The Athletic FC Podcast

Weekend Preview: Spurs new faces to storm Old Trafford?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview matchweek 16 of the Premier League.</p><p>Five fixtures over the weekend are headlined by Man United vs Tottenham. Will we get a glimpse of new Spurs’ signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, and will they hit the ground running?</p><p>Elsewhere champions Man City travel up to Newcastle. Both teams won comfortably in the FA Cup last week, with City welcoming back Kevin De Bruyne from a 5-month absence. Can he make the difference in the title race?</p><p>The remaining fixtures are a 6-pointer at the bottom between Luton and Burnley, a west-London derby as Fulham go to Chelsea, and second-place Aston Villa visiting Goodison Park.</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Whitehead</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>

AFCON Preview: Favourites, outsiders and Onana return

<p>Two years on from Senegal ending their wait for glory, AFCON returns this weekend.</p><p>Does this year's tournament represent Mohamed Salah’s best chance to finally lay claim to being King of the Continent?</p><p>Meanwhile, Andre Onana, one of Africa’s most high profile players, once again sees his international career in jeopardy.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris, Mark Critchley and Thom Harris.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production 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>

What would Henderson's Saudi u-turn cost him?

<p>Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day…</p><p>What started with a multi-million-pound pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2022 soon expanded to include the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and of course, Jordan Henderson.</p><p>Well, now it seems Henderson wants out - and to return to the Premier League.</p><p>But it may not be that easy and <strong><em>could</em></strong> come at a significant cost... So what would an exit from the Saudi Pro League cost Henderson?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Sarah Shephard &amp; Oliver Kay.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; 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 Werner be a success at Spurs?

<p>So Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.</p><p>A player who  - it’s fair to say - was a disappointment at Chelsea.</p><p>But if the German international fits the profile and style Spurs are looking for..</p><p>Can Ange Postecoglou be the one to unlock Werner’s potential? </p><p>Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jack-Pitt Brooke, Liam Twomey who as one of our Chelsea writers was there to witness Werner’s time at Stamford Bridge and European writer Seb Stafford-Bloor who is based in Germany.</p><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>

Why can't Arsenal score goals?

<p>Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home yesterday by Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was despite creating a number of good chances and having relative ‘control’ of the game throughout...</p><p>Something Gunners' fans haven’t seen since… well, the West Ham game last week! So, how worrying is this pattern for Arteta?</p><p>And what’s their way out - Is it through coaching? Or in the January transfer window? </p><p>Host Adam Leventhal is joined by former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke and The Athletic's James McNicholas to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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>

Weekend Preview: Can Sunderland add to Newcastle’s misery?

<p>The Weekend Preview returns for 2024 with an FA Cup special.</p><p>Headlining the show is the first Tyne-and-Wear derby since 2016, as a wounded Newcastle head to their local rivals Sunderland.</p><p>Meanwhile, the highest-profile clash sees fourth-place Arsenal welcome table-topping Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal are in poor form, but how much will Liverpool miss Mo Salah, who’s just left for AFCON?</p><p>Another all-Premier League tie is Brentford vs Wolves, which Jon Mackenzie is off to attend. With Brentford only a couple of places outside the relegation zone, could a cup win re-ignite their season?</p><p>And finally, we whip out the crystal ball and offer some predictions for the year ahead, covering winners, losers, new trends and best players.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Tim Spiers</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>

Will Real Madrid finally get Mbappe?

<p>Victory last night means Real Madrid have reached the halfway stage of La Liga as league leaders on goal difference.</p><p>But in terms of stability, resources and recruitment they look miles ahead of everyone else in Spain - and most clubs across Europe. </p><p>So with the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti secured, overseeing a clutch of talented youngsters in their redeveloped iconic stadium what, if anything, do they need to do to improve? Apart from adding Kylian Mbappe...</p><p>Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spain Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss Madrid's season so far as well as analyse the ongoing chase to sign Mbappe.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production 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>

Man United’s January plans & Sancho’s future

<p>Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has finally been confirmed, how will this impact the club’s January window?</p><p>Even if players are sold, is spending even possible given FFP concerns? And is Jadon Sancho set to follow Donny van de Beek out the door at Old Trafford?</p><p>Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production 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>

Weekend Preview: Arsenal’s Anfield test and 2023 in review

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview the last set of games before Christmas.</p><br><p>First up, a Christmas cracker at the top of the table, with Arsenal visiting Anfield. The Gunners lead the league but are without a win away to Liverpool in over a decade.</p><br><p>Elsewhere West Ham host Man United, where they have a chance to overtake the Red Devils in the table, while guest Jon Mackenzie shares his controversial take on David Moyes. </p><br><p>Other storylines ahead of this weekend include Everton going for 5 wins in a row versus Spurs and a debut at Nottingham Forest for Nuno Espirito Santo.</p><br><p>And finally, for our last show of 2023, we look back on our best and worst moments of the year, and make some Christmas wishes for 2024.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, Tim Spiers</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>

Are Liverpool 2.0 ready to win the Premier League?

<p>They were frustrated by Man United last weekend, sensational against West Ham last night... Liverpool’s last two games sum up the predicament many fans find themselves in when trying to assess whether Klopp’s <em>Liverpool 2.0</em> are really ready to win the Premier League this season.</p><p>Do they need to strengthen in January, are they still over-reliant on talisman Mo Salah and will Arsenal this weekend provide a definitive acid-test? </p><p>Plus, how the club have reacted to Thursday's big news that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) attempts to block a potential European Super League were “unlawful”.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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>

Cooper & Marinakis reach breaking point: Good luck Nuno…

<p>Even as Nuno Espirito Santo becomes Nottingham Forest's new manager, the fanbase continues to mourn the departure of Steve Cooper - a coach widely regarded as their best since legendary club figure Brian Clough...</p><p>This is a story that will resonate with fans all over the world - why there is no room for sentiment in modern football.</p><p>So, does Evangelos Marinakis have a plan, or are this just the latest example of a Premier League side run entirely on the impulses of their wealthy owner? </p><br><p>Produced by Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</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 Xavi losing his grip on the Barcelona job?

<p>Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid aren’t the only team upstaging the mighty Barcelona this season… </p><p>The Catalans are already nine points behind league leaders <strong><em>Girona</em></strong> - and the goals have dried up for star striker Robert Lewandowski too.</p><p>So, is Xavi on borrowed time in the dugout. Why is Barca president Joan Laporta interfering in team selection?</p><p>And if they were to make a change - would they have to look further than the long-list of talented coaches all to emerge from the Spanish region of San Sebastian?</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</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 Dyche got Everton out of trouble

<p>Four weeks on from being hit with a record Premier league points deduction, Everton's fighting spirit is undeniable...</p><p>After four wins on the bounce, the Toffees already clear of the drop-zone - and in fact - if their appeal was successful they'd be firmly in the race for European football.</p><p>So how has Sean Dyche masterminded their escape, and with a takeover and the January transfer window looming - are they out of trouble just yet?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jacob Whitehead and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland to discuss.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</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: More Anfield pain for Man United?

<p>Adam Levethal returns to preview Matchweek 17 of the Premier League!</p><p>The weekend is headlined by table-topping Liverpool taking on Manchester United. Will Jurge Klopp’s side dish out another 7-0 thumping to The Red Devils at a slightly larger Anfield?</p><p>Then we switch our minds to the Dyche derby as Everton’s manager returns to Turf Moor. Will the in-form Toffees come unstuck at Vincent Kompany’s Clarets?</p><p>And finally a whistle stop of other interesting storylines - will Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United win back to back games? Why are Chelsea the worst team not to be relegated in the Premier League in the past 12 months? How do Newcastle Utd refocus after their draining European exit against a re-energised Fulham?</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Jacob Whitehead, Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie.</p><p>Producers: Adam Jones &amp; Steve Hankey</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</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 now for Newcastle?

<p>Newcastle United's dreams of Champions League progress ended in failure as AC Milan mounted a second half comeback to knock them out.</p><p>Newcastle's focus will now be to get back into the competition via the Premier League despite missing key players due to injury as well as Sandro Tonali, the player they signed from AC Milan, suspended until next season.</p><p>Why did Newcastle’s European campaign fail, what’s happening with Tonali and what room for manoeuvre do they have in January?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Newcastle United writer - and Pod on the Tyne regular - Chris Waugh and our Italian Football writer James Horncastle.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</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 Man United are unlikely to sack Ten Hag – yet

<p>Man United are out of Europe, 10 points off top spot in the Premier League and it’s not even Christmas… </p><p>In normal circumstances, any Manchester United manager would be under almost unbearable pressure… </p><p>So why aren’t the club going to sack Erik ten Hag just yet? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Man United writer Laurie Whitwell and our German football writer Raphael Honigstein</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</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 Chelsea afford another January spending spree?

<p>Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may want to spend MORE money this January… </p><p>So, after almost a billion pounds in transfer fees already, could there really be another spending spree?</p><p>And how much progress has actually been made at Chelsea under Pochettino? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton &amp; our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey - also a regular on our Chelsea podcast ‘Straight Outta Cobham’ </p><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</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 Emery made Aston Villa title contenders?

<p>After beating Man City on Wednesday night, Aston Villa backed that up against Arsenal on Saturday, seeing off Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at Villa Park.</p><p>Having won 15 games in a row at home, Unai Emery has now taken Villa to within two points of the Premier League summit.</p><p>So what is possible for Aston Villa this season and should they be considered title contenders?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Data Writer Thom Harris to discuss Villa's remarkable transformation under Emery.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</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 Arsenal end Villa's streak?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview Matchweek 16 of the Premier League!</p><p>The weekend is headlined by a clash between table-topping Arsenal and surprise-package Aston Villa. Can Villa extend their winning run at home to 15 games?</p><p>Then we ask what's going wrong at Manchester City? The Champions are without a win in four matches and have only managed three in their last nine. </p><p>And finally it's a tour of some other interesting storylines - will Manchester United continue their mini-renaissance vs Bournemouth? Will Steve Cooper still have a job by Monday? And how high can Everton climb even with their points penalty? </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Joey D'Urso, Oli Kay</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>

What's wrong with Man City?

<p>After Manchester City fell to defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's side slipped to fourth in the Premier League and six points off pace-setters Arsenal.</p><p>So what is going wrong at City, is it a glitch in the matrix or are their problems more serious?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Mark Critchley, Pol Ballus and Thom Harris to explore and examine City's winless run as it stretched to four games in the Premier League.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production 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 Kompany’s iconic status buying him more time?

<p>Despite a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley were beaten again this week &amp; remain in Premier League relegation zone...</p><p>Kompany has revolutionised their playing style, but does a ‘stubborn’ commitment to one way of playing hold back too many managers in the Premier league?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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>

Jorginho interview: Arteta's plan, 'unbelievable' Havertz & penalties

<p>In this exclusive interview for The Athletic, Arsenal and Italy midfielder Jorginho joins host Ayo Akinwolere, to talk about the Gunners' Premier League title charge, 'misunderstood' Kai Havertz and more...</p><p>What's it <em>really</em> like to play for Mikel Arteta and why deep-lying central midfielders have become so expensive in the transfer market.</p><p>Jorginho also opens up about the abuse he's suffered having missed penalties for Italy, why dual-nationality can be a gift and a curse in football, and working his way back into the squad for Euro 2024.</p><p>Plus, if Bukayo Saka is playing too much football and his work to help young players manage their money better.</p><p><em>Jorginho is founding Investor and Ambassador at</em><a href="https://gatherinvesting.com/"><em> Gather</em></a></p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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 a rebooted Trent lead Liverpool to the title?

<p>Trent Alexander-Arnold is flying in the Premier League…</p><p>A year on from playing a bit-part role in Qatar and struggling for form at home, Trent is now excelling for club &amp; country in a bespoke hybrid role..</p><p>So is unlocking his immense talent the key to Liverpool’s title challenge &amp; has he finally convinced Gareth Southghate that he has to find a starting place for him for England..</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Liverpool writer James Pearce, Senior Football writer Oli Kay and Data Analyst Mark Carey.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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>

Weekend Preview: Will Angeball bounce back at Man City?

<p>Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League. </p><p>First on the docket is the Man City vs Tottenham, with the away side looking to live up to their reputation as the champion's 'bogey team', with Spurs having won 5 of the last 7 matchups. </p><p>Then it's a trip to Tyneside for Newcastle vs Man United. With both teams having had emotionally exhausting midweek games, who will come out on top?</p><p>And there's also time for a discussion of basement battle Burnley vs Sheffield United, league leaders Arsenal vs Wolves, and Chelsea vs Brighton. </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>

Is Onana really to blame?

<p>Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination...</p><p>But despite some costly individual errors, is it really all goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fault? </p><p> Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Man United writer Carl Anka and our Italian football writer James Horncastle.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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 Ancelotti leave Real Madrid for Brazil?

<p>The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades...</p><p>Success feels like a virtual guarantee these days with Jude Bellingham at the heart of one of the most exciting young teams on earth - So why would anyone want to leave?</p><p>The Soap Opera of ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues…</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos and La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: 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>

Will Newcastle really sign players from the Saudi League?

<p>Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’…</p><p>So are they actually going to sign Ruben Neves in January? Or anyone else from the Saudi Pro League for that matter? </p><p>And why is the richest club in the world, turning to a 17 year-old midfielder amid an injury crisis? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, plus Jacob Whitehead &amp; Chris Waugh.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; 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>

Why Havertz suits evolving Arsenal

<p>Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career? </p><p>And with the best defence in the division - are Arsenal a better <em>team</em> than last season - if not quite as fun to watch? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal writer Amy Lawrence and German football writer Raphael Honigstein. </p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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>

Weekend Preview: Liverpool head to Man City as top two clash

<p>Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the year, with the visitors looking to lay down a marker.</p><p>Sunday sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park fresh from their 10-point deduction while Tottenham take on Aston Villa in a battle of fourth versus fifth.</p><p>Newcastle welcome Chelsea to Tyneside to round off the heavyweight clashes, while Sheffield United and Bournemouth play out a relegation 6-pointer. </p><p>All that and more, as Adam Leventhal hosts Colin Millar, Thom Harris, and Reuben Pinder.</p><p>Produced by John Rogers</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to <strong>coorslight.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>

Lyon and the danger of multi-club ownership

<p>After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s aristocracy </p><p>But after 11 games this season - they’re bottom of the table, their world-famous pool of academy talent seems to have dried up, and after losing one of the most influential football executives of this century could a genuine 'legacy club' soon be a second-division side?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined one final time this week by The Athletic’s Matt Slater &amp; Adam Crafton, plus our German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins in to connect the dots with our fifth club, Hertha Berlin.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>**</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to <strong>coorslight.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>