The Athletic FC Podcast

Mark Chapman presents a special report from The Athletic's Tim Spiers who, over the weekend, was granted an all-access, behind the scenes pass on a match day in the life of a professional footballer...With special thanks to both Omar Beckles and Leyton Orient FC, Tim was invited into the Grenada international defender's home for breakfast with his family, right through to moments before kick-off in the home dressing room for this 'fly-on-the-wall' insight into what it's really like.We learn about the pressures of victory and defeat on a young family, the duty Omar and his teammates feel towards their local community, how important match-day routine and diet have become and also about the role of his faith in his career.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee & Oli Kay to reflect on that titanic battle that saw Liverpool see off Manchester City at Anfield. Pep Guardiola suggested afterwards that his side get a bit of a raw deal at Anfield - is he right?Also, we’ll cross to Spain to look back on an El Clasico victory for Real Madrid that puts Barcelona manager Xavi under pressure with The Athletic's Deromot Corrigan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek and bet 365's Steve Freeth as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool look to get their Premier League campaign back on track up against Pep Guardiola's Man City.Steven Gerrard's position at Aston Villa has been up for debate ahead of Chelsea heading to Stamford Bridge.Plus Newcastle United visit Old Trafford looking to upset Manchester United, meanwhile, will Tottenham finally provide style as opposed to substance up against Everton?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Richard Scudamore who was the Premier League’s executive chairman for 20 years, a tenure that saw it develop into the world's leading sports entertainment product.Scudamore addresses a range of issues including his thoughts why an independent regulator won't work, the failed European Super League, foreign ownership of Premier League clubs, games being played overseas and his role in the infamous 39th game propsal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Nottingham Forest writer Paul Taylor and Nick Miller to delve into exactly what is going on at Nottingham Forest, having made more than a splash on their return to the Premier League.22 new signings, just one win in nine and having sacked their recruitment team, Forest are certainly making up for 23 years away from the Premier League.Steve Cooper's position is also analysed as well as Senior Writer Daniel Taylor taking a look at Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Adam Leventhal present a special report into the Kanjuruhan stadium disaster in Malang, Indonesia on October 1st. When a pitch invasion escalated, as tear gas was fired onto the pitch and into the stands by Police, several locked exits led to a crush and the death of 131 people.Adam later provides an update on the independent investigation into what happened, the government's response, FIFA's involvement and the search for justice which will feel all too familiar for many UK football fans.* Please be advised that this episode contains reporting that some people may find disturbing.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 how have things turned out round so quickly at Arsenal & the role of manager Mikel Arteta and the increasing influence of technical director Edu.In contrast, our Liverpool writer James Pearce explains the challenges for Jurgen Klopp as he tries to turn things at Anfield.The Athletic Manchester United writer, Laurie Whitwell shares his thoughts on what he saw of Casemiro who was man of the match in victory over Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet 365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to preview the weekend's Premier League action, with a big focus on Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates.There's also a look at Erling Haaland's incredible run of form before getting stuck in to Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Manchester United and Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd.All this plus the meeting on Monday night of two managers under increasing pressure as Steven Gerrard takes his Aston Villa side to the City Ground to take on Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Phil Buckingham to look at ahead to preparations for the World Cup in Qatar in just 45 days time. Is the country ready for the influx of people from both an accommodation & security point of view?What do Qatari residents feel about the attention the World Cup has brought to their country and the scrutiny it has been under from those who have highlighted human rights and environmental abuses in the host nation.Also, what will the knock on effect be in the Premier League in terms of players returning to their clubs ahead of a busy Christmas schedule and just before the January transfer window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Senior Football Writer Oli Kay and Liverpool Reporter Andy Jones to analyse Liverpool's start to the new season. Whilst the European recovery continued at Anfield on Tuesday night, seeing off Rangers 2-0, the Reds remain 11 points off the pace in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's visit to league leaders Arsenal.We explore the on-pitch issues that have led to Jurgen Klopp's side struggling to build momentum this season as well as explore the off-pitch transition within the recruitment team.Having replaced Michael Edwards as Sporting Director in the summer, Julian Ward oversaw Mohamed Salah's contract extension, the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich as well as the potentially club-record arrival of Darwin Nunez, but have the Reds done enough in the transfer market to keep pace with Man City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.