The Athletic FC Podcast

So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances.But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manchester City's rivals make of their dominance.***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell to dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League under the stewardship of data-driven Sport Republic.The role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, appointment of Nathan Jones as well as the club's bold youthful transfer policy are all put under the spotlight.Produced by Guy Clarke***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.”But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club?Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future.***• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need? And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson & David Ornstein ***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest.At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip.Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Manchester United really back?That was the feeling back in February after winning the League Cup and beating Barcelona.But now league form is faltering and their Champions League place is under threat from arch-rivals Liverpool and do they have enough in the tank to stop City winning a possible treble?All this plus the uncertainty over the ownership rumbles on.Ian Irving sits down to discuss it all with The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee and Raphael Honigstein to explore Jude Bellingham's proposed summer transfer to Real Madrid, over a return to England and the Premier League...Why Man City have positioned themselves as "Release Clause FC", the impact of Real Madrid's very public failed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe last summer and Borussia Dortmund's negotiating position.Plus, an insight into the way the Bellingham camp operate, why so many players can't resist the lure of Los Blancos, which 'football project' is the most enticing and why a move to Pep's City might not actually make sense.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football.We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed.We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table.And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final.Italy - It’s chaotic, it’s romantic… but above all you can’t take your eyes off it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League..Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough? Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action.Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification.Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton while Everton and Leicester City look to kick-on following their pulsating draw at the King Power Stadium.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.