The Athletic FC Podcast

Has Lamine Yamal reignited El Clasico?

<p>El Clasico was back to its fiery best on Sunday, as Lamine Yamal's pre-match comments sparked fury in Madrid.</p><br><p>Has he reignited this famous fixture?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, Guillermo Rai</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Jay Beale and 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>

Why Arsenal are the team to beat

<p>Arsenal are top of the Premier League - four points ahead of Bournemouth in second.</p><br><p>It was an important win for them against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea also losing.</p><br><p>Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three times in nine games, so does a solid defence win you titles?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou 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>

Liam Rosenior interview: Strasbourg's rapid rise & the value of diversity

<p>After eight games, RC Strasbourg sit 3rd in Ligue 1, two points behind league leaders Marseille and just one point behind European champions PSG.</p><br><p>Today we’re bringing you a special episode sitting down with the man at the helm, Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior.</p><br><p>In conversation with Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka, the panel discuss RC Strasbourg’s incredible start to the season, Rosenior's management style, working in a multi-club ownership model and the importance of representation, diversity and role models.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Co-Host: Carl Anka</p><p>With: Liam Rosenior</p><p>Executive Producer: 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: Aston Villa vs Man City

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Aston Villa vs Manchester City.</p><br><p>Stu James and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Brentford vs Liverpool, Manchester United vs Brighton, and Everton vs Spurs.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Stu James &amp; Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson &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>

Why was Barcelona's league game in Miami cancelled?

<p>Barcelona were set to play Villarreal in Miami in December.</p><br><p>That’s now been cancelled. Today, we explain why.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Dermot Corrigan and Matt Slater</p><p>Featuring: James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><br><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>

Are Newcastle over Isak already?

<p>Life after Alexander Isak has been hit and miss for Newcastle.</p><br><p>But in Nick Woltemade, have they already found the key to Newcastle's fortunes this season?</p><br><p>And in terms of Isak, why is he struggling after that record-breaking £125million summer move to Liverpool?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Chris Waugh, Oli Kay, Andy Jones</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and 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>

How do Man United build on Liverpool win?

<p>Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016 was a massive moment for the club.</p><br><p>But how does Ruben Amorim ensure this isn’t another false dawn?</p><br><p>The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley join host Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the win over Liverpool, Harry Maguire, Matheus Cunha, the Brighton fixture this weekend and Amorim’s future.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and 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>

Why Forest are turning to Dyche

<p>After just 39 days, Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou.</p><br><p>He recorded no wins in his eight games in charge.</p><br><p>Sean Dyche is set to succeed him, will he do any better?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Paul Taylor and Dan Kilpatrick</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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>

Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more

<p>Today we speak to one of the best players to have graced the Premier League, İlkay Gündoğan.</p><br><p>The iconic former Manchester City midfielder sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans.</p><br><p>With: Jordan Campbell &amp; İlkay Gündoğan</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou 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>

The Preview: Liverpool vs Man United

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is for many,&nbsp;the marquee match up in English football, Liverpool vs Manchester United.</p><br><p>Oli Kay and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Fulham vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Aston Villa, and the hotly anticipated Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Oli Kay, Megan Feringa</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson &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>

What do football agents actually do?

<p>The transfer window may not be open but the industry is still moving behind the scenes.So what do agents actually do?</p><br><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the Athletic’s Stu James and James Featherstone, agent of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Stu James and James Featherstone</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou 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 Harry Kane better than ever?

<p>England are heading to the World Cup, and typically it’s thanks to captain Harry Kane.</p><br><p>So how important is he to their chances next summer?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Charlie Eccleshare, Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Featuring: Rob Green</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and 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>

Are Spurs for sale?

<p>In early September, Daniel Levy stepped down from his role as Spurs chairman after nearly 25 years.</p><br><p>So who is running the show now? And are Spurs for up for sale?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater, Jay Harris and Dan Kilpatrick</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and 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>

Inside Liverpool's 15 year journey from civil war to superclub

<p>This week marks 15 years of FSG ownership at Liverpool</p><br><p>In that time they've won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So, how did Liverpool become a modern superclub?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Simon Hughes and Matt Slater</p><p>Featuring: Peter Moore and Dr Ian Graham</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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>

Why goalkeepers are going long

<p>This week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast discusses the evolution of goalkeeper distribution.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Are teams actually going long more often?</p><br><p>Are goalkeepers throwing the ball less?</p><br><p>And how is it changing the game?</p><br><p>Host: Duncan Alexander&nbsp;</p><p>With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey&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>

Premier League review: Who has more questions than answers?

<p>We’re seven games into the 25/26 Premier League season and Arsenal sit top, Wolves are the only side yet to register a win and Sunderland are 9th!?</p><br><p>Carl Anka and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to assess all 20 Premier League teams' respective starts, asking whether they’ve answered the big questions that surrounded them prior to the new season.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Carl Anka, Tim Spiers</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson</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>

How much time will Ange get at Forest?

<p>Seven games played: five defeats, two draws, no wins. Statistically the worst start by any Nottingham Forest manager for a century.</p><br><p>Ange Postecoglou is battling to keep his job at Forest, despite only having four Premier League games in that time.</p><br><p>So, how did things get so bad so soon?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Paul Taylor and Charlie Eccleshare</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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 Tuchel improving England?

<p>It’s been a year since Thomas Tuchel signed up as England manager.&nbsp;</p><br><p>He’s had six games to make his mark so far, with the World Cup just eight months away.</p><br><p>So how prepared are the Three Lions?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and&nbsp;Jack Pitt-Brooke</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and 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>

Why the Premier League has gone back to basics

<p>So far, this season we’ve had… long throws, rugby-style kickoffs and big lads up front.</p><br><p>So why has the Premier League gone old school?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Mark Carey, Oli Kay and Thomas Grønnemark</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Mike Stavrou and 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>

Why have Liverpool lost their way?

<p>Liverpool had a perfect start after record spending, but now they've lost three in a row.</p><br><p>So why is Arne Slot’s Red Machine mis-firing?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and Simon Hughes</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><br><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>

Jurgen Klopp on life after Liverpool and his fears for football

<p>Jurgen Klopp&nbsp;<em>is</em>&nbsp;back in football but not as a manager. In January,&nbsp;he began work as global head of soccer at Red Bull.</p><br><p>Our very own Adam Crafton sat down with the former Liverpool boss at the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in New Jersey.</p><br><p>They discuss all things Red Bull, the future of football and why he closed the chapter on his coaching career.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton &amp; Jurgen Klopp</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: 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>

The Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the red card loving blues of Chelsea versus the no longer red hot reds of Liverpool.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Stu James and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs West Ham and Manchester United vs Sunderland.</p><br><p>Plus after losing 3-2 to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on Thursday night Nottingham Forest fans are already turning on their new manager Ange Postecoglou, who faces a tough trip to St James’ Park on Sunday.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Stu James, Megan Feringa</p><p>Executive Producers: Abi Paterson</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>

Why Wirtz is struggling at Liverpool

<p>Eight games into his Liverpool career Florian Wirtz is yet to score or assist. </p><br><p>So why the slow start and how long will he take to adapt to the Premier League?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev Hatchard</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><br><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>

How Glasner made Palace unbeatable

<p>Crystal Palace are flying.&nbsp;</p><br><p>They’re the FA Cup holders, they’re in Europe and they’re on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions.</p><br><p>So… what is the secret behind their success?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Reuben Pinder and Jon Mackenzie</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</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>

Can Nuno fix West Ham?

<p>Graham Potter is the latest manager to be shown the door at West Ham.</p><br><p>In comes a new challenger - Nuno Espírito Santo.</p><br><p>But do West Ham’s problems go beyond their manager?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Roshane Thomas and Benji Lanyado</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou 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>

How much more misery can Man United take?

<p>It’s 17 defeats in 33 Premier League games for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after Saturday's latest defeat at Brentford.</p><br><p>So, how much more misery can they take?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Oli Kay</p><p>Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe</p><br><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>

The Preview: Newcastle vs Arsenal

<p>Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Arsenal.</p><br><p>Eddie Howe's side have won each of their last three home games against Arsenal in all competitions without conceding a single goal, and are looking to make it four in a row for the first time since August 1969. With Liverpool five wins from five, will anything but a win keep Mikel Arteta's title hopes alive?</p><br><p>Oli Kay and Jacob Whitehead join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere.</p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead</p><p>Executive Producers: 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>

Is a 64-team World Cup inevitable?

<p>FIFA have discussed making the 2030 World Cup a 64-team tournament.</p><br><p>So who actually wants it and could it really happen?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton, Phil Hay and Felipe Cardenas</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 Ousmane Dembele really the best player in the world?

<p>Ousmane Dembele scooped the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.</p><br><p>His 35 goals helped PSG clinch their first ever Champions League.</p><br><p>So how did he evolve from a promising winger to a ruthless goalscorer?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom Williams</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou 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>

Inside Aston Villa’s power struggle

<p>Aston Villa are currently 18th in the Premier League and have scored just one goal so far.</p><br><p>So is the team really "lazy” or does Unai Emery need to change?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jacob Tanswell and Dan Bardell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou 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>