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The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take 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.

Location:

United States

Networks:

The Athletic

Description:

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take 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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Can anyone save Wolves?

11/4/2025
Wolves have sacked manager Vitor Pereira. With zero wins in the league, and just two points, all signs lead to relegation. So, can anyone save them? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Matt Slater & Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:25

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Why are Spurs so bad at home?

11/3/2025
Another home defeat, and flat performance against Chelsea, losing 1-0 on Saturday. But Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League - having finished 17th last season. So, are Spurs improving under Thomas Frank? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:34

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The Preview: Spurs vs Chelsea

10/31/2025
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea. Carl Anka and Jay Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's derby before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Manchester City vs Bournemouth, Liverpool vs Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Carl Anka & Jay Harris Executive Producers: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:53:00

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Can Juventus succeed under Spalletti?

10/30/2025
Juventus have sacked Igor Tudor and are set to appoint Luciano Spalletti. With the ghost of Cristiano still haunting the club, are they in crisis? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Jay Beale & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:36:35

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How Sunderland surprised the Premier League

10/29/2025
Sunderland have enjoyed a dream start so far in the Premier League. Their win over Chelsea means they’re in the top four after nine games. 17 points from their opening nine Premier League games is the best return by a promoted club at this stage of a season since Hull City in 2008-09. So how have they done it? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Weatherspoon, Phil Hay and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:32:39

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Has Lamine Yamal reignited El Clasico?

10/28/2025
El Clasico was back to its fiery best on Sunday, as Lamine Yamal's pre-match comments sparked fury in Madrid. Has he reignited this famous fixture? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, Guillermo Rai Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Jay Beale and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:36:08

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Why Arsenal are the team to beat

10/27/2025
Arsenal are top of the Premier League - four points ahead of Bournemouth in second. It was an important win for them against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea also losing. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three times in nine games, so does a solid defence win you titles? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:11

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Liam Rosenior interview: Strasbourg's rapid rise & the value of diversity

10/26/2025
After eight games, RC Strasbourg sit 3rd in Ligue 1, two points behind league leaders Marseille and just one point behind European champions PSG. Today we’re bringing you a special episode sitting down with the man at the helm, Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior. In conversation with Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka, the panel discuss RC Strasbourg’s incredible start to the season, Rosenior's management style, working in a multi-club ownership model and the importance of representation, diversity and role models. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Co-Host: Carl Anka With: Liam Rosenior Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:36:31

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The Preview: Aston Villa vs Man City

10/24/2025
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Aston Villa vs Manchester City. Stu James and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Brentford vs Liverpool, Manchester United vs Brighton, and Everton vs Spurs. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Stu James & Tim Spiers Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:52:51

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Why was Barcelona's league game in Miami cancelled?

10/23/2025
Barcelona were set to play Villarreal in Miami in December. That’s now been cancelled. Today, we explain why. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Matt Slater Featuring: James Horncastle Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:44

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Are Newcastle over Isak already?

10/22/2025
Life after Alexander Isak has been hit and miss for Newcastle. But in Nick Woltemade, have they already found the key to Newcastle's fortunes this season? And in terms of Isak, why is he struggling after that record-breaking £125million summer move to Liverpool? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Waugh, Oli Kay, Andy Jones Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:35:43

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How do Man United build on Anfield win?

10/21/2025
Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016 was a massive moment for the club. But how does Ruben Amorim ensure this isn’t another false dawn? The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley join host Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the win over Liverpool, Harry Maguire, Matheus Cunha, the Brighton fixture this weekend and Amorim’s future. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:39

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Why Forest are turning to Dyche

10/20/2025
After just 39 days, Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou. He recorded no wins in his eight games in charge. Sean Dyche is set to succeed him, will he do any better? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Paul Taylor and Dan Kilpatrick Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:01

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Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more

10/19/2025
Today we speak to one of the best players to have graced the Premier League, İlkay Gündoğan. The iconic former Manchester City midfielder sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans. With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay Gündoğan Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:55

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The Preview: Liverpool vs Man United

10/17/2025
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is for many, the marquee match up in English football, Liverpool vs Manchester United. Oli Kay and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Fulham vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Aston Villa, and the hotly anticipated Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Oli Kay, Megan Feringa Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:11

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What do football agents actually do?

10/16/2025
The transfer window may not be open but the industry is still moving behind the scenes.So what do agents actually do? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the Athletic’s Stu James and James Featherstone, agent of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stu James and James Featherstone Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:38:57

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Is Harry Kane better than ever?

10/15/2025
England are heading to the World Cup, and typically it’s thanks to captain Harry Kane. So how important is he to their chances next summer? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Charlie Eccleshare, Seb Stafford-Bloor Featuring: Rob Green Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:43:15

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Are Spurs for sale?

10/14/2025
In early September, Daniel Levy stepped down from his role as Spurs chairman after nearly 25 years. So who is running the show now? And are Spurs for up for sale? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Jay Harris and Dan Kilpatrick Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:38:46

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Inside Liverpool's 15 year journey from civil war to superclub

10/13/2025
This week marks 15 years of FSG ownership at Liverpool In that time they've won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League. So, how did Liverpool become a modern superclub? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes and Matt Slater Featuring: Peter Moore and Dr Ian Graham Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:36

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Why goalkeepers are going long

10/12/2025
This week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast discusses the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often? Are goalkeepers throwing the ball less? And how is it changing the game? Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:18