The Athletic FC Podcast

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 Critchley to react to Maresca's departure as well as the possibility of Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior arriving at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior joined The Athletic FC Podcast back in October, speaking about his coaching identity: https://pod.fo/e/344882 Following events at Stamford Bridge, Beren Cross joins to discuss Leeds United v Manchester United on Sunday, look ahead to Liverpool's visit to Fulham, Bournemouth v Arsenal and the rest of the weekend's action. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: David Ornstein, Simon Johnson, Mark Critchley and Beren Cross Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 from a former England goalkeeper, a Man City legend, and about a manager who has everyone’s attention! Host: Ayo Akinwolere Producer: Nick Thomson Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Emery take his side level on points with his former employers or will Mikel Arteta get revenge just three weeks after Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Villa Park. Carl Anka and Stu James join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the festive action so far and look ahead to Tuesday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Sunderland vs Manchester City, Chelsea vs Bournemouth, and Brentford vs Spurs. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Carl Anka & Stu James Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 David Ornstein, Marsch sets out his ambitions for Canada, why getting out of the group isn’t enough, and how he’s been building the team with the 2026 World Cup firmly in mind. Marsch reflects on his time in the Premier League, the realities of modern football, and the short-term thinking that defines the game. He also shares his thoughts on Erling Haaland, who he managed, and why he believes the striker is the best in the world. With: Adam Crafton, David Ornstein, Laura Williamson, Paul Tenorio and Josh Kloke Producer: Paul Iliffe Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 managerial merry go round and the departure of Daniel Levy. Join us on a trip down memory lane. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Producer: Nick Thomson Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 cards in their defeat to Liverpool. And… after Wolves lost once again - are they the worst Premier League team ever? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke to dissect all of the action. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Group? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Patrick Boyland, Greg O'Keeffe and Leon Osman Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Aston Villa vs Manchester United, Newcastle vs Chelsea and Arsenal vs Everton. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Cerys Jones & Reuben Pinder Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producers: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein reports that Chelsea's Enzo Maresca is high on the list to replace Pep Guardiola with the anticipation of this being his last season at Manchester City. It comes less than a week after Maresca's outburst following Chelsea's recent home win over Everton. If Guardiola were to leave it would bring to an end a trophy-laden 10 years in charge at the Etihad. Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein, Oliver Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Simon Johnson Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excitement is building for the start of Africa Cup of Nations this weekend. The tournament kicks off this Sunday, 21st December and runs until the final on Sunday, 18th January. So will hosts and favourites Morocco deliver? Can reigning champions Ivory Coast defend their crown? Will 'fired up' Salah give Egypt the edge? And who are the key players to keep an eye on? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Jay Harris and Simon Hughes to tell you everything you need to know ahead of AFCON 2025. Plus, former Ghana manager Chris Hughton drops in to give the lowdown on what it’s actually like to manage at AFCON. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jay Harris, Simon Hughes, Chris Hughton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Illife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week of chaos at Manchester United, what’s new? Bournemouth came from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Ruben Amorim’s side in the game of the season so far at Old Trafford. Carl Anka and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to chat about Monday night’s dramatic match. The panel also tackle a ‘hurt’ Bruno Fernandes’ comments, the captain claimed the club 'wanted me to go' in the summer. Plus, the Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke drops in to chat about the security of Thomas Frank’s position at the club after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the weekend. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Carl Anka, Adam Crafton,Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mohamed Salah shone brightly, coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Brighton, grabbing an assist along the way. Now he heads off to AFCON with Egypt. So will Salah be back in favour at Anfield when - and if - he returns? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, David Ornstein and Ahmed Walid Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpack a World Cup draw that went from the surreal to the political, including surprise performances, a very prominent Gianni Infantino, and the growing influence of Donald Trump and his inner circle on football’s biggest event. Then, why this is set to be the most expensive World Cup ever. From the eye-watering cost of tickets and who can actually afford to go, to predictions about what happens next as prices rise and fans are squeezed out. Hosts: Matt Slater & Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle. After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with the two sides separated by just one point. Mark Critchley and Andy Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Chelsea vs Everton, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, and Liverpool vs Brighton, where the Mohammed Salah situation rumbles on. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Mark Critchley & Andy Jones Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance. They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine him So, is he on his way out? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is traditionally sacking season. But things feel a little different this season. So have clubs become more patient? And why? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley. James Horncastle also drops in to chat Como’s Cesc Fabregas - one of football’s most exciting up and coming coaches. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Mark Critchley. James Horncastle Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa failed to win any of their first five league games this season, but have since won nine of the next 10. They’re now third in the table. So can they actually compete with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea for the title this season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday night Mohamed Salah spoke telling reporters the club has thrown him under the bus. Liverpool have responded by dropping him for Tuesday night's Champions League trip to face Inter Milan. So, with his patchy form combined with these comments will the Egyptian King play for Liverpool again? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes, Adam Crafton and Oliver Kay Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the team discuss some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premier League recently. Also - what makes players flexible? And who excels in multiple roles? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys Jones Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week we're looking ahead to the biggest games of MW15. Tim Spiers and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the midweek action and preview Wolves vs Manchester United, Bournemouth vs Chelsea, Leeds United vs Liverpool, and Sunderland vs Manchester City. Plus, the leagues most in form team meet the league leaders as Aston Villa host Arsenal and Thomas Frank faces his old side as Spurs take on Brentford. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Tim Spiers & Cerys Jones Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.