The Athletic FC Podcast

Are Chelsea’s players losing faith in the project?

Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris WeatherspoonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

38 min

Italy and the World Cup: The curse continues

The 48-team line-up for the World Cup has now been determined, after a night of drama in the play-offs.And for the third successive tournament, Italy miss out…So what now for the four-time champions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Felipe Cardenas, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 min

AFCON chaos: Will Senegal keep the trophy?

The fallout from the AFCON final in January continues to rumble on.On Saturday - Senegal paraded the trophy in Paris …. despite having their title stripped and handed to Morocco.So what happens next?And how much has this saga damaged the reputation of AFCON?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes, Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33 min

Is De Zerbi the man to save Spurs?

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur, after just one win from seven games in charge.They’re now pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to replace him.So, can he save them from relegation? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle & Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34 min

Who should England take to the World Cup?

We're into the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. Harry Maguire and Kobbe Mainoo are back in the England squad while Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out by Thomas Tuchel. So, who should be on the plane come June? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min

What makes a good Premier League owner?

The Premier League currently and historically has seen a wide range of ownership models from local businessmen to sovereign wealth funds.But what actually makes a good owner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

What does Salah’s exit mean for Liverpool?

After nine years and more than 250 goals, Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool.The Egyptian King has helped fire the Reds to Champions League & Premier League glory.So how much of a loss will he be, and can Liverpool replace him?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Oli Kay, Mark CareyFeaturing: John GibbonsExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min

Who are the Premier League's most powerful figures?

From players and managers to executives and owners, the Premier League is made up of some big personalities.But who are the most influential?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

42 min

Does Pep still have the edge over Arteta?

Manchester City claimed the first silverware of the season, thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. For Arsenal it was another opportunity missed, but what impact will it have on the title race?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Art de RochéExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

39 min

Who are the Champions League favourites after the last 16?

On this episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern and Madrid really are.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan AlexanderProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

Gabriel Jesus interview: Arteta vs Guardiola, Arsenal's title race & more

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview. In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race. Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more.Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos & Jack LangGuest: Gabriel JesusExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Rachael Tinde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34 min

The Preview: Arsenal vs Man City

Arsenal and Manchester City take to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. Will Arsenal pick up their first major trophy since 2020, or will Pep Guardiola get his hands on his fifth League Cup with the Citizens?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

47 min

Does Chelsea's punishment fit the crime?

Chelsea have been fined more than £10m and handed a suspended transfer ban for making secret payments in relation to transfers.So does the punishment fit the crime?And what precedent does this for future cases such as the 115 charges Manchester City face?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34 min

Is Rosenior losing the Chelsea fans already?

Chelsea are out of the Champions League after an 8-2 humbling at the hands of PSG.So where does such a damaging defeat leave head coach Liam Rosenior?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Allcott, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34 min

Will Newcastle ever be an elite club?

With 12 wins, six draws and 12 defeats in the Premier League - Newcastle have been struggling to find consistency this season.So a year on from their historic Carabao Cup win at Wembley - are Eddie Howe’s side actually progressing?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Whitehead & George CaulkinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min

Who is to blame for Liverpool's decline?

Once again, boos rang around Anfield as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Spurs. After missing the chance to go 4th, is it Champions League qualification or bust for Arne Slot? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

The Preview: Man United vs Aston Villa

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a massive game in the race for Champions League football.Can the Red Devils bounce back from their first loss of the Michael Carrick era against the out of form Villains? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 min

Is the Premier League as strong as everyone thinks?

For all the talk of Premier League dominance in Europe no English sides won in this week's Champions League.So, ahead of the second legs next week is this just a blip or a rude awakening?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 min

Can Tudor survive much longer at Spurs?

Things aren't getting any better for Tottenham or Igor Tudor, after their 5-2 Champions League last 16 first leg loss to Atletico Madrid.Four games, four defeats, 14 goals conceded and a goalkeeper subbed after 17 minutes.So, what next for Spurs & Tudor?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Jay Harris & Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 min

Can PSG win the Champions League again?

PSG dominated club football last season - finally winning the Champions League.But this year they’ve not yet hit the heights.So can they step up and defend their European title?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Carl AnkaExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

40 min

The Athletic FC Podcast

Episodes

Are Chelsea’s players losing faith in the project?

Italy and the World Cup: The curse continues