The Athletic FC Podcast

Weekend Preview: Premier League title showdown dress rehearsal, Leeds out to avoid upset & Liverpool plan Brighton revenge mission

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek as well as The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as the FA Cup Fourth Round sees the first clash of the Premier League's top two this season.</p><p>As well as looking ahead to Man City v Arsenal the panel also pick out Accrington Stanley v Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur's visit to Preston North End.</p><p>Liverpool's return to Brighton two weeks on from losing 3-0 down on the south coast is also analysed ahead of picking out which ties to keep an eye on in the Fourth Round with a number of EFL sides hoping to spring a suprise.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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 window loopholes & FFP explained

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater &amp; Dan Sheldon look at how the huge spending in this January transfer window by Premier League clubs compared to the rest of European Football. </p><p>Is Financial Fair Play - world football’s attempt at financial self-regulation - creating an unfair playing field that sees Leeds United spend more on one player than all clubs in La Liga &amp; Serie A combined. </p><p>How are FFP rules affecting the recruitment policy at clubs across Europe &amp; what are the loopholes being jumped through to gain a competitive advantage during the current 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>

Salah’s slump: A cause or symptom of Liverpool’s problems?

<p>It's been three league games since Mohamed Salah had a shot on target, never mind a goal, and questions are popping up around the Egyptian's form. But what is it down to? Is it the loss of team mate Sadio Mane? Is his new contract weighing heavy on him? Or is he a symptom of a wider issue at Liverpool?</p><p>Alongside Mark Chapman to answer those questions and dive into the data around Liverpool's star striker are James Pearce and Duncan Alexander</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson</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 Frank Lampard... What next for both?

<p>What more could Frank Lampard have done at Everton? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Everton writer Patrick Boyland and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to see if after failing at two Premier League clubs, a worrying pattern is emerging for Lampard the manager...</p><p>The panel explore various similarities and differences between how things unravelled for Frank at both Everton and Chelsea, as well as, whether Everton need a 'firefighter' or a 'project' manager next <em>and </em>why it probably shouldn't be ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Juventus were deducted points & how they imploded

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle &amp; Tim Spiers to discuss why Juventus, the biggest team in Italy, were deducted points</p><p>and share what we know about the crisis surrounding the club, the wider impact across Italian football and what happens next.</p><p>Also discussed the resignation of the Juventus board in November and the challenges both on and off the pitch for the new board.</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: Casemiro misses Arsenal v Man Utd showdown, Liverpool & Chelsea in mid-table meeting & pressure mounts at the London Stadium

<p>Adam Leventhal is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers ahead of what could be a telling week in the Premier League title race as Arsenal welcome Manchester United, while Man City take on Wolves.</p><p>At the other end of the table pressure mounts as David Moyes takes on his former employers Everton at the London Stadium.</p><p>Meanwhile in mid-table Liverpool and Chelsea do battle in Jurgen Klopp's 1,000th game in management at Anfield.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</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 rise of Martin Odegaard and finding ‘home’ at Arsenal

<p>When Arsenal bought Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard for £30m in 2021 the expectation among supporters wasn’t particularly high - and some didn’t understand why the club wanted to buy him. </p><p>After all this was a player who as a teenager was dubbed the “heir to Messi’s throne”.</p><p>But fast forward 18 months and he’s not only Arsenal’s playmaker, but possibly the best midfielder in the league. It’s been quite a rise for Martin Odegaard.</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by Amy Lawrence and Michael Cox to discuss the Arsenal captain in detail</p><p>Produced by Abi Paterson</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</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>

Mbappe, Real Madrid & the transfer saga that won’t go away

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton &amp; Mario Cortegana to discuss a new chapter in one of football’s biggest transfer sagas...Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid.</p><p>Are PSG doing the right things to keep him? How might his relationship with teammate Neymar influence his views? How might Real Madrid even afford him?</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</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>

Death threats, conspiracy & FFP: Is Moshiri's Everton a broken club?

<p>Board members receiving alleged death threats, home-grown players being chased from Goodison Park, an owner who publicly blames supporters for the churn of managers and a team who are without a Premier League win since October - Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O'Keeffe and Senior writer Oli Kay to find out if Everton are broken beyond repair this season?</p><p>The panel reflect on owner Farhad Moshiri's track-record, assess sanctioned oligarch Alisher Usmanov's current influence and discuss what, if anything, can be done in January to stave off a first top-flight relegation since 1951.</p><p>Plus, how effective Everton's protests have been, the validity of safety concerns relating to certain Club Directors and why manager Frank Lampard continues to retain <em>most</em> people's support.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</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>

Mykhailo Mudryk - how did Chelsea hijack Arsenal’s transfer target?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein &amp; Adam Crafton to discuss the crazy chain of events that saw Mykhailo Mudryk end up at Chelsea when it looked like he was destined for Arsenal.</p><p>David details the work done behind the scenes to sign the forward at both clubs and Adam gives the perspective of the selling club having been embedded with Shakhtar Donetsk in the making of his podcast series Away From Home.</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</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: Arsenal & Man Utd have derby day questions to answer & Nathan Jones latest magic trick must come at Goodison Park

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek and The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa ahead of a pivotal weekend in the Premier League as both Arsenal and Man City head to their local rivals.</p><p>Manchester United will be out to settle the score after losing 6-3 to City at the Etihad in October while Harry Kane sits just one goal shy of Jimmy Greaves' club-record at Spurs.</p><p>Plus there's reaction to Joao Felix seeing red at Fulham, Nathan Jones taking Southampton to Everton and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion welcoming Liverpool to the Amex without Virgil van Dijk.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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 Brazil’s far right ‘kidnapped’ the most famous shirt in football

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Lang &amp; Gustavo Ribeiro from The Brazilian Report to discuss how and why the national team football jersey has turned from a symbol of unity in Brazil to one that divides the nation down political lines.</p><p>We reflect on a monumental start to 2023 in Brazil, as the nation prepared to welcome a new President, say goodbye to one of its most famous sons following the death of Pele and witnessed thousands of supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro wearing Brazil shirts as they storm Congress, the Supreme Court and surround the presidential palace.</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's identity crisis: Can Graham Potter hold on?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to analyse the chaos at Chelsea as Graham Potter struggles to convince the fans four months on from replacing Thomas Tuchel.</p><p>10 points off the top four pace, and after defeat to Man City in the FA Cup Third Round the panel consider the change in process at Stamford Bridge following the summer takeover of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.</p><p>Plus, David Ornstein explains the deal set to take Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix to Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season, before the rest of Chelsea's transfer needs are evaulated.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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 Ten Hag's Manchester United are evolving in the transfer market

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell to get a read on the optimism surrounding Erik ten Hag's start at Old Trafford...</p><p>Laurie explains how Ten Hag's influence and change behind-the-scenes in how the club look to recruit new players could usher in a far more successful age of transfer business than in recent seasons.</p><p>Plus, how the manager's big decisions and authority have even led to talk of a genuine title race, ahead of Saturday's Manchester Derby.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Barcelona & Real Madrid, hated rivals who need each other more than ever

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Pol Ballus &amp; Guillermo Rai to discuss how Barcelona &amp; Real Madrid, rivals on the pitch for decades,  have become close off the field and need each other more than ever. </p><p>Hear how both clubs continue to fight for salvation via the Super League and why Jude Belligham is far more likely to be a Real player than a Barca player next season. </p><p>The Athletic's Laia Cervello Herrero details her debut article that looks at Ansu Fati tough couple of years at Camp Nou since inheriting Lionel Messi's number ten shirt. </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: Cupsets, Contenders & FA Cup 'Giant Killings'

<p>Ahead of the FA Cup Third Round getting underway Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to one of the landmark weekends on the football calendar.</p><p>As the pressure mounts on Frank Lampard the panel assess his position ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, Antonio Conte is out to win Spurs their first silverware in 15 years meanwhile Newcastle hope to begin their journey to winning a first piece major domestic silverware since 1955.</p><p>Plus Oxford United welcome Arsenal on Monday night - and where else could we see those eagerly anticipated Giant Killings?</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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 Ronaldo negotiated £173million-a-year Saudi deal without agent Mendes

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell &amp; Nick Miller to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, where he will earn a reported £173 million a year.</p><p>Hear details of how that deal was done without the help of super agent Jorge Mendes and what awaits Ronaldo after a pretty strange six months - walkouts, tears &amp; that interview..</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 & Newcastle transfer priorities & will Lampard survive?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Patrick Boyland, can Frank Lampard hold onto his job after Everton were heavily beaten by Brighton and discuss the off-field challenges at Goodison Park.</p><p>And what did Arsenal &amp; Newcastle’s draw last night tell us about what both sides have to do off the pitch to get to that next level after a night of frustration for Mikel Arteta.</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 Liverpool's biggest strength became their weakness

<p>Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris and Tony Evans following Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Monday evening...</p><p>The panel reflect on Liverpool's <em>complicated</em> season so far, whether Van Dijk is suffering from a World Cup hangover, how Cody Gakpo can help ease the burden on Darwin Nunez, as well as, why Klopp will need to find some more of that 'Monopoly money' to spend in the January transfer window &amp; the secrets behind Brentford's record against the 'Big 6'.</p><p>Plus, how uncertainty over the club's future off-the-pitch is affecting the team's confidence and if Klopp is starting to resemble Arsene Wenger towards the end of his time in charge of Arsenal?</p><br><p><em>Hear more from Tony Evans on The Athletic's new Liverpool podcast 'Walk On' available wherever you get your podcasts.</em></p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Top four battle hots up & is Joao Felix heading to the Premier League?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by Carl Anka and Liam Twomey to react to a big weekend of Premier League football as the battle for a top four finish took centre stage.</p><p>The panel analyse where things are going right at Manchester United, wrong at Chelsea and whether Antonio Conte is picking one battle too many at Tottenham.</p><p>Plus David Ornstein looks ahead to the January Transfer Window including the latest on Joao Felix's future amid a number of Premier League clubs showing interest in the Atletico Madrid forward.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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 aim to outfox Leicester, Wolves welcome rejuvenated Man Utd & pressure increases on Lampard

<p>Join Dan Bardell, George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Atheltic's Rich Amofa ahead of the final round of Premier League games for 2022.</p><p>The panel look ahead to Liverpool welcoming Leicester City, fresh from agreeing a deal for Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.</p><p>Manchester United's visit to Wolves is also on the agenda along with Everton, after defeat to Wolves increased pressure on Frank Lampard. Plus, there's Arsenal's visit to Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Liverpool move quick for Gakpo & Arsene Wenger returns to Emirates

<p>As the Premier League returns Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell and Dan Barnes to discuss the Boxing Day action as well as analyse Liverpool's move for PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo.</p><p>David Ornstein gives the details on Gakpo's proposed move to Anfield while there's reaction to Manchester United missing out on the Dutchman, with the 23-year-old known to have admirers at Old Trafford.</p><p>As Arsene Wenger returned to Arsenal for the first time since leaving the club in 2018, the panel look back on Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham as well as Newcastle's impressive win over Leicester City before looking ahead to what moves could take place in the January Transfer Window.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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: Premier League is back after World Cup but who's ready for the return?

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Dan Barnes as the Premier League returns on Boxing Day following the break for the World Cup in Qatar, but who's best set to hit the ground running?</p><p>Tottenham head to Brentford in the first of the action prior to Liverpool heading to Aston Villa, leaders Arsenal welcoming West Ham United and on Tuesday Manchester United, without Cristiano Ronaldo, take on Nottingham Forest.</p><p>Plus, there's the latest on Chelsea's appointment of Christopher Vivell ahead of the January transfer window as well as champions Man City restarting against Leeds 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>

Messi's Argentina win the World Cup: A destiny fulfilled

<p>Argentina are World Champions again. Lionel Messi has emulated Maradona in 1986. Destiny fulfilled. Debate over?</p><p>Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, David Ornstein and others to reflect on arguably the greatest World Cup final of all time.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can we just stick to the football please: What is the Qatar 2022 legacy?

<p>On the eve of the World Cup Final, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Laura Williamson to evaluate the Qatar 2022 World Cup.</p><p>From the build-up to the tournament, the treatment of migrant workers and the handling of the tournament by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the panel analyse all aspects.</p><p>What comes next? What happens to the stadiums, Qatari football and what lessons have been learned? Plus, there's reaction to Infantino's announcement over an expanded FIFA Club World Cup as well as confirmation over his second term as President.</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>

Lionel Messi: one step from football immortality

<p>Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Argentinian journalist Martin Mazur to discuss Lionel Messi as he looks to crown his career with a World Cup winners' medal on Sunday.</p><p>Having taken Argentina to the final in 2014 as his country's talisman, now at 35, in his last World Cup Sunday offers his final chance for World Cup glory.</p><p>The panel analyse his tournament so far as well as his role within the Argentine side, plus Jay DeMerit, Adrian Mariappa and Leon Balogun share their experiences of playing against Messi while former PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino tells The Athletic what it's like to coach Messi.</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: what does the future hold for France and PSG’s unstoppable force of nature?

<p>Kylian Mbappe once more shone brightly on the world's stage as he helped France through to consecutive World Cup finals. He is a superstar on the pitch, yet look around Qatar and you won't see a lot of, if any, shirts with his name on the back which is a surprise given that he plays his club football for Qatari backed PSG.</p><p>Joining Adam Leventhal to discuss "brand Mbappe" and its future is The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur. Off the back of yet more french success we discuss why the France camp is so united and what fears they have ahead of Sunday's final, if any.</p><p>And in the final it's Messi v Mbappe, club mates at PSG, making this final a great success for the French club and its owners.</p><p>Plus, Adam Leventhal managed to grab a word with elusive Manchester United owner Avram Glazer post match, hear what he had to say on the sale of his club, and whether it is in fact a "sale".</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>

Morocco’s World Cup Dream: can Qatar’s ‘Rocky’ land another knockout blow?

<p>Morocco made history when they beat Portugal as they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, and this incredible team aren't done yet.</p><br><p>Adam Leventhal hosts a special episode of The Athletic Football Podcast as we dive deep into the story of the 'Rocky' of the World Cup, a name given to them by their coach Walid Regragui.</p><br><p>The identity of Moroccans, what it means to have an African nation at this stage of the World Cup, and why the Moroccan players have been hugging their mums after matches are topics all discussed on this edition.</p><br><p>Abi Paterson speaks to The Athletic's Jay Harris, Luke Bosher and many Moroccan fans. While out in Casablanca, Jacob Whitehead helps build the picture of the impact of this Moroccan success in their homeland.</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>

Modric, Juranovic & Croatia's 'Hollywood story'

<p>The World Cup resumes tonight as Messi and Argentina prepare to face Croatia - A far smaller footballing nation which has somehow reached back-to-back World Cup semi finals... To explain how they keep doing it and to tell us more about the remarkable personal journeys of the players, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and host of Nova TV in Croatia, Sasa Lugonjic.</p><p>Hear about Luka Modric’s backstory of war and personal trauma, to his rise as the best player in the world, possibly even the best midfielder of this generation. Sasa tells us about Josip Juranovic’s “Cinderella story” from competition winner (literally) to National stardom. And the panel discuss where hot property Josko Gvardiol might end up in the coming transfer windows.</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>

Bellingham, Ronaldo, Mudryk: World Cup transfer talk

<p>With the January transfer window coming into sight, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Adam Crafton in Qatar to discuss which players could be on the move this winter.</p><p>Following glowing World Cup displays there's growing interest in both England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Portugal striker Gonçalo Ramos, as well as the latest on his compatriot Joao Felix with a number of Premier League clubs interested.</p><p>Cristiano Ronaldo's future is still yet to be resolved after leaving Manchester United ahead of the start of the tournament, meanwhile away from the World Cup, Arsenal continue to be linked with Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhailo Mudryk.</p><p>For more, read David Ornstein's transfer column on The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3991075/2022/12/12/ornstein-world-cup-transfer-targets/</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>