games - but after coming from behind to win in Plzeň - are Ruben Amorim's side showing signs of moving in the right direction?</p><p>Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across The Athletic FC.</p><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Sam Lee, Mark Citchley, Thom 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 Saudi Arabia a good choice for the World Cup?

<p>Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup after running unopposed.</p><p>So why has FIFA allowed this to happen? What are the wider controversies surrounding their bid?</p><p>And could Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a World Cup?</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Jacob Whitehead</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>

Will Tottenham stick with Project Postecoglou?

<p>Spurs have lost 19 of their last 43 matches in the Premier League, and their most recent defeat against Chelsea was particularly damaging.</p><br><p>So have Spurs evolved under Ange Postecoglou?</p><br><p>And will he be given the time to turn their season around? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Charlie Eccleshare</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>

Has Maresca turned Chelsea into title contenders?

<p>At the weekend, Chelsea overcame their biggest test yet under Enzo Maresca.</p><br><p>The 4-3 win away at their bitter rivals Tottenham has seen them go up to second place in the table. </p><br><p>So, are Chelsea “back” - and are they real title contenders?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay and Liam Twomey </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>

Inside Ashworth's shock Man United exit

<p>After just five months, Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester United</p><p>So why has he gone, and what does it say about the new leadership at the club?</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Laurie Whitwell</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>

The Preview - Tottenham vs Chelsea

<p>After defeat on the South Coast, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham host in form Chelsea. </p><p>In a fixture that saw five goals scored, five goals disallowed, eight yellow cards, two reds and nine VAR checks in the first half alone last season, are we set up for similar chaos this year? </p><p>Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are firing on all cylinders, having scored 57 goals in 22 matches in all competitions this campaign. While Spurs are as unpredictable as ever, following up their 4-0 victory at The Etihad by dropping points against Fulham and Bournemouth.</p><p>After losing support from the fans midweek, how significant is Sunday’s game for Ange Postecoglou? Can Chelsea make a statement in their push for top four, or perhaps more? </p><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie</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>

When is the best time to sack a manager?

<p>So far just two Premier League managers have been shown the door this season, with Erik Ten Hag and Steve Cooper having been sacked.</p><p>But as we head toward the January transfer market, who else could follow Manchester United and Leicester City’s lead?</p><p>And just when is the right time to sack a manager?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Stu James and lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the situations around both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil at West Ham United and Wolves, while Leicester City correspondent Rob Tanner explains Leicester's decision to swap Cooper for Ruud van Nistelrooy.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Stu James, Phil Hay and Rob Tanner</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>

Inside the transfer window with David Ornstein

<p>We’re taking you inside the 2025 transfer market to explain the deals that are being worked on across both the winter and summer windows.</p><br><p>This includes the players who could arrive and the ones who could be on their way out, across the Premier League and beyond.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein</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 Amorim ready for his first big test against Arsenal?

<p>So Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have got off to a decent start, with two wins and one draw so far.</p><br><p>But how are they going to handle a visit to Arsenal this week? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Carl Anka, Art de Roché, Phil Hay</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>

Is Man City's title race over already?

<p>As Liverpool moved 9 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a comfortable victory over Manchester City Anfield serenaded Pep Guardiola with "you're getting sacked in the morning".</p><p>So after four league titles on the bounce is City’s title race over already?</p><p>Having been at Anfield for The Athletic both Man City writer Sam Lee and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Pearce, Sam Lee 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>

The Preview - Liverpool vs Man City

<p>A major weekend of action kicks off on Friday evening, culminating in a massive game in the title race, as Liverpool welcome Manchester City.</p><p>Arne Slot's Reds have 17 wins from 19 games in all competitions, while Pep Guardiola's side are coming off the back of 3 Premier League defeats in a row - as many as they’d lost in their previous 47. Can Pep turn things around? Or will Liverpool go 11 points clear?</p><p>Elsewhere, big battles at the bottom for Palace, Southampton and Ipswich and what on earth will we get from Spurs?</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Oli Kay</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 Serie A the most electrifying league in Europe?

<p>Ahead of this weekend’s games the top five teams in Italy are separated by just one point.</p><p>Added to that, the last five seasons have seen four different clubs end as champions.</p><p>So, why is Serie A so competitive and it is Europe’s most entertaining league?</p><p>The Athletic's James Horncastle joins Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the start to the Italian season with Jordan Campbell also dropping by having recently written for The Athletic about <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5902911/2024/11/26/scottish-players-italy-serie-a/">The Scots thriving in Italy</a>.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle and Jordan Campbell</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 Aston Villa's Champions League run hurting them?

<p>Aston Villa are exceeding expectations in the Champions League, but it’s seems to have come at a cost<strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Their form has dipped in the Premier League, leaving them eighth in the table.</p><br><p>So, can sides like Villa stop themselves becoming victims of their own success?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jacob Tanswell and Thom Harris</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>

Premier League APT changes - what does it all mean?

<p>Last week, Premier League clubs voted in favour of amendments to the associated party transaction rules.</p><p>After labelling the rules ‘discriminatory and distortive’ back in June, Manchester City were one of four clubs to vote against the adjustments. </p><p>So what exactly has changed, and which clubs will benefit? </p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Jacob Whitehead</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>

Will Liverpool give Salah what he wants?

<p>"I'm probably more out than in," Mohamed Salah said on his future, after another match-winning performance against Southampton.</p><br><p>His goals mean Liverpool are now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League</p><br><p>So will Salah be offered a contract that will keep him at Anfield? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Mark Carey </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>

Sudan: Football and the Forgotten War

<p>In April 2023, civil war broke out in Sudan. It continues to this day leaving in its wake the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.</p><p>Despite this, Sudan’s national football team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and tops its World Cup qualification group.</p><p>They are a source of hope to a nation left in ruins.</p><p>In this special episode of The Athletic FC Documentary we’ll take you into the war torn country where amateur matches continue amid the shelling, and football grounds have become burial grounds.</p><p>At a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad, we’ll hear of the horrors of war and how football is helping children there.</p><p>And hear how geo political influence, immigration and perilous journeys over land and sea are part of this journey with Sudan, football and a war struggling to be seen and heard.</p><br><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Written and presented by Adam Leventhal</p><p>Produced by Abi Paterson</p><p>Additional reporting in collaboration with Tom Rhodes and Zemenfes Goudos GebreMikael</p><p>Featuring footage from beIN Sport, Al Jazeera, British Pathé, Sky News, Fairshot, SuperSport, Sudan FA </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 City vs Tottenham

<p>Manchester City host Tottenham at the Etihad, the first game since Pep Guardiola announced he’ll be staying in Manchester a little longer. </p><p>Tottenham were beaten at home to Ipswich last time out, while Manchester City are four games without a win in all competitions — the panel assess which side look better placed to bounce back. </p><p>All that plus a look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; 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>