The Athletic FC Podcast

After a “painful” defeat in the Champions League final.What do Arsenal need to do to close the gap on PSG next season?And what next for Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot?Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tom Williams & Art de Roché, James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal and PSG face off in Budapest in the 2026 Champions League final.Can Arsenal capture their first ever Champions League trophy, or will PSG win - as Tom Williams calls it - 'le back to back'. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tom Williams & Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year after winning the FA Cup - Crystal Palace have yet more silverware!Oliver Glasner’s parting gift was to deliver the Conference League.So, what comes next for Palace?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Matt Woosnam and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After ending the season 18 games unbeaten, Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth with Europa League football to come.But without a job lined up, has he left the Cherries too soon?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jon Mackenzie & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick ThomsonVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool will play Champions League football next seasonDespite finishing closer in points to the relegation zone - than champions Arsenal!So, is that enough for Arne Slot to keep his job at Anfield?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: James Pearce and James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale & Nick ThomsonVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Ham have been relegated from the Premier League just three years after winning the Europa Conference League.But just how costly will the drop be for the Hammers?Meanwhile, Spurs survived on the final day, so how do they avoid another worrying season next time around?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Roshane Thomas, Matt Slater and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2025/26 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe.The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Tim Spiers join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Tim SpiersExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Rachael Tinde  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who will beat the drop - Spurs or West Ham? Spurs need a draw against Everton to confirm safety, while West Ham must beat Leeds at the London Stadium.And elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup has been announced. Who has been left off the plane?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Jay Harris & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship Play-Off Final after being caught spying on opponents.They’ll also start next season with a points deduction.So, how has Spygate cost Saints a place in the Premier League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 22 years, Arsenal have finally won the Premier League title.So how did Mikel Arteta transform the Gunners from pretenders to champions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City this summer.And with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca the man expected to replace him.How on earth do you follow Pep?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Sam Lee, Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xabi Alonso has been announced as Chelsea’s next manager. As their campaign peters out, is he the man to reignite them next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey & James HorncastleFeaturing: James PearceExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's FA Cup Final weekend. Can City avoid a third consecutive FA Cup Final defeat? Could this be Pep's final trip to Wembley? Can Chelsea end the season with silverware?Plus we preview the penultimate weekend in the Premier League.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Mark Critchley & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup is just four weeks away!From tickets to hotels, broadcast agreements to squads - there’s a lot still to sort out.But are FIFA exploiting fans?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea are exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach.So could he bring calm to the chaos at Stamford Bridge?David Ornstein is joined by Cerys Jones to discuss whether Alonso would be a success at Chelsea.Plus, The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell drops in to bring us his story that Michael Carrick is line to take the United job on a permanent basis.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Cerys Jones, Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The relegation race looks set to go to the wire after Tottenham’s draw against Leeds.So have West Ham been given a lifeline?And why do Spurs keep pressing the self-destruct button?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick ThomsonVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week of chaos at Real Madrid, involving in-fighting, things got even worse.Defeat at the Camp Nou meant Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions, again. So, how has Real Madrid’s season fallen apart? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, Pol BallusExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A big game in the title and relegation fight as 1st faces 18th - could this game crown Arsenal and relegate West Ham?And Spurs could take a big step towards safety if they can get a third win in a row, this time against Leeds.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Carl Anka & Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paris Saint-Germain are through to a second successive Champions League final.Luis Enrique will be aiming to win his third European Cup as a manager. So, is he PSG’s biggest star?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom WilliamsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are into their first Champions League final in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid.Mikel Arteta’s side are on the brink of a historic double.So can they get it over the line?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Art de RocheExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s advantage Arsenal in the title race after Man City’s slip-up at Everton.The Gunners are five points clear with three to playSo… have City thrown it all away?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt Brooke, Jay Harris, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have confirmed their place in next season's Champions League.So, what do the club need to handle being back amongst Europe’s elite? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown.This special episode of The Athletic FC hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026.Presenter: Adam LeventhalProducer: Paul IliffeAudio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN, C-SPAN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point.The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025.Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay & Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Oli Kay & Caoimhe O’Neill Featuring: Keith Andrews & Caoimhin KelleherExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.So is the Special One really the man to save Real Madrid?Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick ThomsonVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield.How prepared are Liverpool for his departure?And will it be another big summer of spending?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Pearce, Josh WilliamsExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final.But the question remains, who should be their next manager?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Already relegated Wolves host relegation-threatened Tottenham - can De Zerbi's side finally pick up some momentum against the league's bottom team?Elsewhere, with Man City in FA Cup action, Arsenal have the chance to leapfrog them back to the top of the table at home to out of form Newcastle.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Art De RochéExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 years after winning the Premier League title Leicester City have been provisionally relegated to England’s third tier.So, how have the Foxes gone from fairytale to failure?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Rob Tanner, Matt Slater and Jordan HalfordExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Liam Twomey, reacting to the news that Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after just 106 days in charge of the club.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein & Liam TwomeyFeaturing: Dean Ashton, Executive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champions League football is slipping further from Chelsea’s grasp after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brighton.They’ve now lost five league games in a row without scoring for the first time in 114 years.So how much worse can Chelsea’s season get?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Dean Ashton, Liam Twomey, Cerys JonesExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs’ nightmare season shows little sign of improving.After West Ham’s draw with Crystal Palace - they remain two points from safety with five matches to go.So does De Zerbi have enough time to save Spurs?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After defeat at the Etihad, Arsenal have lost control of the title race.Man City can go top of the Premier League with a win at Burnley on Wednesday night.So, after 22 years of waiting have Mikel Arteta's side blown their chance at the title?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast diiscuss the huge Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis is one of European football’s most outspoken and recognisable owners and this week he’s been telling Adam Crafton all about his plans to revolutionise football - including a European Super Championship.They also discuss his relationship Antonio Conte - who guided Napoli to last season's Serie A title the subject of Filmauro's 'Ag4in' documentary.Plus, De Laurentiis shares his thoughts on the influence agents have within the game whilst also discussing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.This interview is also available to watch on The Athletic FC Podcast YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top two face off in a massive game in the title race.Will Man City continue their excellent recent form, or can Arsenal spring a surprise at the Etihad? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Art De RochéExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in!Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second successive trophyless season for the first time in 16 years.So just how broken are Real Madrid?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The managerial merry-go-round has started up again!The latest mover is Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end the season.So what next for Iraola and the Cherries?And how will this move impact the managerial market?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue.So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever?And if so, who is this World Cup actually for?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Arsenal slumped to defeat Man City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League with a statement win on Sunday.Defeat to Bournemouth now makes it three losses in four in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side.So, are Arsenal losing their nerve, again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton.They cover a huge amount of ground, including his relationship with ‘the boss’ Sir Alex Ferguson, the highs and lows of his Champions League final appearances and his take on whether Michael Carrick should be handed the United job permanently.Host: Adam CraftonGuest: Patrice Evra Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Can the Citizens keep the pressure on in the title race?Elsewhere Arsenal host Bournemouth, Manchester United face local rivals Leeds, and Roberto De Zerbi begins his Tottenham tenure away to Sunderland. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role!So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Dermot CorriganProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Kane’s 49th goal of the season helped Bayern Munich to victory in the Bernabeu.Luis Diaz and Michael Olise played a starring support role.With a front three to be feared - are Vincent Kompany’s side the best in Europe?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Carl Anka & Seb Stafford-BloorProducers: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After losing 4-0 at the Etihad, Liverpool’s season is at risk of unravelling. With so much uncertainty surrounding the club's hierarchy, are FSG allowing Liverpool to drift? Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes & Matt SlaterProducers: Jay Beale & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, and one that will be Mohammed Salah's final trip to the Etihad Stadium as a Red. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris WeatherspoonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.