The Athletic FC Podcast

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha shares insights on adapting to the Premier League. He discusses his own tough transition at Newcastle and Fulham, emphasizing the intense physicality and cultural differences of English football. Saha breaks down the challenges faced by new signings like Sesko and Gyökeres, highlighting the need for tactical adaptability and coping with high expectations. He also advises aspiring players to focus on authenticity and enjoy the game, rather than get bogged down by fame or wealth.

Join transfer guru David Ornstein, alongside Athletic staff members Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers, and Jacob Whitehead, as they unravel the thrilling chaos of the summer transfer window. They recount jaw-dropping moments like Arsenal's surprise bid for Ebereche Eze and the late-night drama of Xavi Simmonds' transfer saga. The group dives into the emotional toll on players, financial implications of over £3 billion spent, and how social media plays a role in this wild football period, making for a captivating discussion.

David Ornstein, a renowned football correspondent at The Athletic, teams up with football finance expert Chris Weatherspoon to dive into the whirlwind of transfer deadline day. They discuss Chelsea's strategic player negotiations and the Premier League's record spending, uncovering potential loopholes in regulations. The duo also analyzes the dynamic transfer market, particularly goalkeeper movements involving Emi Martinez and club financial implications. Their insights shed light on the intricate balance between sports and finance in the fast-paced football world.

James Pearce, a Liverpool correspondent, and Adam Crafton, a seasoned football journalist, join the discussion on Alexander Isak's £130 million transfer to Liverpool. They analyze how his arrival could reshape the competitive landscape in the Premier League. The conversation also delves into Liverpool's shifting financial strategies and the emotional impact on Newcastle fans losing their star striker. Additionally, they reflect on Liverpool's impressive victory over Arsenal and the broader implications of their investment in top-tier talent.

Football analyst Jon Mackenzie joins host Ayo Akinwolere to dissect Liverpool's shaky start to the season. Despite winning their first two matches, they've leaked goals and raised questions about how new signings fit into the current strategy. The discussion dives into Liverpool's evolving attacking tactics and the challenges players face in adapting, especially newcomers like Florian Vietz. They also emphasize the importance of team dynamics and patience in building chemistry for a strong title defense.

Tim Spiers and Megan Feringa, both football writers for The Athletic, gear up for the highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. They dive into the history of this rivalry, noting Arsenal's struggles at Anfield since 2012. The duo discusses player performances, injury concerns, and the tactical challenges each team faces. Their lively banter includes humorous takes on managerial styles and a fun guessing game about Arsenal's scoring legends, all while providing insightful predictions for the match ahead.

Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley discuss Manchester United's shocking loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, raising questions about Ruben Amorim's future. They dive into the club’s alarming performance and ongoing goalkeeping issues. Jason Stockwood, owner of Grimsby Town, shares insights into the underdog's remarkable victory and its uplifting impact on the community. The conversation also touches on football governance and the pressing need for improvement strategies at United, making for a lively and engaging exchange.

David Ornstein, a renowned reporter for The Athletic known for his insights on football transfers, joins Carl Anka, a writer focused on Manchester United and football culture. Together, they dive into the hectic atmosphere of the transfer window, discussing Manchester United’s young talents, Mainou and Hoyland, and the challenges faced by players like Nkunku and Jackson at Chelsea. They also explore Arsenal's strategies for balancing new signings and potential sales. Plus, there's buzz about Donnarumma possibly moving to Manchester City!

In this discussion, football reporters George Caulkin and Oli Kay dive into Liverpool's thrilling last-minute victory over Newcastle, highlighting key moments and the squads' performance amid player absences. Caulkin notes Newcastle's urgent need for transfers, while Kay analyzes Liverpool's inconsistent form. David Ornstein adds urgency by providing updates on Alexander Isak's uncertain future, reflecting on the transfer window's impacts and the implications for both teams. It's a captivating blend of match analysis and transfer intrigue!

Daniel Taylor, a seasoned journalist covering Nottingham Forest, teams up with Adam Crafton, a football correspondent, to dissect Nuno Espirito Santo's tumultuous situation. They delve into the fractured relationship between Nuno and club owner Evangelos Marinakis, exploring how recent tensions could jeopardize his position. The duo also discusses fan reactions and the broader implications for team dynamics as Nuno grapples with internal conflicts amid rising expectations from supporters.