The Athletic FC Podcast

Just when you think you've said all that you can about Chelsea in one week, they appoint Frank Lampard as caretaker manager. Joining host Ian Irving to discuss Lampard's return are the Athletic's Oli Kay, Stu James and Rob Tanner.As the merry-go-round spins ever faster there's also a look at the wider managerial picture and in particular the future of Brendan Rodgers. A man with trophies and plenty of experience under his belt but why isn't be being considered for one of the big jobs available? Is it all a question of timing or are you always judged by your most recent failure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp described himself as the "last man standing" on Monday. It was a tongue in cheek comment but equally an odd one to bring up at a time when Liverpool are, yet again this season, in a rut. So is the great man untouchable or can he rebuild his way out?Joining Ian Irving to talk through the current state of Liverpool and what Klopp can learn from his previous job as Borussia Dortmund boss it's Raphael Honigstein and Caoimhe O'NeillProduced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, we brought you the news that Chelsea head coach Graham Potter had been sacked by Chelsea, today, host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to reveal the full story of how things unravelled for Potter in West London...A playing squad too big to fit into one dressing room, who really wields the power at Cobham, why Bruno Salter and other coaches are likely to still be in charge when the team head to the Bernabeu next week and the "Harry Hogwarts" moniker that underpinned a mutiny.Plus, an update from David on the search for the next permanent manager and why the owners might struggle to find the perfect candidate.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Simon Johnson to discuss the sacking of Graham Potter as Chelsea manager.The panel detail why Chelsea acted now, who is in the frame to take over and where might Potter end up next.There is also reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving his role as Leicester manager - could he be in line to be the new Chelsea manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manchester City prepare to take on Liverpool at the Etihad, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of the weekend's Premier League action.The panel analyse Bukayo Saka's sensational form and ask whether he can rival Erling Haaland for the PFA Player of the Year award, Newcastle are out for revenge for Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United as well as the latest at Tottenham in a week full of incident and drama.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers & Oli Kay to debate how managers & head coaches in the Premier League should be assessed and rated when they are appointed.Two managers widely regarded as the best face each other in The Premier League this weekend as Manchester City & Pep Guardiola play Liverpool led by Jurgen Klopp..Who is the better manager? Or are they just the right fit for their respective clubs? Meanwhile Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, with multiple European trophies on his CV takes on Graham Potter who got the Chelsea job following excellent work at Brighton..How would you compare those two? Is it on trophies or overachievement? Or is it something else? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four big teams, three points separate them, but only one of them will lift the WSL trophy - and one of them won't be playing Champions League football next year either. This season's WSL is the most competitive it's been at the top for some time. Joining Mark Chapman to run the rule over where each team will be fantastic and fallible it's The Athletic's women's football editor Chloe Morgan, writer Charlotte Harpur, and host of The Athletic Women's Football Podcast Lynsey Hooper. Listen as the panel go through where Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal's strengths and weaknesses lie and make a case for why each team could win the league.Yet there's one side that could actually be the disruptors to all this and decide where the title goes... Hint: it's not one of the big four. Produced by: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Adam Crafton to reflect on Steven Gerrard's recent comments about Harry Kane and the 'big decision' he is once again facing over his future at Spurs...Has the lure of winning silverware elsewhere been softened by breaking both the England and Tottenham all-time scoring records and does the modern striker pride individual records over team success? Is Manchester United the only realistic domestic option for Kane and can they afford him this summer amid FFP concerns?Plus, how Spurs' plan to hire 'win-now' managers like Conte and Mourinho in order to satisfy Kane's ambitions, backfired, what kind of manager they could turn to next and how Kane's arrival at Manchester United would impact Marcus Rashford's resurgence.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman get's reaction from The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brooke to Antonio Conte leaving his role as manager at Tottenham.Meanwhile Bayern Munich also made a managerial change as they sacked one of Europe's top young coaches, Julian Nagelsmann. The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Hongistein & also former Premier League & Bundesliga striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft share their insight.  Would Julian Nagelsmann be a good fit at Spurs? And was Spurs moving to sack Conte a reason for Bayern move for Thomas Tuchel so quickly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi guys. What you’re about to hear is a recent episode of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast where the panel - consisting of Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Ali Maxwell - discuss whether we can truly measure the importance of a manager to a club’s fortunes.They explore the evolution of a manager’s role, from basic admin roles to becoming the central figurehead of a club in the modern day. Will there be a time soon when a manager’s influence is overtaken by the views and opinions of a club’s data department? And is the ‘new manager bounce’ actually a myth?If you like the show make sure to visit their extensive back catalogue of episodes. Just search for The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.