The Athletic FC Podcast

Are Arsenal finally embracing the pressure?

<p>Arsenal are into their first Champions League final in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid.</p><br><p>Mikel Arteta’s side are on the brink of a historic double.</p><br><p>So can they get it over the line?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: James Horncastle, Art de Roche</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, 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>

Have Man City blown the title?

<p>It’s advantage Arsenal in the title race after Man City’s slip-up at Everton.</p><br><p>The Gunners are five points clear with three to play</p><br><p>So… have City thrown it all away?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Jack Pitt Brooke, Jay Harris, Sam Lee</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, 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 will Man United cope in the Champions League?

<p>Manchester United have confirmed their place in next season's Champions League.</p><br><p>So, what do the club need to handle being back amongst Europe’s elite?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; Laurie Whitwell</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 World Cup and War

<p>This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown.</p><br><p>This special episode of The Athletic FC hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026.</p><br><p>Presenter: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Producer: Paul Iliffe</p><p>Audio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN, C-SPAN</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>

Keith Andrews Interview: Set-piece coach to Premier League manager of the year?

<p>Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.</p><br><p>On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point.</p><br><p>The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025.</p><br><p>Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay &amp; Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Oli Kay &amp; Caoimhe O’Neill&nbsp;</p><p>Featuring: Keith Andrews &amp; Caoimhin Kelleher</p><p>Exec 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: Man United vs Liverpool

<p>Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.</p><br><p>Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Stu James &amp; Oli Kay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; 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 Newcastle's Saudi owners losing interest?

<p>Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.</p><br><p>With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Chris Waugh 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>

Mourinho & Madrid: Why? What? How?

<p>Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.</p><br><p>So is the Special One <strong><em>really </em></strong> the man to save Real Madrid?</p><br><p>Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson</p><p>Videographer: 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>

How will Liverpool replace Salah?

<p>As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield.</p><br><p>How prepared are Liverpool for his departure?</p><br><p>And will it be another big summer of spending?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: James Pearce, Josh Williams</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, 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>

Who should be Chelsea's next manager?

<p>Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final.</p><br><p>But the question remains, who should be their next manager?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle and Liam Twomey</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>

Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius

<p>On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?</p><br><p>And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Michael Cox &amp; Mark Carey&nbsp;</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>

The Preview: Wolves vs Spurs

<p>Already relegated Wolves host relegation-threatened Tottenham - can De Zerbi's side finally pick up some momentum against the league's bottom team?</p><br><p>Elsewhere, with Man City in FA Cup action, Arsenal have the chance to leapfrog them back to the top of the table at home to out of form Newcastle.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Cerys Jones &amp; Art De Roché</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</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>

How did Leicester go from miracle to misery?

<p>10 years after winning the Premier League title Leicester City have been provisionally relegated to England’s third tier.</p><br><p>So, how have the Foxes gone from fairytale to failure?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Rob Tanner, Matt Slater and Jordan Halford</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>

Chelsea sack Rosenior - reaction

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Liam Twomey, reacting to the news that Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after just 106 days in charge of the club.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein &amp; Liam Twomey</p><p>Featuring: Dean Ashton, </p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke &amp; 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 has Chelsea become so toxic?

<p>Champions League football is slipping further from Chelsea’s grasp after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brighton.</p><br><p>They’ve now lost five league games in a row without scoring for the first time in 114 years.</p><br><p>So how much worse can Chelsea’s season get?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Dean Ashton, Liam Twomey, Cerys Jones</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, 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>

Have Spurs left it too late?

<p>Spurs’ nightmare season shows little sign of improving.</p><br><p>After West Ham’s draw with Crystal Palace - they remain two points from safety with five matches to go.</p><br><p>So does De Zerbi have enough time to save Spurs?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan Kilpatrick</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, 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 can Arteta reignite Arsenal?

<p>After defeat at the Etihad, Arsenal have lost control of the title race.</p><br><p>Man City can go top of the Premier League with a win at Burnley on Wednesday night.</p><br><p>So, after 22 years of waiting have Mikel Arteta's side blown their chance at the title?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein &amp; Adam Crafton</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; Guy Clarke</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>

Guardiola vs Arteta: Tactical breakdown

<p>This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast diiscuss the huge Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.</p><br><p>Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?</p><br><p>Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat?</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey &amp; Liam Tharme</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts</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>

Napoli owner De Laurentiis: How to fix football

<p>Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis is one of European football’s most outspoken and recognisable owners and this week he’s been telling Adam Crafton all about his plans to revolutionise football - including a European Super Championship.</p><br><p>They also discuss his relationship Antonio Conte - who guided Napoli to last season's Serie A title the subject of Filmauro's 'Ag4in' documentary.</p><br><p>Plus, De Laurentiis shares his thoughts on the influence agents have within the game whilst also discussing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.</p><br><p>This interview is also available to watch on The Athletic FC Podcast YouTube channel. </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 Arsenal

<p>The top two face off in a massive game in the title race.</p><br><p>Will Man City continue their excellent recent form, or can Arsenal spring a surprise at the Etihad? </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Cerys Jones &amp; Art De Roché</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; 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 broken are Real Madrid?

<p>A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in!</p><br><p>Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second successive trophyless season for the first time in 16 years.</p><br><p>So just how broken are Real Madrid?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan and Guillermo Rai</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>

Ornstein latest: Iraola, Slot's future & Liverpool transfers

<p>The managerial merry-go-round has started up again!</p><br><p>The latest mover is Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end the season.</p><br><p>So what next for Iraola and the Cherries?</p><br><p>And how will this move impact the managerial market?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein, James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, 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>

Why is the World Cup such a rip-off?

<p>With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue.</p><br><p>So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever?</p><br><p>And if so, who is this World Cup actually for?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry Bushnell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, 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>

Are Arsenal losing their nerve, again?

<p>After Arsenal slumped to defeat Man City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League with a statement win on Sunday.</p><br><p>Defeat to Bournemouth now makes it three losses in four in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side.</p><br><p>So, are Arsenal losing their nerve, <em>again</em>?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: 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>

Patrice Evra interview: Sir Alex Ferguson, Suarez and Carrick's Man United

<p>Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton.</p><br><p>They cover a huge amount of ground, including his relationship with ‘the boss’ Sir Alex Ferguson, the highs and lows of his Champions League final appearances and his take on whether Michael Carrick should be handed the United job permanently.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Crafton</p><p>Guest: Patrice Evra&nbsp;</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody&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: Chelsea vs Man City

<p>Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Can the Citizens keep the pressure on in the title race?</p><br><p>Elsewhere Arsenal host Bournemouth, Manchester United face local rivals Leeds, and Roberto De Zerbi begins his Tottenham tenure away to Sunderland. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers &amp; Mark Critchley</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</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>

Why Barcelona want Julian Alvarez

<p>After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role!</p><br><p>So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan</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>

Has Kompany made Bayern the best in Europe?

<p>Harry Kane’s 49th goal of the season helped Bayern Munich to victory in the Bernabeu.</p><br><p>Luis Diaz and Michael Olise played a starring support role.</p><br><p>With a front three to be feared - are Vincent Kompany’s side the best in Europe?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Carl Anka &amp; Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou, 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>

Are FSG letting Liverpool drift?

<p>After losing 4-0 at the Etihad, Liverpool’s season is at risk of unravelling. </p><br><p>With so much uncertainty surrounding the club's hierarchy, are FSG allowing Liverpool to drift?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Simon Hughes &amp; Matt Slater</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; 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>

The Preview: Man City vs Liverpool

<p>This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.</p><br><p>Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, and one that will be Mohammed Salah's final trip to the Etihad Stadium as a Red. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Cerys Jones &amp; Andy Jones</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</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>