The Athletic FC Podcast

It's been 100 days since Liverpool Football Club was put up for sale. Manchester United expect a takeover bid from Qatar, Tottenham want ENIC out and Newcastle are Top 4 contenders again - So, what makes a good Premier League club owner? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Oli Kay and George Caulkin to explore...Are FSG the epitome of sensible ownership, should a State be able to buy a PL club in the first place and is an owners legacy actually more important than how much success is achieved on the pitch?Plus, more on how Manchester United's big announcement stunted FSG's own efforts to sell, why half of all Premier League clubs now operate within a multi-club model and who is the best PL owner of all-time?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Adam Crafton to discuss The return of The Super League with promises of a new-look structure based on “sporting performance”, with no permanent members.Is it too good to be true or could this be a positive reset for the game? Coming up you’ll hear exactly what is being proposed, how football has responded & what happens next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to the weekend's Premier League action, including Monday night's Merseyside derby.Chelsea's trip to West Ham United is also on the menu along with Leeds United v Manchester United four days on from their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford as well as Manchester City looking to respond to defeat at Tottenham as Aston Villa travel to the Etihad.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan & Mario Cortegana to discuss the rise of Real Madrid's Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr and the recent spate of racist incidents he has had to endure.Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Spanish football has a racism problem — is he right ? and if so what are La Liga and Real Madrid doing about it?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Mark Chapman, Matt Slater and Phil Hay as they explore Leeds United's decision to sack Jesse Marsch - as well as the ongoing power struggle at Elland Road.The panel explore the ownership structure at Leeds with 49ers Enterprises holding a significant minority share in the club, with an option to complete a full buy-out in January 2024, who is making the big calls: them or Andrea Radrizzani?The consortium's role in the January transfer window is also analysed as well as assessing who could be at the top of Victor Orta's list to replace Marsch in the dugout.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So the Premier League has waged a war with its serial Champions, Manchester City - but what is rule W51, could City suffer a points deduction this season or even be stripped of past titles? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee and Matt Slater to explain... What have Man City allegedly done wrong, how long is this all going to take, why there is an Arsenal fan on the independent panel and the significance of a postponed government White Paper on football's ability to govern itself.Plus, what lessons we can draw from recent controversy in Serie A, cycling and rugby too.Produced by Adonis Pratsides***• Get 6 months of Babbel language learning for free when you purchase a 6 month subscription by entering the code ATHLETIC at babbel.com/play Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce & Raphael Honigstein to discuss the problems facing Liverpool in biggest crisis of Jurgen Klopp’s time as manager.What’s gone wrong & what can be done to turn things around? And if things don't improve how might it effect their chances of recruiting elite players such as Jude Bellingham? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Rich Amofa as the Premier League returns following the closure of the transfer window.As well as looking ahead to an Antonio-Conte-less-Tottenham hosting Man City, the panel cast their eyes over an equally tasty Friday night fixture between the two West London clubs of big spending Chelsea and Fulham. Arsenal are the Saturday lunchtime entertainment but they face an intriguing proposition in Sean Dyche's Everton at Goodison Park. Whilst the Kevin Nolan derby will be captivating on Tyneside between Newcastle and West Ham.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to discuss Arsenals signing of Jorginho from Chelsea.Meanwhile Manchester United were also forced to react and make another loan signing - in Marcel Sabitzer -  following injury to Cristian Eriksen Are these shrewd moves to help both clubs win trophies this season? Will this lead to bigger from both clubs signings in the summer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein and Liam Twomey join Mark Chapman to analyse Chelsea's British Transfer Record deal to sign World Cup winning Enzo Fernandez.The panel discuss how Chelsea managed to pull off the deal to sign the Argentine, the level of finance involved as well as taking a deeper look at the Blues' approach in the transfer market.Also, having spent over £600m since Todd Boehly's takeover what pressure is there on Graham Potter to deliver immediate results?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.