The Athletic FC Podcast

Paul Taylor, Nottingham Forest writer, discusses the club's stunning turnaround under Nuno Espirito Santo. Tim Spiers offers insights from Nuno's time at Wolves, while Matt Slater highlights crucial financial issues and breaches facing the club. Mark Carey dives into Forest's counter-attacking tactics and key player contributions. Together, they explore the club's journey from relegation fears to a six-game winning streak and reflect on the emotional rollercoaster for fans as their team finds its competitive edge.

Join football correspondent David Ornstein, renowned for his in-depth transfer insights, and Phil Hay, lead writer for the Athletic FC newsletter, as they delve into the thrilling January transfer window. They break down Kolo Muani as a key target, discuss rising interest in young talent Nico Williams, and reveal intriguing news about Marcus Rashford potentially looking for a loan. The conversation is a captivating blend of market dynamics, strategic club planning, and the emotional stories behind player movements.

Adam Crafton, a football correspondent for The Athletic, and Simon Hughes, a seasoned football journalist, dive deep into the recent Liverpool vs. Manchester United match, analyzing the surprising 2-2 draw. They discuss how Manchester United managed to disrupt Liverpool’s game plan despite being underdogs. The spotlight is on Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract uncertainty and links to Real Madrid raise questions about his focus and performance. The duo also examines Liverpool's tactical challenges and the broader implications for both clubs.

Get ready for the classic showdown as Liverpool takes on Manchester United at Anfield! The discussion dives into the fierce rivalry and current team dynamics, with Liverpool's impressive performance under their new coach taking center stage. Key player updates, especially on Salah and Alexander-Arnold, raise questions about their futures. Meanwhile, Manchester United's struggles intensify, leaving fans anxious for change. Plus, there’s a glance at other Premier League highlights, featuring Brighton's challenges and Nottingham Forest's exciting rise!

Tim Spiers, a football writer for The Athletic, and Duncan Alexander, a tactics guru known for his statistical insights, join for a lively discussion. They dive into Fulham's stunning win over Chelsea and its implications for both teams. Liverpool's resurgence is highlighted, with comparisons to their previous title-winning season. The struggles of Manchester United post-Bruno Fernandes' red card are analyzed, along with Wolves' revival under new management. They also touch on Arsenal's woes with Bukayo Saka's injury and the surprising performance of Nottingham Forest.

Laura Williamson, Editor-in-chief at The Athletic, and Adam Crafton, Senior writer at The Athletic, delve into the tumultuous year in football. They dissect the chaotic managerial changes, famously Jurgen Klopp's unexpected exit and Eric Ten Hag's rollercoaster at Manchester United. The duo also debates the significance of the upcoming Club World Cup amid controversies and the ethics of hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Plus, they reflect on the fallout from a referee scandal involving David Coote and its impact on the sport's integrity.

Tim Spiers, a seasoned football writer for The Athletic, joins data analyst Mark Carey to dissect the thrilling encounter between Tottenham and Liverpool. They delve into Spurs' chaotic win over Manchester United and the tactical hurdles they face at home. The conversation shifts to Liverpool’s newfound adaptability, spotlighting key stars like Mohamed Salah. The duo also tackles the current wave of managerial changes sweeping across the league, examining the implications of recent sacking decisions and their impact on club dynamics.

Simon Johnson, Chelsea correspondent for The Athletic, and Adam Crafton, Senior writer at The Athletic, discuss the ramifications of Mykhailo Mudryk's provisional suspension due to a positive Meldonium test. They delve into the club's response, the pressures on young players, and fan support amidst controversy. The episode also addresses accountability in player health and the broader implications for Chelsea and the player's future, highlighting how such incidents can impact a club's reputation and player confidence.

Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent for The Athletic, and Rory Smith, Senior writer for The Athletic, dive deep into the struggles plaguing Manchester City this season. They discuss the team's alarming stats—one win and eight losses in recent matches—and explore tactical missteps that have led to disappointing performances. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for a strategic overhaul to rejuvenate an aging squad, touching on potential solutions through player acquisitions and the impact of external pressures. Can the team navigate their current hurdles and reclaim their former glory?

Dermot Corrigan, La Liga correspondent for The Athletic, and football analyst Colin Millar dive into Atletico Madrid's thrilling 11-match winning streak. They discuss Diego Simeone's tactical changes, the impact of summer signings like Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher, and the hefty transfer spending nearing 200 million euros. The conversation heats up as they explore Atletico's ability to maintain their title challenge against rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, emphasizing the club's evolving ambitions and financial strategies in the competitive landscape.