The Athletic FC Podcast

Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.But what damage could they be causing you and others?Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday, looking to win consecutive away games at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. This week, Mikel Arteta’s side thumped PSV 7-1 in the Champions League, meaning there will be no distractions as they look to build on an impressive attacking display. After a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, Ruben Amorim will not be afforded that luxury. Manchester United’s hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification rest on their Europa League campaign, will the United boss have one eye on Thursday’s second leg? Arsenal writer Art de Roché and Manchester writer Mark Critchley join Adam Leventhal to preview Sunday’s tie. Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Art de Roché, Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexander Isak is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers having scored 17 goals in his last 17 games since the start of December.The Swede has helped fire Newcastle United to Wembley and has also put them in the mix for Champions League qualification.But the question is can they deliver the success needed to keep him at St James’ Park?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead to explore what it is that makes Isak the player he is as well as the cult hero he's become on Tyneside before exploring how difficult, or not, it may be to keep hold of him this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a new wonderkid on the block, and his name is Florian Wirtz. He has established himself as the man to carry the creative responsibility for Bayer Leverkusen.But how does he measure up against the world’s best in his position?  And is there a danger in becoming over-reliant on one player to make things happen?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay & Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter where he’s managing, Jose Mourinho simply cannot stay out of the headlines.His time managing in the Turkish Super Lig has seen more of the same.So is this ‘typical Jose’? Or is he a victim of the chaos that surrounds him?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Rory Smith & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are looking to conclude their search for a new Sporting Director by the end of March.So, with the search set to conclude this month, who is the ideal candidate for the role and could this appointment be the missing link to help Arsenal finally end their wait for a Premier League title?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to analyse what the Gunners are looking for and who could be the man to replace Edu in trying to help Mikel Arteta bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Spiers and Nick Miller, both esteemed football writers for The Athletic, dive into the battle for European football in the Premier League. They illuminate Nottingham Forest's surprising resurgence and their fierce competition with clubs like Newcastle and Chelsea for a Champions League spot. The conversation also tackles the struggles of giants like Manchester United and Tottenham, analyzing how injuries and management affect their chances. Tune in for insightful commentary on how these teams are navigating their high-stakes pursuits!

Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent for The Athletic, provides deep insights into the team's recent challenges, while Jack Pitt-Brooke contributes his expert analysis. They discuss City's bounce-back victory over Tottenham and the return of Erling Haaland. The duo debates the scale of the team's rebuild, the impact of new signings like Khusanov and Gonzalez, and the aging key players that may need replacement. Additionally, they explore Guardiola's tactical challenges and the emerging talents boosting City’s squad.

Jacob Tanswell, Aston Villa correspondent for The Athletic, joins Rory Smith, a senior writer, to unpack the aftermath of Aston Villa's heavy loss against Crystal Palace. They delve into the underwhelming performances of marquee signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, questioning their impact on the team's strategy. Discussions also highlight the challenges of integrating new talent, balancing financial sustainability with aggressive spending, and the importance of effective coaching in revitalizing players' careers.

Stu James and Phil Hay, insightful football reporters for The Athletic, dissect the harsh realities for newly promoted Premier League teams. They discuss the alarming trend of relegation for promoted clubs, focusing on Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton. The duo navigates the financial struggles faced by these teams compared to established clubs, and the essential strategies that lead to stability. They also reflect on Leeds United's journey and how past experiences shape a club's approach to promotion and survival in a fiercely competitive landscape.