The Athletic FC Podcast

Almost three months on from Jurgen Klopp announcing his intention to stand down, Liverpool have earmarked the man they’d like to replace him.So why do Liverpool want Feyenoord’s Arne Slot?And is he the right personality to replace Klopp at Anfield? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Adam CraftonProducer: Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Playing an exciting brand of attacking football it’s no wonder Simone Inzaghi is now being linked to high-profile managerial jobs in England and abroad.But is he better off staying in Italy and a resurgent Serie A? Or does uncertainty around finance and the ownership at Inter mean now is the time for a new challenge?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James HorncastleProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, The Athletic revealed that West Ham have held talks with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to be their next manager… He is also being looked at to replace Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolSo who is Ruben Amorim and why is he in such high demand? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Mark CareyProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before taking his seat at Wembley, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon and compared the race, to the job he has to do at Old Trafford.Seeing his boyhood side reach a second successive FA Cup Final was only have the story though as Erik Ten Hag's side almost squandered a 3-0 lead to be dumped out by Coventry City.So will success in the FA Cup show enough progress for Ten Hag to remain in position, or do United's problems run deeper than just their manager?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Mark Critchley who were both at Wembley to discuss.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Carl Anka and Mark CritchleyProducer: Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articlesManchester United’s semi-final win was no turning point for Ten Hag – it was a tipping point - The AthleticIf Manchester United move on from Ten Hag, who does the data say they should target? - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s matchday 34 in the Premier League as Arsenal go to Wolves in the big clash in the title race.Elsewhere, it’s the FA Cup semi-finals, as Chelsea face Man City and Manchester United go up against Coventry City.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers and Liam TwomeyProducer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday night, Arsenal's Champions League hopes were ended in Munich, in their first quarter-final at that level in 14 years.Afterwards Mikel Arteta was left lost for words in how to console his side, while they also remain in the Premier League title race.So how can the Spaniard ensure the Gunners season doesn't peter out, how ruthless can they be in this summer's transfer window - or should Arteta be able to get more from the squad already at his disposal?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Art de Roche to discuss and analyse how different Arsenal could look the other side of the summer transfer window.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Art de RocheProducer: Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Arsenal’s progress this season will be undermined if their title challenge fizzles out - The AthleticArsenal are evolving at a pace that could leave Zinchenko, Jesus and others behind - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night were were reminded why the Champions League is the biggest draw in world football.Meanwhile, FIFA seem to be stepping back in the battle to stop competitive games being taken abroad.So, could we one day see the Premier League or La Liga decided in the USA? Or the UEFA Champions League final in Saudi Arabia?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Adam CraftonProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen won the first league title in their 120-year history, and the celebrations were wild.Still to play for this season; a potential treble and the chance to go the entire season unbeaten.But is Xabi Alonso staying enough to keep his squad together next season? Is it still even possible for this team to go to the next level and break into Europe's elite?Or, is this as good as it gets for Leverkusen? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Raphael Honigstein, Seb Stafford-BloorProducer: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool’s terrible week got a whole lot worse.A shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has dealt a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of a second Premier League title and they have a mountain to climb in the Europa League, trailing Atalanta 3-0.So why are Liverpool faltering at the business end of the season? And can they still turn it round?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and James Pearce to assess and analyse where things have gone wrong for Jurgen Klopp's side having gone from potential quadruple winners to seeing his reign possibly end with a whimper.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce and Oli KayProducer: Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:The 10 misses that might have ended Liverpool’s Premier League title bid - The AthleticLiverpool’s failure to keep clean sheets is proving deeply damaging - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s matchday 33 in the Premier League and Arsenal host Aston Villa as they look to hold on to top spot in the league table.Elsewhere, Spurs go to Newcastle and Chelsea play Everton.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jon Mackenzie, Art de Roché & Tim SpiersProducer: Mike Stavrou and Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adam Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.