The Athletic FC Podcast

Declan Rice Future, Guardiola Debate, Chelsea v Spurs Boardroom Battle

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Roshane to discuss the future of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and explain why United forward Jesse Lingard may play a key role for Manchester United this season.</p><p>Our Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare, saw Chelsea breeze past Spurs on Sunday &amp; he’ll be with us to tell us about the rivalry at boardroom level that has developed between the two clubs.</p><p>And The Athletic’s Manchester City writer Sam Lee will share his take on the Pep Guardiola comments about his club’s fans.</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: Bruce Wars, Doucoure Flourishing & Sorry Spurs

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another big weekend of Premier League football... Who needs the points more on Friday night as Newcastle face Leeds - and how can Bielsa get record signing Rodrigo, to start firing? Can Manchester United bounce back from their Champions League humbling away at an Antonio-less West Ham? Plus, Brentford's work-rate, Spurs' dismay and 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>

Business of Sport Interview: Maheta Molango PFA chief

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Maheta Molango, the new chief executive of the union that represents professional footballers in England - the PFA.</p><p>In a wide raging discussion - on topics such as racism, dementia, &amp; the two-year World Cup plan - Maheta shares his vision for leading an organisation, that has faced a series of challenges both on and off the pitch and within the PFA itself under the tenure of the previous CEO Gordon Taylor.</p><p>After visiting dressing rooms of Premier League clubs and beyond, Maheta tells us what the players in his union view as the most issues he should address.</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>

Marcelo Bielsa & Leeds Reborn

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, to discuss his unmissable new book: 'And It Was Beautiful' - on Marcelo Bielsa's impact at Leeds United...</p><br><p>Phil dives into the 'cult of Bielsa' sweeping West Yorkshire, the origins of 'murder-ball', how Kalvin Phillips was transformed from the 'runt of the litter' 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>

Pogba exclusive, Wolves evolving & time for change in Bundesliga?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein who reveals Paul Pogba leaning towards signing new Manchester United contract.</p><p>Our Wolves writer Tim Spiers joins us to assess the start of manager Bruno Lage and also to tell us about his interview with the club’s owner Jeff Shi..</p><p>Also as The Champions League returns, The Athletic’s Oli Kay tell us why he believes despite its imbalanced excesses, the tournament is fantastic and has lots to get excited about this season..</p><p>And The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about an exciting start to the Bundesliga that, like the Premier League, is dominated by familiar names and questions if that will ever change.</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: Patrick Vieira's Palace, Salah's Century & Villa Firepower

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth as the Premier League returns... The trio assess Crystal Palace's summer overhaul ahead of Saturday's London Derby with Tottenham and ask if Dan James and Marcelo Bielsa are a match made in heaven? Plus, Newcastle's chances of spoiling Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford and Villa's slow start to the new campaign.</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>

Business of Sport: Barry Hearn on 40 years in the industry & what's next

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Barry Hearn, a man who is a legend in the business of sport, to share what he has learnt in a 40 year career promoting a range of sports including football, boxing, snooker &amp; darts.</p><p>In a wide-ranging discussion, Hearn compares the running of football clubs to other industries. He also spoke about the pros and cons of gambling sponsorship and how boxing much embrace the evolving new audience that has been attracted to the sport by the likes of social media star Jake Paul &amp; KSI.</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>

Ronaldo's Homecoming & The 3pm Blackout

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent, Laurie Whitwell, to discuss 'Article 48' and the 3 o'clock blackout in English football that will prevent many Premier League fans from seeing Cristiano Ronaldo's second debut on Saturday... </p><br><p>An outdated idea or a vital one, given the effects of the pandemic on football's landscape? Plus, how illegal streaming and a growing disparity between the biggest clubs, and the rest, may have accelerated the need for compromise? </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>

James Rodriguez future, Joyless Newcastle & Farke To-Do List

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's George Caulkin to talk Newcastle United after the club released a lengthy statement attempting to defend their approach to the summer transfer window. George also shares his experience of being at Wembley to watch England amongst the fans.</p><p>The Athletic's Everton writer Greg O’Keeffe has the latest on the future of James Rodriguez under Rafa Benitez.</p><p>And The Athletic’s Norwich City writer Michael Bailey will tell us how Daniel Farke has been getting on with his lengthy international break to do list…</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: Hungary Beaten, Sterling's Leadership & Kalvin's Rise

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to assess an important victory on the road for England. The trio wax lyrical about Raheem Sterling's strength and leadership, as well as, an amazing year for Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and 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>

Business of Sport: Agent Erkut Sögüt on the £1bn transfer window

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater follow the money spent during one of most interesting transfer windows in years. To help them make sense of the numbers - over £1 billion in the Premier League - they are joined by Tim Bridge, a director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.</p><p>We are then joined by someone whose job it is to make the deals happen - football agent Erkut Sögüt, whose clients include Mesut Ozil. Erkut explains what it has been like to work in this window and why the importance details in player contracts have come into stark focus.</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>

Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid: The Transfer That Didn't Happen

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Spanish football correspondent, Dermot Corrigan, to assess the fall-out from Real Madrid's failed pursuit of PSG forward Kylian Mbappe... Dermot explains the origins of Real President Florentino Perez' 'obsession' with Mbappe, as well as how PSG could afford to reject £180M! Plus, the impact of La Liga's salary cap, the chaos in Barcelona and how well Atletico's Saul Niguez will fit in at Chelsea.</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>

Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United: How the deal was done

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and our Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell to take you inside the remarkable 24 hours that saw Cristiano Ronaldo go from the verge of joining Manchester City to completing a sensation return to Manchester United.</p><p>We hear how the like of Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand played a role in turning the tide, we have insight into how Jorge Mendes put the deal together, plus discussion of where this leaves Manchester City after a summer of missing out on top targets in the no.9 department.</p><p>All this plus updates on Kylian Mbappe's potential move to Real Madrid in the last two days of the window, Chelsea's pursuit of Jules Kounde which now looks unlikely, and we have news of an off-field depature at Anfield as Liverpool's sporting director Michael Edwards looks set to leave the club at the end of his contract.</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: Lukaku vs Van Dijk, Adama's Shooting & 'Static' Cristiano

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another big weekend of Premier League action... Will Arsenal's renewed self-confidence make a jot of difference against Manchester City? And could Cristiano Ronaldo really be about to sign for the 'noisy neighbours'?</p><p>Plus, why both Leeds and Wolves' bad luck could all be about to change and who'll come out on top in the heavyweight match-up: Virgil van Dijk v Romelu Lukaku!</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>

Business of Sport: Hibs owner on trying to topple Old Firm + Hostile takeover at Rochdale

<p>Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Matt Slater take a trip north of the border as they are joined by Hibs owner Ron Gordon, who has a fascinating story. Arriving in Edinburgh via a life that started in Peru, passed through Laos with the CIA, before becoming a successful media entrepreneur in the US, he joins us with insight into why he bought the club, the challenges of trying to compete with Celtic and Rangers and his thoughts on the growth potential for Scottish football as a whole.</p><p>We're also joined by the Rochdale chairman Simon Gauge after a tumultuous few months that has seen the club trying to fend off a hostile takeover by two businessmen, but with the takeover having fallen apart we get an update into exactly what went on and have a wider discussion about the threats many EFL clubs face from potential new owners and the challenges the EFL has in trying to adequately assess the suitability of anyone wanting to buy a football club.</p><p>And staying with the subject of ownership wrangles, Swindon Town have also been the subjected of a protracted row over who owns the club so we speak to newly appointed CEO Rob Angus for the latest and get some insight into what it's like to go from working in banking to all of a sudden being charged with running a League Two football club.</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>

An Exclusive Interview with Jack Wilshere: "I Never Should Have Left Arsenal"

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by David Ornstein and Arsenal correspondent Amy Lawrence to dissect a brutally honest interview given to The Athletic by former Arsenal, West Ham and England midfielder Jack Wilshere. You'll hear from Wilshere on the difficulties he's had in trying to find a new club, mental health concerns, regrets, as well as, thoughts on Mikel Arteta, Saka, Smith-Rowe and 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>

Why isn't the Arteta project working at Arsenal?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Art De Roche to assess the situation Arsenal find themselves in after they were well beaten by Chelsea on Sunday leaving them pointless and goalless two games into the new season. With Mikel Arteta approaching two years in the job we look at the reasons why his team feels further away than ever from being where they need to be, the issues the club have had with recruitment and the structure above Arteta that may also be responsible for the problems.</p><p>We're also joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to reflect on an impressive outing from Romelu Lukaku on his return to the club and look ahead to a greater challenge in Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.</p><p>All this plus news of Eddie Nketiah potentially leaving Arsenal this week, Kurt Zouma's impending move to West Ham, and an update on the latest with the Harry Kane situation.</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: Odegaard & Lukaku Return, Guilty Pleasure Brighton & Benrahma Rising

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the second weekend of Premier League action... Will the permanent signing of Martin Odegaard lift the mood at the Emirates or will Romelu Lukaku strike on his own return to Chelsea? As Man United travel to Southampton which of last weekend's sharp-shooters will come out on top - Greenwood or Armstrong? Are Brighton everyone's favourite 'second team', does David Moyes have something over Brendan Rodgers and 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>

Business of Sport: Why U.S. Investors Love European Soccer

<p>On this week's Business of Sport, Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater are joined by Michael Kalt, who was part of the investment group that transformed the Tampa Bay Rays from one of baseball’s worst teams to one of the best and now leads consortiums investing in football across Europe.</p><p>As well as comparing financial strategies in US &amp; European sport, Kalt discusses how U.S. investors have been seeking out bargains in football, drawn by the game’s ever-increasing global reach and lower valuations.</p><p>Then , Matt Slater is in conversation with Ipswich Town’s American co-owner Brett Johnson &amp; CEO Mark Ashton to hear about their plans for the club following the US backed takeover.</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 Tuchel Got Chelsea Ready For This Season

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes speak to Liam Twomey about the evolution of Thomas Tuchel into the right man for Chelsea at exactly the right time in his own career... How 'Tommy Tactics' has learned from past mistakes in Paris and Dortmund, organising up to 42 players at one time or another during preseason, Lukaku's return and their assault on Man City's Premier League crown.</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>

Kane latest & new contract for Henderson

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton &amp; Jack Pitt- Brooke to bring you the very latest on the continuing saga of Harry Kane's future and the reasons why this transfer window is proving so problematic for all but the biggest Premier League clubs.</p><p>We also hear details of a new contract for Liverpool's Jordan Henderson, discuss Paul Pogba's options and why Héctor Bellerín still can't leave Arsenal.</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: Toney's Penalties, Van Dijk's Return & Grealish for POTY?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth for the first weekend preview of the new Premier League season... </p><p>Can newcomers Brentford upset the odds against Arsenal on opening night, who will outscore who as Leeds face Manchester United, will Harry Kane start for Spurs against Man City and just how good is Liverpool's Harvey Elliott?</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 the Messi transfer fits into FFP & the future of investment in football

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Oliver Kay to look at how Lionel Messi's transfer to PSG plays against the backdrop of financial fair play, nearly ten years after it was first introduced by UEFA. With Man City and PSG spending as much as they ever have, can we really say that FFP has worked? Has it merely supressed the middle and allowed the elite to break free? Is this latest spending spree just a quirk of the post-covid landscape?</p><p>We are also joined by Luis Garcia Alvarez - football investor and equity portfolio manager for MAPFRE - for a look at the deal La Liga have done with investment fund CVC Capital - selling a 10% stake for 2.7 billion - and whether it is a good deal for the Spanish clubs. Is it the way forward for European sports leagues to grow revenues sustainably? Or is it dangerous to put your destiny in the hands of profit-minded investors?</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 Secrets Of Solskjaer's Reign At Manchester United

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes speak to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell about Manchester United and the big question marks over their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Laurie reveals some of the big surprises in writing the piece and he reflects on what the new season may hold for Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and others.</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 PSG closed in on signing Messi + Lukaku returns to Chelsea

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Dermot Corrigan and James Horncastle to take you inside Lionel Messi's extraordinary departure from Barcelona as he prepares to sign for PSG.</p><p>Where does this move leave Barcelona on and off the pitch? Why has he chosen to join PSG? Is it about more than just the money? Can Pochettino handle the challenge of managing this squad of superstars? What does this say about the Qatari project after ten years in Paris? All this and more as we take you inside one of the most sensational transfers in football history</p><p>The Athletic's Simon Johnson also joins us to look at Chelsea's £100m deal to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan - is this the final piece of the puzzle for Tuchel? And does it mean Premier League title or bust in the eyes of Abramovich?</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>

Business of Sport: The £25 Billion Value of Olympic Glory

<p>Host Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater bring an Olympic theme to the Business of Sport and ask what is the value of chasing gold medals - £25 billion according to UK Sport - from a commercial social &amp; political perspective.</p><p>Guests include UK Sport CEO Sally Munday, Sport England's director of sport Phil Smith and British Cycling director Danielle Every to talk funding, the link between medals &amp; participation, how sports make investment decisions, the value of the sports sector, bidding for major events &amp; working under the huge shadow football casts.</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>

Kane determined to move & Grealish transfer latest

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Sam Lee &amp; Dom Fifield to bring you the latest on moves being made by Manchester City to sign both Harry Kane &amp; Jack Grealish this summer.</p><p>Plus how PSG could be about to test Manchester United's resolve to keep Paul Pogba &amp; the latest on Chelsea's pursuit of their former striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.</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 English football’s day of shame means for 2030 World Cup bid

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater &amp; Oli Kay discuss the horrendous scenes at Wembley stadium ahead of the EURO 2020 final that saw fans clash with stewards and police as they attempted to break through gates for Sunday's historic sporting occasion.</p><p>As Uefa open disciplinary proceedings into security breaches &amp; Chair of DCMS select committee, Julian Knight MP, writes to FA demanding answers could this scupper England's chances of hosting the World Cup in 2030?</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>

EURO 2020 Final: England beaten on penalties..again

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by Flo Lloyd-Hughes and The Athletic’s Carl Anka &amp; Jack Pitt-Brooke to react to a heartbreaking evening for England as they beaten by Italy in the final of EURO 2020 at Wembley.</p><p>There is plenty of positives to discuss both on and off the pitch, but equally the panel reflects on the behaviour of some England fans and ask if Gareth Southgate got the big decisions wrong after getting so much right through the tournament.</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>

Preview - EURO 2020 Final - England v Italy

<p>Host Dan Bardell is joined by David Preece plus from The Athletic, Oli Kay &amp; Jack Pitt-Brooke to preview England v Italy in the final of EURO 2020.</p><p>They are also joined by The Athletic's Italian writer James Horncastle.</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>