The Athletic FC Podcast

Weekend Preview: Liverpool 2.0 vs Ange-ball

<p>Adam Leventhal hosts Caoimhe O'Neill, Nick Miller, and Tim Spiers as they look ahead to match day seven of the Premier League.</p><br><p>One game stands out among the rest: Tottenham vs Liverpool. With both teams unbeaten so far this season, we ask where the improvement in both squads has come from, and what kind of match it will produce.</p><br><p>We also take a whistle-stop tour around some of the other fixtures, with Man United facing Crystal Palace for the second time this week, the champion’s Man City away to Wolves, and can Everton make it three wins in a row versus Luton?</p><p>***</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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 has happened with Osimhen & Napoli's TikTok?

<p>Roberto Calenda, the agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, has threaten the club with legal action for mocking the striker on TikTok.</p><p>James Horncastle and Carl Anka join Ayo Akinwolere to dissect and debate the fallout and analyse the impact the social gaff could have for one of Napoli's most prized assets.</p><p>With his contract set to end it's final year in the summer, could this incident mark the beginning of the end for Osimhen's time in Naples?</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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 Ajax imploded

<p>Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Simon Hughes, plus Chief football writer for Dutch newspaper AD Sjoerd Mossou, to explain how Ajax imploded - after the ugly scenes on Sunday that led to 'De Klassieker' being abandoned...</p><p>The panel discuss the power vacuum left by Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar and former manager Erik ten Hag, and how far the club has fallen from <strong><em>that</em></strong> run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.</p><p>Also, what role the former Arsenal and Dortmund transfer chief Sven Mislintat has played in this summer's chaos, as Ajax, like so many of Europe's legacy clubs, have been plunged into an 'identity crisis' of their own.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p><strong><em>***</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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>

How will Man City cope without Rodri?

<p>After Rodri's red card at the weekend, Pep's Manchester City will have to find a way to cope without the most <em>reliable</em> player in the Premier League... But is he more than that?</p><p>With the trip to Arsenal looming, Ayo is joined by City writers Sam Lee and Mark Critchley, to talk about how the Spaniard became the lynchpin of Pep’s all-conquering champions, a sliding doors moment for Kalvin Phillips and how the best 'problem-solvers' in football might try to adapt to this temporary set-back.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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>

Do Arsenal need a goalscorer?

<p>David Ornstein and Art De Roche are alongside Ayo Akinwolere following Arsenal's 2-2 draw in the North London Derby at home to Tottenham Hotspur.</p><p>Within the game, Gabriel Jesus missed a presentable chance to put the Gunners 2-0 up in the first half while Eddie Nketiah also drew attention later in the game too, for Mikel Arteta's men, leading to debate around whether or not Arsenal possess the firepower needed to mount a Premier League title challenge.</p><p>As well as the panel getting stuck into the debate, Mark Carey also drops in to dive into the data regarding Arsenal's attacking output.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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: North London Derby Special

<p>Adam Leventhal welcomes a packed studio to preview this weekend's biggest clash: Arsenal vs Spurs plus David Ornstein pops up to bring us exclusive details on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard's bumper new contract.</p><p>In the red corner, Jay Harris and Jordan Campbell represent the Arsenal side of things, while in white we have Tim Spiers and Alex Kay-Jelski. Who will emerge victorious, both in the studio and on the pitch? And as a cherry on top of the cake.</p><p>To finish the episode we also hear briefly from Spanish football expert Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero on the upcoming Madrid derby.</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>

Raya vs Ramsdale: Can you really rotate goalkeepers?

<p>Following the signing of David Raya on loan from Brentford, Mikel Arteta has maintained his view this season he can rotate between the Spaniard and last season's first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.</p><p>With Raya having started each of the last two matches Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and former Arsenal and Tottenham stopper, and now Women's Football Editor at The Athletic, Chloe Morgan to debate the possibility of rotating goalkeepers.</p><p>Plus The Athletic's Arsenal writer Jordan Campbell drops by having been at Goodison Park as Arteta floated the idea of making in-game goalkeeper substitutions.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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>

Are the real Barcelona back?

<p>Barcelona had failed to win by a five-goal margin in any game since Lionel Messi left for PSG back in 2021... So after back-to-back 5-0 wins in La Liga and last night in the Champions League, are Xavi's side finally ready to entertain again? </p><p>Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Spanish football writers Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan to find out who 16 year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is, if Joao Felix has finally found the perfect home and why a first La Liga title in five years wasn't enough for Xavi.</p><p>Plus, how AI is helping the team cope with their rigorous fixture schedule and whether any more financial 'levers' will be required in the coming transfer windows.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Chelsea handle being a ‘project’ club?

<p>Chelsea were booed by their own fans away at Bournemouth on Sunday but are they actually playing better than results would suggest?</p><p>Ayo is joined by Adam Crafton, Dom Fifield and Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, to talk about footballing 'projects' - What they really mean <em>and</em> if Chelsea are really built for one?</p><p>Plus, why the fanbase still bear the scars of the Roman Abramovich era and the external pressure for 'Project Chelsea' to fail, because of all the excessive spending.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 are Brighton better than Man United?

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is alongside The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Carl Anka to reflect on Manchester United's 3-1 humbling defeat at the hands of Brighton &amp; Hove Albion on Saturday at Old Trafford.</p><p>The panel not only analyse where things went wrong on the pitch for United, but also the difference in infrastructure and preparation behind the scenes at both clubs with Brighton set for the start of their first-ever European campaign this week.</p><p>How both clubs are set up for, and approach the transfer window, football identities within their squads as well as the respective roles of Erik Ten Hag and Roberto De Zerbi are also debated.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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: Can Brighton expose more Man United cracks?

<p>Nick Miller, Tim Spiers and Luke Bosher join Adam Leventhal to preview round five of the Premier League.</p><br><p>They attempt to answer the weekend's big questions, such as: can Liverpool avenge the 3-0 defeat to Wolves from last season? Will Harry Maguire get the nod for an injury-hit Manchester United vs Brighton? And can Arsenal break their Goodison Park hoodoo after five consecutive winless trips?</p><br><p>There’s also a review of the Athletic's Agent Survey which the panel discusses, as well as a quick preview from Seb Stafford-Bloor as the top two clash in Germany. </p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL">betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</a></p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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>

Does Sancho have a Man United future?

<p>Following his public fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag, Jadon Sancho's Manchester United future looks uncertain.</p><p>Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon to explore and debate Sancho's spell at Old Trafford from the promise he showed in Germany prior to making the move through to the present day after being criticised for his performance in training by Ten Hag after Man Utd's 3-1 defeat to Arsenal prior to the international break.</p><p>Raphael Honigstein also offers up the view from Germany on how things have panned out for the England international since leaving Dortmund for £73m back in 2021.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL">betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</a></p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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 Maddison is helping Spurs move on from Kane

<p>Are Spurs actually better without Harry Kane? ... Of course not, but new manager Ange Postecoglu's personality and James Maddison's 'swagger' are certainly helping the club move on.</p><p>Today, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare and data writer Thom Harris, to discuss their fast start to the season - as well as - to urge a little caution after just four Premier League matches.</p><p>How James Maddison became the new 'technical leader', why <strong><em>Big Ange</em></strong> is the perfect manager for Richarlison right now, why Bissouma and Romero feel like new signings, the stark contrast to last season under Antonio Conte and why it's so difficult to replace a talismanic figure like Kane.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL">betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</a></p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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 & Juventus: a rollercoaster 12 months

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian writer James Horncastle to discuss a chaotic 12 months at Juventus including the news that Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after failing an anti-doping test &amp; club legend Leonardo Bonucci is taking legal action against his former club.</p><p>So what next for Paul Pogba, who has also had a difficult year both on and off the pitch? And, despite it all, can Juve bounce back this year?</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL">betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</a></p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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 Germany sacked Flick

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor to debate Germany's decision to sack Hansi Flick ahead of hosting Euro 2024.</p><p>The decision came following Germany's 4-1 defeat to Japan on Saturday evening with the panel assessing the merits of the decision before looking ahead to who could replace Flick and the state of the DFB ahead of hosting next summer's European Championships.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL">betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL</a></p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS</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: What does life after Southgate look like for England?

<p>Adam Leventhal welcomes Nick Miller, Thom Harris, and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero onto our weekend preview show, this time with an international twist. </p><br><p>That's right, it's the first international break of the season! Will England maintain a 100% winning record in European Championship qualifying as they take on Ukraine this Saturday? Which other fixtures are appealing? And, looking further down the line, what is the succession plan post-Gareth Southgate?</p><br><p>We also bring you the up-to-date on the Luis Rubiales scandal, with Spain's World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda getting the axe this week. And finally, we go on a whistlestop tour of the transfer window - who were the winners, who were the losers, and which transfers left us scratching our heads? </p><br><p>-</p><br><p>The latest episode of the Athletic's <em>Go Deeper</em> podcast series charts Bukayo Saka's rise to two-time English player of the year and Ballon d'Or candidate. Follow the link here to listen now: <a href="https://theathletic.com/podcast/220-beyond-the-headline/">https://theathletic.com/podcast/220-beyond-the-headline/</a></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>

Mudryk at Chelsea: can he turn it around?

<p>Host Ayo Akinwolere is alongside The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Adam Crafton to dive deeper into the struggles of Mykhailo Mudryk at Chelsea.</p><br><p>The Ukraine international was signed in January 2023, and has had three managers since then at Stamford Bridge; Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and now, Mauricio Pochettino.</p><br><p>He’s yet to live up to expectations - failing to score a goal for the Blues since moving from Shakhtar Donetsk. </p><br><p>But to what extent can his struggles can be attributed to the constant change at Chelsea, and how much responsibility does he need to take himself?</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou.</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Have Bayern & Tuchel been left short in the transfer window?

<p>Bayern are a club known for getting their transfer business done early but have they been left short - despite landing number one target Harry Kane?</p><p>... And how did Thomas Tuchel react? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor, to reflect on Harry Kane's move to Germany and the impact of a long-drawn-out transfer saga on the rest of their transfer plans.</p><p>Will they go back in for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha - who was taking pictures in a Bayern Munich kit before his move collapsed - this January. And did Kyle Walker use the German giants in order to negotiate a better deal at Manchester City?</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Henderson & Saudi Arabia: The interview & the fallout

<p>Jordan Henderson sat down with The Athletic's David Ornstein and Adam Crafton this week in an attempt to set some of the records straight about his controversial summer move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.</p><p>On the podcast today, David and Adam joined Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the main talking points from the interview; from his denial that the move was financially motivated to the backlash he's received from LGBTQ+ groups. He also discusses his departure from Liverpool.</p><p>Also joining the pod is Joe White, co-chair of LGBT supporters group 3 Lions Pride.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production by: Adam Jones &amp; Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Ten Hag's 'Boom & Bust' Manchester United

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Manchester United writers Laurie Whitwell &amp; Mark Critchley, as well as, senior writer Oli Kay, to reflect on Ten Hag's comments following their defeat at Arsenal...</p><p>After more than a year in the post, does anyone really know what Ten Hag's Man United is supposed to look like - and on Sunday's evidence - is it good enough?</p><p>Plus, what's going on with Jadon Sancho?</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Mo Salah’s future, United get Amrabat and Spurs get their top target

<p>Welcome to a special Deadline Day episode of the Daily Football Briefing; all the football news you need to know to start your day.</p><br><p>Today, David Ornstein tells us:</p><br><p>Can Salah still move to Saudi?</p><br><p>Has Manchester United found their midfield linchpin?</p><br><p>Did Spurs do enough in the window?</p><br><p>Host: Mike Zimmermann</p><p>Producer: Mike Zimmermann</p><p>Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh</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 v Manchester United - two sides with more questions than answers

<p>Adam Leventhal is joined by Caoimhe O'Neill, Thom Harris, and Joey D'Urso to look ahead to this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures.</p><br><p>Do Arsenal and Manchester United have more questions than answers right now? </p><p>Who is favourite between Liverpool and Aston Villa?</p><p>Are we already in relegation six pointer territory for Everton and Sheffield United?</p><p>And should Eddie Howe be feeling the heat?</p><br><p>All that and much more on this episode of the Weekend Preview</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>

Deadline Day with David Ornstein

<p>Transfer Deadline Day is here and clubs, as ever, are still busy doing deals.</p><p>To give you the lowdown on what to expect, David Ornstein and Adam Leventhal joined host Ayo Akinwolere to provide the latest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and more.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Guy Clarke</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Rubiales, the kiss and football’s #MeToo moment

<p>Spain won their first Women's World Cup last week, but the fallout has instead been dominated by one man; president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales.</p><p>Rubiales planted a kiss on Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso's lips during the medal ceremony, a kiss she said was non-consensual. Since then, Rubiales has been suspended but ignored calls to step down as Spanish football descends into chaos... even leading to his own mother going on hunger strike over accusations against him earlier this week.</p><p>To discuss a fast moving story and what it says for women in sport, The Athletic's Laura Williamson, Laia Cervello and Adam Crafton joined host Ayo Akinwolere.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production by: Abi Paterson, Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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 Everton's crisis is just the tip of the iceberg

<p>Everton are rock bottom of the Premier League with zero points and zero goals from their opening three games, but their problems extend way beyond their on pitch struggles.</p><p>Joining Ayo Akinwolere today is The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and investigations writer Matt Slater to explain what the collapse of the MSP Capital deal means for both the club's new stadium and its transfer strategy, plus whether there's any light at the end of the tunnel.</p><p>Plus, insight from Italian football writer James Horncastle, on whether their new striker, Beto, can at least help to end the goal drought.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou &amp; Guy Clarke</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Darwin’s evolution & Liverpool’s transfer needs

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool writer James Pearce and Nick Miller following Darwin Nunez's explosive cameo at St James' Park as the Reds came from behind to win 2-1.</p><p>The panel analyse the Uruguayan's contribution and potential after a season of adaptation in the Premier League.</p><p>Plus there's the latest on Liverpool's transfer search in the final week of the summer market as well as pondering the possibility of Mohamed Salah moving to Saudi Arabia.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Weekend Preview: Are Newcastle or Liverpool serious title contenders?

<p>Tim Spiers takes on hosting duties of our weekend preview with help from Nick Miller, Nnamdi Onyeagwara, and Reuben Pinder. </p><br><p>They break down the big talking points ahead of matchday three, including whether Newcastle or Liverpool are in with a title shout this year ahead of their Sunday clash, should Manchester United fans be worried ahead of a visit from Nottingham Forest, and is Everton vs Wolves already a relegation six-pointer? </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>

Bernardo Silva, Foden and Man City's midfield evolution

<p>In a summer Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez has moved on and with Kevin De Bruyne struggling with injury, Man City's Bernardo Silva has committed his future to the club, signing a new one year contract extension through to 2026.</p><p>Join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to dissect and debate the importance of the Portuguese during a turbulent time for City's midfield.</p><p>Plus, our Man City writer Sam Lee drops by to share his thoughts on Phil Foden with the England international getting his long awaited chance to shine in the centre of midfield.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>

Greenwood & Man United: What Next?

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Sarah Shephard, to reflect on Manchester United's U-turn over the decision to bring back Mason Greenwood and discuss what's next for both?</p><p>What really happened in the days after Adam's reporting revealed Chief Executive Richard Arnold's plans for Greenwood's re-integration with the first team. And did the combined statements leave us with more questions than answers?</p><p>Plus, the panel are joined by Theresa Parker from Women's Aid - who've been in contact with the club this week - on the lessons that still need to be learned from this.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</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 Olise staying is good news for the Premier League

<p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield and Jay Harris to reflect on the significance of Michael Olise's decision to stay at Crystal Palace, amid interest from serial spenders Chelsea...</p><p>What is it about the 21-year-old winger that attracted interest from Chelsea (and even Manchester City) and is it important that so-called 'smaller' Premier League clubs, fight back against the tide of mega-rich teams - like Chelsea - stockpiling the best young prospects from elsewhere in the league.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• <strong>Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to </strong><strong>https://nordvpn.com/theathletic </strong><strong>to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! </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>