The Athletic FC Podcast

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's NWSL & Women's Soccer Correspondent, Meg Linehan, to discuss the impact of and fall-out from her sensational story that has brought the league to a standstill...Meg reflects on the harrowing details from her piece, it's place in the wider context of protecting women in all walks of society and how the swell of support from across the globe can shape the future of women's soccer.Also, as The Athletic marks Black History Month, you'll hear an extended clip from an exclusive interview between Adam Leventhal and Troy Deeney - on the continuing fight for equality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton & Italian football writer James Horncastle to detail all you need to know about the owners of Premier League side Watford who have sacked Xisco Munoz to make way for Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.And our Liverpool writer Simon Hughes joins us to discuss the future of Mohamed Salah as discussions over a contract extension have so far failed to reach an agreement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview Manchester City's trip to Anfield... Will Liverpool seize an early opportunity to prove their title credentials and is Curtis Jones the most underrated English starlet in the Premier League?Plus, how a buoyant Arsenal will fare against xG-defiant Brighton, how Leicester have flat-lined despite Vardy's goals, and a closer look at how two wingers - Jadon Sancho and Andros Townsend - have settled in to life at Manchester United and Everton respectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater to explain why UEFA are locked in a legal battle with Barcelona Real Madrid & Juventus as the Super League fallout continues.Dr Katarina Pijetlovic an expert on breakaway leagues. Sports law specialist helps us dig a little deeper & outlines why things played out the way they did and what could happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Senior Writer Simon Hughes, to discuss his latest article on Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty apology and a growing trend of footballers feeling as though they have to say 'sorry' for in-game mistakes...Do footballer's social media accounts need to be managed, who is drafting the posts - and for what kind of supporter? Plus, the impact of online abuse and players no longer just 'sticking to football' on the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & Adam Crafton to discuss the stories behind Arsenal's demolition of Spurs and how Arteta, unlike Nuno, has built strong relationships at boardroom level to secure his future.David shares a line from his column about a proposal from the Premier League for meaningful, competitive matches abroad.And The Athletic's Gregg Evans, will tell us why he thinks Aston Villa are going places after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and how they are investing heavily in youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview a North London Derby, which neither manager can afford to lose... Plus, whether Pep's Manchester City can enact some Champions League final revenge on Tuchel's Chelsea, how Southampton have coped with some big summer departures and what Michael Olise will bring to Crystal Palace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by football administrator Paul Appleton & business economist Mark Gregory to explain what happens when clubs like Derby County enter administration, how clubs try to survive & how English football can break the cycle of its professional clubs getting into severe financial difficulties in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Brentford correspondent Jay Harris, to explain why Brentford's impressive start to the season is no surprise to those who've been paying attention over the last five years...Jay discusses the unprecedented decision to replace their Academy with a B-team, innovative recruitment strategy and a model which has become the envy of EFL clubs now trying to replicate the formula for their success.Plus, what is Ivan Toney's ceiling and does a comparison between him and Didier Drogba stand up to scrutiny? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Roshane to discuss the future of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and explain why United forward Jesse Lingard may play a key role for Manchester United this season.Our Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare, saw Chelsea breeze past Spurs on Sunday & he’ll be with us to tell us about the rivalry at boardroom level that has developed between the two clubs.And The Athletic’s Manchester City writer Sam Lee will share his take on the Pep Guardiola comments about his club’s fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.