The Athletic FC Podcast

Inter Milan: Winning titles, losing money

<p>It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverware for a fourth consecutive season… </p><p>Behind the scenes however, the picture isn’t quite as rosy. Despite increased revenues, profits are low and debts are sky-high. Add to that an outdated stadium, an ageing squad and some high-profile departures.</p><p>So, is it enough for them to just be successful on the pitch and if a takeover is the solution, are they, or any Italian club, attractive enough to buy? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater &amp; our Italian football writer James Horncastle.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Jay Beale</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>

Barcelona 'bet the house' on their future - will it work?

<p>It doesn’t seem<strong> </strong>that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club.</p><p>Moving on from Messi &amp; co was always going to be difficult, but a series of failings on and off the pitch, led to a fall from grace. Only last month however, President Joan Laporta proclaimed the crisis he ‘inherited’ was over.</p><p>But, as the reigning La Liga Champions’, net debt climbs to almost £1.2bn - is everything quite as it seems at Barca? </p><p>In the second part of our series ‘Crisis Clubs’, examining the financial states of five European football clubs, Ayo Akinwolere, Matt Slater &amp; Dermot Corrigan dig into the numbers and plot a potential way out for Barcelona.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><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>

What Everton’s punishment could mean for Man City & Chelsea

<p>On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.</p><p>Leaving Everton with only four points, and in the relegation zone, despite an up-turn in recent form on the pitch… </p><p>So today, we’ll explain why Everton have been punished, what happens next &amp; what it might mean for clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater, Football Correspondent David Ornstein &amp; Everton writer Patrick Boyland.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p><strong><em>***</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</em></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>

Premier League roundtable: The season so far

<p>An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far. </p><p>With the help of Nick Miller, Jay Harris, and Caoimhe O’Neill, we start by asking whether Man City can be beaten to the title this season, with Liverpool and Arsenal looking like the key contenders.</p><p>Then it's a trip to the foot of the table, and wondering whether the three promoted clubs - Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton - can escape instant relegation. </p><p>And finally, it's a tour of our moments of the season so far, featuring our favourite goals, matches, players, signings, and more!</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</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 leadership limbo: Arnold’s departure explained

<p>After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS set to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, does this move represent the start of a change of direction after a difficult 12 months at the club? </p><p>And can United live up to the claim they made to investors, that with the right support they can enjoy billion pound revenues?</p><p> Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton &amp; Dan Sheldon.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</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>

Napoli: From champions to chaos in six months

<p>Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge…</p><p>Walter Mazzarri is the surprise replacement having previously been in charge of the club in 2013..</p><p>So how have Napoli gone from winning their first league title in 33 years to sacking their manager just six months later?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</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>

Xabi Alonso: Europe's next 'super coach'

<p>Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric start to his managerial career.</p><p>After playing under some of the biggest names in coaching during his playing career, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Alonso has already begun to forge an impressive reputation for himself.</p><p>The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Thom Harris join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Alonso's start in coaching at Leverkusen, which influences have shown within his side as well as assessing what could come next for the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</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 Raheem Sterling’s England career over?

<p>Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling.</p><p>But despite being one of the best players on the pitch in Chelsea’s four four draw with Manchester City, Sterling has - once again - not made the latest England squad.</p><p>So is Sterling being unfairly overlooked or has Gareth Southgate moved on with new faces, such as Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Chelsea writer Simon Johnson as well as Oli Kay.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead </p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</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 Chelsea back-up Spurs win against Man City?

<p>Adam Leventhal welcomes Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, and Omar Garrick to the studio to preview the weekend's fixtures. </p><p>Chelsea vs Manchester City headlines the weekend's action as Pochettino's side look to claim another big scalp after taking down Spurs on Monday. </p><p>Tottenham will look to regroup despite losing four key players to injury or suspension as they take a trip to Wolves.</p><p>Elsewhere, Brighton are five games without a Premier League win; we ask Tifo tactics expert Jon Mackenzie whether other managers have figured them out, or if it's just a blip, as they prepare to take on Sheffield United. </p><p>Finally, as Manchester United lurch from one crisis to another, surely they have enough to beat Luton at home? </p><p>All that and more!</p><p>Produced by John Rogers</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> </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 Hojlund and Jackson handle their goalscoring burdens?

<p>Both Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson have felt the weight of expectation following their respective summer moves to Man United and Chelsea.</p><p>To analyse their starts to life in the Premier League Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and ex-Brighton &amp; Hove Albion forward Glenn Murray as well as The Athletic's Oliver Kay.</p><p>The panel assess the impact of the environment both players are operating in, the options available within the transfer market for 'elite' clubs as well as what it will take for both Hojlund and Jackson to succeed.</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> </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 Dortmund moved on from Bellingham?

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor as well as ex-Bundesliga striker Jan Aage Fjortoft to analyse Borussia Dortmund following their 2-0 Champions League win over Newcastle United.</p><p>Having lost out on the Bundesliga title on the final day of the 2022/23 season before selling Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in the summer, the panel analyse what is possible for Edin Terzic's side both domestically and in Europe.</p><p>With Bellingham following on from the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho in leaving Dortmund in recent seasons, we also delve into their changing approach in the transfer market as well as the influence of their supporters.</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> </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>

Were Spurs the real winners against Chelsea?

<p>Forget the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, Tottenham vs Chelsea was 'Monday night Madness' in North London.</p><br><p>Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and Spurs writer Charlie Eccleshare to explore whether Postecoglou's side really emerged stronger in defeat?</p><br><p>Plus, what can Chelsea take from a huge win that was arguably one of their worst performances of the season?</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; Jay Beale</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> </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 need an 'elite' striker?

<p>Arteta's Arsenal were furious with VAR following their defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, but with just <strong><em>one</em></strong> shot on target in match - should they be more concerned with their own misfiring attack?</p><p>From his brilliant hat-trick at home to Sheffield United - to being subbed with his team in need of a goal in Newcastle - has Nketiah become the fall-guy for Arsenal’s need to evolve in attack? </p><p>Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Arsenal writer James McNicholas to explore the Gunners' creative problems and their January transfer plans.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p><strong><em>***</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>• 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 </em></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: Can Arsenal survive their first big away test?

<p>Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of Premier League fixtures. </p><p>Headlining the weekend is Arsenal's trip to Newcastle, their first away game at a top-six team so far this season. Can Newcastle withstand the Gunners even without new signings Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali to call upon? Jacob Whitehead, the Athletic's Newcastle correspondent, is on hand to tell us. </p><p>Then it's a return to Tottenham for Mauricio Pochettino for the first time with a new club. Can his Chelsea team break out of their slump to shock the league leaders? </p><p>And finally, we discuss the race to the bottom, and whether Luton is the most likely to escape relegation this season. </p><p>Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Jacob Whitehead and Luke Bosher</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>

Saudi World Cup: What does it mean for football?

<p>Following Australia's withdrawal to host the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia has been left as the sole bidder to stage world football's showpiece event.</p><p>Matt Slater and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse how Saudi Arabia became the only bidder for the tournament, what benefit the Gulf state hosting the tournament brings to FIFA and the impact it could have on the wider football world.</p><p>Plus the panel debate the discussion around Human Rights, following the scrutiny the Qatar World Cup came under, before debating the impact it could have for the Saudi Pro League over the next 11 years before the tournament is played.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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>

Why have no Premier League managers been sacked yet?

<p>Last season in the Premier League it felt like there was a manager being sacked every week. This season, it feels like the writing’s on the wall for a few struggling clubs already...</p><p>So is it a surprise that no head coaches have paid the price. And will November once again prove to be the start of '<em>sacking season'</em>?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Dom Fifiled, Duncan Alexander &amp; Jay Harris to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; Jay Beale</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>

Are Real Madrid leaving Barcelona behind?

<p>Are Real Madrid about to leave Barcelona behind, both on and off the pitch?</p><p>After losing Saturday’s El Clasico and then seeing Lionel Messi collect a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, you can bet there were a few people at Barcelona, hankering for the old days..</p><p>Add to that, Jude Bellingham’s goals, and last night’s Kopa Trophy win — the award for the best under-21 player - it's clear Real Madrid are looking towards the future.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus, Spanish football editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero &amp; tactics writer Michael Cox…</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional production: Jay Beale</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>

Is the Man United job impossible?

<p>At Old Trafford yesterday Manchester City proved once again they are levels above Manchester United.</p><p>How much is Erik ten Hag to blame and is he right to say United are still moving in the right direction after being outclassed by City?</p><p>Or with all the turmoil off pitch going on, at one of the worlds biggest clubs, does he simply have an impossible job?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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>

Weekend Preview: Can United upset City in the Manchester derby?

<p>Tim Spiers, in for Adam Leventhal, hosts Jon Mackenzie, Reuben Pinder, and Omar Garrick for our weekly preview of the Premier League.</p><p>Matchday 10 welcomes the Manchester derby, with United welcoming their City rivals to Old Trafford. Can United repeat their 2-1 victory from last season or will City continue to expose some of their neighbour's flaws?</p><p>Elsewhere there's a West London derby as Chelsea welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge. The Blues once again impressed without winning last time out versus Arsenal, leaving our panel wondering if their results will ever catch up to their performances.</p><p>And in the race to the bottom, Bournemouth take on Burnley - could a poor result either way spell the end of Andoni Iraola or Vincent Kompany's managerial reign at their respective clubs? </p><br><p>Produced by 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>

Inside Jadon Sancho's Man United exile

<p>Two months on from his last appearance for Manchester United, Jadon Sancho seems no close to a first team return.</p><p>The Athletic's Manchester United writers Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka join Ayo Akinwolere to explain and analyse Sancho's ongoing exile with the 23-year-old currently banished from all first team involvement.</p><p>As well as looking into the public fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag the panel discuss where things had already been going wrong for the England international at Old Trafford before assessing what comes next ahead of the January transfer window opening.</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>

How Szoboszlai has 'transformed' Liverpool's midfield

<p>After Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner and Naby Keita all left Anfield in the summer transfer window, Jurgen Klopp’s midfield required a full-scale re-build - with Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai at the heart of it.</p><p>The 23-year-old is the only Liverpool outfielder to have played in all 810 minutes of the Premier League campaign so far, and is already a fan-favourite on Merseyside.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein, data writer Mark Carey and Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap, to assess the his 'transformative' impact, changing role in Klopp's team and whether comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard are worthy.</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>

Is it time to take Tottenham seriously?

<p>Last night, Tottenham went two points clear at the top of the Premier League, thanks to goals from Maddison and captain, Son Heung-min.</p><p>Michael Bailey is joined by Charlie Eccleshare and Adam Crafton to discuss whether Spurs are title contenders or if their incredible early season form is unsustainable?</p><p>Plus, Liam Tharme shares his thoughts on how Son has adapted to the No.9 role and filled the goals void left by Kane, and the panel ask whether Ange Postecoglou deserves more respect?</p><p>Produced by Jay Beale and 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>

Has Unai Emery silenced his critics?

<p>On the eve of his first anniversary as Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery has Villa within striking distance of the top of the Premier League.</p><p>Having returned to English football last season, following an ill-fated 18 month spell at Arsenal, Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Gregg Evans to analyse the Spaniard's resurgence in the West Midlands.</p><p>Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell shares his take on Villa's start to the season, their best season 1998/99, while Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas reviews his time in North London before assessing how he feels seeing Emery thrive at Villa Park.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</p><p>**</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and 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 Liverpool handle another 12.30pm start?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview Premier League matchday nine.</p><p>The weekend starts with a Merseyside derby at Anfield. With only one win against Liverpool since 2010, can Sean Dyche’s team take advantage of Liverpool’s dodgy form in early kickoffs?</p><p>Then we’re off to Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea host Arsenal. With Arsenal’s recent dominance we ask if the title of ‘biggest club in London’ has swung back to North London.</p><p>And Man City host Brighton on the back of a blip, with three losses in the last four games. Will they right the ship, or can the Seagulls add to their misery?</p><p>Adam Leventhal hosts Jay Harris, Tim Spiers and Luke Bosher.</p><p>Producer - John Rogers</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.</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>

Who succeeds Guardiola at Man City?

<p>Contracted through to 2025, there's no immediate sign of Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City.</p><p>Yet with Roberto De Zerbi taking his Brighton &amp; Hove Albion side to the Etihad this weekend, he could outlines his credentials to succeed the Spaniard at City with Guardiola a known admirer.</p><p>Adam Levethal is joined by The Athletic's Italian and German football correspondents James Horncastle and Raphael Honigstein, with Man City writer Sam Lee also dropping in to assess Guardiola's impact on the Premier League and European Football before assessing the candidates who could be viewed as Guardiola successors.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Adonis Pratsides</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.</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>

Why Bellingham's better off in Spain

<p>As England secured their place at Euro 2024, we watched on in awe at another Jude Bellingham masterclass - is there a better player in world football right now?</p><p>And as England boss Gareth Southgate continues to bristle at questions over his team selection and along culture war lines - has the manager’s more 'combative' character, changed how you feel about him?</p><p>Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s England correspondent Tim Spiers and reporter Adam Crafton to discuss...</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.</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>

Does EA SPORTS need FIFA?

<p>Host Adam Leventhal and a couple of The Athletic's resident <em>gamers</em>, Jay Harris &amp; Art de Roché, reflect on the cultural impact, messy divorce and exciting future of FIF... EA SPORTS FC 24!</p><p>Why Gianni Infantino will miss the PR cover the game inadvertently provided for FIFA and why EA were happy to go it alone. How the franchise pulled clear of rivals like Pro Evolution Soccer and their efforts to impact the sport in the real world.</p><p>With interviews from David 'DJ' Jackson (VP of Brand at EA SPORTS) and Leah Revelle (leading female FC streamer in North America) on the decision to incorporate the biggest stars from the Women's game in 'Ultimate Team', gaming addiction and spending on 'packs'.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; Jay Beale</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.</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>

Man United takeover: Will Ratcliffe's proposal change anything?

<p>Ahead of Manchester United’s board being set to vote on selling a minority stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater, David Ornstein and Adam Crafton is debate the proposal.</p><p>Following Sheikh Jassim’s Qatari group claiming to have withdrawn from the process the panel analyse Ratcliffe's offer to purchase a 25% minority stake in the club, in return for sporting control at Old Trafford.</p><p>Plus there's debate around what impact it could have on the Glazers' tenure as well as which personnel could be at risk following INEOS involvement at Manchester United.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</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>

Weekend Preview: Are England favourites for Euro 2024?

<p>On this edition of the Weekend Preview we welcome another round of Euro 2024 qualifiers, with England potentially securing qualification if they can see off Italy on Tuesday.</p><p>With the Three Lions in good shape ahead of Germany next summer, we ask the panel whether they’re comfortable with the ‘favourites’ tag and which countries fear them the most.</p><p>Also, with the UK and Ireland having been confirmed as hosts of Euro 2028, our panelists get out their crystal balls to predict the starting lineups five years from now.</p><p>Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Tim Spiers and Thom Harris.</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 Brand Beckham transcended football

<p>Following the release of the David Beckham documentary that everyone is talking about, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Carl Anka and Felipe Cardenas to discuss Beckham and how he became a global icon that broke America.</p><p>We’ll also hear Adam in conversation with Paddy Harverson - former Manchester United Head of Communications, during the peak of Beckham’s celebrity.</p><p>How much of the documentary is a true reflection of the player and the man? Or is it all part of the Brand Beckham plan?</p><br><p>Produced by Guy Clarke &amp; Jay Beale</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>