The Athletic FC Podcast

Stu James and Phil Hay, insightful football reporters for The Athletic, dissect the harsh realities for newly promoted Premier League teams. They discuss the alarming trend of relegation for promoted clubs, focusing on Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton. The duo navigates the financial struggles faced by these teams compared to established clubs, and the essential strategies that lead to stability. They also reflect on Leeds United's journey and how past experiences shape a club's approach to promotion and survival in a fiercely competitive landscape.

Oli Kay, a football reporter for The Athletic, and Simon Hughes, author of 'Chasing Salah', discuss Mohamed Salah's incredible role in Liverpool’s title race. They analyze Salah's goal-scoring prowess, examining his potential to become the best player in Premier League history. The conversation highlights Salah's legacy, his comparisons to legends like Thierry Henry, and the challenges African players face in achieving global recognition. Listeners get insider insights into Liverpool’s strategy and the evolving narrative of Salah’s career.

Paul Power, Director of AI at Skill Corner, brings his expertise in coaching and sports development to discuss how football clubs utilize data for recruitment and analysis. He reveals the transformative effects of AI on player performance and fan engagement. Michael Cox shares insights on evolving football tactics affected by advanced analytics, emphasizing metrics like expected goals. The duo underscores the intricate relationship between data and traditional coaching philosophies, painting a vivid picture of the future of the sport.

Mark Carey, a Senior Data Analyst at The Athletic, and Thom Harris, a Data Writer at The Athletic, break down the high-stakes clash between Manchester City and Liverpool. They discuss City’s tactical adjustments after their Champions League exit and how Liverpool's inconsistent form could affect their chances. The duo highlights key player matchups, including Haaland and Alexander-Arnold, while emphasizing the fierce rivalry's history. With data-driven insights, they set the stage for a thrilling showdown that could impact the title race.

Guillermo Rai, a Real Madrid writer, joins Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, an analyst, and Tom Williams, a French football expert, to dissect Kylian Mbappe's spectacular hat-trick that marked a pivotal win against Man City. They analyze how Mbappe's performance stacks up against Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy at Real Madrid and discuss the electrifying atmosphere of the Bernabeu. The trio also delves into Mbappe's evolution, from his early days to becoming a key player, and the role of teamwork in achieving Champions League glory.

In this discussion, Adam Crafton, a Football reporter for The Athletic, and sports analysts Oli Kay and Carl Anka dive deep into Manchester United's current troubles. They explore the significant struggles that have left the team languishing in 15th place and examine the disconnect between management strategies and player performance. The trio reflects on the pressure facing young players, the club's reliance on academy talent, and the urgent need for a coherent long-term vision as they navigate the competitive Premier League landscape.

Matt Slater, an Athletic reporter analyzing Premier League financial regulations, joins Jacob Whitehead, a football analyst, to discuss how strict financial rules are shaping club spending strategies. They delve into why clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle are wary of these regulations as they prepare for the summer transfer window. The conversation highlights the impact of financial fair play, the role of academy players in transfer dynamics, and the ongoing debates around competitive equity among clubs in the league.

Liam Twomey, a Chelsea writer for The Athletic, and Oli Kay, a senior football writer, dive into Chelsea's recent struggles after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton. They discuss the implications of Enzo Maresca's tactics, questioning if 'Maresca-ball' is losing its touch. The conversation highlights fan frustrations, the impact of star player Cole Palmer, and the challenges posed by a youthful squad lacking consistency. They also critique the club's recruitment strategy and the urgent need for a tactical evolution to restore Chelsea's competitive edge.

Tim Spiers, a seasoned football writer, is joined by Carl Anka, Manchester United's dedicated reporter, and Jack Pitt-Brooke, who covers Tottenham. They humorously dub the upcoming clash between Tottenham and Manchester United 'El Calamitico', reflecting on both teams' current struggles. The discussion highlights injuries, managerial pressures, and the surprisingly effective away form of United. Listeners can expect chaotic predictions for a match brimming with drama, while insights into transfer dynamics keep the conversation lively.

In this discussion, Liverpool writer Andy Jones shares insights on the thrilling Merseyside derby where Everton's last-minute equalizer stunned Liverpool. Football analyst Stu James reflects on the implications of this draw for Liverpool's title chase. Arsenal writer James McNicholas highlights the challenges facing Arsenal due to Kai Havertz's injury. They explore team dynamics, player performance, and the mounting pressure as both clubs eye the Premier League title amidst injury woes and tactical shifts.