The Athletic FC Podcast

The group stages of the Champions League are now over & despite pulling various levers Barcelona have not qualified for the knockout stagesMark Chapman is joined by Spanish football journalist Alvaro Romeo & The Athletic’s Oliver Kay to discuss what has gone wrong & what are the financial consequences of being eliminated? And with stalwarts Atletico & Juventus also being eliminated, does a less predictable Champions League make for a better competition and weaken the argument for a European Super League?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur writer and Serie A expert James Horncastle to analyse one year of Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur.Fresh from winning their Champions League group to make it through to the last 16 of the competition, the panel comment of Spurs' style of play under the Italian as well as the mentality he has instilled, helping to get the best from Harry Kane.Given the uncertainty over Conte's long-term future as well there is debate into the likelihood of him remaining in north London while also considering any potential return to Juventus?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka to explore why 14 years on from Uriah Rennie's last Premier League game, he remains the only black referee in Premier League history... What are the major obstacles that continue to prevent aspiring male and female officials - from marginalised or ethnic communities - from reaching the Premier League? The cost, the abuse, and how much progress has been made in recent years - following a 2021 FA initiative to combat the problem head on.We'll hear from Ashley Hickson-Lovence, a former semi-professional referee and author of Your Show, written in collaboration with Rennie, as well as, Russell Hoyte, who helps semi-professional referees navigate their way through the ranks.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce to discuss What is going wrong at Liverpool & the financial implications on missing out on a top four place.We’ll hear how Manchester United are weighing up changes to their goalkeeper department and the future of David De Gea - Laurie Whitwell joins us.And David Ornstein will tell us about the MLS club who are confident of signing Lionel Messi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Man City look to leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and Graham Potter returns to Brighton with his in-form Chelsea side.Following Unai Emery's return to the Premier League the panel give their take on the Spaniard taking over at Aston Villa, as well as Villa's visit to Newcastle United.The panel also discuss Liverpool v Leeds at Anfield with the Reds in need of kickstarting their campaign while pressure being to mount on Jesse Marsch.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman sits down with Sean Dyche who is looking to return to being a football manager after nearly ten years with Burnley - including seven seasons in the Premier League.Sean outlines why his brand of football is sometimes misunderstood, explains why Pep Guardiola compared facing Burnley to visiting the dentist & what he is looking for in his next role & the moment in football be wished he could live again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Aston Villa writer Gregg Evans and Pol Ballus to discuss Unai Emery's appointment at Aston Villa.The end of Steven Gerrard's reign is analysed prior to look at what Emery will bring with him to Villa Park having taken Villarreal to Europa League success as well as last season's Champions League semi-finals since being sacked by Arsenal in 2019.Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan also gives his view from Spain as well as the tactical ideas Emery may look to instil at Aston Villa.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes, editor Dan Barnes and author Jimi Jagne, to discuss the issues facing Everton, in light of revelations about John Bramley-Moore (after whom the site of their new stadium is named) and his involvement in the slave trade...The panel detail Bramley-Moore's connections to the horrors of slavery in Brazil and handle many uncomfortable truths relating to how the City of Liverpool prospered from men like him - as well as, how local authorities are trying to confront these aspects of their past.Plus, a frank assessment of Everton's response, and how a problem inherited may also present a unique opportunity to lead new discussions around racism in football.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Phil Hay to share his insight on the future of Jesse Marsch as Leeds manager - could he hang on till after the World Cup?Our Newcastle writer Chris Waugh details how Eddie Howe has turned his side into top four contenders as he approaches a year in charge.Dan Bardell tells us what went wrong for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and who he'd like to see as their new manager. 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 look ahead to all the action in the Premier League this weekend.We start with reaction to Aston Villa sacking Steven Gerrard on Thursday night, with Villa fan Dan very pleased with the decision, before moving on to the big game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening between Chelsea and a Ronaldo-less Manchester United.There's also a look at Spurs v Newcastle, Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, Manchester City v Brighton and Leicester v still managerless WolvesProduced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.