

The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic
The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 21, 2024 • 30min
Is Nagelsmann the best coach at the Euros?
Germany have been one of the most dominant sides so far at this summer’s Euros.They’ve already qualified for the knockout stages after impressive wins over Hungary and Scotland.So how has Julian Nagelsmann put his Bayern Munich disappointment behind him and reinvented this Germany team so quickly?And what could the future hold for him beyond his time with the national team?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 20, 2024 • 37min
Can Brazil's new generation win without Neymar?
The Euros may have already exploded into action - but tonight comes Copa America!As ever Brazil are amongst the tournament favourites - but will they deliver and what impact has the cloud hanging over Lucas Paqueta had on their preparations?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Brazilian football journalists Renato Senise and The Athletic's Thom Harris who is out in Miami ahead of the start of the tournament. Football news reporter Tom Burrows also drops in to explain the latest around Paqueta following the FA charges he is facing.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Thom Harris, Renato Senise and Tom BurrowsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeCopa America 2024 preview: The Athletic’s complete guide to the tournament - The Athletic‘Paqueta should be banned for life if he’s guilty. Do I see it happening? Probably not’ - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 19, 2024 • 29min
Does Martinez know what he's doing with Portugal?
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign got off to a winning start last night, with a late show from their substitutes.But it was far from a convincing performance by Roberto Martinez’s unbalanced and chaotic side.So, does the Spaniard know how to get the best out of this talented Portugal squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tim Spiers and David NovoExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2024 • 28min
Will Everton sell Branthwaite to Man United?
With the transfer window now officially open, Manchester United have wasted no time in making their intentions clear, submitting a bid for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.Despite the deal being rejected, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein brings us the latest developments alongside Everton writer Paddy Boyland.Plus Liverpool also have their eye on a central defender who is also a target for United & Real Madrid.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Paddy BoylandExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Manchester United make opening £35m offer for Jarrad Branthwaite - The AthleticWhy Jarrad Branthwaite makes sense for Man Utd – a two-footed duel winner - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 17, 2024 • 38min
What do England's Euros rivals think of them?
England’s Euro 2024 is up and running with a win over Serbia. With their superstar talents, is there perhaps a whiff of arrogance by those who follow Gareth Soutgate’s team?And what is the view across Europe where Kane & Bellingham have starred for Spain & Germany’s biggest clubs.Are they drawn to the allure of the box-office stars, or is it the possibility of watching England fall short again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke, James Horncastle, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 12, 2024 • 39min
Why Man United are sticking with Ten Hag
After weeks of uncertainty, news broke on Tuesday that Erik Ten Hag is to remain as manager of Manchester United.So why have Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS come to this decision and what will Ten Hag’s relationship with his squad and the owners look like moving forward?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to analyse Man United’s decision and assess who else was considered for the Old Trafford hotseat ahead of looking ahead to what challenges lay ahead.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articlesInside Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United reprieve: Tuchel, De Zerbi and the key meetings - The AthleticErik ten Hag to stay as Manchester United manager - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 2024 • 27min
What Sesko staying means for Arsenal & Barcelona transfer plans
Welcome to another edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer market where David Ornstein will bring us latest developments across the Premier League and beyond.We take a deep dive on the market in Spain, including Barcelona's admiration for Liverpool's Luis Diaz.Plus, after securing Kylian Mbappe, what’s holding up Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alphonso DaviesHost: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Dermot Corrigan, Pol BallusExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 9, 2024 • 11min
The Radar: Florian Wirtz
Welcome to episode 12 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.21-year-old Florian Wirtz has taken German football by storm since his emergence at Bayer Leverkusen back in 2020.A superstar in their extraordinary unbeaten run to Bundesliga glory - will he also help inspire the hosts to European success in his own backyard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 9, 2024 • 12min
The Radar: Johan Bakayoko
Welcome to episode 11 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.21-year-old forward Johan Bakayoko has made a name for himself in a bold, attacking PSV Eindhoven team which fits his skill set perfectly. One of the most watchable young players in Europe at the moment - will the Belgian light up this tournament and put him in the shop window for a lucrative transfer to the Premier League or beyond? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2024 • 14min
The Radar: Kendry Páez
Welcome to episode 10 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.Kendry Páez has been making quite the mark for club and country since he burst onto the youth football scene in 2022. He became the youngest player ever to represent Ecuador - and the second youngest South American to ever play international football behind a certain Diego Maradona.With a highly-anticipated move to Chelsea on the horizon - could he be the player that sets this summer’s Copa América alight? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


