The Athletic FC Podcast

It’s matchday 37 in the Premier League and the main focus is on Manchester United vs Arsenal, another huge match in the title race.Elsewhere, Fulham host City and Nottingham Forest go up against Chelsea.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers and Jon MackenzieProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night in L.A. Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said he drew positives from his side’s recent form in the Premier League.So has the Chelsea project turned a corner under Mauricio Pochettino?And has he done enough to still be in charge next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson & Liam TwomeyProducers: Guy Clarke & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayern Munich announced back in February that this season would be Thomas Tuchel’s last as their manager.Fast forward three months and Bayern are yet to find a replacement.Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and now Ralf Rangnick have opted to stay at their current jobs rather than join the German club.So why are Bayern struggling to fill their managerial vacancy?And who could they turn to next?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Seb Stafford-BloorProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night, West Ham announced that David Moyes will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.After a prolonged search for Moyes’ successor, it seems the Hammers have landed on Julen Lopetegui.So… why have West Ham chosen the former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves manager over other candidates? And for Lopetegui himself - what is it about the project that has made him turn down the allure of Bayern Munich?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Tim SpiersProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday Real Madrid were confirmed as La Liga champions for a record-extending 36th time, following Barcelona's 4-2 defeat at Girona.So how did they do it, why was this title not as easy as it looked and can anyone stop Real Madrid being European football’s dominant force? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Madrid-based writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spanish Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to analyse how Carlo Ancelotti's side have managed to write their own page in Madrid's illustrious history.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:How Real Madrid won La Liga – artful Ancelotti, brilliant Bellingham and unlikely new heroes - The AthleticReal Madrid’s ‘dystopian’ dominance – Barcelona and La Liga rivals are way behind - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s matchday 36 in the Premier League and the title race is once again the main focus. Arsenal host Bournemouth while Man City go up against Wolves.Elsewhere, in the relegation battle, it’s Luton vs Everton, Burnley vs Newcastle and Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and Jordan CampbellProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So on Monday Premier League clubs opted to push on with plans for a hard spending limit — a de facto salary cap tied to the income of the lowest earning side in the top flight.Why do some clubs want more financial regulation? Who is pushing back against it? And could this end up with legal action?The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater joins Ayo Akinwolere to explain the concept of 'anchoring' as well as answering questions submitted by subscribers to The Athletic over the Premier League's proposed new spending controls.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”.But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for the Catalans.So, why did Barca perform a dramatic U-turn on Xavi’s future? How strong is his position now?And can Xavi be backed in this summer’s transfer market to the level he now expects? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-MencheroProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer.Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are planning on him being part of their squad for next season.So, with his future back on the agenda, what are Liverpool’s options with or without their iconic forward?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and James PearceProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.After the games, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to deal with the “details” to be contenders.So what exactly are the fine margins they are missing? And will it be enough to get to the next step and challenge next season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Seb Stafford-BloorProducer: Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.