The Athletic FC Podcast

Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello Herrero, both Barcelona correspondents for The Athletic, dive into the challenges facing FC Barcelona as they navigate a tumultuous period. They discuss the ongoing renovation delays at Camp Nou, the impact of these setbacks on team performance, and the financial implications. The duo also explores the club's desire to reclaim their Champions League glory, the influences of emerging talents, and the intricate balance between club politics and athletic aspirations during this uncertain time.

Rick Parry, Chairman of the EFL, dives into the crucial role that lower-league clubs play in the overall health of English football. He discusses the alarming financial disparities between the Premier League and the EFL, advocating for fairer revenue distribution. Parry highlights the EFL as a vital pathway for developing talent and stresses the need for sustainable club ownership. With insights on regulatory reforms, he pushes for greater collaboration within football to address these challenges and secure a thriving future for all clubs.

Join Matt Slater, a business of football writer, and James Horncastle, an Italian football expert, as they explore the Premier League's record-breaking spending and its impact on European football. They discuss the widening financial gap with other leagues, the potential challenges of maintaining global dominance, and the intrigue of introducing a '39th game' abroad. The conversation also touches on how esports could redefine audience engagement and the complexities of soccer media rights in an evolving landscape.

Tim Spiers, an expert on Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure at Wolves, joins the discussion to unpack Nottingham Forest’s management shakeup. They dive into the reasons behind Nuno's sacking and the potential of Ange Postecoglou stepping in as head coach. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on fans, the challenges of adjusting a mismatched squad, and the impact of this shift on team dynamics. Spiers also touches on Postecoglou's coaching style and what it means for the club's future aspirations in both the Premier League and Europe.

Matt Slater and Adam Crafton, reporters for The Athletic, join Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, to dive into the clash between UEFA and FIFA over club football's future. They discuss the transformative effects of the Club World Cup and its implications for governance. The trio also highlights the pressing need for reforms to balance finance disparities while safeguarding player welfare amidst ambitious tournament expansions. Finally, they explore the controversial idea of hosting domestic games abroad and its impact on local fan cultures.

Journalist Jay Harris and football writer Oli Kay dive into the seismic shift at Tottenham with Daniel Levy's departure after 25 years. They dissect the implications for the club's future and reflect on early Premier League surprises, including Liverpool's perfect start and Aston Villa's scoring woes. The duo also highlights Sunderland's impressive performance, whose results are outshining Manchester City. Expect lively debates and quick assessments as they explore the evolving dynamics of the league!

Joining the discussion are Charlotte Harpur, a dedicated women's football journalist, Megan Feringa, an expert in the same field, and Nikki Doucet, the WSL's chief executive since 2024. They dive into the recent record attendances at major tournaments and the surge in popularity but question the attendance dip in the Women's Super League. The guests explore the financial shifts in transfers, celebrate the Lionesses' achievements, and discuss how clubs need to innovate to maintain growth and engagement in women's football.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha shares insights on adapting to the Premier League. He discusses his own tough transition at Newcastle and Fulham, emphasizing the intense physicality and cultural differences of English football. Saha breaks down the challenges faced by new signings like Sesko and Gyökeres, highlighting the need for tactical adaptability and coping with high expectations. He also advises aspiring players to focus on authenticity and enjoy the game, rather than get bogged down by fame or wealth.

Join transfer guru David Ornstein, alongside Athletic staff members Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers, and Jacob Whitehead, as they unravel the thrilling chaos of the summer transfer window. They recount jaw-dropping moments like Arsenal's surprise bid for Ebereche Eze and the late-night drama of Xavi Simmonds' transfer saga. The group dives into the emotional toll on players, financial implications of over £3 billion spent, and how social media plays a role in this wild football period, making for a captivating discussion.

David Ornstein, a renowned football correspondent at The Athletic, teams up with football finance expert Chris Weatherspoon to dive into the whirlwind of transfer deadline day. They discuss Chelsea's strategic player negotiations and the Premier League's record spending, uncovering potential loopholes in regulations. The duo also analyzes the dynamic transfer market, particularly goalkeeper movements involving Emi Martinez and club financial implications. Their insights shed light on the intricate balance between sports and finance in the fast-paced football world.