The Athletic Football Podcast

Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening seven gameweeks of the 24/25 Premier League season.
The panel discuss all 20 teams; reflecting on Arne Slot's impressive ...

He was once the most expensive player in world football but last year Paul Pogba saw his career in tatters after being handed a four-year suspension for a doping violation.
Now having seen that ban re...

So the verdict has been announced in Manchester City's legal case against the Premier League over the rules on commercial deals involving clubs' owners.

So can either side claim to be winners or lose...

Today we’re focusing on the four winless clubs in the Premier League; Southampton, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.

What can these clubs do to avoid being cut adrift and their managers gettin...

Arne Slot has settled in nicely at Anfield with his side are top of the Premier League heading into the October international break following their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Despite win...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — we’re focusing on Aston Villa vs Manchester United.
After contrasting wee...

Why is it that everytime Arsenal get a set-piece it feels like they’ll score?
Since the start of the 2021/22 season Mikel Arteta's have scored 44 goals from set-pieces with Gabriel responsible for 12 ...

On Tuesday night PSG lost for first time since Kylian Mbappe left for Real Madrid having started the season seven games unbeaten prior to their visit to London.
They were also without Ousmane Dembele ...

Since the start of 2023-24, Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 43 PL goals (28 goals, 15 assists), more than any other player.

So, is Palmer the best player in the Premier League?

And why is ...

Today we’re focusing on Manchester United after another damaging defeat, this time to Tottenham.

So… what can Erik ten Hag do to turn things around? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Laurie Whitwell, Jay ...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — we’re focusing on Manchester United vs Spurs at Old Trafford.
With Ange P...

In June FIFA’s new Club World Cup launches but do you know where it’s being held, who’s playing in it or what the format actually is?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Cr...

An agreement has been reached for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover of Everton.

But when will it actually be completed? 

And how is it being paid for? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Matt Slate...

Today we’re focusing on West Ham. There was so much excitement over their summer transfer business, but Julen Lopetegui has won just one of his first five league games in charge.

So… have the Hammers...

On Sunday, champions Manchester City and challengers Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad in which both sides had to come from behind.
Despite trailing to Erling Haaland's early goal,...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — we’re focusing on 1st vs 2nd as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etiha...

Today we’re focusing on Aston Villa - looking at their season so far and what was a hectic summer transfer window..
So how is Unai Emery’s side managing the demands of both Champions League and Premie...

Today we’re focusing on Real Madrid and their super star players - The Galacticos.

So how does Carlo Ancelotti manage the talent and the egos to deliver on the pitch?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Derm...

Today we’re focusing on Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules after the long-awaited hearing started earlier this week.

So how might all this play out for City?

Host:...

After victory in the North London derby, is Arsenal's leaner squad capable of keeping pace with Manchester City across both the Premier League and the Champions League?
Also, David Ornstein will bring...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — we’re focusing on the North London derby as Spurs host Arsenal at the Tot...

These days, most Premier League clubs have an executive to deal with transfers.
From Richard Hughes swapping Bournemouth for Liverpool this summer to Manchester United’s pursuit of Dan Ashworth and Ne...

Football is at breaking point. That's the message of yet another stark warning from FIFPro who recently suggested that this season will be the "worst ever" for player workload.
We have PFA Chief Exec ...

Since Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale over two years ago, the club has been plagued with instability on and off the pitch.
This week - things have got worse - Clearlake and Todd Boehly’s rela...

Mauricio Pochettino is set to be confirmed as the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team
The Argentine takes charge less than two years out from co-hosting the World Cup
So, is Pochettino the ri...

Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening three weeks of the 24/25 Premier League season.
The panel reflect on Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, Everton's c...

This week, Leicester City won their appeal against a Premier League charge for PSR breaches.
Everton & Nottingham Forest have already been punished for financial rule breaking and Manchester City face...

Victor Osimhen was once the hottest strikers in European football. But instead of a move to PSG or Chelsea, the 25-year-old is swapping Naples for Istanbul.

So… how has Osimhen ended up at Galatasara...

Today we’re focusing on the Premier League club that is rock bottom of the table after three straight losses.

Meanwhile, off the pitch, their future is still up in the air.

So… what now for Everton?...

Today we’re picking the bones out of Liverpool’s 3-0 rout of Manchester United.
Arne Slot has begun life at Anfield with three wins from three, as for Erik ten Hag’s side they’ve already lost twice th...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — we’re focusing on Arne Slot's first serious test as Erik ten Hag's Manche...

Ahead of the Champions League returning it’s goodbye to the group stage and that’s not the only change - you’ll probably notice they’ve dabbled with the music as well! 
To delve into the changes to th...

Brighton have had an impressive start under their 31-year old-manager Fabian Hurzeler and an even more impressive transfer window - with £200million spent. 

On the show it’s tactics writer Liam Tharm...

With just days left until the transfer window closes - what big moves should we look out for?

So what is going to happen with Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho? 

Are Liverpool getting Federico Chiesa...

One game, one win but Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich had to leave it late to get the job done! Serge Gnabry with a late winner as they came from behind to beat Wolfsburg 3-2.
So after Bayer Leverkuse...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — we’re focusing on Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who host title chasing Arsena...

Only a week into the season but it appears Napoli boss Antonio Conte has already gone full Conte. After an opening day defeat he said his side "melted like snow in the sunshine”.
So how can Napoli avo...

So Manchester City have now reached agreement with Ilkay Gundogan over a free transfer from Barcelona.

So is it a no-brainer for City to bring back a player they let go just 12 months ago?

And why a...

It felt like a host of top clubs would be queuing up to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.
He’s been linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League
But where is the interest from Pre...

Once again we’re asking what is going on at Stamford Bridge.

So after being unhappy at being left out for the season opener.

What now for Raheem Sterling at Chelsea? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Oli...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.
This week — Opening week! — we’re focusing on the ever-changing Chelsea, who host Pre...

After missing out on European football last season, it’s been a summer of uncertainty at Newcastle United.
Changes in the boardroom have seen Eddie Howe lose a key ally in Amanda Staveley and with a n...

Liverpool have been rejected.
So why has Martín Zubimendi turned down a move to Anfield under new manager Arne Slot?
And are they at risk of being left behind by their busy rivals in the transfer mark...

It’s been a year since the departure of Harry Kane from Tottenham.

But with record signing Dominic Solanke are Tottenham finally replacing their all-time record goalscorer?

And what can we expect fr...

New coaches, new CEO, new Sporting Director - you name it - it’s been a summer, of upheaval at Manchester United.
That's before you even look at the transfer market!
But will the changes be enough for...

Pep Guardiola has entered the final year of his Manchester City contract.
With the uncertainty around many players futures, and the 115 charges still looming, could this be the end of an era at Manche...

With just one win in five games, Chelsea’s US Tour hasn’t quite gone to plan, conceding four goals apiece to both Celtic and Manchester City along the way.
New boss Enzo Maresca blamed ‘old habits’ fo...

Fresh off an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, Dani Olmo is close to a 60 million euro move to Barcelona.

But given their ongoing financial issues, how are Barca affording this?

And with pl...

On today’s podcast we bring you our reporter Adam Crafton’s exclusive interview with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

With 561 goals for club and country and 12 league titles across four countries - he is truly o...

Despite going close in each of the past two seasons, Arsenal have ultimately finished both empty-handed.
So is this the season Mikel Arteta finally delivers the Premier League title?
Ayo Akinwolere is...

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are just some of the teams in America during pre-season supposedly giving back to their fans abroad.
But is it enough? Do Premier League teams need to play com...

Spain are deservedly champions of Europe.
So why are England once again unable to take the final step?
And will it be Gareth Southgate’s final game as manager? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Oli Kay, Da...

Lamine Yamal turns 17 the day before Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England and he’s already produced the moment of the tournament with his wonder goal in the semi-final win over France.
So how did h...

England left it late, but thanks for Ollie Watkins' last minute winner are through to the final at Euro 2024.
So are they now good, or just really lucky having relied on a number of big moments throug...

On Friday, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as head coach in a new era at Liverpool.
Yesterday, The Athletic reported that the club’s owners FSG are interested in purchasing French club Bordeaux. So ...

Manchester United are working to finalise a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.

His performances in Italy have earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for the Euros. 

So is Zirkzee an upgrade on U...

England are through to the semi-final at Euro 2024 after seeing off Switzerland on penalties. Yet for Gareth Southgate’s side there were familiar problems in Dusseldorf with Harry Kane again strugglin...

Just weeks after considering managerial replacements, Manchester United have extended Erik ten Hag’s contract until 2026.
With so much structural change at the club, is this a genuine show of faith in...

Try as he might, Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting for his first goal at Euro 2024, despite having 20 shots at goal during the tournament so far.
Maybe, time is finally catching up with the 39 year o...

Tottenham have won the race for teenage sensation Archie Gray, seeing off competition from the likes of Brentford and Borussia Dortmund.

Leeds United said they were heartbroken after seeing him go - ...

Less than a month into this summer’s transfer window, one crucial deadline has already passed as club’s scrambled to comply with PSR.
Amongst those were Newcastle United, so how did they find a way to...

England have squeezed through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 thanks in part to a moment of genius from who else but Jude Bellingham.
It was an underwhelming performance, but post match the England...

After three lacklustre displays - France failed to top their group at a major tournament for the first time in 12 years.
Their two goals so far at Euro 2024 have consisted of an own goal and a penalty...

At Euro 2024, there is one team everyone seems to have a soft spot for, and they have probably been the most impressive.
Ralf Rangnick's Austria finished top of their group and are into the knock out ...

So, England are through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as group winners but once again were underwhelming in their 0-0 draw with Slovenia. Could turning to Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo be the solutions ...

Welcome to the latest edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer window.

David Ornstein brings us the latest developments across the Premier League and beyond.

And after a f...

Having grown synonymous with their tiki-taka style of play, Spain have so far shown another side at Euro 2024, in beating both Croatia and Italy.
So why have Spain moved away from their patient, posse...

Germany have been one of the most dominant sides so far at this summer’s Euros.

They’ve already qualified for the knockout stages after impressive wins over Hungary and Scotland.

So how has Julian N...

The Euros may have already exploded into action - but tonight comes Copa America!
As ever Brazil are amongst the tournament favourites - but will they deliver and what impact has the cloud hanging ove...

Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign got off to a winning start last night, with a late show from their substitutes.

But it was far from a convincing performance by Roberto Martinez’s unbalanced and chaotic...

With the transfer window now officially open, Manchester United have wasted no time in making their intentions clear, submitting a bid for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
Despite the deal being rejected...

England’s Euro 2024 is up and running with a win over Serbia. 
With their superstar talents, is there perhaps a whiff of arrogance by those who follow Gareth Soutgate’s team?
And what is the view acro...

After weeks of uncertainty, news broke on Tuesday that Erik Ten Hag is to remain as manager of Manchester United.
So why have Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS come to this decision and what will Ten Hag’s ...

Welcome to another edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer market where David Ornstein will bring us latest developments across the Premier League and beyond.
We take a dee...

Welcome to episode 12 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this su...

Welcome to episode 11 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this su...

Welcome to episode 10 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this su...

Welcome to episode 9 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 8 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 7 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 6 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 5 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 4 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 3 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

The summer transfer window officially opens on June 14 as clubs look to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2024/25 season.

So what kind of business is your club likely to do this summer?

Which big...

Welcome to episode 2 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

Welcome to episode 1 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this sum...

After a three month search, Bayern Munich have finally secured a new head coach having appointed former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
So why have Bayern chosen Kompany? How influential were his lin...

On Tuesday, Mauricio Pochettino left his position as Chelsea head coach by mutual consent after less than 11 months in the job.
After a poor start he led his side to a sixth place finish in the Premie...

Manchester City have created English football history by winning a fourth consecutive top flight title.
But do Pep Guardiola’s side get the recognition their achievements deserve?
Does future dominanc...

It’s matchday 38 in the Premier League and the title race is down to the final day with Man City taking on West Ham and Arsenal up against Everton.

The race for Europe involves the following matches:...

Ange Postecoglou was clearly furious after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
But what made him so upset after what was one of Spurs’ better performances in recent months?
And was he right to ...

On Monday, The Athletic reported news of Bayern Munich’s attempt to prize Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace for a hefty sum.

That’s credit to the remarkable job Glasner has done since succeeding Roy...

Newcastle United face Manchester United on Wednesday with both clubs competing for a place in Europe next season. 

But is the increased strain on squads that comes with qualifying for UEFA’s lesser c...

After recording just a second win in 17 Premier League visits to Old Trafford Arsenal have taken the title race to the final day.
So can Arsenal now complete the job and win the league for the first t...

It’s matchday 37 in the Premier League and the main focus is on Manchester United vs Arsenal, another huge match in the title race.

Elsewhere, Fulham host City and Nottingham Forest go up against Che...

Last night in L.A. Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said he drew positives from his side’s recent form in the Premier League.
So has the Chelsea project turned a corner under Mauricio Pochettino?
And has ...

Bayern Munich announced back in February that this season would be Thomas Tuchel’s last as their manager.

Fast forward three months and Bayern are yet to find a replacement.

Xabi Alonso, Julian Nage...

Last night, West Ham announced that David Moyes will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

After a prolonged search for Moyes’ successor, it seems the Hammers have landed on Julen L...

On Saturday Real Madrid were confirmed as La Liga champions for a record-extending 36th time, following Barcelona's 4-2 defeat at Girona.
So how did they do it, why was this title not as easy as it lo...

The Athletic Football Podcast

Latest episodes

Premier League Review: Assessing every club so far

What now for Paul Pogba?

Man City vs the Premier League explained

Do the winless clubs need to change to survive?

Are Slot's Liverpool serious title contenders?

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