The Athletic FC Podcast

In this discussion, football correspondent David Ornstein, Manchester United writer Carl Anka, and Barcelona writer Pol Ballus analyze Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona. They dive into the complexities of Manchester United's transfer strategy and financial constraints. The trio also explore Rashford's fit in Barcelona's squad and the unique challenges he may face adapting to La Liga's style. Additionally, they humorously highlight the cultural shift from Manchester to Barcelona, discussing everything from lifestyle to the delights of tapas.

Jacob Whitehead, a writer for The Athletic who has interviewed key figures in modern football, joins Liam Tharme, a tactics analyst familiar with the intricacies of the game. They dive into Johan Cruyff's revolutionary influence on Ajax, exploring his philosophies that redefined the club's identity and youth development. Discussion includes Ajax's tactical evolution under Cruyff, the restructuring of their youth academy, and the lasting legacy he left after his passing in 2016, all crucial elements of Ajax's resurgence in European football.

Simon Johnson, Chelsea writer for The Athletic, and James McNicholas, Arsenal writer for The Athletic, dive into the controversial transfer of Ashley Cole from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006. They explore why the move was deemed a betrayal and how it shook the London football scene. The duo discusses the fallout of financial struggles at Arsenal, Chelsea’s aggressive tactics, and the emotional turmoil for players and fans alike. They also reflect on Cole’s dual legacy and the long-term impacts on both clubs, highlighting the complexities of football loyalty.

In this discussion, David Ornstein, a football correspondent for The Athletic, and James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, delve into Liverpool's ambitious moves for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. They explore the fierce competition, particularly with Newcastle's interest in Ekitike, and assess the players' potential impact on Liverpool’s squad dynamics. The conversation also touches on the complex emotional aspect of transfers in light of recent tragedies, alongside Liverpool's evolving financial strategies in the challenging transfer market.

Joining the discussion are Adam Crafton, a reporter for The Athletic FC who witnessed Chelsea's triumph, and Phil Hay, the lead writer for the newsletter. They delve into whether Chelsea's Club World Cup victory signifies a turning point for club football. The duo critiques FIFA's presentation and the authenticity of the event's success while weighing the financial gains against player welfare. They also explore soccer's challenges in the U.S., community support dynamics, and how attendance figures contrast with expectations.

In this exciting discussion, senior football writers Andy Mitten and Oli Kay dive into Carlos Tevez's iconic transfer from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2009. They explore the controversy surrounding the move, marking a pivotal shift in Manchester's football rivalry. The duo unpacks Tevez's role in the power dynamics post-Abu Dhabi takeover and the financial motivations at play. They also reflect on how this transfer transformed City into a competitive force, reshaping the landscape of Premier League football forever.

James McNicholas, an Arsenal writer for The Athletic, and Laura Williamson, Editor-in for The Athletic, dive deep into the serious charges against former midfielder Thomas Partey. They discuss the timeline of allegations and the ethical quandaries for Arsenal as a club. The guests explore the legal complexities of naming players amid investigations, comparing football's lack of structured guidelines with the NFL's disciplined conduct frameworks. The conversation also highlights the need for better handling of sensitive situations in sports and the public’s perception of media coverage.

Mark Critchley, a Manchester football writer for The Athletic, and Phil Hay, the Lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter, dive into Manchester United's struggle to offload unwanted players like Marcus Rashford. They examine contract intricacies and the impact on team dynamics. Financial pressures and declining player valuations complicate transfers, making it harder for the club to navigate the market. The duo also reflects on how management changes could affect player futures, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Rashford and the broader challenges for the club.

David Ornstein, a renowned football correspondent at The Athletic, and Carl Anka, a tactical writer with keen insights on Manchester United, dive into Arsenal's pursuit of striker Viktor Gyökeres. They discuss how Gyökeres could fit into Mikel Arteta's plans, analyzing his scoring prowess and physical style. The conversation also touches on Arsenal's strategic transfer dynamics, comparing Gyökeres with other targets and examining the implications for team structure as they aim for the title.

Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global soccer takes center stage as new investments reshape the landscape. The exchange between national pride and criticism is explored through the lens of famous matches. The strategic role of the Public Investment Fund is examined, along with fan engagement at major events in the U.S. Contrasts in culture between Austin and Riyadh highlight complexities of freedom of expression. The moral implications of these sports investments raise important questions about human rights and international relationships.