The Athletic FC Podcast

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of top-flight football ahead, with not only Premier League points but also domestic silverware on the line. Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Carabao Cup, but who would the trophy be more important for, Mauricio Pochettino at the start of his Chelsea career, or Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time at Liverpool? Meanwhile on Saturday, Arsenal host Newcastle and Man City travel to Bournemouth, both hoping to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table.And the weekend will also give us our first glimpse of Oliver Glasner, new in the dugout at Crystal Palace. We explore what fans can expect from the Austrian tactically. Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Luke BosherProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver Glasner has been chosen as the man to re-energise Crystal Palace after a barren run of just two wins from 16 in all competitions.The Europa League-winning coach replaces Roy Hodgson, who stepped down as manager on Monday.So, who is Glasner… and why have Palace chosen him? And just how big is the rebuilding job on his hands?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and Dom Fifield.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayern Munich and head coach Thomas Tuchel will part ways at the end of the season.Why has the announcement come now and what does it tell us?Why isn’t Tuchel leaving immediately?And will Bayern be able to compete with Liverpool to make Xabi Alonso their new manager in the summer?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and Nick Miller.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint Germain of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season with Real Madrid the expected destination but as their superstar departs, what next for PSG?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by French football writer and broadcaster Tom Williams and The Athletic's Carl Anka to analyse what comes next for Mbappe as well as the direction the French champions head in next.The panel assess what options will be open to PSG in the transfer market with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Frenkie De Jong and Rafael Leao all being linked with Luis Enrique's side following Mbappe's decision.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Who should PSG sign to replace Kylian Mbappe? - The AthleticKylian Mbappe is leaving, so what next for Paris Saint-Germain? - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United want Dan Ashworth to be their new sporting director.He has been placed on gardening leave after informing Newcastle of his desire to leave the club.But Newcastle want a huge fee of 20 MILLION pounds to release Ashworth from his contract.So how will this tussle between the two clubs play out as both teams chase Champions League football next season.And why is Ashworth so sought after? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Newcastle correspondent Chris Waugh.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Bailey and co breakdown matchweek 25 of the Premier League.The headline clash is Saturday's late game between Manchester City and Chelsea. The last meeting was a 4-4 classic, but can Chelsea take anything away this time?Elsewhere Luton host in-form Manchester United, who are going for their 5th win in a row, while Arsenal and Liverpool travel to Burnley and Brentford respectively hoping to keep pace at the top. Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller, JJ BullProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia.After playing just seven minutes in Saudi Arabia and missing a ‘last dance’ with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi failed to feature in Hong Kong with the fallout still rumbling on.So why has Messi’s no-show caused geo-political tensions to rise and is the GOAT in danger of becoming a show pony in the final stages of his illustrious career?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio to analyse the episode as well as dissect the wider impact on the growth of MLS.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:‘A thuggish flamingo’: Why China turned on Lionel Messi - The AthleticHong Kong uproar, Messi injured and just one win: Inside Inter Miami’s Asian tour - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Ham’s 6-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend was the club’s worst home defeat in over 60 years… and the fans voted with their feet.Wins over Man United and Arsenal in December had seen supporters unite behind David Moyes.But a poor run of results have swiftly soured the mood at the London Stadium.So.. will Moyes bid farewell to the Hammers when his contract expires this summer, or can he turn things around?And what do West Ham’s owners - and more importantly the fans - really want for the club? Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading:https://theathletic.com/5267036/2024/02/12/west-ham-david-moyes/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayern Munich are out of both domestic Cup competitions and were humbled by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side at the weekend.As pressure mounts ahead of their Champions League game at Lazio this week…Why are things not going as smoothly as usual for Bayern?And is it REALLY possible Kane could go another season without finally winning a title?Is Thomas Tuchel in trouble? And could Bayern potentially tempt Alonso this summer?Ayo Akinwolere is with the Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and England and Tottenham reporter Jack Pitt-Brooke.Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey MoorheadFurther reading: https://theathletic.com/5263314/2024/02/11/bayern-munich-thomas-tuchel-bayer-leverkusen/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United's 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday made it four consecutive wins for the first time this season, but what is the significance of that?Have Erik Ten Hag's side got a realistic shot at recovering their hopes of securing Champions League qualification, or is this latest run just the latest false dawn at Old Trafford ahead of a summer reset?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Man United writer Laurie Whitwell to discuss what's been behind the recent revival and how long it may be able to go on for.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:McTominay’s seven goals have earned Man United 12 points. What does it say about Ten Hag’s side? - The AthleticManchester United finally have ‘foundation’ to develop young players – Erik ten Hag - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.