The Athletic FC Podcast

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Senior Writer Simon Hughes, to discuss his latest article on Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty apology and a growing trend of footballers feeling as though they have to say 'sorry' for in-game mistakes...Do footballer's social media accounts need to be managed, who is drafting the posts - and for what kind of supporter? Plus, the impact of online abuse and players no longer just 'sticking to football' on the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & Adam Crafton to discuss the stories behind Arsenal's demolition of Spurs and how Arteta, unlike Nuno, has built strong relationships at boardroom level to secure his future.David shares a line from his column about a proposal from the Premier League for meaningful, competitive matches abroad.And The Athletic's Gregg Evans, will tell us why he thinks Aston Villa are going places after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and how they are investing heavily in youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview a North London Derby, which neither manager can afford to lose... Plus, whether Pep's Manchester City can enact some Champions League final revenge on Tuchel's Chelsea, how Southampton have coped with some big summer departures and what Michael Olise will bring to Crystal Palace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by football administrator Paul Appleton & business economist Mark Gregory to explain what happens when clubs like Derby County enter administration, how clubs try to survive & how English football can break the cycle of its professional clubs getting into severe financial difficulties in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Brentford correspondent Jay Harris, to explain why Brentford's impressive start to the season is no surprise to those who've been paying attention over the last five years...Jay discusses the unprecedented decision to replace their Academy with a B-team, innovative recruitment strategy and a model which has become the envy of EFL clubs now trying to replicate the formula for their success.Plus, what is Ivan Toney's ceiling and does a comparison between him and Didier Drogba stand up to scrutiny? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Roshane to discuss the future of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and explain why United forward Jesse Lingard may play a key role for Manchester United this season.Our Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare, saw Chelsea breeze past Spurs on Sunday & he’ll be with us to tell us about the rivalry at boardroom level that has developed between the two clubs.And The Athletic’s Manchester City writer Sam Lee will share his take on the Pep Guardiola comments about his club’s fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another big weekend of Premier League football... Who needs the points more on Friday night as Newcastle face Leeds - and how can Bielsa get record signing Rodrigo, to start firing? Can Manchester United bounce back from their Champions League humbling away at an Antonio-less West Ham? Plus, Brentford's work-rate, Spurs' dismay and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Maheta Molango, the new chief executive of the union that represents professional footballers in England - the PFA.In a wide raging discussion - on topics such as racism, dementia, & the two-year World Cup plan - Maheta shares his vision for leading an organisation, that has faced a series of challenges both on and off the pitch and within the PFA itself under the tenure of the previous CEO Gordon Taylor.After visiting dressing rooms of Premier League clubs and beyond, Maheta tells us what the players in his union view as the most issues he should address. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, to discuss his unmissable new book: 'And It Was Beautiful' - on Marcelo Bielsa's impact at Leeds United...Phil dives into the 'cult of Bielsa' sweeping West Yorkshire, the origins of 'murder-ball', how Kalvin Phillips was transformed from the 'runt of the litter' and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein who reveals Paul Pogba leaning towards signing new Manchester United contract.Our Wolves writer Tim Spiers joins us to assess the start of manager Bruno Lage and also to tell us about his interview with the club’s owner Jeff Shi..Also as The Champions League returns, The Athletic’s Oli Kay tell us why he believes despite its imbalanced excesses, the tournament is fantastic and has lots to get excited about this season..And The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about an exciting start to the Bundesliga that, like the Premier League, is dominated by familiar names and questions if that will ever change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.