The Athletic FC Podcast

A PFA Team of the Year regular and an ever-present figure in back-to-back title-winning seasons for Manchester City - So how has Joao Cancelo ended up on loan at Bayern Munich, just hours before the January transfer window closes? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee and Pol Ballus to explain...A burning desire to start every game and a history of flare-ups with coaching staff, our panel reveal a sense of inevitability about Cancelo's Man City exit. Plus, why Pep Guardiola's ruthless streak is significant, the difficulties of trying to manage a 'super-squad', how likely a return to the Etihad is this summer and why Bayern Munich were so quick to pounce.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to detail what could happen in the final hours of the January transfer window.They discuss Arsenal's move for Moises Caicedo, Chelsea's bid to sign Enzo Fernandez, and Spurs failed bid for Pedro Porro plus plenty more.The Athletic's Andy Naylor reveals the names Brighton are lining up even if and when Caicedo leaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek as well as The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as the FA Cup Fourth Round sees the first clash of the Premier League's top two this season.As well as looking ahead to Man City v Arsenal the panel also pick out Accrington Stanley v Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur's visit to Preston North End.Liverpool's return to Brighton two weeks on from losing 3-0 down on the south coast is also analysed ahead of picking out which ties to keep an eye on in the Fourth Round with a number of EFL sides hoping to spring a suprise.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater & Dan Sheldon look at how the huge spending in this January transfer window by Premier League clubs compared to the rest of European Football. Is Financial Fair Play - world football’s attempt at financial self-regulation - creating an unfair playing field that sees Leeds United spend more on one player than all clubs in La Liga & Serie A combined. How are FFP rules affecting the recruitment policy at clubs across Europe & what are the loopholes being jumped through to gain a competitive advantage during the current transfer window Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been three league games since Mohamed Salah had a shot on target, never mind a goal, and questions are popping up around the Egyptian's form. But what is it down to? Is it the loss of team mate Sadio Mane? Is his new contract weighing heavy on him? Or is he a symptom of a wider issue at Liverpool?Alongside Mark Chapman to answer those questions and dive into the data around Liverpool's star striker are James Pearce and Duncan AlexanderProduced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What more could Frank Lampard have done at Everton? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Everton writer Patrick Boyland and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to see if after failing at two Premier League clubs, a worrying pattern is emerging for Lampard the manager...The panel explore various similarities and differences between how things unravelled for Frank at both Everton and Chelsea, as well as, whether Everton need a 'firefighter' or a 'project' manager next and why it probably shouldn't be ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle & Tim Spiers to discuss why Juventus, the biggest team in Italy, were deducted pointsand share what we know about the crisis surrounding the club, the wider impact across Italian football and what happens next.Also discussed the resignation of the Juventus board in November and the challenges both on and off the pitch for the new board. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers ahead of what could be a telling week in the Premier League title race as Arsenal welcome Manchester United, while Man City take on Wolves.At the other end of the table pressure mounts as David Moyes takes on his former employers Everton at the London Stadium.Meanwhile in mid-table Liverpool and Chelsea do battle in Jurgen Klopp's 1,000th game in management at Anfield.Produced by Guy Clarke***This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Arsenal bought Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard for £30m in 2021 the expectation among supporters wasn’t particularly high - and some didn’t understand why the club wanted to buy him. After all this was a player who as a teenager was dubbed the “heir to Messi’s throne”.But fast forward 18 months and he’s not only Arsenal’s playmaker, but possibly the best midfielder in the league. It’s been quite a rise for Martin Odegaard.Mark Chapman is joined by Amy Lawrence and Michael Cox to discuss the Arsenal captain in detailProduced by Abi Paterson***This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & Mario Cortegana to discuss a new chapter in one of football’s biggest transfer sagas...Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid.Are PSG doing the right things to keep him? How might his relationship with teammate Neymar influence his views? How might Real Madrid even afford him?***This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.