Shows / The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic's flagship football podcast is with you six days a week, bringing unrivalled analysis from the biggest stories in world football. New host Emma Paton is joined by the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and James Horncastle. The show takes you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
The Athletic FC PodcastCan Arsenal or Man City win the quadruple?
Arsenal and Man City are still in all four competitions after reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.It's the latest two sides have ever still been in the hunt…
The Athletic FC PodcastAre football's new laws overcomplicating the game?
On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss football’s new rules!They talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Wrexham vs Chelsea
FA Cup weekend brings a Hollywood tie to the Racecourse Ground, as Wrexham host Chelsea. Can the Championship club upset the odds again? Elsewhere in fifth…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhat's wrong with Aston Villa?
At the end of January Aston Villa were level on points with Man City seven points off league leaders Arsenal.One win in six has left them clinging onto a place…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhat would relegation actually cost Spurs?
After 28 matches, Spurs are just four points above the relegation zone.So could they actually get relegated for the first time in almost 50 years?And how would…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy is the Premier League launching its own streaming service?
The Premier League is launching its own direct-to-consumer streaming channel in Singapore from next season.So what will it look like?And could it be a sign of…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhat do Chelsea's record financial losses actually mean?
After losing at the Emirates, Chelsea have dropped to sixth.They’ve also registered a £342m loss in their accounts.So, can Chelsea afford to miss out on…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea
Arsenal host Chelsea in their second London derby in the space of a week.Can the Gunners take momentum from a brilliant win at Tottenham last time out, or will…
The Athletic FC PodcastIs Italian football actually broken?
Despite being 10 points clear in Serie A, Inter have been knocked out the Champions League by Bodo/Glimt.Juventus followed suit on Wednesday night meaning…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy are so many managers talking themselves out of a job?
This season, plenty of managers have talked themselves into trouble.Oliver Glasner angered Crystal Palace fans by telling them to “stay humble”.And Ruben…
The Athletic FC PodcastIs Carrick making the 'impossible job' seem easy?
The Michael Carrick era at Manchester United has got off to a flying start.So how has he done it?And what would it take for him to get the job…
The Athletic FC PodcastCan Arsenal embrace the pressure?
For the second time this season Arsenal saw off rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the north London derby.But having dropped points against Brentford and Wolves…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Spurs vs Arsenal
Arsenal head up the road to Tottenham for a massive North London Derby. Can Igor Tudor start his Spurs career with a big win to help lift the mood, or will…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhat is the hardest job in football?
With so many big clubs potentially in the market for a new manager this summer.So, what actually is the hardest coaching job in football?Host: Ayo…
The Athletic FC PodcastVinicius, Mourinho and another ugly night for football
Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win at Benfica on Tuesday night was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse suffered by goalscorer Vinicius…
The Athletic FC PodcastWill De Zerbi return to the Premier League?
Marseille’s season is in danger of spiralling after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach.So why did his spell come to an end so suddenly?And could…
The Athletic FC PodcastCan Igor Tudor save Spurs?
Spurs have appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach.So why him, and how does it affect their summer plans? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle, Jay…
The Athletic FC PodcastPremier League trends: How to break down low blocks
This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast are talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.Host…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy have England extended Tuchel’s contract now?
England have extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract beyond the 2026 World Cup. So why has this happened now, and with sacking season in full flow, how does this…
The Athletic FC PodcastFour managers in one season: Inside Forest's chaos
Sean Dyche has become the third manager to be sacked by Nottingham Forest this season, following Wednesday night's goalless draw at home to Wolves.Former…
The Athletic FC PodcastFrank sacked: Why now and who next?
Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a miserable eight months in charge.A run of just two league wins in 17 Premier League matches spelled…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhat caused Ronaldo's Saudi rift?
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still making headlines.This time, he’s fallen out with his club, Al-Nassr.So why is he unhappy?And what does the future hold for…
The Athletic FC PodcastHave Man City reignited the title race?
After trailing at Anfield Manchester City flipped the script and beat Liverpool with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.So after the dramatic ending…
The Athletic FC PodcastA cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football
This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of weather. How do the elements impact what happens on the pitch? From the rainy, cold and…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Liverpool vs Man City
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Manchester City.Mark Carey & Jay Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to…
The Athletic FC PodcastHow much danger are Palace in?
2026 hasn’t started well for Crystal Palace. Their captain sold, 12 games without a win and sliding down the table.So, how much danger are Palace in?Host: Ayo…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy Arteta is prioritising substance over style
Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup final after a 4-2 win on aggregate over Chelsea.So how significant would a first trophy in six years be for Mikel Arteta…
The Athletic FC PodcastOrnstein latest: Summer transfers & managerial market
The January transfer window has been relatively quiet by Premier League standards - with a combined spend of £397m between all 20 clubs.But does that mean…
The Athletic FC PodcastWill Rosenior prove to be Chelsea's 'best decision'?
Chelsea turned half-time boos to into full-time cheers, coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Liam Rosenior said post-match he…
The Athletic FC PodcastAnatomy of a Transfer: Your Questions Answered
Exotic clauses, tapping up and how much agents really get paid. Your questions answered is the transfer special that you control.Adam Leventhal heads to Malaga…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Spurs vs Man City
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City.Stu James & Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams…
The Athletic FC PodcastIs the Champions League more fun than the Premier League?
The Champions League league phase is over - after a pulsating final night.Five of the top eight sides are Premier League teams.But what else did we learn from…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy are the big-money strikers misfiring?
Last summer was the year of the big-money strikers - from Isak to Gyokeres to Sesko to Woltemade and more!So is it fair to say they’ve struggled to live up to…
The Athletic FC PodcastAsk Ornstein: Is Slot's job safe?
Liverpool spent £450m last summer yet the squad still needs major surgery, after their unconvincing 13-game unbeaten run was ended at Bournemouth on…
The Athletic FC PodcastAre Arsenal their own worst enemy?
Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League is now down to four points, after losing 3-2 at home to Manchester United.Mikel Arteta's side took a first half…
The Athletic FC PodcastNo sweet home: Is 'home advantage' fading?
This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of home and away - discussing the tactical differences between performing in front of your own…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Arsenal vs Man United
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester United.Both sides will be going into this one full of…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy Barcelona want to keep Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been enjoying his football in Spain.Scoring goals and creating goals - as he did in Champions League on Wednesday night.So will Rashford be…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy Florentino Perez is club football's most powerful man
On Saturday Real Madrid players and president Florentino Perez were booed by the fans.Last night they put on a show in the Champions League that seemed to turn…
The Athletic FC PodcastAsk Ornstein: Nwaneri, Guehi and Glasner's future
We’re already halfway through the January transfer window.So what moves should we be looking out for in the final weeks of the window?Host: Ayo…
The Athletic FC PodcastIs Carrick more than a short-term fix for Man United?
The Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford started with a win.Carrick himself labelling it “a dream start” after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the Manchester…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Man United vs Man City
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby. Michael Carrick will take charge of his first game back at…
The Athletic FC PodcastHow Mane ended Salah's AFCON dream again
The AFCON 2025 final line-up is set: 2021 winners Senegal v hosts MoroccoBut what does defeat in the last four mean for both Nigeria and Mohamed Salah’s…
The Athletic FC PodcastHow long can Frank survive at Spurs?
Tottenham are out of both domestic cups and are struggling in the league.So how much longer does Thomas Frank have to turn the ship around?Host: Ayo…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy have Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso?
Last week, David Ornstein told us “the managerial market is about to explode”.Cue Real Madrid sacking Xabi Alonso.So what next for him and Madrid? And what…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy is there so much uncertainty at Palace?
Last season Crystal Palace were the kings of the cup beating Man City at Wembley.On Saturday they suffered the biggest of all giant killings losing to sixth…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhat is the point of an interim manager?
On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the panel discuss the roles and responsibilities of caretaker and interim managers.Manchester United…
The Athletic FC PodcastPremier League Review: Arsenal miss chance to extend lead
After five league wins in a row Arsenal missed the chance to go 8 points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa after drawing 0-0 with Liverpool at the…
The Athletic FC PodcastCan Semenyo help City catch Arsenal?
Man City have dropped points three games in a row, this time to Brighton & Hove Albion.While Antoine Semenyo signed off in style at Bournemouth, scoring a…
The Athletic FC PodcastHow will Rosenior handle the Chelsea chaos?
Liam Rosenior has signed a six-and-a-half-year deal as Chelsea’s new head coach.His first game in charge is this weekend's FA Cup third-round clash away at…
The Athletic FC PodcastAsk Ornstein: Man United's next manager + likely January transfers
The January transfer window is open but it’s the managers hogging the headlines so far.Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day and less than a week later…
The Athletic FC PodcastWhy Man United sacked Amorim
After 14 months in charge, Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United.How did it come to this - and where do INEOS turn next?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith…
The Athletic FC PodcastMaresca leaves Chelsea ahead of Man City showdown
Chelsea head to Man City fresh from parting company with head coach Enzo Maresca.Matt Davies-Adams is joined by David Ornstein, Simon Johnson and Mark…
The Athletic FC PodcastKlopp, Gundogan & Grimsby's chuffed chairman: Our guests of the season so far
Today, we’re shining a light on those outside The Athletic - we’ve had plenty of guests on the podcast this season and these are the highlights. You’ll hear…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Arsenal vs Aston Villa.After their impressive victory at Stamford Bridge can Unai…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Athletic meets... Jesse Marsch
Today we bring you an exclusive interview with Canada head coach, Jesse Marsch. Speaking to writers from The Athletic in New York, including Adam Crafton and…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe biggest moments of the 2025/26 season so far
We’re nearly halfway through the season and already it’s been one to remember. From Liverpool’s record-breaking transfer window, Forest’s own-personal…
The Athletic FC PodcastHow Morgan Rogers is driving Villa's unlikely title charge
The Premier League presented a Christmas cracker of a weekend of football.From Morgan Rogers’ magic in Aston Villa’s win over Manchester United, to Spurs’ red…
The Athletic FC PodcastAre Everton ready to kick on under their US owners?
A year ago on Friday, Everton's takeover was complete.Since then the club has been rejuvenated. So how far can they go under the David Moyes and The Friedkin…
The Athletic FC PodcastThe Preview: Spurs vs Liverpool
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool.Cerys Jones and Reuben Pinder join Matt…