The Athletic FC Podcast

Jurgen Klopp has a new job, but it’s not in management.The former Liverpool manager begins work as Red Bull’s head of global soccer from January 1, 2025.So how has a football ‘romantic’ ended up working for one of the world’s biggest corporations?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 games into the La Liga season it’s Barcelona who sit top, after a convincing 5-1 demolition of Sevilla on Sunday.With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to come, this week looks set to test Barca’s newfound resolve under Hansi FlickSo, are Barcelona back?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Flick's start to life in Barcelona as well as their financial position before Barcelona writer Pol Ballus drops in having been at the manager's media conference ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.Reading Barcelona’s accounts – and why a ‘€12m profit’ is actually a €91m lossHost: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Pol BallusExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Declan Rice said after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, the team are making "silly mistakes”.So, can Arsenal still be title contenders if they keep making these mistakes?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we go deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on Liverpool vs Chelsea.This should be an intriguing tactical battle - Arne Slot's reds boast the best defensive record so far, while Enzo Maresca's blues top the charts for xG from open play.Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jon Mackenzie, Luke BosherExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jhon Duran just can't stop scoring!Another goal off the bench for Colombia during the international break makes adds to the six goals he already has for Aston Villa this season, with six of those coming off the bench.So how does he go from supersub to starter?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and senior data analyst Mark Carey to delve into Duran's role, character and potential with the 20-year-old Colombian quickly emerging as one of the Premier League's most talked about players.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jacob Tanswell and Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have chosen a permanent successor to Gareth Southgate.So why has Thomas Tuchel been chosen and does he offer the best chance of winning the World Cup?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Liam Twomey and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou, Jay Beale and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Crafton exclusively revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United ambassadorial contract has been ended by the club.So why have INEOS taken this decision?And with Erik ten Hag back at work after the international break - does this mean the owners have also taken a decision on the manager?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Laurie Whitwell and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As things stand, Pep Guardiola’s contract expires at Manchester City at the end of the season..  Meanwhile, the English Football Association are still to announce a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate.So, is there any chance Guardiola would manage England?The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay and Man City writer Sam Lee join Ayo Akinwolere to discuss Guardiola's future as well as England's search for a permanent successor.England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by following the 3-1 win over Finland to assess Lee Carsley's position as interim head coach.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay and Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening seven gameweeks of the 24/25 Premier League season.The panel discuss all 20 teams; reflecting on Arne Slot's impressive start, the contrasting playing styles of Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, the race for Europe led by Chelsea and Villa, and the four sides still yet to win a game.Plus - Brentford's fast starts, Spurs' collapse at Brighton, Forest exceeding expectations and much more.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was once the most expensive player in world football but last year Paul Pogba saw his career in tatters after being handed a four-year suspension for a doping violation.Now having seen that ban reduced to 18-months he could be in line for a return to action in March.So what is next for Pogba? James Horncastle and Oli Kay are alongside Ayo Akinwolere to talk about Pogba’s ban being reduced, Juventus’ response and what could unfold between now and the Frenchman being able to return to competitive action.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.