The Athletic FC Podcast

Are Chelsea’s players losing faith in the project?

<p>Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.</p><br><p>He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. </p><br><p>So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris Weatherspoon</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Italy and the World Cup: The curse continues

<p>The 48-team line-up for the World Cup has now been determined, after a night of drama in the play-offs.</p><br><p>And for the third successive tournament, Italy miss out…</p><br><p>So what now for the four-time champions?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Felipe Cardenas, Carl Anka</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

AFCON chaos: Will Senegal keep the trophy?

<p>The fallout from the AFCON final in January continues to rumble on.</p><br><p>On Saturday - Senegal paraded the trophy in Paris …. despite having their title stripped and handed to Morocco.</p><br><p>So what happens next?</p><br><p>And how much has this saga damaged the reputation of AFCON?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Simon Hughes, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is De Zerbi the man to save Spurs?

<p>Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur, after just one win from seven games in charge.</p><br><p>They’re now pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to replace him.</p><br><p>So, can he save them from relegation?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle &amp; Dan Kilpatrick</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke &amp; Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Who should England take to the World Cup?

<p>We're into the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. </p><br><p>Harry Maguire and Kobbe Mainoo are back in the England squad while Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out by Thomas Tuchel. </p><br><p>So, who should be on the plane come June? </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Stu James &amp; Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What makes a good Premier League owner?

<p>The Premier League currently and historically has seen a wide range of ownership models from local businessmen to sovereign wealth funds.</p><br><p>But what actually makes a good owner?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and Andy Mitten</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What does Salah’s exit mean for Liverpool?

<p>After nine years and more than 250 goals, Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool.</p><br><p>The Egyptian King has helped fire the Reds to Champions League &amp; Premier League glory.</p><br><p>So how much of a loss will he be, and can Liverpool replace him?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Oli Kay, Mark Carey</p><p>Featuring: John Gibbons</p><p>Executive Producers: Guy Clarke &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Who are the Premier League's most powerful figures?

<p>From players and managers to executives and owners, the Premier League is made up of some big personalities.</p><br><p>But who are the most influential?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and Carl Anka</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Does Pep still have the edge over Arteta?

<p>Manchester City claimed the first silverware of the season, thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. </p><br><p>For Arsenal it was another opportunity missed, but what impact will it have on the title race?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; Art de Roché</p><p>Executive Producers: Guy Clarke &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Who are the Champions League favourites after the last 16?

<p>On this episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.</p><br><p>From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern and Madrid really are.</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey &amp; Duncan Alexander</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Gabriel Jesus interview: Arteta vs Guardiola, Arsenal's title race & more

<p>Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more.</p><br><p>Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos &amp; Jack Lang</p><p>Guest: Gabriel Jesus</p><p>Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; Rachael Tinde</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Arsenal vs Man City

<p>Arsenal and Manchester City take to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. </p><br><p>Will Arsenal pick up their first major trophy since 2020, or will Pep Guardiola get his hands on his fifth League Cup with the Citizens?</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers &amp; Cerys Jones</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Does Chelsea's punishment fit the crime?

<p>Chelsea have been fined more than £10m and handed a suspended transfer ban for making secret payments in relation to transfers.</p><br><p>So does the punishment fit the crime?</p><br><p>And what&nbsp;precedent does this for future cases such as the 115 charges Manchester City face?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and Simon Johnson</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Rosenior losing the Chelsea fans already?

<p>Chelsea are out of the Champions League after an 8-2 humbling at the hands of PSG.</p><br><p>So where does such a damaging defeat leave head coach Liam Rosenior?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: James Allcott, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jay Harris</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Will Newcastle ever be an elite club?

<p>With 12 wins, six draws and 12 defeats in the Premier League - Newcastle have been struggling to find consistency this season.</p><br><p>So a year on from their historic Carabao Cup win at Wembley - are Eddie Howe’s side actually progressing?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Jacob Whitehead &amp; George Caulkin</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Who is to blame for Liverpool's decline?

<p>Once again, boos rang around Anfield as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Spurs. </p><br><p>After missing the chance to go 4th, is it Champions League qualification or bust for Arne Slot? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; Simon Hughes</p><p>Executive Producer: Guy Clarke &amp; Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Man United vs Aston Villa

<p>Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a massive game in the race for Champions League football.</p><br><p>Can the Red Devils bounce back from their first loss of the Michael Carrick era against the out of form Villains? </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers &amp; Mark Critchley</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</p><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 Premier League as strong as everyone thinks?

<p>For all the talk of Premier League dominance in Europe no English sides won in this week's Champions League.</p><br><p>So, ahead of the second legs next week is this just a blip or a rude awakening?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Twomey and James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can Tudor survive much longer at Spurs?

<p>Things aren't getting any better for Tottenham or Igor Tudor, after their 5-2 Champions League last 16 first leg loss to Atletico Madrid.</p><br><p>Four games, four defeats, 14 goals conceded and a goalkeeper subbed after 17 minutes.</p><br><p>So, what next for Spurs &amp; Tudor?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Jay Harris &amp; Simon Hughes</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can PSG win the Champions League again?

<p>PSG dominated club football last season - finally winning the Champions League.</p><br><p>But this year they’ve not yet hit the heights.</p><br><p>So can they step up and defend their European title?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Tom Williams, Carl Anka</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can Arsenal or Man City win the quadruple?

<p>Arsenal and Man City are still in all four competitions after reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.</p><br><p>It's the latest two sides have ever still been in the hunt of the quadruple in English football history.</p><br><p>So could we see one of those sides win the lot?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Oliver Kay and Duncan Alexander</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?

<p>On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss football’s new rules!</p><br><p>They talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and our own suggestions for new football laws.</p><br><p>Host: Duncan Alexander</p><p>Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Wrexham vs Chelsea

<p>FA Cup weekend brings a Hollywood tie to the Racecourse Ground, as Wrexham host Chelsea. Can the Championship club upset the odds again? </p><br><p>Elsewhere in fifth round action is yet another Newcastle and Manchester City matchup, Arsenal head to Mansfield, Port Vale host Sunderland, and more...</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Adrian Clarke &amp; Richard Sutcliffe</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; John Rogers</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What's wrong with Aston Villa?

<p>At the end of January Aston Villa were level on points with Man City seven points off league leaders Arsenal.</p><br><p>One win in six has left them clinging onto a place in the top four as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.</p><br><p>So, are the wheels falling off for Unai Emery’s side?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jacob Tanswell, Stuart James and Chris Waugh</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What would relegation actually cost Spurs?

<p>After 28 matches, Spurs are just four points above the relegation zone.</p><br><p>So could they actually get relegated for the first time in almost 50 years?</p><br><p>And how would Championship football impact a club of Tottenham’s size?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Jay Harris, David Ornstein, Beren Cross</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why is the Premier League launching its own streaming service?

<p>The Premier League is launching its own direct-to-consumer streaming channel in Singapore from next season.</p><br><p>So what will it look like?</p><br><p>And could it be a sign of things to come in the UK?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Matt Slater, Adam Leventhal</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy Clarke</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What do Chelsea's record financial losses actually mean?

<p>After losing at the Emirates, Chelsea have dropped to sixth.</p><br><p>They’ve also registered a £342m loss in their accounts.</p><br><p>So, can Chelsea afford to miss out on Champions League qualification?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater &amp; Liam Twomey</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale, Guy Clarke, Liam Warburton</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea

<p>Arsenal host Chelsea in their second London derby in the space of a week.</p><br><p>Can the Gunners take momentum from a brilliant win at Tottenham last time out, or will Chelsea put the brakes firmly back on Arsenal’s title charge?&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>Guests: Art de Roché &amp; Cerys Jones</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale &amp; Xavi Bird</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 actually broken?

<p>Despite being 10 points clear in Serie A, Inter have been knocked out the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt.</p><br><p>Juventus followed suit on Wednesday night meaning Italy’s only round of 16 representative is Atalanta.</p><br><p>So, is Italian football in crisis or this season's performance just a blip?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why are so many managers talking themselves out of a job?

<p>This season, plenty of managers have talked themselves into trouble.</p><br><p>Oliver Glasner angered Crystal Palace fans by telling them to “stay humble”.</p><br><p>And Ruben Amorim got sacked shortly after public criticism of Man United.</p><br><p>So just how powerful are a manager’s words?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Charlie Eccleshare, Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>