The Athletic FC Podcast

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.

So the verdict has been announced in Manchester City's legal case against the Premier League over the rules on commercial deals involving clubs' owners.So can either side claim to be winners or losers from the case? And what ramifications could it all have for the 115 charges hanging over City?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on the four winless clubs in the Premier League; Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.What can these clubs do to avoid being cut adrift and their managers getting sacked?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tim Spiers and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arne Slot has settled in nicely at Anfield with his side are top of the Premier League heading into the October international break following their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.Despite winning nine of their 10 games under the Dutchman in all competitions, Liverpool are yet to beat anyone in the top half of the Premier League table.So how serious is Liverpool’s challenge for the title? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and James Pearce to analyse Liverpool's start to the Slot era with La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan also dropping by to discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract uncertainty amid possible interest from Real Madrid.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, James Pearce and Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 Aston Villa vs Manchester United.After contrasting weeks in Europe, will Sunday's game decide Erik ten Hag's future?Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller, Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme, Ahmed WalidExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it that everytime Arsenal get a set-piece it feels like they’ll score?Since the start of the 2021/22 season Mikel Arteta's have scored 44 goals from set-pieces with Gabriel responsible for 12 of those.So, how have set-pieces become so important?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic FC newsletter lead writer Phil Hay, Tactics writer Liam Tharme and former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha to debate the rising importance and focus on set-pieces including the influences of coaches such as Nicolas Jover.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Liam Tharme and Nedum OnuohaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.