The Athletic FC Podcast

The Story of the Indonesia Stadium Disaster: Panic, Grief & The Search For Justice

<p>Host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Adam Leventhal present a special report into the Kanjuruhan stadium disaster in Malang, Indonesia on October 1st. When a pitch invasion escalated, as tear gas was fired onto the pitch and into the stands by Police, several locked exits led to a crush and the death of 131 people.</p><p>Adam later provides an update on the independent investigation into what happened, the government's response, FIFA's involvement and the search for justice which will feel all too familiar for many UK football fans.</p><p>* Please be advised that this episode contains reporting that some people may find disturbing.</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>

How Arteta & Edu have changed Arsenal & the challenges ahead

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to detail how have things turned out round so quickly at Arsenal &amp; the role of manager Mikel Arteta and the increasing influence of technical director Edu.</p><p>In contrast, our Liverpool writer James Pearce explains the challenges for Jurgen Klopp as he tries to turn things at Anfield.</p><p>The Athletic Manchester United writer, Laurie Whitwell shares his thoughts on what he saw of Casemiro who was man of the match in victory over Everton.</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: Leaders vs Liverpool & Cooper hanging on at Forest

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet 365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to preview the weekend's Premier League action, with a big focus on Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates.</p><p>There's also a look at Erling Haaland's incredible run of form before getting stuck in to Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Manchester United and Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd.</p><p>All this plus the meeting on Monday night of two managers under increasing pressure as Steven Gerrard takes his Aston Villa side to the City Ground to take on Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest.</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>

Qatar: Is it ready to host a World Cup?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater &amp; Phil Buckingham to look at ahead to preparations for the World Cup in Qatar in just 45 days time. Is the country ready for the influx of people from both an accommodation &amp; security point of view?</p><p>What do Qatari residents feel about the attention the World Cup has brought to their country and the scrutiny it has been under from those who have highlighted human rights and environmental abuses in the host nation.</p><p>Also, what will the knock on effect be in the Premier League in terms of players returning to their clubs ahead of a busy Christmas schedule and just before the January transfer window.</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>

Liverpool's stuttering start & how Klopp can transition them into title challengers

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by Senior Football Writer Oli Kay and Liverpool Reporter Andy Jones to analyse Liverpool's start to the new season. Whilst the European recovery continued at Anfield on Tuesday night, seeing off Rangers 2-0, the Reds remain 11 points off the pace in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's visit to league leaders Arsenal.</p><p>We explore the on-pitch issues that have led to Jurgen Klopp's side struggling to build momentum this season as well as explore the off-pitch transition within the recruitment team.</p><p>Having replaced Michael Edwards as Sporting Director in the summer, Julian Ward oversaw Mohamed Salah's contract extension, the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich as well as the potentially club-record arrival of Darwin Nunez, but have the Reds done enough in the transfer market to keep pace with Man City?</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>

Chelsea x Christopher Nkunku: Will It Work?

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey and German Football expert Raphael Honigstein, to explore RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku's prospective move to Chelsea in the summer... Where he would fit in, the inevitable questions about 'Bundesliga tax', whose feathers will be ruffled in Potter's existing squad, a potential attacking duo of Nkunku and Lukaku and why the new owners have elected to pay over the odds now, rather than wait til next Spring.</p><p>Plus, an assessment of his strengths, character, form and whether the next superstar to arrive in the Premier League from the Bundesliga, will ultimately turn out to be more Haaland or Werner?</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>

Nkunku to Chelsea agreed, Foden contract close & why Wolves sacked Lage

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein. They discuss Man City's demolition of United with The Athletic's Sam Lee with news on a new contract on the cards for Phil Foden.</p><p>The Athletic's Wolves writer Steve Madeley tells has all the details as to why Bruno Lage was sacked and we hear how the influence of agent Jorge Mendes at the club who could be lined up as the Wolves manager.</p><p>David also has news on Chelsea's pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.</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>

Taking The Knee: What's Changed?

<p>The Athletic's Dan Barnes, Carl Anka &amp; Roshane Thomas in conversation about Taking The Knee - the gesture was popularised ahead of games in England following the death of George Floyd in the USA.</p><p>What purpose has taking the knee served? What if anything has changed? And why does it make some people so angry? What should happen next?</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: Derbies in North London, Manchester and the East Midlands - the Premier League is back

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth to get stuck in to a massive weekend of Premier League football, with the North London derby, the Manchester derby and a crunch encounter in the East Midlands between Leicester and Nottingham Forest the pick of the bunch.</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>

Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal redemption explained

<p>Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's data writer Maram AlBaharna &amp; former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to explain the numbers and facts behind Granit Xhaka's journey to leading his side to the top of The Premier League having been close to leaving and the focus of fierce criticism in the past.</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>

Watford fire and hire again, but why is this one different?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by Adam Leventhal and David Walker to talk about Watford's 17th head coach of the Pozzo era.</p><p>On Monday this week in the space of 15 minutes, Watford announced the departure of Rob Edwards and the arrival of Slaven Bilic. It's not new but this time things felt different, and this time Watford fans are angry. Listen to get the inside story on how the club looks and to try to get inside the mind of Watford's trigger happy owner</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 England ready for the World Cup? Questions remain for Southgate

<p>Ian Irving is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay to reflect on Monday night's 3-3 draw at Wembley between England and Germany.</p><p>It was a spirited comeback for Gareth Southgate's side but big question marks remain over the inclusion of Harry Maguire, whether Foden fits into this system, whether Bellingham has nailed down a starting berth, whether Saka should start, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly out in the cold, to name but a few.</p><p>All these issues and more discussed, plus JPB and Oli pick their starting XIs for England's opening world cup encounter against Iran.</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>

Eric Cantona Interview: United President offer, Sir Alex, Beckham & Qatar

<p>Premier League legend Eric Cantona sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss a range of topics including his offer to become President of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, his thoughts on David Beckham's promotion of the World Cup in Qatar the possibility of World War and his connection with England.</p><p>Eric also shares the inspiration behind that iconic goal celebration, that kick and why he is both humble &amp; arrogant.</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 tests for England & Southgate

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth for a look ahead to a big weekend of international football which will feature significant tests for Gareth Southgate's England and Rob Page's Wales just two months out from the world cup.</p><p>Will Southgate put his faith in Bellingham? Will out of form Maguire and Shaw retain their starting spots? Who takes the no.1 shirt in Pickford's absence?</p><p>The international break also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Premier League, so the panel cast their eye on how the title race and relegation battles are shaping up after seven games.</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>

Derby weekend preview, Manchester City's recruitment problem, and the best kick off time

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by commentator Robyn Cowen and author Dr Carrie Dunn to look ahead to a big weekend of WSL action where we will be treated to Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Everton, and Chelsea v Man City.</p><p>We discuss why Manchester City has got itself into the state it has, why Manchester United were able to get ahead of Spurs, and what to expect from the big derby matches in the men's stadiums.</p><p>All that plus a debate on the best kick off time</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>

Jude Bellingham: The battle to sign him & why he might not start at the World Cup

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Rafa Honigstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke &amp; James Pearce to detail the battle between clubs such as Liverpool &amp; Manchester United to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.</p><p>Also we hear why, despite impressive performances in the Champions League, Bellingham isn't sure to start for England at this year's World Cup.</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>

Bruno Fernandes on his character, Ten Hag, captaincy, Ronaldo, Solskjaer, Rangnick and more

<p>Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for an exclusive in-depth conversation on topics ranging from Bruno's mindset and attitude when on the pitch, his view of why life under Erik ten Hag started so badly, how it's turned around so quickly, how it feels to be handed the captain's armband, and his relationship with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.</p><p>There's also fascinating insight from Fernandes on how he uses the referee as a reference for finding space on the pitch, his thoughts on what went wrong for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, why it didn't go well for Ralf Rangnick, and much more besides</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 Grealish works at City, De Zerbi to Brighton, Cooper & Rodgers under pressure

<p>Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the two sides to the Jack Grealish debate – and why they are both right.</p><p>Andy Naylor explains how and why Brighton appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new manager.</p><p>Nick Miller on the mounting pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper &amp; Leciester City boss Brendan Rodgers.</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: Time for Richarlison to replace Son, England's Toney to trouble Arsenal, Forest need points over performance

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Jay Harris to look ahead to all seven games this weekend as the Premier League returns from a week off. There's a big game on Friday night between two promoted sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, can Forest pick up some points to match their promising performances of late, or will Mitrovic be too much for that leaky defence?</p><p>There are question marks over Son's place in the Spurs team as they get set to take on Leicester, Brentford take on Arsenal with Ivan Toney looking to celebrate his England call-up with a big performance, and there's a big game for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa look to back up that point against Man City with a positive result at home to Southampton on Friday night</p><p>All that plus Wolves v Man City, Everton v West Ham and Newcastle v Bournemouth</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>

Lewandowski: Why Bayern let him go & how Barca can get the best from him

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein &amp; Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Robert Lewandowski; the reasons he left Bayern Munich &amp; what he offers Barcelona.</p><p>Also, how do the Barcelona &amp; Bayern Munich compare off the pitch and which club is the greater attraction for elite players.</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>

Liverpool's Loss of Rhythm, Neymar's 'World Cup form' & Marcus 'Mini-Messi' Edwards: Champions League Preview

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Spurs and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to talk about Marcus Edwards; the 23-year-old English forward lining up <em>against</em> his former club Spurs in the Champions League...</p><p>Plus, tactics writer Michael Cox is on hand to assess whether Christophe Galtier's PSG are any more balanced than in previous years, as well as, Neymar's imperious form less than two months from the start of the Qatar World Cup. Senior Writer Oli Kay also joins to discuss some fascinating parallels between Klopp's current floundering Liverpool and Arigo Sacchi's great AC Milan side of the late 80s.</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>

AC Milan's redemption: how they turned it round & who are new owners RedBird Capital?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle &amp; Matt Slater to detail how AC Milan was turned around both on and off the pitch, and tell you all you need to know about their new owners RedBird Capital - including their links with the New York Yankees, Drake &amp; Lebron James - and hear about out their plans and challenges for AC Milan in the future.</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 Tuchel's sacking - and why Chelsea have turned to Potter

<p>A day on from Chelsea's sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to analyse how things turned sour at Stamford Bridge. And with Graham Potter's arrival close to confirmation, we ask why the new Chelsea ownership regard him as the key man for the Blue's next decade. Plus, what next for Tuchel - and how do Brighton prepare for life after Potter?</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>

Chelsea sack Tuchel - reaction with David Ornstein

<p>Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel after a string of disappointing results and performances at the start of the new season.</p><p>Join Mark Chapman, David Ornstein and Liam Twomey as they discuss why tensions have been increasing since the US tour, what this might mean for new boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and which manager they could to turn to next.</p><p><em>[This episode of the Athletic Football Podcast was originally broadcast as a live stream]</em></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>

Aubameyang To Chelsea: Unfinished Business, The No. 9 Curse & Boehly v Barcelona

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Pol Ballus to put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deadline day return to the Premier League under the spotlight...</p><p>Where does the 33-year-old goalscorer fit in, six years on from being coached by Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, and how will his arrival impact Sterling, Havertz &amp; Mount? Xavi's reluctance to sell at Barcelona, Auba's status at London-rivals Arsenal and a case of some unfinished business in the Premier League.</p><p>Plus more on Todd Boehly's first transfer window since the Chelsea takeover and the shared desperation/chaos/bad-planning that kept drawing Barcelona and Chelsea together throughout the summer.</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 Brighton sold best players & got better & Diego Costa set for Wolves medical

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Naylor to explain how Graham Potter’s Brighton sold their best players and improved. Alongside him, our Leicester writer Rob Tanner tells us why Brendan Rodgers is safe for now but is on thin ice.</p><p>Elsewhere, with Diego Costa set for a medical at Wolves, we hear what if anything he has left in the tank from The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Jack Land &amp; Wolves writer Steve Madeley.</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: Nunez back for Merseyside derby, Aubameyang in at Chelsea, Gerrard under big pressure

<p>Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers for a look at the pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend, there's the Merseyside derby on Saturday lunchtime which should feature the returning Darwin Nunez, and could see new signings debut for both teams.</p><p>Chelsea made a late move for Aubameyang, will he come straight in against West Ham and make an impact? Plus there's a look at Aston Villa v Manchester City, a daunting prospect for under pressure Steven Gerrard.</p><p>All that plus Man United v Arsenal, and the increasingly beleaguered Brendan Rodgers takes his Leicester side to high flying Brighton</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>

Hey big spender! Why the Premier League dominates the transfer window whilst the rest of Europe watches on

<p>The Athletic's Matt Slater and Phil Buckingham join Mark Chapman to look at a transfer window where the Premier League blew its European competition out the spending waters. So much so that players are choosing to come to England rather than stay at their clubs and compete in Europe's elite competition: the Champions League. The how and why of that is explained here.</p><p>Plus there's a discussion on the Super League, what forms it could take should Europe want to compete with the Premier League, and whether we prefer juggernauts doing well but don't want to admit 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>

Scott Parker’s Bournemouth sacking: Criticisms, transfers and a summer of tension

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Ahmed Shooble &amp; Peter Rutzler for a deep dive into why Bournemouth sacked Scott Parker as manager.</p><p>Details include the relationship between Parker &amp; the players, his relationship with the board and ownership, what happened inside the club in the after the nine nil battering by Liverpool and of course what who will take over.</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 Great Dele Alli Mystery: Bottled Lightning, A Phenomenon & Totally Unique

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jack Pitt-Brooke to explore the myriad of events which led to Dele Alli making his Besiktas debut last night at just 26 years old...</p><p>The panel reflect on a meteoric rise, their first impressions of a totally self-confident phenomenon who quickly became a symbol of both Pochettino's top-table party-crashers and England's new generation. Was Dele failed by a succession of coaches, is he a player born in the wrong era tactically, or even a victim of the gaps in his own footballing education such was the speed of his rise to the top?</p><p>Plus, did anyone think the Everton loan would work out and do we need to challenge the narrative of what success actually looks like for Alli?</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>