The Athletic FC Podcast

Veteran midfielder İlkay Gündoğan, known for his stellar career at Manchester City and with the German national team, shares fascinating insights with Jordan Campbell. He reflects on playing under Pep Guardiola's possession style versus Jürgen Klopp's high-intensity approach. Gündoğan also discusses his move to Galatasaray, career longevity through diet changes, and iconic moments at City. Plus, he reveals his coaching aspirations and how Pep's training transformed his game. A deep dive into modern football from a seasoned pro!

Megan Feringa, a dedicated football journalist, teams up with Oli Kay, a sharp football writer and analyst, to dive into the highly anticipated Liverpool vs Manchester United clash. They discuss the mounting pressure on managers, particularly for Arna Slott at Liverpool versus Ruben Amorim at United. Defensive injuries for Liverpool are examined, alongside tactical adaptations to exploit fullback weaknesses. Both share predictions and highlight key players, all while addressing the concerning trend of fewer open-play goals this season.

In this engaging discussion, James Featherstone, an experienced football agent and founder of Omnisports, shares insights about player representation and the complexities of transfers. Joining him is Stu James, a football journalist from The Athletic, who delves into agent-club dynamics. They explore the essence of trust in agent-player relationships, the negotiation process, and the strategic timing in transfers. Featherstone also reflects on the rapid rise of player Adam Wharton, managing young stars, and the significant impact of social media on modern negotiations.

In this discussion, football writer Charlie Eccleshare shares insights on Harry Kane’s tactical evolution at Tottenham, while Seb Stafford-Bloor analyzes his impressive performances in the Bundesliga since joining Bayern Munich. Former England goalkeeper Rob Green reminisces about his early encounters with Kane and offers a goalkeeper's perspective on facing him. The trio debates Kane's significant role in England's World Cup hopes, perceptions of his legacy, and his unique ability to balance scoring with playmaking, all while questioning whether Kane is truly appreciated.

Matt Slater, a renowned football journalist, joins Jay Harris, a passionate writer focused on fan culture, and Dan Kilpatrick, a senior journalist with insider knowledge of Tottenham Hotspur. They delve into the implications of Daniel Levy’s resignation, exploring the current ownership and management dynamics at Spurs. Speculations about the club's potential sale arise, alongside discussions on how executive changes impact stability and future ambitions. The conversation also addresses whether the Lewis family will invest more to strengthen the team's performance.

Peter Moore, the former CEO of Liverpool FC, shares insights from his tenure, including how Fenway Sports Group reshaped the club's identity and transformed it into a superclub. Dr. Ian Graham, former Director of Research, discusses the pivotal role of data-driven recruitment in player selection and performance analytics. They also touch on FSG's shifting strategies, including the significance of Anfield in preserving local identity, and the challenges of integrating advanced analytics into football operations. Their perspectives offer a fascinating look at modern football governance.

Michael Cox, a tactical analyst, and Mark Carey, a data-oriented football expert, dive into the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. They discuss a notable rise in long passes, driven by changes in tactics and rules. The pair explores how goalkeepers are increasingly targeting teammates rather than simply aiming long, and how modern receiving skills transform these kicks into scoring opportunities. They also touch on the impact of the eight-second rule and how hybrid strategies are shaping the future of goalkeeping.

Join Carl Anka, a sharp football journalist, and Tim Spiers, a data-savvy writer, as they dissect the Premier League landscape seven games in. They explore Arsenal's title chances bolstered by strong defense and Victor Jochore's mixed impact. Liverpool's defensive struggles and Bournemouth's surprising top-four position spark intriguing debates. The duo evaluates Manchester City's transition, Newcastle's solid defense, and the challenges facing teams like Sunderland and Wolves, all while assessing the implications for the upcoming season.

Paul Taylor, a Nottingham Forest writer for The Athletic, teams up with football journalist Charlie Eccleshare to dissect Ange Postecoglou's tumultuous start at Forest. They explore the narrow margins that led to losses and analyze the clash between Postecoglou's attacking philosophy and the club's defensive identity under Nuno. The discussion delves into dressing-room dynamics, the challenges of a mid-season tactical overhaul, and whether ownership will grant the patience required for a turnaround amidst rising scrutiny.

Jack Pitt-Brooke, an England reporter for The Athletic, explores the impact of Thomas Tuchel's first year as manager on the squad's performance. David Ornstein, an experienced football journalist, shares insights on the significance of Tuchel's appointment and the expectations surrounding it. They discuss the consequences of England's 5-0 win over Serbia, the mixed results including a loss to Senegal, and the pressure Tuchel faces ahead of the World Cup. They also examine the importance of playing style versus winning, as well as tactical challenges and player accountability.