The Athletic FC Podcast

The Moment: Troy Townsend on the death of his son Kurtis and learning to deal with grief

<p>Troy Townsend, head of development at Kick It Out, sits down with Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas to discuss the death of his son Kurtis in a car accident in 2001 and how he and his family coped with the tragedy.</p><p>Troy is father to six children, including Kurtis and current Everton midfielder Andros, and in this conversation he speaks honestly and emotionally about his relationships with them, and how over twenty years later he is still learning to deal with grief.</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 Moment: Paul Stewart on the sexual abuse he suffered as a youth player

<p>In 2016 former Tottenham, Liverpool and England midfielder Paul Stewart made the decision to open up about the sexual abuse he suffered from a youth-team coach when he was a young footballer. For more than 40 years, Paul had done whatever he could to suppress or even erase the thoughts and images that haunted him.</p><p>In this episode, Paul discusses how it has impacted his life and how he's trying to prevent it happening again.</p><p><em>Before you begin this podcast we want to let you know that this episode contains detailed discussion of child sexual abuse and trauma. If you’re a victim of sexual abuse of or have been affected by it and would like to talk to someone confidentially you can call 0808 800 5000,</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>

The Moment: Gary Lineker on his son's battle with leukaemia

<p>The Athletic Football Podcast will return on Monday 13th June, but in the meantime we wanted to give you a taste of our new series 'The Moment with Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas'</p><p>Kelly and Geoff are joined by Gary Lineker who opens up about his son George's battle with leukaemia as a very young baby, as he reflects upon those days spent with George in hospital in 1992 and the lasting impact they made.</p><p><strong><em>Check out the rest of the series, including interviews with Troy Townsend, Luke Chadwick and more, by searching for ‘The Moment’ in your usual podcast provider</em></strong></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>

Chaos in Paris, Mane set to leave Liverpool & Rangnick walks

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Oliver Kay to reflect on the chaotic scenes which delayed the start of the Champions League final. We hear first hand accounts from fans who travelled to Paris and were caught up in distressing situations.</p><p>Meanwhile the panel discuss the news that Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is expected to leave Liverpool this summer &amp; Manchester United have announced Ralf Rangnick will not be staying at Old Trafford as a consultant despite his previous agreement with the 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>

Champions League Final Preview: Mo Salah's Real Madrid Revenge

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid... Do Madrid dare lose this following Mbappe's public rejection? And if Liverpool were to fail, does a season which at one point looked truly historic, become forgettable?</p><p>Is Mo Salah is really out for some 2018 revenge, why Liverpool's left flank will decide this match<strong><em> and</em></strong> we'll hear from Michael Owen - who sat down with The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce earlier this week - to talk about the number 9s: Sadio Mane &amp; Karim Benzema.</p><p>Later, our trio cast their minds ahead to the start of the <em>next</em> Premier League season and make some early (bold) predictions!</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>

Brand Mbappe takes the throne

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater host a roundtable on the reasons and ramifications of La Liga filing a complaint to UEFA, the French administrative courts and the European Union over Kylian Mbappe's decision to renew his contract at Paris Saint-Germain despite Real’s attempts to sign him.</p><p>Their guests are Christian Nourry Managing Partner at RETEXO a sports analytics firm that uses data to match owners to prospective football clubs &amp; works with clubs to market their players more effectively to clubs seeking players with similar characteristics plus David Diaz, a partner at Baker McKenzie Madrid who has extensive experience in sports law in football. He regularly advises Spanish and foreign clubs on the legal aspects of their operations. He also has extensive experience in advising foreign investors with a potential interest in the game.</p><p>The panel also touch on the takeover of Chelsea - is it a deal that makes financial sense? </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's New Deal: How PSG Shocked Real Madrid & What Happens Now?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Adam Crafton and Dermot Corrigan of The Athletic, as well as, French football writer Tom Williams, to analyse the wider impact of Kylian Mbappe's decision to stay at PSG...</p><p>The panel detail the eye-watering finer points of Mbappe's new contract, explore Madrid President Florentino Perez' "obsession" with the Frenchman and the state of La Liga, having missed also missed out on Erling Haaland to another 'new money' club in Manchester City.</p><p>Plus, is it a good idea for Mbappe to have power over big club decisions, who Real Madrid could turn their attention to next and if their Champions League final against Liverpool this weekend just became <strong><em>crucial</em></strong>.</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 Mbappe stayed at PSG & City's shrewd early Haaland move

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Sam Lee to discuss City's title triumph and imagine what the mood would have been like had they lost out on the title to Liverpool.</p><p>Coming up later in the pod we’ll hear how PSG kept hold of Kylian Mbappe, why City moving for Erling Haaland early means they didn't face competition from Real Madrid who will no doubt look to react in the transfer market.</p><p>And Phil Hay will join us - in a much better mood than last week - after Leeds United managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League after a terrible 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>

Premier League Final Day - Reaction

<p>Adam Leventhal hosts a special live show, recorded shortly after the final whistle on Sunday, and is joined by various club writers to reflect on the big stories from the final day of the Premier League season...</p><p>James Pearce, Caoimhe O'Neill and Sam Lee discuss the conclusion of a dramatic title race. Amy Lawrence reflects on Arsenal's 'progress', while Andy Jones explains Burnley's financial fears following their relegation. Plus, Carl Anka on why the 'PL Young Player of the Year' award isn't fit for purpose and data analytics writer Mark Carey on some of the statistical over and under achievers.</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: Gerrard's Title Redemption, Leeds' Last Chance & Tottenham's Sure Thing

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to discuss if Gerrard's Merseyside connections are a genuine source of hope for Liverpool's slim Premier League title chances... Plus, why City feel like the footballing world is against them, how Leeds may live to regret those chants about Thomas Frank and why Spurs with Champions League football AND Antonio Conte at the helm, will mean business next 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>

How Craig Thompson helped to create the Champions League

<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>

Rangers Europa Dream: Gerrard, Van Bronckhorst & A Letter From 'Big Tav's' Mum

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Rangers reporter Jordan Campbell to preview an historic night in Rangers Football Club history, as they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt in Wednesday night's Europa League Final...</p><p>Their journey to a first European final in 14 years, the transition from Steven Gerrard's league Champions to a 'bolder' European outfit under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, zero-to-hero John Lundstram and an inspiring letter from captain James Tavernier's mother.</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 Villa signed Coutinho & can Leeds keep best players?

<p>First up the focus is on Leeds United’s who are now outside of the Premier League relegation zone but rivals Burnley &amp; Everton both have games in hand before they all play their last game this weekend - will they be able to keep hold of star players even if they avoid relegation?</p><p>Then a little later in the pod Greg Evans will tell us how Aston Villa held firm to sign Philippe Coutinho  </p><p>And we’ll talk Adam Leventhal will be with us to talk about Watford’s new boss Rob Edwards who will have plenty of work to do after relegation to the Championship</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: Conte's Flexing, De Bruyne's Left Foot & A Proper FA Cup Final

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet356's Steve Freeth to reflect on a dramatic night in North London as the race for the Top 4 between Arsenal and Spurs goes on... Did Conte show Arteta who's boss or was another hotly anticipated Premier League contest, spoilt by the officials?</p><p>Plus, a rare FA Cup final meeting between two of the top three sides in the league awaits, more on Ryan Sessegnon's development under Antonio Conte, why Joey Barton may soon be back in the Premier League and what is Declan Rice actually worth?</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>

Red Knight Jim O'Neill on Glazers & value of Man Utd

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Lord Jim O’Neill, about his role leading the Red Knights campaign in 2010 - an attempt to prise Manchester United from the Glazer family's control a decade ago.</p><p>Jim also shares details of his time as non-executive director of Manchester United before it returned to private ownership in 2005. Plus we hear his thoughts on the sale of Chelsea and what that could mean in terms of the value of other clubs including Manchester 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>

Erling Haaland to Manchester City Announced

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's City correspondent Sam Lee, plus German football reporter Kit Holden and data analytics writer Mark Carey - to explore every aspect of Erling Haaland to Manchester City... From his link-up play to his injury record, his public desire to play for Real Madrid and assurances over Guardiola's future.</p><p>Plus, the "myth" about Pep and big egos in the dressing room, how City won the race for his signature, if Bellingham could follow Haaland out of Dortmund this summer &amp; what <em>other</em> business Man City could still do in this summer's 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>

Haaland deal done & Pogba says no to City move

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein &amp; Adam Crafton to detail two huge stories about the futures of two of world football's biggest names Erling Haaland &amp; Paul Pogba.</p><p>Coming up a little later in the pod we’ll discuss Antonio Conte’s future at Spurs ahead of a huge North London derby against Arsenal this week.</p><p>And we’ll speak to our Italian football writer James Horncastle about the two Milan teams battling for the Serie A tile race and get his assessment of Tammy Abraham's first year at Roma</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: Man City's Heartbreak, Misunderstood Mata & What if Diaz had signed for Spurs?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another exciting Premier League weekend... The panel assess the wreckage from Man City's late-late Champions League exit, explore how Luis Diaz would have fit in at Spurs and why all Bielsa's good work at Leeds is under threat if they're relegated this season.</p><p>Plus, Arsenal's various goal threats, which strikers Newcastle could look to bring in this summer and George admits <em>Don</em> Carlo Ancelotti has proven him wrong again.</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>

Scrapping two-legged Champions League semi-finals – would it work?

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater discuss reports that UEFA are thinking about scrapping the two-legged Champions League semi-finals that we are all enjoying at the moment. Is it too cynical to think any discussions about doing this would come down to money?!</p><p>Joining us is Ricardo Fort, who for over 25 years experience in the sports industry leading the Global Sponsorship teams of Visa and The Coca-Cola Company, Ricardo launched Sport by Fort Consulting to help sponsors, leagues, investors and athletes successfully invest in sports.</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, Burnley, Leeds & The Last Relegation Place

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Leeds writer Phil Hay, Burnley correspondent Andy Jones and Everton reporter Patrick Boyland to find out how each of these three clubs found themselves fighting for their Premier League lives...</p><p>Plus, will Mike Jackson get a shot at succeeding Sean Dyche permanently given his impact, what are the financial consequences of relegation for clubs the size of both Everton and Leeds and which players are key to their chances of staying up 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>

Why Klopp extended contract, Pickford's evolution, Madrid focused on Mbappe

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to take us inside two big stories he broke in the last week; Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp's signing a contract extension &amp; Matt Judge leaving his role as Manchester United’s director of football negotiations.</p><p>Patrick Boyland joins us on Everton, following that manic win against Chelsea that’s breathed new life and belief into their battle to stay in the Premier League.</p><p>Meanwhile their former boss Carlo Ancelotti has just become the first manager to win the title in all of Europe’s top 5 leagues, we’ll get the latest from Madrid ahead of their huge Champions League semi-final against Manchester City. The Athletic's Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan will bring the detail from Madrid.</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: Potential slip ups for Liverpool or Man City? Will Chelsea deliver knockout blow to Lampard? Will Spurs bounce back in race for top 4?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview what promises to be another hugely exciting weekend of Premier League football...</p><p>Big games for Liverpool away at Newcastle and Man City away at Leeds, with both matches coming in the middle of high-pressure Champions League semi-finals will this be the weekend one of them slips up in the title race?</p><p>The race for the top 4 continues to intrigue with Arsenal the latest team in possession of the 4th spot, they visit an injury-hit West Ham on Sunday while misfiring Spurs look to get back on track against a potentially distracted Leicester side who may have next week's second leg at Roma on their minds</p><p>Plus, there's a massive game at Goodison Park as Everton take on Chelsea, will Frank Lampard's former side push him even closer to relegation?</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 price of relegation & promotion: The Business of Sport

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater focus on the financial impact of promotion and relegation on men’s professional clubs in the English football pyramid.</p><p>Guest include Julian Tagg president of Exeter City who this week secured promotion to League One - two leagues below the Premier League - after a decade in League Two &amp; Mark Ives who is The National League’s general manager, the fifth tier of English football where former Premier League side Oldham Athletic will be playing next 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>

Chelsea at a crossroads

<p>The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey joins Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes to discuss a club who find themselves at a crossroads.</p><p>Liam looks at the impact of Antonio Rudiger's imminent departure from Chelsea. How will his departure, and that of fellow defender Andreas Christensen, impact the club as they go into the summer transfer window under new ownership.</p><p>They discuss the importance of the club's academy and its young stars ahead of the new era. And what will Thomas Tuchel do with Romelu Lukaku this 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>

Arsenal exploring Gabriel Jesus move & Merseyside derby reaction

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein &amp; Sam Lee to detail the story that Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.</p><p>Simon Hughes will be with us to discuss the Merseyside derby and the gulf between Liverpool and Everton on and off the pitch.</p><p>And despite winning a tenth title in a row at the weekend, Kit Holden will tell us why it hasn’t been a great season for Bayern Munich and why there future of star players like Robert Lewandowski is uncertain.</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: Rebuilding Man United, Thiago's Dirty Work & Lukaku's Options

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview what promises to be another hugely exciting weekend of Premier League football... Can Man United bounce back away at Arsenal, buoyed by the announcement that Erik ten Hag will become the new manager this summer? Will title-chasing Liverpool drive city rivals Everton into the bottom three and could Brentford's Christian Eriksen cost Conte's Spurs more ground in the race for Top 4?</p><p>Plus, how good Thiago is at not getting booked, why Chelsea are so bad at home and why Leeds were right to hire Jesse Marsch.</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>

Ten Hag's 'Meme United', Klopp's 'Super-Computer' & Nketiah Gunning For Top 4

<p>Host Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by a host of The Athletic's finest to discuss the fall-out from two fascinating midweek Premier League games; as Arsenal stunned Chelsea to preserve their Top 4 hopes and Manchester United hit rock bottom at Anfield...</p><p>First, Art de Roche joins the panel to talk about the true value of a squad player like Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah's Arsenal future and why the Gunner's inability to dominate games makes it impossible to predict where they'll finish the season. Then, both Caoimhe O'Neill and Laurie Whitwell help to reflect on Erik ten Hag's appointment at Manchester United, how the gulf between the two historic rivals has grown and why some neutrals are even starting to feel sorry for Rangnick's side!</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>

Champions League reforms explained & Chelsea takeover latest

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Dariusz [Darius] Mioduski Owner and President of Polish team Legia Warsaw and Vice-Chairman of the European Club Association about a range of topics including; how reforms to the Champions League were negotiated and how they work, making European football more competitive &amp; what financial fair play really means for clubs across Europe.</p><p>Matt also brings an update on the shape of the final three bids to purchase Chelsea from Roman 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>

Arsenal's gamble, Dyche's Burnley sacking, feel-good Newcastle

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Andy Jones to detail the day that Sean Dyche was sacked as manager of Burnley and what could happen next.</p><p>Later in the pod we’ll discuss Arsenal’s chances of making the top four with James McNicholas and George Caulkin will be with us to talk about Newcastle United feeling at home again at St. James' Park.</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: FA Cup Semi-Finals, 'Mwepu The Wildcard' & Supporting Newcastle United

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview Man City v Liverpool: Round 2... Have the odds swung in Liverpool's favour after their respective Champions League exploits? Similarly, are Spurs now in total control of the race for Top 4 or can Brighton and someone like Enock Mwepu do the double in North London?</p><p>Plus, whether Vieira has a plan for crestfallen Chelsea after their cruel Champions League exit and The Athletic's George Caulkin explains what it's been like to support Newcastle, six months on from the 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>