The Athletic FC Podcast

Why Champions League qualification isn't a ‘golden ticket’

<p>Last night, Aston Villa stumbled in pursuit of securing a top four place in the Premier League losing 4-1 away to Manchester City.</p><p>But as Newcastle have shown this season, despite the money in brings in, qualifying for Europe puts a huge strain on smaller squads especially when financial rules make it harder to spend.</p><p>And as Ange Postecoglou commented in the week, Champions League qualification doesn't necessarily provide what clubs are seeking, if they're unable to push on and compete.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to discuss how the Premier League's growing collection of upwardly ambitious clubs sustained continued Champions League qualification amid the backdrop of strict financial spending limits.</p><p>HOST: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>WITH: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Tanswell and Chris Waugh</p><p>PRODUCER: Guy Clarke</p><p>EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5385418/2024/04/04/aston-villa-unai-emery-planning-practice/">Unai Emery is all about planning – there was a point to Villa’s ‘practice’ and chaos</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5377168/2024/04/01/tottenham-hotspur-stadium-beyonce-nfl-profit/?access_token=11260232">Beyonce, NFL and boxing help make Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a cash machine</a> - The Athletic</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>

Could De Zerbi or Frank manage at the very top?

<p>Tonight, Thomas Frank and Roberto de Zerbi go head-to-head in what some might call the data derby… </p><p>Brentford and Brighton may adopt a similar approach behind the scenes, but how do their sought after coaches compare, and who is the most likely to fill a managerial vacancy elsewhere this summer?  </p><p>And what are the reasons for the long running feud between the owners of the two clubs dating back to 2004? </p><p>Produced by Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 do Chelsea turn turmoil into triumph?

<p>Chelsea’s difficult season continued as Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Burnley at the weekend..</p><br><p>There’s division among the fans, a billion pound squad yet to gel, and growing pressure on the manager.</p><br><p>So can Chelsea salvage something from their remaining games? </p><br><p>And after all the instability this season will there be another summer of sweeping change?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers and our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, who is also part of another podcast on this network: Straight Outta Cobham.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 do Liverpool target after Alonso decision?

<p>On the pitch Liverpool have seized the initiative in the Premier League title race following their 2-1 win over Brighton &amp; Hove Albion on Sunday.</p><p>Yet off the pitch, uncertainty lingers after Xabi Alonso confirmed last week he'll be staying with Bayer Leverkusen, ruling himself out of the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.</p><p>So where do Liverpool turn next and who will be on their managerial shortlist to replace Klopp?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Oli Kay to discuss Alonso's decision to stay at Leverkusen before debating the process the Reds will go through with their new sporting director Richard Hughes to find a successor for Klopp.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related Articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5377617/2024/03/30/liverpool-xabi-alonso-manager-what-now/">What happened with Liverpool and Xabi Alonso – and where does the club look now?</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5372259/2024/03/31/liverpool-manager-robert-de-zerbi/">Would Roberto De Zerbi be the right kind of manager for Liverpool?</a> - The Athletic</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>

Weekend Preview: Will Man City vs Arsenal decide the title?

<p>It’s matchday 30 in the Premier League and the huge meeting of the weekend sees Manchester City host top-of-the-table Arsenal.</p><br><p>Title rivals Liverpool, meanwhile, play Brighton and Manchester United go to Brentford.</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Nnamdi Onyeagwara, Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie</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 would buy a football club in 2024?

<p>Most of us can only dream of owning a football club .</p><p>But for the very rich it’s an opportunity towards power, influence and… even more money</p><p>So who are the people that try to buy football clubs? </p><p>And how do football’s authorities decide who gets the green light for a takeover? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Matt Slater</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5371588/2024/03/28/the-nobody-who-tried-to-buy-manchester-united-and-inter-milan/">The nobody who tried to buy Manchester United and Inter Milan</a> by Adam Crafton</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5347923/2024/03/26/mmobuosi-nigeria-football-news-sheffield-united/">‘Under every rock, we found a lie’: How the bid to be English football’s first black owner unravelled</a> by Matt Slater</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>

Should Mainoo start at the Euros?

<p>A few months ago Kobbie Mainoo had not played a minute for his club at senior level let alone his country.</p><br><p>Now at just 18, he is one of Manchester United’s best players - and after a man of the match performance for England last night Gareth Soutgate was full of praise</p><p> </p><p>So how has one so young been able to establish himself at the highest level so quickly? </p><br><p>And in terms of Euro 2024, has it gone beyond Mainoo just being in the squad for England - does he need to start?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Carl Anka, who is also on our Talk of the Devils podcast, data writer and part of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast, Mark Carey, and Michael Bailey, who was at Wembley for us last night.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Thiago Motta the next great coach?

<p>Thiago Motta, the mastermind behind Bologna's unlikely push for a Champions League spot, is seen as one of the most impressive up-and-coming managers.</p><p>With plenty of clubs looking for a new head coach this summer — could Motta be ready for a move to one of European football’s elite? </p><p>Also where might Roberto De Zerbi end up &amp; how much will his style influence the roles he could be offered?</p><p>Produced by Jay Beale.</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Endrick be football's next superstar?

<p>For anyone that didn’t know about him already, 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick introduced himself with a winner against England at Wembley on Saturday.</p><p>So how good is Brazil's next big thing - and where will he fit in at Real Madrid when he completes his move to the Bernabeu this summer?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Brazilian football writer Jack Lang, Nick Miller, who conducted Endrick's first interview with a UK media outlet as well as Junior Spanish Football Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5364284/2024/03/24/endrick-brazil-england-real-madrid/">Endrick delivers a preview showing of history to leave Brazil salivating for more</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/3191815/2022/03/20/meet-15-year-old-endrick-5ft-6in-left-footed-and-the-next-big-thing-in-brazilian-football/">Meet 15-year-old Endrick: 5ft 6in tall, left-footed and the next big thing in Brazilian football</a> - The Athletic</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>

Can anyone stop England or France at Euro 2024?

<p>It’s just 84 days until the European Championships begin in Germany - so we are looking ahead to Euro 2024, with a particular focus on two of the favourites; France &amp; England.</p><br><p>Host Michael Bailey is joined by England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke, PSG and Fulham writer Peter Rutzler, plus data writer Thom Harris.</p><br><p>Produced by 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 PSR doing more harm than good?

<p>Following Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules earlier this week, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater as well as Tim Spiers.</p><p>The panel debate the sanction handed down to Forest, following on from Everton's own six-point deduction with the Goodison Park outfit set to receive a further punishment in due course.</p><p>Plus, there's analysis of the impact of points deductions through the course of an ongoing season before assessing the impact the regulations could have on the summer's transfer window before getting to the role an independent regulator could have on the game.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5342142/2024/03/18/premier-league-psr-rulings/?access_token=11260232">The season of asterisks – PSR rulings have created a Premier League campaign like no other</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5354916/2024/03/20/independent-football-regulator-why-what-how/?access_token=11260232">What is the independent football regulator? Why has it been brought in? What powers does it have?</a> - The Athletic</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 long will Newcastle's faith in Eddie Howe last?

<p>Once again Newcastle United will finish the season trophyless, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League.</p><p>There have been question marks over finances, transfers and team selection.</p><p>But if the belief in manager Eddie Howe remains strong, how long will the faith remain?</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 doesn’t Ben White want to play for England?

<p>Last week England boss Gareth Soutgate announced that Arsenal’s Ben White does not want to play for England.</p><p>So, why doesn’t one of the best players in Europe, in his position, not want to represent his country?</p><p>And why do some followers of the England national team find it so difficult to understand?</p><p>Produced by Jay Beale.</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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>

Can the FA Cup save Ten Hag?

<p>Following Manchester United's dramatic FA Cup Sixth Round win over Liverpool at Old Trafford The Athletic's David Ornstein and Mark Critchley join Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the significance of the result for Erik ten Hag.</p><p>The Manchester United manager has been under increased scrutiny since the minority investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has taken over sporting control at Old Trafford.</p><p>So, would possible success in the FA Cup be enough to convince the hierarchy Ten Hag is worth persisting with come the summer, or could United be set to beginning their next managerial hunt for a worthy successor to Sir Alex Ferguson?</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5349068/2024/03/18/united-liverpool-fast-direct-style/">Manchester United are chaotic but beat Liverpool at their own game</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5240403/2024/02/08/amad-diallo-manchester-united-trafficking/">The story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe</a> - The Athletic</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>

Weekend Preview: Can Man Utd end Liverpool’s 'quadruple' hopes?

<p>It’s matchday 29 in the Premier League &amp; the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend. </p><br><p>The big meeting of the weekend sees Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, while Man City host Newcastle.</p><br><p>There’s also Premier League action to discuss &amp; reaction to the latest England squad announcement.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Whitehead</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>

Should Man United knock down Old Trafford?

<p>Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday at their iconic home Old Trafford, but the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ isn’t what it once was.</p><p>Last week the club announced plans for a “world-class” stadium, so why is it so important to have a state of the art arena and how will a shiny modern new stadium improve results on the pitch?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Andy Mitten, part of The Athletic's dedicated Man United podcast Talk Of The Devils, to discuss what options are opened to Manchester United when it comes to a stadium renovation or even rebuild.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5336480/2024/03/14/united-old-trafford-debt/">Why Manchester United might need more debt to rebuild Old Trafford</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5292369/2024/02/24/manchester-united-old-trafford-ratcliffe-2/">If Manchester United want an elite stadium, Old Trafford must be knocked down</a> - The Athletic</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>

Can Barcelona's youngsters save the club?

<p>On Tuesday night, Barcelona made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.</p><p>There was a time when that would have been very much routine.</p><p>But after all the off-pitch issues, could this actually be a turning point?</p><p>Or is it just a false dawn for a club gripped by crippling financial losses? </p><p>The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal is joined by Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Barcelona writer Pol Ballus.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</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 does Chelsea's multi-club model work?

<p>Chelsea saw off Newcastle in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, a win that eased pressure on Mauricio Pochettino…</p><p>But the bigger picture is they remain 11th in the table which has led sections of the fanbase harking back to the days of Roman Abramovich.</p><p>So what are the issues the owners need to address to turn things round? </p><p>And will strategies like Chelsea’s multi-club model ever convince a sceptical fanbase? </p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Liverpool want Michael Edwards back?

<p>Only one point separates the top three in the Premier League following Liverpool and Man City drawing 1-1 at Anfield on Sunday, while Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday night to move to the top of the table.</p><p>Meanwhile, off the pitch for Liverpool the Reds are moving closer to bringing back former sporting director Michael Edwards to work within owners Fenway Sports Group's ownership structure with Bournemouth's departing technical director Richard Hughes looking set to take the sporting director role at Anfield.</p><p>Join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic's Oli Kay and Simon Hughes as they analyse the draw with Man City on Sunday as well as discuss the latest within Liverpool's off-pitch infrastructure ahead of what could be a crucial summer with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5329949/2024/03/11/liverpool-manchester-city-premier-league-classic/">Liverpool vs Manchester City: This is what a Premier League classic looks like</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5322977/2024/03/08/liverpool-michael-edwards-who-fenway/">Michael Edwards close to FSG role with Richard Hughes as Liverpool sporting director</a> - The Athletic</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>

Weekend Preview: Liverpool vs Man City

<p>It’s another huge weekend in the Premier League, with a pivotal matchup in the title race as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.</p><p>Elsewhere, Aston Villa welcome Tottenham to Villa Park as both sides chase Champions League football, and Everton go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Nick Miller</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><br><p>We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to <a href="https://www.honesty-box.co.uk/box/theathletic24">theathletic.com/survey24</a>. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.</p><p>***</p><p>• With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at <strong>BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</strong></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>

Klopp v Guardiola: The Premier League's greatest rivalry?

<p>This weekend sees Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the final time in the Premier League.</p><p>Two hugely successful managers but would either have been quite so successful without the other?</p><p>And with Klopp about to leave Anfield - and Guardiola's long-term future at the Etihad uncertain..</p><p>Which club - Liverpool or City - is better suited to life without its legendary leader?</p><p>The Athletic’s Michael Bailey is joined by colleagues Oli Kay, Pol Ballus and our German football writer Raf Honigstein.</p><p>Producer Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to <a href="https://www.honesty-box.co.uk/box/theathletic24">theathletic.com/survey24</a>. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.</p><p>• With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at <strong>BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</strong></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 Postecoglou on the right track at Spurs?

<p>With 12 games to go Spurs look like a good bet for Champions League football.</p><br><p>So are Spurs punching above their weight or could they be even higher had their season not been hampered by injury? </p><br><p>And how does Ange Postecoglou’s start as a manager in the Premier League compare with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to <a href="https://www.honesty-box.co.uk/box/theathletic24">theathletic.com/survey24</a>. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.</p><p>• With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at <strong>BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</strong></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>

Do Arsenal still need to sign a striker?

<p>Last night, Arsenal swept the floor with another of the Premier League’s relegation candidates, Sheffield United.</p><br><p>So do they need a new striker after all?!</p><br><p>In their last seven league games they have scored 31 times.</p><br><p>So, what has Mikel Arteta changed to open the floodgates?</p><br><p>And will it be enough to challenge title rivals City and Liverpool all the way to the end?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and former Gunners midfielder Adrian Clarke.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to <a href="https://www.honesty-box.co.uk/box/theathletic24">theathletic.com/survey24</a>. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.</p><p>=====</p><p>• With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at <strong>BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</strong></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 Ten Hag ever close the gap on Man City?

<p>Manchester City eventually ran out convincing winners over Manchester United in the derby at the weekend. </p><p>Yet, Erik ten Hag said afterwards that the gap in quality between the two sides wasn’t that big..</p><p>Is he right?</p><p>And if there is a summer of sweeping changes at United, is this likely to also mean a change of manager at Old Trafford?</p><p> Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein &amp; Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell.</p><p>We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to <a href="https://www.honesty-box.co.uk/box/theathletic24">theathletic.com/survey24</a>. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.</p><p>***</p><p>• With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at <strong>BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</strong></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>

Weekend Preview: Manchester Derby

<p>It’s the Manchester derby, with City hosting United at the Etihad Stadium. United will be hoping to better their 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.</p><br><p>Elsewhere, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on Spurs, Newcastle host in-form Wolves, while Everton welcome West Ham to Goodison Park.</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Joey D'Urso</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 long will three-team Premier League title race last?

<p>With 12 Premier League games to play, the top three are separated by just two points, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all still firmly in contention to be crowned champions in May.</p><p>So are we set for the most nail-biting climax in Premier League history, or will March's clashes at the top of the table prove decisive?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas as well as Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to assess and analyse each of the side in the race to win the title.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="Arsenal,%20Manchester%20City%20or%20Liverpool?%20The%20Premier%20League%E2%80%99s%20title%20race%20analysed">Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool? The Premier League’s title race analysed</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="Three-team%20Premier%20League%20title%20races%20are%20rare%20%E2%80%93%20enjoy%20this%20while%20you%20can">Three-team Premier League title races are rare – enjoy this while you can</a> - The Athletic</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 Haaland destined for Real Madrid?

<p>Last night, Manchester City moved a step closer to another treble, thanks to the formidable Erling Haaland.</p><br><p>If City do win the lot - again - could he start to think about a fresh challenge? </p><br><p>There’s always been a suspicion that Haaland will one day join Real Madrid.</p><br><p>But is a move now less likely with the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe?</p><br><p>Or is Madrid the only realistic next destination for Haaland… if anywhere at all? </p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Man City correspondent Sam Lee, data writer Thom Harris, plus La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Additional production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</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>

Does the Everton case damage the Premier League?

<p>Why has Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules been reduced to six points? </p><br><p>How will the decision impact sides around them locked in a relegation battle? </p><br><p>What might it say about Everton's upcoming second case? </p><br><p>And what about outstanding charges for Nottingham Forest… and the 115 for Manchester City?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Matt Slater and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Additional production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Klopp's kids offer Liverpool a goldmine

<p>Following Liverpool's 10th League Cup success manager Jurgen Klopp described it as the most special achievement of his career, given the reliance he had to put in a number of academy graduates.</p><p>Youngsters Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Jarrell Quansah were all used from the bench along with full-back Conor Bradley.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Liverpool reporter James Pearce to analyse the Reds' bold youth policy through academy coaching and recruitment before looking ahead to what could prove to be a decisive summer at Anfield.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5299175/2024/02/26/liverpool-carabao-van-dijk-danns-clark-mcconnell-klopp/">The Liverpool kids who won the cup – with some help from Virgil van Dijk</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5298777/2024/02/25/jurgen-klopp-farewell-tour/">Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool farewell tour skips, screams and grins on way to ‘most special trophy’</a> - The Athletic</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>

Weekend Preview: Carabao Cup Final

<p>Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of top-flight football ahead, with not only Premier League points but also domestic silverware on the line. </p><p>Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Carabao Cup, but who would the trophy be more important for, Mauricio Pochettino at the start of his Chelsea career, or Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time at Liverpool? </p><p>Meanwhile on Saturday, Arsenal host Newcastle and Man City travel to Bournemouth, both hoping to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table.</p><p>And the weekend will also give us our first glimpse of Oliver Glasner, new in the dugout at Crystal Palace. We explore what fans can expect from the Austrian tactically. </p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Luke Bosher</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</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>