The Athletic FC Podcast

On Tuesday night PSG lost for first time since Kylian Mbappe left for Real Madrid having started the season seven games unbeaten prior to their visit to London.They were also without Ousmane Dembele against Arsenal, the player was dropped for disciplinary reasons.So can PSG succeed without superstars?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Tom Williams, author of Va Va Voom, the modern history of French Football and Pierre-Etienne Minonzio from L'Equipe to discuss PSG's start to the new season, the role of Luis Enrique in their re-styling as well as which young players amongst their ranks could blossom into being their next talisman.The Athletic's Peter Rutzler also drops in with his view having been at the Emirates while Mike Stavrou also catches up with the travelling PSG supporters.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tom Williams and Pierre-Etienne MinonzioExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the start of 2023-24, Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 43 PL goals (28 goals, 15 assists), more than any other player.So, is Palmer the best player in the Premier League?And why is he thriving at Chelsea?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on Manchester United after another damaging defeat, this time to Tottenham.So… what can Erik ten Hag do to turn things around? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell, Jay Harris and Phil HayExecutive 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 — we’re focusing on Manchester United vs Spurs at Old Trafford.With Ange Postecoglou & Erik ten Hag's sides 10th & 11th respectively, Sunday presents a huge opportunity for one to kick start their season.Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June FIFA’s new Club World Cup launches but do you know where it’s being held, who’s playing in it or what the format actually is?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton to discuss the tournament ahead of it's relaunch in the USA next summer with Felipe Cardenas also popping by to explain what it means for the US to host the competition.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater & Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An agreement has been reached for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover of Everton.But when will it actually be completed? And how is it being paid for? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Paddy Boyland and James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on West Ham. There was so much excitement over their summer transfer business, but Julen Lopetegui has won just one of his first five league games in charge.So… have the Hammers got worse under their new manager or is the job just impossible?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Benji Lanyado, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, champions Manchester City and challengers Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad in which both sides had to come from behind.Despite trailing to Erling Haaland's early goal, Mikel Arteta's side were only denied a win in the depths of added time with John Stones equalising for Pep Guardiola's side.So have Arsenal moved closer to dethroning Man City, despite not beating them?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee and Arsenal writer James McNicholas, who were both watching on to discuss the fallout from a game which involved plenty of drama both on-and-off the pitch.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and James McNicholasExecutive 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 1st vs 2nd as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on Aston Villa - looking at their season so far and what was a hectic summer transfer window..So how is Unai Emery’s side managing the demands of both Champions League and Premier League football? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Thom Harris who was there to witness Villa’s return to action in the Champions League this week & also broadcaster Dan Bardell who is very much a Villa fan too.Producer: Nick ThomsonExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.