

The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic
The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2023 • 31min
Are Manchester United back?
Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss whether this is the start of something big for Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford or another false dawn as seen under the likes of Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho & Ole Gunnar SolskjaerThe Athletic's Newcastle writer Chris Waugh shares his thoughts from Wembley, outlining where improvement is needed despite the giant step forward under Eddie Howe at the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 2023 • 51min
Weekend Preview: Battle of the Brazilians for the Carabao crown, unpredictability reigns in the title race & can Potter survive?
Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup Final at Wembley with both Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes returning for Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively.The title race is hotting up too with Arsenal heading to Leicester and Man City off to Bournemouth.Can Graham Potter hold on at Chelsea - and who will hold onto their Premier League status as four of those in trouble go head-to-head on Saturday.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 23, 2023 • 37min
Karius’ shot at redemption & evolution of De Gea
Mark Chapman is joined by former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel, former Liverpool & England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland & England & Southampton Goalkeeper coach Dave Watson who played also in the Premier League with Barnsley.Does the risk of ball playing keepers outweigh the reward? How do keepers recover when things go wrong with millions watching?They discuss the huge challenge ahead for Loris Karius Newcastle United in Sunday’s League cup final against Manchester United five years on from his errors in the Champions League final.At the other end Peter gives tells us how David De Gea has evolved with the demands of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Also a look back to Tuesday which saw two of the very best - Alison & Thibaut Courtois - made mistakes on the biggest stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 22, 2023 • 27min
How Real Madrid schooled Liverpool - on and off the field
Mark Chapman is joined by Dermot Corrigan and James Pearce to look back on a classic night of Champions League action as Liverpool were dealt a sucker punch by Real Madrid at Anfield.From gift-wrapped goals, to Gomez, to Galacticos there is a gulf between these two sides now, and it looks like it's only going to get bigger. Listen to hear about how Madrid have got their recruitment so right in recent years. The panel also cover, as they must when Liverpool are mentioned, the Bellingham Prism - could he have been the difference?Plus there is insight on the protests against UEFA from both sides too that occurred on Tuesday night too.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 21, 2023 • 36min
Manchester United Takeover: Who's trying to buy them & will the Glazers actually sell?
With two takeover bids on the table, will the Glazer family's 18-year reign at Manchester United finally come to an end? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Laurie Whitwell to discuss the bids, the people behind them and all the issues in-between...What is the true scale of the damage inflicted on the club by the Glazers and are they even serious about selling this time? Do Manchester United actually need a sovereign wealth fund to compete with Chelsea & Manchester City and why the Premier League are powerless to stop Gulf states buying football clubs in UK.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2023 • 34min
Is Aubameyang the answer to Chelsea's problems?
Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to discuss the problems at Chelsea for manager Graham Potter.Another poor result after that huge spending spree in the January window. A second game in a week without a goal & a proven Premier League goalscorer can’t even make the bench.So, almost a year since Roman Abramovich announced his intentions to sell the club, what’s going wrong at Chelsea & where is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 18, 2023 • 31min
Bobby '90: Sir Bobby Robson on managing England, Barcelona, Gazza and Bryan Robson
Sir Bobby Robson would have turned 90 today, so it's fitting that St James' Park will be rocking later when Newcastle host Liverpool.To mark the occasion The Athletic, with the kind permission of his family, have released Bobby '90 - a special podcast series featuring previous unheard interview tapes with one of football's greatest characters in the months and years before he died.This is the second episode from the four-part series which features Sir Bobby in conversation with The Athletic's George Caulkin about his managerial stints with England, Barcelona, Ipswich and what it was like trying to tame Paul Gascoigne.To listen to the rest of the series simply search for 'Pod on the Tyne' wherever you get your podcasts, or follow this link: https://podfollow.com/pod-on-the-tyne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 2023 • 49min
Weekend Preview: Title showdown fallout, relegation six-pointer & Liverpool look for upturn on the Tyne
Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers as they react to Man City's win over Arsenal in midweek, ahead of this weekend's action.Can Arsenal put things right at Villa Park? Who will win the relegation six-pointer between Everton and Leeds Utd? Plus, can Liverpool spark a run of form and back-up their Merseyside derby win as they travel to Newcastle?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2023 • 31min
Do Manchester United still need Frenkie de Jong?
Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Mitten, Carl Anka, Pol Ballús to discuss Manchester United's interest in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong .How close did United get last season? Could they go for him again? Is he still a player they actually need? Would he be allowed to leave? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 15, 2023 • 33min
Arteta vs Guardiola: Apprentice vs Master
Mark Chapman is joined by Art de Roché and Sam Lee to talk about the Premier League's two most exhausting managers to watch on the touchline and to get you ready for the big match between the sides.Is it time to stop talking about Arteta as Pep's apprentice? Why do we not see more assistants become managers? And how do you expect the teams to line up tactically on Wednesday night at the Emirates? Those questions and more on the show today.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.