The Athletic FC Podcast

Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. During media duties this week, the England manager put an emphasis on physicality and pressing, a tactic not commonly associated with international football. He also voiced that he felt England were more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than having the hunger and excitement to win it. So is Tuchel's first squad a step forward or step back, and can his more proactive style of management win England the World Cup? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater.Today we’re joined by a man who’s refereed at the highest level of European football - both in the club and international game.With fan-fueled conspiracies on the rise and scrutiny at an all-time high, how difficult is it to be a referee?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Premier League and FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg as well as The Athletic's senior writer Rory Smith to discuss Mark's career, his time at Nottingham Forest as well as the impact conspiracy has on officiating.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Clattenburg and Rory SmithExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona.After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one of Hansi Flick’s most important players.So how has Raphinha reinvented himself to become one of Europe’s most effective players? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & Laia Cervello HerreroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool.Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a hammer blow at Wembley.After an abject display in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, we’re asking if Liverpool have run out of steam.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes, Andy Jones & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United finally have their hands on domestic silverware after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.So how did Eddie Howe’s side make such light work of Liverpool?And will success at Wembley kick start a new era of success on Tyneside?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead, who were both at Wembley, to discuss the significance of the occasion, and the role of a number of Newcastle's individual players. Later, they ask whether League Cup success can provide the launchpad to greater riches.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Whitehead and Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first piece of domestic silverware will be contested between Liverpool and Newcastle when they meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.Eddie Howe's Newcastle are looking to end a 70 year drought, will the occasion get the better of them as it did in 2023?And after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG midweek, how will Arne Slot's side respond in his first final at Liverpool?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writer Tim Spiers, Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Liverpool writer Andy Jones to preview Sunday's tie.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Chris Waugh, Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday night Atletico Madrid found a new way to suffer Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid.Diego Simeone's side were knocked out courtesy of penalties after Julian Alvarez had his effort rule out for a 'two-touch' kick.From VAR, to penalty shootouts, to near misses, Atleti have once again failed to find a way past their neighbours.So why is there always something stopping Simeone’s and his team from getting over the line in this competition? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Phil Hay to reflect on a chaotic night at the Metropolitano, discuss Atleti's 'El Pupas' curse and analyse how Simeone lifts his side for the La Liga title run-in.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Phil Hay and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford home.The news came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated the club could run out of money by Christmas without cost-cutting.So, with concerns around Manchester United’s finances, how would this development be paid for, and how will it affect their on pitch ambitions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season..So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season?And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed WalidExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not for the first time Manchester United have proven they still have glimpses of class in the team - as shown by Bruno Fernandes in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.Despite sitting 14th in the Premier League, the Europa League still offers a backdoor into next season’s Champions League.So how crucial is European qualification to Ruben Amorim’s plans for an Old Trafford overhaul?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Phil Hay to discuss the Ruben Amorim 'project' at Old Trafford to date while Mark Critchley also drops in to explain the financial need to secure European qualification to help finance a summer overhaul of the playing squad.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell, Phil Hay and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.