The Athletic FC Podcast

James Horncastle, a seasoned football journalist specializing in Serie A, delves into Juventus' tumultuous changes, including the swift dismissal of Igor Tudor and the appointment of Luciano Spalletti. He discusses the lingering impact of Cristiano Ronaldo on the club's finances and culture. James shares insights on Spalletti's tactical genius and the challenges he faces in a restructured leadership landscape. The conversation also touches on Juventus' struggles to attract top talent amidst rising competition from clubs in the Premier League and beyond.

Chris Weatherspoon, a passionate football journalist and Sunderland supporter, shares firsthand insights on Sunderland's stunning Premier League performance. Phil Hay, an experienced football analyst, discusses the impact of strategic transfers and coaching decisions on the team's success. Meanwhile, German correspondent Seb Stafford-Bloor highlights Granit Xhaka's vital role in stabilizing the squad. Together, they delve into the club's impressive starts, key signings, and tactical adaptations that have propelled Sunderland into the top four after nine games.

Join seasoned football journalists Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, and Guilherme Rai as they dissect the fiery atmosphere of El Clasico sparked by Lamine Yamal's controversial remarks. They explore the dramatic pre-match tensions, the aftermath of player confrontations, and the challenges Yamal faced during the match. Discussions also delve into Barcelona's management of young talent and the broader implications for La Liga as they navigate competitive dynamics. Plus, insights on how key players like Bellingham and Rashford are shaping their teams add to the intrigue!

Join former professional footballer Adrian Clarke and football journalist James McNicholas as they dissect Arsenal's impressive season. They delve into the team's standout defensive performance, which has seen them concede just three goals in nine games. The duo discusses Mikel Arteta's influence, the importance of a strong defensive culture, and how Arsenal's depth can challenge rivals. They also explore the team's unique scoring variety and the ongoing battle for the title, weighing Arsenal's potential against historical pressures.

Liam Rosenior, the dynamic head coach of RC Strasbourg and former professional player, shares insights on his team’s impressive start to the Ligue 1 season. He discusses his emphasis on expressive football, the role of diverse coaching staff, and the value of representation in football. Rosenior reflects on adapting to French culture and leading a young squad with empathy. He also highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and instilling pride in players, preparing them to handle scrutiny with confidence.

Football journalist Stu James and tactical expert Tim Spiers dive into Aston Villa's impressive turnaround under Unai Emery, exploring how key players like Ollie Watkins are elevating their game. They also analyze Erling Haaland's scoring prowess for Manchester City and discuss whether City is quietly becoming a force this season. The duo speculates on how Villa will cope without Rodri and shares score predictions for the clash, alongside insights into other weekend matches, including Arsenal's form and Salah's role at Liverpool.

Dermot Corrigan, a La Liga writer, discusses the surprising cancellation of Barcelona's match in Miami against Villarreal, citing timeline issues and player protests. Matt Slater, an Athletic contributor, dives into the broader implications of this decision on football politics and commercial interests. They explore how Real Madrid's Florentino Perez played a role, the financial stakes for La Liga, and the potential impact on Serie A's overseas plans. The conversation wraps up with speculation on how this drama could influence the upcoming El Clasico.

Chris Waugh, a keen football journalist, delves into Newcastle United's tumultuous season post-Alexander Isak, exploring their new signing Nick Woltemade's unexpected impact. Oli Kay, a tactical expert, discusses the wingers' key roles in recent matches and the challenges faced by Isak at Liverpool. They address Newcastle's recruitment strategies, including a focus on data and retaining core players. The podcast also touches on Nick Pope's standout performances and the pressing questions surrounding the club's trajectory in elite competitions.

Laurie Whitwell, a Manchester United reporter, and Mark Critchley, a writer for The Athletic, dive deep into United's thrilling win at Anfield—their first since 2016. They analyze Ruben Amorim’s adaptive tactics that turned the match around and discuss Harry Maguire's redemption arc with a pivotal goal. The conversation also explores Matheus Cunha's surprise inclusion in the lineup and the significance of building momentum ahead of the crucial Brighton fixture. Plus, they weigh in on the potential benefits of no European distractions for team development.

David Ornstein, a seasoned football journalist, joins Nottingham Forest correspondent Paul Taylor and reporter Dan Kilpatrick, who specializes in Premier League analysis. They dissect the surprising sacking of Ange Postecoglou after just 39 days, questioning if he ever had a fair chance. The team explores the disconnect between Postecoglou's style and club identity, and why Sean Dyche, with his tactical fit and club history, is now favored to steer Forest's ship. They also discuss pressing topics such as transfer policies and Dyche's potential to stabilize the squad.