The Athletic FC Podcast

Ahead of the Champions League returning it’s goodbye to the group stage and that’s not the only change - you’ll probably notice they’ve dabbled with the music as well! To delve into the changes to the format Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football news reporter Matt Slater and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay.The panel get into the the new league structure, explain why it gets called "The Swiss Model" and how it will work in practice.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brighton have had an impressive start under their 31-year old-manager Fabian Hurzeler and an even more impressive transfer window - with £200million spent. On the show it’s tactics writer Liam Tharme and German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor.And we’re asking… is there something exciting happening with the Seagulls this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Tharme and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just days left until the transfer window closes - what big moves should we look out for?So what is going to happen with Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho? Are Liverpool getting Federico Chiesa? And is Manuel Ugarte finally on his way to Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One game, one win but Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich had to leave it late to get the job done! Serge Gnabry with a late winner as they came from behind to beat Wolfsburg 3-2.So after Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern’s run of 11 straight titles last season, can Kompany lead them back to the top?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy Jones, who watched Kompany's Burnley during his two-year stay at Turf Moor to analyse the Belgian's start to life with Bayern.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who host title chasing Arsenal on Saturday.Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme, James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only a week into the season but it appears Napoli boss Antonio Conte has already gone full Conte. After an opening day defeat he said his side "melted like snow in the sunshine”.So how can Napoli avoid another disappointing season after their title triumph in 2023?Is moving on Victor Osimhen and reuniting Conte with Romelu Lukaku the answer?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Manchester City have now reached agreement with Ilkay Gundogan over a free transfer from Barcelona.So is it a no-brainer for City to bring back a player they let go just 12 months ago?And why are Barca willing to allow one of their best players to leave so soon? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Pol BallúsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It felt like a host of top clubs would be queuing up to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.He’s been linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro LeagueBut where is the interest from Premier League clubs for the England international?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris and Liam TharmeAdditional reporting: Laurie Whitwell, James McNicholas, Sam LeeProducers: Abi Paterson & Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again we’re asking what is going on at Stamford Bridge.So after being unhappy at being left out for the season opener.What now for Raheem Sterling at Chelsea? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay and Liam TwomeyExecutive 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’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — Opening week! — we’re focusing on the ever-changing Chelsea, who host Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.Plus, which Chelsea player would start for City, and a look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Liam Twomey, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.