The Athletic FC Podcast

It's been a year filled with news, moves and eyebrow raising events in the world of football and we're here to look back at them with our own Christmas countdown.What happened this year, and how have those decisions played out?Here to reminisce and recoil at the year it's editor-in-chief Laura Williamson and senior writer Adam Crafton.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Laura Williamson and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. With just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home games, the panel analyse why Spurs are making things so difficult for themselves. Meanwhile Liverpool have shown a more adaptable side to their game this week, could Ange Postecoglou take a leaf out of Arne Slot’s book? Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere and talk sacking season after Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were relieved of their duties this week. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. He has been provisionally suspended. Both club and player have issued statements to make categorically clear that Mudryk has never “knowingly used” any banned substances.So where does this leave Chelsea and the £62m man?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson and senior writer Adam Crafton to discuss the scenario facing the Ukrainian winger.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s now one win and eight losses in 11 games for Man City after the weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester United.So… what will it take to fix their current situation?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Rory SmithExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Atletico Madrid made it 11 wins on the bounce with Alexander Sorloth scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe.Having drawn level at the top of La Liga - next up they head to table-toppers Barcelona.So can Diego Simeone’s new-look Atleti sustain their challenge?Ayo Akinwolere is joined from Madrid by The Athletic's La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan as well as Colin Millar to analyse Atleti's red-hot form, their summer investment in the transfer market and whether their title challenge is sustainable ahead of the trip to face Barca.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Colin MillarProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sacking season is in full flow. Russell Martin departed Southampton, hours after Gary O’Neil was shown the door at Wolves. Three wins between these teams, 76 goals conceded. It has been coming. Today, we focus on Wolves, who look set to appoint Vitor Pereira.So… just how much relegation danger are they in?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Phil Hay and David NovoExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day.The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth.Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsettingHost: Adam LeventhalProducer: Abi PatersonNews reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable.With Pep Guardiola's side picking up just one win in their last 10 games, the panel dissect why it's still going wrong and look at whether Sunday's game presents an opportunity to bounce back.Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League games - but after coming from behind to win in Plzeň - are Ruben Amorim's side showing signs of moving in the right direction?Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across The Athletic FC.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Sam Lee, Mark Citchley, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup after running unopposed.So why has FIFA allowed this to happen? What are the wider controversies surrounding their bid?And could Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a World Cup?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs have lost 19 of their last 43 matches in the Premier League, and their most recent defeat against Chelsea was particularly damaging.So have Spurs evolved under Ange Postecoglou?And will he be given the time to turn their season around? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Charlie EccleshareExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.