The Athletic FC Podcast

Messi to MLS: a seismic story explained

<p>Lionel Messi has opted to join Inter Miami in MLS over a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia or a romantic return to Barcelona.</p><br><p>On this bonus episode of The Athletic Football Podcast, Adam Leventhal is joined by Felipe Cardenas in the US, Pol Ballus in Spain and Matt Slater in, err, Macclesfield to explain the intricacies of the move from every angle.</p><br><p>How close was a return to Barcelona realistically? Why did Miami eventually win him over? Here’s all the big questions answered…</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>

Real Madrid sign Bellingham - and they’re not done yet

<p>How Real Madrid won the race to sign Jude Bellingham and why he chose La Liga over the Premier League.. </p><p>We also have all the detail of how much are they paying Dortmund, how Real funded the deal and why they will not be finished spending just yet.</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein - who broke the story - our German football writer Rafa Honigstein &amp; Dermot Corrigan who is in Madrid</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 Arabia’s extraordinary football overhaul explained

<p>This week the Saudi Arabian domestic league announced a big revamp. In short it’s more teams, bigger talent, and a huge injection of cash. </p><p>How will it work? Who could be joining Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema out there? And what is the Kingdom's ultimate goal?</p><p>To answer these questions Mark Chapman is joined by Adam Crafton, Jacob Whitehead and Wael Jabir</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 Ange Postecoglou fix Tottenham?

<p>After 72 days of searching for Antonio Conte's successor, Tottenham Hotspur have named Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach.</p><p>Following his successive spell north of the border with Celtic, can he replicate that in North London and turn around Tottenham's fortunes?</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare and CODE Sports' Adam Peacock to delve into the Australian's career to date and consider how suitable a fit he is for the hotseat at Spurs.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><br><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit <a href="http://betterhelp.com/athleticfootball"><u>BetterHelp.com/</u></a><u>athleticfootball</u> 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>

How can Man United get closer to Man City?

<p>Coming up, how far are Manchester United from Manchester City in terms of success on the football pitch? </p><p>And with uncertainty around ownership and transfer funds, what can they realistically do to close the gap next season? </p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell &amp; Mark Critchley.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Wembley prepares for first FA Cup Final Manchester derby

<p>Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth are here to cast an eye over events at Wembley this weekend as Manchester City look to take a step closer to sealing the Treble.</p><p>With Manchester United out to stop them matching Sir Alex Ferguson's feat of 1999 the panel look in depth to the match-up at Wembley with both The Athletic's Man City and Man Utd writers Sam Lee and Laurie Whitwell giving the perspective from both sides of Manchester.</p><p>Plus there's a look at the managerial merry-go-round following the end of the Premier League season as well as the Trivia too!</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Barmy Bundesliga: Dortmund collapse & Bayern’s rebuild

<p>Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor after a hectic finale to the Bundesliga season in which Bayern Munich pipped Borussia Dortmund to the title.</p><br><p>The reigning Bavarian champions acted quickly, relieving Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn of their duties as their rebuild begins.</p><br><p>Meanwhile, it was another emotional collapse for Dortmund as they failed to snatch Bayern’s crown.</p><br><p>So what next for Bayern and Dortmund, and… their stars like Jude Bellingham, Leon Goretzka. Also, who could they bring in this summer? The panel answer all.</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson and 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>

Relief and anger at Everton - what next?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O’Keeffe &amp; Patrick Boyland to detail the story of Everton’s latest escape from relegation &amp; how they’ll be looking to avoid it happening again next season.</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>

Ivan Toney's ban & Gambling's grip on football

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by Steven Caulker &amp; The Athletic's Jay Harris to explain Ivan Toney's 8-month ban from football and discuss the game's 'toxic' relationship with gambling...</p><p>What exactly was Ivan Toney found guilty of, the 'extreme' nature of his punishment and a 'culture' that still plagues English football.</p><p>Plus, Steven talks about an academy project of his launching this summer, <a href="https://behindthewhitelines.com"><em>Behind The White Lines</em></a><em>, </em>aimed at providing support to young players who have been rejected by professional clubs.</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>

Why Leeds & Leicester were relegated & what next

<p> So Leicester City &amp; Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League and will be playing in the second tier of English football next season..</p><p>So how did it come to this? </p><p>And how will both clubs deal with various off pitch issues and look to bounce straight back?</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay &amp; Rob Tanner who covers Leicester City for us.</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: The battle at the bottom heads to the final day as Everton, Leicester & Leeds await their fate

<p>Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as the curtain comes down on this Premier League season.</p><p>Ahead of the scrap for survival at the bottom the panel assess what twists and turns could happen as Everton, Leicester and Leeds look to avoid relegation.</p><p>Plus, there's a look ahead to the shootout for the Europa League Conference qualification between Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brentford as well as our 'End of Season' awards along with the Trivia and Six Scores Challenge.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Fairytale Play-Off Final for the biggest prize in football

<p>As recently as 2018 both Coventry City and Luton Town were playing one another in League Two, yet on Saturday meet at Wembley for a place in the Premier League next season.</p><p>Luton having climbed back from dropping out in the EFL in 2009 and Coventry City, who have been 'homeless' due to stadium disputes and evictions during the last decade both have the chance of returning to the top flight.</p><p>Mark Champman is alongside Matt Slater, Richard Sutcliffe and Nancy Froston to discuss football's 'Richest Game' and the impact this season's Championship Play-Off Final could have for its winner.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Vinícius Júnior has had enough

<p>Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono<strong>, </strong>after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid.</p><p><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">But is that going to make a difference?</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">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>

Newcastle United: Where next?

<p>Newcastle United will be returning to the Champions League after 20 years away next season, after securing a top four finish with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night.</p><p>Having also reached a first cup final in 24 years this season, their first under Saudi Arabian ownership and with Eddie Howe in the dugout what comes next for the Magpies?</p><p>Mark Chapman is alongside George Caulkin and Oli Kay to explore where Newcastle go next...</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Manchester City: Champions and Allegations

<p>So Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in the past six years.</p><p>But off the pitch questions remain after over 100 Premier League charges - for allegedly breaching financial regulations - were brought against the club..</p><p>So is there an asterisk over City’s success until the charges are resolved either way? Or will the allegations just be forgotten about as more titles are collected and the long process drags on? </p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and our Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee.</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: Man City aim to complete first leg of potential Treble, Newcastle looking to confirm Top Four finish & Big Sam heads back to West Ham in need of points

<p>Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the penultimate weekend of action in the Premier League.</p><p>Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad hoping to seal their third successive league title while Newcastle know a win over Leicester City on Monday night will be enough to secure Champions League qualification.</p><p>At the bottom, Big Sam heads back to West Ham hoping to keep Leeds alive heading into the final day, plus there's the Trivia &amp; Six Scores Challenge.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>***</p><p>• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash 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>

What rest of Europe thinks of Man City's dominance

<p>So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances.</p><p>But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides?</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manchester City's rivals make of their dominance.</p><p>***</p><p>• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash 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>

Why did Southampton's data gamble fail?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell to dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League under the stewardship of data-driven Sport Republic.</p><p>The role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, appointment of Nathan Jones as well as the club's bold youthful transfer policy are all put under the spotlight.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>***</p><p>• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash 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>

Barcelona: Why winning La Liga is not enough

<p>Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.”</p><p>But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club?</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future.</p><br><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash 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>

Pochettino’s Chelsea - will the players and owners buy into his plan?

<p> What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need? </p><p>And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running? </p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson &amp; David Ornstein </p><p>***</p><p>• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash 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: Leeds & Leicester in need of relegation reaction, Liverpool applying top four pressure & Man City's Treble charge continues

<p>Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest.</p><p>At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip.</p><p>Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Manchester United: A season on a knife edge

<p class="ql-align-justify">Are Manchester United <em>really</em> back?</p><p class="ql-align-justify">That was the feeling back in February after winning the League Cup and beating Barcelona.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">But now league form is faltering and their Champions League place is under threat from arch-rivals Liverpool and do they have enough in the tank to stop City winning a possible treble?</p><p class="ql-align-justify">All this plus the uncertainty over the ownership rumbles on.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ian Irving sits down to discuss it all with The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Laurie Whitwell.</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 to Real isn't a done deal. Yet.

<p>Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee and Raphael Honigstein to explore Jude Bellingham's proposed summer transfer to Real Madrid, over a return to England and the Premier League...</p><p>Why Man City have positioned themselves as "Release Clause FC", the impact of Real Madrid's very public <em>failed</em> pursuit of Kylian Mbappe last summer and Borussia Dortmund's negotiating position.</p><p>Plus, an insight into the way the Bellingham camp operate, why so many players can't resist the lure of Los Blancos, which 'football project' is the most enticing and why a move to Pep's City might not actually make sense.</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>

Is Italian football back?

<p>James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football.</p><p>We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed.</p><p>We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table.</p><p>And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final.</p><p>Italy - It’s chaotic, it’s romantic… but above all you can’t take your eyes off it.</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 Sam Allardyce plans to keep Leeds in the Premier League

<p>Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League..</p><p>Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough? </p><p>Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay.</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: Big Sam is back, Man Utd leave top four door open & Erling Haaland powering City towards Premier League Coronation

<p>As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action.</p><p>Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification.</p><p>Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton while Everton and Leicester City look to kick-on following their pulsating draw at the King Power Stadium.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Project Messi: How it fell apart at PSG

<p>So this week Lionel Messi was suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain and will be fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia…</p><p>Coming up we’ll discuss the events that surely signal the end of Project Messi in Paris &amp; where he might play next.. </p><p>Is Messi now more of a very expensive PR tool than a footballer?</p><p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's we have Adam Crafton and also our Paris Saint-Germain writer Peter Rutzler in Paris.</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>

Arteta’s Arsenal: The next phase

<p>Arsenal have had a very good season - Champions or not. And with Champions League football back, the future is certainly bright.</p><p>So, what do Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal need to do to get to the ‘next level’ and how will the way they operate need to change? </p><p>Joining Mark Chapman it's David Ornstein and Adrian Clarke</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson and 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 Haaland has demolished the Premier League

<p>Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has made history scoring his 50th goal of the season on Sunday - the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years.</p><p>How has manager Pep Guardiola got the best out of him? How can City look to ensure he stays for as long as possible? Where does this season rank him in terms of the greatest of Premier League strikers? </p><p>Joining Ian Irving to discuss the goalscoring heroics of Erling Haaland we have The Athletic’s Man City writer Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke…</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>

Leeds United: How to sink a Premier League team

<p>"This isn't about the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, it's about the decisions they've made since..." The Athletic's Leeds writer Phil Hay joins senior news reporter Matt Slater and host Ian Irving, to reflect on how Leeds got themselves into another relegation scrap this season.</p><p>The vote of no confidence from the Supporters Advisory Board, the viral video, if Javi Gracia will see out the last four games of the season, what being in the Championship would mean for the takeover and a cautionary tale in how to sink a Premier League football club.</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>