The Athletic FC Podcast

Has FPL transformed how we watch football?

<p>Today we’re talking; captains, differentials, and when to wildcard. You know it. We’re talking Fantasy Premier League aka FPL.</p><p>So, how has a fantasy game changed the way we watch football?</p><p>Host Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guest, Sam Bonfield. Mark Critchley</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 Guardiola's decision to stay at Man City

<p>Pep Guardiola has agreed to extend his contract as Manchester City manager </p><br><p>So why has he decided to stay and will he be able to build another team to dominate the Premier League? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Sam Lee and Pol Ballus </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>

Are Real Madrid worse with Mbappe?

<p>Today’s focus is on Kylian Mbappe’s stuttering start to life at Real Madrid </p><br><p>Has the big-money move made Madrid worse? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero</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>

Who are the billionaires that own Premier League clubs?

<p>This week across The Athletic we’re focusing on the people that own the 20 clubs that make up the Premier League.</p><p>So who are they? How much does it cost? and what do they get in return?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater and Adam Crafton is assess and debate how the nature of Premier League ownership has changed since the league's inception.</p><p>Phil Buckingham also drops in to discuss his article on how much each ownership group has invested since taking control of their respective clubs as well as the impact the likes of Abu Dhabi's wealth has had at Manchester City.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and Phil Buckingham</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 the Premier League stronger than ever?

<p>We’re eleven games into the season, today we’ll be assessing the table – and asking the question – is the quality of the Premier League the best it’s ever been? </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller</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 Kane right about England dropouts?

<p>England have had nine players drop out of their squad ahead of their matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.</p><p>Captain Harry Kane is not impressed speaking out about the importance of playing for the national team.</p><p>So is Kane right? Outside of major tournaments is international football respected?</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Chris Waugh and Nick Miller</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>

Are Roma Europe's most chaotic club?

<p>Roma have sacked a second manager in less than two months and are now in talks to bring former coach Claudio Ranieri out of retirement.</p><p>So… can Ranieri stabilise the turbulent Italian club?</p><p>And what is the latest on Roma’s owners, The Friedkin Group, and their proposed takeover of Everton?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle and Paddy Boyland </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 Project Messi working in the U.S.?

<p>Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami crashed out of the MLS Cup in the first round of the playoffs.</p><br><p>So what now for Messi and Miami after being granted a place in the Club World Cup?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Felipe Cardenas 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>

Is Angeball working at Tottenham?

<p>After another defeat Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was quick to accept responsibility following their 2-1 home loss to Ipswich Town.</p><p>So why are the Spurs so inconsistent and what can they do to fix it? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare and Phil Hay to analyse Spurs' start to the season with Jon Mackenzie also dropping in to analyse their underlying numbers in comparison to last season's lightning-fast start.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay, Charlie Eccleshare and Jon Mackenzie</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 Aston Villa

<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 Viktor Gyokeres ready for the Premier League?

<p>As demonstrated in the Champions League this week Viktor Gyokeres is European football's in-form striker.</p><p>The Sporting striker's hat-trick against Man City puts him on 23 goals in all competitions already this season.</p><p>So, after failing to break through at Brighton, could Gyokeres finally be ready for the Premier League?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to look at the numbers behind Gyokeres incredible season while David Novo, from Portuguese publication Record, gives the perspective from Portugal.</p><p>Plus, former Coventry City assistant manager Adi Viveash also shares his account of working with the Swedish striker closely and helping to develop his game prior to his move to Sporting.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Tharme, Mark Carey, David Novo and Adi Viveash</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>

Edu's Arsenal exit

<p>Edu has resigned as Arsenal’s Sporting Director and is expected to join Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs.</p><br><p>So why has Edu left the Gunners at a critical point of their project under Mikel Arteta?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With:<strong> </strong>David Ornstein and Art de Roché</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 Slot made Liverpool forget Alonso?

<p>While their rivals faltered around them on the weekend, Arne Slot’s machine increased their lead at the top of the Premier League.</p><br><p>As Xabi Alonso, who was the early favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp, arrives at Anfield in the Champions League… how different might life have looked for both Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Pearce and Seb Stafford-Bloor</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 significant is Man City’s defeat?

<p>So Man City suffered defeat in the Premier League for the first time this season away at Bournemouth on Saturday.</p><p>Added to that, ahead of the game manager Pep Guardiola outlined their mounting injury list, so how much trouble are City in - and could the demands of the season lead to a more open title race?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay and The Athletic FC newsletter’s lead writer Phil Hay to analyse the champions start to the season. Man City writer Sam Lee explains the context of their injury list. </p><p>As well as that senior data analyst Mark Carey drops in to provide context to the state of the table after 10 games and NBA Daily host Dave DuFour has his say on Guardiola drawing comparisons to NBA over fixture congestion.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Oli Kay, Phil Hay and Mark Carey</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 - Man United vs Chelsea

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.</p><p>This week — we’re focusing on Manchester United against Chelsea.</p><p>In the first Premier League game since Erik ten Hag's sacking, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be looking to get his side back on track.</p><p>But with the chance to go nine points clear of United, can Enzo Maresca make a statement in Chelsea's bid for Champions League football?</p><p>Plus, we 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, 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>

Inside Amorim's move to Man United

<p>Manchester United have reached an agreement to make Ruben Amorim their head coach.</p><p>So how did the deal come about and is Amorim more suited to succeed at Man United than Erik ten Hag? </p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell, David Novo, Mark Critchley, Andy Mitten </p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott

<p>Real Madrid were expecting Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday night, but it didn’t go their way.</p><br><p>The decision prompted Madrid to cancel their trip to Paris and effectively boycott the event.</p><br><p>So.. have Real overreacted? And are they facing bigger problems on the pitch?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan 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>

Are Chelsea lacking leaders?

<p>Things are looking good for Chelsea in the Premier League. </p><br><p>Despite this, their manager Enzo Maresca has urged captain Reece James to show more leadership.</p><br><p>So is a “proper leader” what Chelsea are missing?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Twomey 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>

Man United sack Ten Hag: Why now & what next?

<p>Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager having won just four games from 14 in all competitions at the start of this season.</p><p>So, why now and what next for Man United?</p><p>The Athletic's David Ornstein, who broke the story along with Adam Crafton, drops in to reveal the detail within United's decision while Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley to analyse the decision to let Ten Hag go.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley</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 - Arsenal vs Liverpool

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.</p><p>This week — we’re focusing on Arsenal vs Liverpool.</p><p>Plus, we 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, Michael Cox, James Pearce</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>

Are Tottenham's owners looking to sell?

<p>With Tottenham on the lookout for potential new investors this week has seen speculation intensify around the possibility of Amanda Staveley, who brokered the Saudi Public Investment fund takeover of Newcastle United, setting her sights on Spurs.</p><p>But would Spurs be able to spend enough to make a difference on the pitch?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss Tottenham’s need for external funding, the role of Daniel Levy and how any investor would fit into the current power dynamic at Spurs as well as assessing the type of profile that would suit them.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-Brooke</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>

Has Klopp damaged his legacy by joining Red Bull?

<p>Jurgen Klopp has a new job, but it’s not in management.</p><br><p>The former Liverpool manager begins work as Red Bull’s head of global soccer from January 1, 2025.</p><br><p>So how has a football ‘romantic’ ended up working for one of the world’s biggest corporations?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Simon Hughes</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>

Are Flick’s Barcelona as good as they look?

<p>10 games into the La Liga season it’s Barcelona who sit top, after a convincing 5-1 demolition of Sevilla on Sunday.</p><p>With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to come, this week looks set to test Barca’s newfound resolve under Hansi Flick</p><p>So, are Barcelona back?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Flick's start to life in Barcelona as well as their financial position before Barcelona writer Pol Ballus drops in having been at the manager's media conference ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.</p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5812694/2024/10/03/barcelona-finances-dani-olmo-la-liga-registration/">Reading Barcelona’s accounts – and why a ‘€12m profit’ is actually a €91m loss</a></p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan and Pol Ballus</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>

Will Arsenal's "silly mistakes" harm their title challenge?

<p>As Declan Rice said after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, the team are making "silly mistakes”.</p><br><p>So, can Arsenal still be title contenders if they keep making these mistakes?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay and James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Liverpool vs Chelsea

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.</p><p>This week — we’re focusing on Liverpool vs Chelsea.</p><p>This should be an intriguing tactical battle - Arne Slot's reds boast the best defensive record so far, while Enzo Maresca's blues top the charts for xG from open play.</p><p>Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Jon Mackenzie, Luke Bosher</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 Jhon Duran the Premier League's next superstar?

<p>Jhon Duran just can't stop scoring!</p><p>Another goal off the bench for Colombia during the international break makes adds to the six goals he already has for Aston Villa this season, with six of those coming off the bench.</p><p>So how does he go from supersub to starter?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and senior data analyst Mark Carey to delve into Duran's role, character and potential with the 20-year-old Colombian quickly emerging as one of the Premier League's most talked about players.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jacob Tanswell and Mark Carey</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>

Why England chose Tuchel

<p>England have chosen a permanent successor to Gareth Southgate.</p><br><p>So why has Thomas Tuchel been chosen and does he offer the best chance of winning the World Cup?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Liam Twomey and Phil Hay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou, Jay Beale 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>

Why INEOS ended Ferguson's Man United contract

<p>Adam Crafton exclusively revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United ambassadorial contract has been ended by the club.</p><br><p>So why have INEOS taken this decision?</p><br><p>And with Erik ten Hag back at work after the international break - does this mean the owners have also taken a decision on the manager?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton, Laurie Whitwell 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>

Would Guardiola manage England?

<p>As things stand, Pep Guardiola’s contract expires at Manchester City at the end of the season..  </p><p>Meanwhile, the English Football Association are still to announce a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate.</p><p>So, is there any chance Guardiola would manage England?</p><p>The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay and Man City writer Sam Lee join Ayo Akinwolere to discuss Guardiola's future as well as England's search for a permanent successor.</p><p>England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by following the 3-1 win over Finland to assess Lee Carsley's position as interim head coach.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Oli Kay and Sam Lee</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>

Premier League Review: Assessing every club so far

<p>Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening seven gameweeks of the 24/25 Premier League season.</p><p>The panel discuss all 20 teams; reflecting on Arne Slot's impressive start, the contrasting playing styles of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, the race for Europe led by Chelsea and Villa, and the four sides still yet to win a game.</p><p>Plus - Brentford's fast starts, Spurs' collapse at Brighton, Forest exceeding expectations and much more.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</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>