The Athletic FC Podcast

Weekend Preview: Clash Of Styles in Manchester Derby & Jesse Marsch's Rescue Mission

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview Ralf Rangnick's first Manchester Derby as speculation over their next new manager intensified again this week... Plus, how will Jesse Marsch attempt to follow Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, does the post-AFCON version of Pepe have a real future at Arsenal and was the PGMOL's apology to Everton enough?</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>

Duncan Niederauer Venezia F.C. President: The Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Duncan Niederauer a chief executive of the New York Stock Exchange and is currently President and majority shareholder  of Italian Serie A side Venezia.</p><p>Duncan discusses a range of topics including the relationship he has with other US owners of Italian clubs, his close relationship with the players, the lessons he's learned and what it's like to be on an open top parade aboard a boat in Venice.</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>

Mario Balotelli interview: Man City regrets, Messi comparisons and more

<p>Italian striker Mario Balotelli sits down with his former Manchester City teammate Nedum Onuoha for The Athletic. Hear Mario on his regrets about leaving City, telling teammates he is as good as Messi &amp; Ronaldo, representing Italy and his key role in the most iconic moment in Premier League history. </p><p>Mario also shares his thoughts on the wild stories about him in the press over the years, how he has grown as a person, how he perceives himself today and his ambitions for the rest of his career.</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>

Bielsa leaves Leeds United & what next for Chelsea

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Liam Twomey as Chelsea are beaten in the League Cup final. We explain why owner Roman Abramovich is is looking to hand over the ‘care’ of the club and what - if anything - it really means.</p><p>And our Leeds United writer Phil Hay joins us to reflect on the departure of Marcelo Bielsa from Elland Road with Jesse Marsch likely to replace him as head coach.</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: A Surprise Title Race, Conte's 'Spursy' Spurs & The EFL Cup Final

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the EFL Cup Final - Do Klopp's Liverpool need to boost their trophy haul and does Tuchel go with Lukaku or Havertz upfront? Plus, when does Antonio Conte need to start taking responsibility for Spurs' failures and could Southampton soon challenge for European places?</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>

Luton Town CEO on rise up the Football League: The Business of Sport

<p>The Athletic's Matt Slater speaks to Gary Sweet, CEO of Luton Town about his club's rise back up the football pyramid ahead of welcoming the European champions to their famous old stadium and their plans for a new home.</p><p>Then we also speak to Ukrainian football expert Andrew Todas about the potential impact War with Russia may have on football in Ukraine.</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 Jadon Sancho Effect & Joe Cole's Year in Lille

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Dom Fifield, senior writer for The Athletic, to discuss his fascinating interview with Joe Cole, and a year on loan in Lille... They reflect on, why it was so unusual for an English international to make such a move, as well as, an iconic Lille side which already boasted Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet in its attack.</p><p>Later, the trio debate how the Jadon Sancho effect has dramatically altered the landscape both here in England and on the continent - Are young English footballers simply more willing to play abroad or are they in far greater demand?</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>

Would Kane improve City? De Gea Madrid return & Wolves' evolution

<p>The Athletic's Adam Leventhal &amp; Adam Crafton take you inside the biggest Premier League stories and look ahead to this week's action in the Champions League.</p><p>Our Manchester City writer Sam Lee shares his thoughts on a potential title race after he witnessed a Harry Kane masterclass &amp; details how City have been doing just fine without a striker even after dropping points at the weekend.</p><p>Are Wolves mounting a charge for a Champions League spot? The Athletic's Tim Spiers details how the club he covers are ‘evolving at pace’</p><p>And we’ll look ahead to this week’s action in the Champions League with a focus on Atletico Madrid who face Manchester United with The Athletic’s Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan.</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: Bowen For England, Conte Revisionism & A Trippier-Shaped Hole

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, just as Newcastle are preparing to keep the run going, without Kieran Trippier... Would Jarrod Bowen offer Gareth Southgate something England sorely lack, are we all guilty of under-appreciating Pep's Manchester City and what job did Conte think he was taking?</p><p>Plus, does Daniel James have anything to prove to his old club Manchester United, is Kane still one of the best centre-forwards in world football and are Wolves the real dark horses for fourth spot?</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>

British Olympic chief Anson will fight biennial World Cups: Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Andy Anson, CEO of the British Olympic Association to discuss what the future holds for the Winter &amp; Summer Games. Andy tells us why FIFA’s plan to stage the men’s World Cup every two years will threaten the Olympics and be “terrible” for football.</p><p>Also on the pod, Andrew Zimbalist, an author and economist whose research has led him to raise questions about the value to cities of hosting the Olympics — and influenced some cities to back away from bidding.</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>

Missiles, Pitch Invasions, Drugs & Arrests: Why Is Football Fan Violence On The Rise Again?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's News &amp; Investigations writer Matt Slater, to discuss his special report into <strong><em>a</em></strong><em> </em><strong><em>rise in football fan violence: Missiles, Cocaine and Political Agendas...</em></strong></p><p>The trio reflect on their own experiences of going to games since the return of fans - post-lockdown - the frightening statistics recently published by the UK Football Policing Unit, as well as, the role of match-day stewards and a younger generation of match-going supporters.</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>

Bielsa's battles at Leeds & is Conte's straight talking the right approach?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Phil Hay to talk Leeds United, whose struggles continued at the weekend, and to assess the challenge ahead next season with or without manager Marcelo Bilesa.</p><p>Plus, The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle will be with us to assess the work of Antonio Conte at Spurs so far and James will also help up look ahead to the Champions League that return this week as Conte’s former side Inter Milan face Liverpool.</p><p> </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: Saint-Maximin's Feet, Hasenhuttl's Early Retirement Plans & Another Pogba Cycle?

<p>Host Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365s Steve Freeth, to look ahead to the weekend's Premier League action... After the emotion in the away dugout following Southampton's midweek win at Spurs - does anyone think Hasenhuttl could really walk away from the game yet? What has Dean Smith done to Norwich, and how many of KdB's teammates are more deserving of this year's POTY award?</p><p>Plus, are Gerrard's Villa the new 'agents of chaos', how do you stop and in-form Allan Saint-Maximin and is Brendan Rodgers under serious pressure at Leicester?</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>

Former NFL Exec Doug Whaley on Brian Flores & the Rooney Rule: Business of Sport

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by Doug Whaley a former NFL executive to discuss the lawsuit former Dolphins coach Brian Flores has filed against the NFL and to share his thoughts on a range of subjects including the Rooney Rule, coach selection and how the sport should embrace diversity.</p><p>Plus, we cross to LA where The Athletic’s US Sports business reporter Dan Kaplan is covering the Super Bowl to share what he's heard on the ground ahead of Sunday's finale. </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's Legacy, Arteta's Iron Fist & A Top 4 Race

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Arsenal correspondents, James McNicholas and Art de Roché, to reflect on Aubameyang's legacy, how his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta changed, as well as, how an 'iron-fist' approach to management works in the modern-day Premier League.</p><p>Plus, the panel discuss Arsenal's quiet January transfer window and assess their chances of sneaking into the Top 4 this 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>

Brendan Rodgers needs squad reboot, AFCON reflections & rehabilitation in football

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Rob Tanner to discuss Leicester, after a performance described by manager Brendan Rodgers as ‘embarrassing’ - Rob tells us why the squad is in need of an overhaul.</p><p>We’ll cross to Cameroon and speak to Maher Mezahi for reflections on Senegal finally becoming Africa Cup of Nations Champions and a look back on the impact the tournament has had across the game.</p><p>And Daniel Taylor joins us to tell us about his special report on the difficult issue of rehabilitation in football.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Liverpool's Next Generation, Chris Wilder Love & Bournemouth's Deadline Day Trolley-Dash

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview the FA Cup 4th round action, starting with a nostalgic fixture on Friday night as Middlesbrough host Manchester United...</p><p>Plus, has Liverpool's super-smart recruitment set them up to compete for years to come, did Spurs panic buy in January, will Roy Hodgson keep Watford in the Premier League and is it promotion or bust for Scott Parker's 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>

China Focus: The Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman and Matt Slater discuss sport’s impact on culture, politics and society and sport in China since the 2008 Games and how international leagues such as the NBA, the WTA and the English Premier League operate in a challenging region that offers an enormous market for business. </p><p>Our guests today are Mark Dreyer a China Sports Insider, and author of "Sporting Superpower: An Insider's View on China's Quest to Be the Best" and William Nee, who is the research and advocacy coordinator at Chinese Human Rights Defenders.</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>

Frank Lampard, Dele Alli & Everton's New Era

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondents Greg O'Keeffe and Patrick Boyland, to reflect on a whirlwind month or so at Goodison, as Frank Lampard was finally unveiled as Rafa Benitez' successor AND both Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli signed on Deadline Day to kickstart this new era...</p><p>Our panel reveal how Lampard came out on top among a seemingly endless list of candidates - which included the likes of Wayne Rooney - who will make up his back-room staff, how he can help reignite Dele Alli's career and if Alli and DvB can even operate in the same team!</p><p>Plus, senior writer Dom Fifield sets the record straight on Lampard's tenure as Chelsea head coach and explores what 'Lampard-ball' could look like at 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>

Transfer Reaction: Aubameyang to Barca, Dele to Everton, Newcastle's wild window

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; David Ornstein to discuss the biggest transfer deals of the window taking you inside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move to Barcelona, Dele Alli 's move to Everton and why other players such as Jesse Lingard didn't get the moves they hoped for.</p><p>The Athletic's Chris Waugh also drops by to discuss an intense window for Newcastle United who didn't get everything they wanted but did they get what they need to stay in the Premier League?</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>

Garry Cook former Manchester City CEO: Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Garry Cook, who over the course of a 30 year career is sport has held executive positions at Nike - where he led the Jordan brand - the UFC and he was also the CEO of Premier League side Manchester City helping to secure the £210 million takeover by current owner Sheikh Mansour. </p><p>As well as sharing some of his own experiences in the business of sport, Garry also gives his thoughts on the current landscape of Premier League football including the takeover of Newcastle United.</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>

Raheem Sterling's Man City Future & Relationship with Pep... It's Complicated

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, to discuss Raheem Sterling's 'complicated' relationship with Man City and manager Pep Guardiola as the prospect of leaving the reigning Champions at the end of his current deal looms large for the England superstar...</p><p>What is it like to play 'Pep Roulette' as a City squad member and more on Guardiola's January transfer plans, Plus, Dan and Flo find time to react to Roy Hodgson's impending return to the Premier League with Watford.</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 latest, Man Utd manager hunt, what next for Watford?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein &amp; Adam Crafton to look at deals that could be done in the final week of the season. They also discuss managerial recruitment as Manchester United step up the hunt for a permanent head coach.</p><p>Later in the pod we’ll discuss Watford’s struggles with Adam Leventhal and our Investigations Writer Joey D'Urso will detail the story of a bookmaker receiving hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of bets on a player receiving a yellow card in a Premier League game.</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: Ward-Prowse Better Than Becks, 'Tired' Tuchel & Big Dunc's Deja Vu

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to another big weekend of Premier League action... Is James Ward-Prowse the best Free-Kick taker in PL history? Is Conor Gallagher better off at Selhurst Park than returning to Stamford Bridge, did Steven Gerrard's return to Goodison Park just get a whole lot harder and much more...</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>

Isha Johansen FIFA Council Member on her rise to the top: Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Isha Johansen, who is a member of The FIFA Council, the main decision making body of world football about a range of topics including the challenges she's encountered on her journey to the corridors of power, biennial World Cups, plus diversity and sustainability in the game.</p><p>Previously Isha was President of the Sierra Leone Football Association , one of only a few women in the world to have headed a national football association. Isla is also owner and CEO of Sierra Leone National Premier League club FC Johansen, the club she started to provide guidance and opportunities to children whose lives had been disrupted by civil war.</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 Bored Ape Yacht Club & Bored Footballers: NFT's & The Premier League

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Joey D'Urso, Investigations writer for The Athletic, to explore the Premier League's increasingly close relationship with Cryptocurrency, NFT's and the Metaverse...</p><p>What is a 'non-fungible token', why is John Terry promoting something called the 'Ape Kid's Club', what do a cartoon monkey and the Mona Lisa have in common and why supporters should care how millionaire players choose to invest their money.</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>

Everton sack Benitez, Martinez, Rooney linked & Eriksen in Brentford talks

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, David Ornstein &amp; Greg O'Keeffe to discuss Everton's sacking of manager Rafa Benitez and how they plan to replace him.</p><p>Our Brentford writer Jay Harris joins the pod to detail his exclusive story that Brentford have offered Christian Eriksen a six-month contract with the option of a further year.</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 To Cash In On Bissouma, Missing Mahrez & The Biggest NLD In Years

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview a North London Derby with so much at stake for both Arsenal and Tottenham... Plus, how Vieira will look to balance all the attacking talent in Crystal Palace's midfield, which Premier League side could use Bissouma this month, how Chelsea can keep the title race alive and Jarrod Bowen's electric form.</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>

Stewart Robertson, Rangers Managing Director: Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater are joined by Stewart Robertson, managing director of Scottish Premiership champions Glasgow Rangers football club. Rangers won their 55th title last year after financial collapse in 2012 saw them have to climb their way up from the fourth division.</p><p>Stewart shares his experiences at the club across a wide range of issues including the development of home-grown talent, being a big club in a small TV market and the club's plans to once again compete in the UEFA Champions League.</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>

Ian Wright, The Comoros & Why AFCON Matters

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jay Harris to discuss <strong><em>why AFCON matters</em></strong>, as the 33rd edition of the tournament kicked off in Cameroon...</p><p>The panel discuss this rite of passage for a diaspora of young football fans, how European attitudes towards the festival of football continue to evolve, de-bunk some of the typical misconceptions about African football and tell the sensational story of Comoros, aka, <em>'The Island of the Moon'.</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>