The Athletic FC Podcast

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, David Ornstein, Pol Ballus Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 he get so good so young?  And will his club side Barcelona be able to keep hold of him in the long term? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who is out in Germany covering Spain at Euro 2024 as well as La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan is analyse the rise of Lamine Yamal and look ahead to what could await him on his return to Barcelona. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Perfection, by Lamine Yamal - The Athletic The story behind the viral photos of Lionel Messi and a baby Lamine Yamal - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 throughout the tournament? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay who was in Dortmund for the 2-1 win over the Netherlands as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers to analyse England's route to the final and the role of manager Gareth Southgate.  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: England, a team of comebacks, late winners and finals. These are extraordinary times - The Athletic Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer and an England goal that was worth the wait - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 what is the plan, and how would it benefit Liverpool? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 United’s existing forward options?  Or could they be about to make a move for a more experienced Premier League striker?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 struggling to make an impact. No doubt he’ll start Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands but should he?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay as well as Jacob Whitehead to discuss Kane's role ahead of Wednesday's meeting in Dortmund. Football tactics writer Ahmed Walid also drops in to join in the conversation around the rest of the semi-finalists leading forwards while Pol Ballus explains the importance of Alvaro Morata to Spain both on and off the pitch. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead and Ahmed Walid Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles Is Harry Kane in danger of becoming England’s Cristiano Ronaldo? - The Athletic Memphis Depay vs Wout Weghorst: The striker debate which cuts to the heart of Dutch football - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the manager? And with preseason starting Monday, what are the problems that still need to be fixed before the Premier League returns? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Mark Critchley, Dan Sheldon Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 old. If that’s the case - is the power and influence Ronaldo has on this Portugal side still worth it? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was in the Frankfurt Arena for Portugal's last 16 tie with Slovenia on Monday night, as well as Tim Spiers to analyse what Ronaldo brings both on and off the pitch ahead of Friday's quarter-final against France. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay and Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Cristiano Ronaldo cannot rage against the dying of the light forever - The Athletic The cult of Cristiano Ronaldo - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 - so why did they let their academy star leave? And what does the signing of Gray tell us about Spurs’ summer transfer policy?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Nancy Froston and Jay Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 balance the books? And what is the situation at St James’ Park for the rest of the summer transfer window? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to analyse a frantic weekend of dealing. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Chris Waugh Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Inside Newcastle’s frantic attempts to sell players and comply with PSR - The Athletic Manchester United agree deal with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as new sporting director - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 midfielder silenced critics. So, does it matter how England play as long as they win? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, so what is going wrong for Didier Deschamps’ side?  And how much good will is left in the bank from their 2018 World Cup triumph? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tom Williams, Pierre-Etienne Minonzio Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 stages. The German manager seems to have put his difficult spell at Manchester United behind him, so how has he transformed this Austrian team and how far can they go? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey, Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to the puzzle Gareth Southgate needs to solve if England are to progress much further? And what did Southgate's comments post-match reveal about how he's handling the challenge of managing at this tournament? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and Matt Slater, who were both in Cologne as well as football tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse whether or not England can still succeed with Southgate. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, Matt Slater and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Gareth Southgate understands England fan reaction after objects thrown at him following Slovenia draw - The Athletic Euro 2024 and the lopsided draw affecting which teams are considered likely finalists - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 flurry of homegrown transfer deals emerged over the weekend ahead of that June 30th financial deadline. Have Premier League clubs found a PSR loophole? Host: Adam Leventhal  With: David Ornstein, Liam Twomey & Peter Rutzler Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, possession-based approach and will this summer's transfer window see clubs take advantage of the release clause in the contract of one of their most promising stars Nico Williams? Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who's in Germany covering Spain during the Euros as well as our La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan. Host: Michael Bailey With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Spain’s tiki-taka era might be over – but its legacy continues to divide - The Athletic Spain’s Nico Williams serves notice – his €55m release clause looks a transfer bargain - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Nagelsmann put his Bayern Munich disappointment behind him and reinvented this Germany team so quickly? And what could the future hold for him beyond his time with the national team? Host: Michael Bailey With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 over Lucas Paqueta had on their preparations? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Brazilian football journalists Renato Senise and The Athletic's Thom Harris who is out in Miami ahead of the start of the tournament. Football news reporter Tom Burrows also drops in to explain the latest around Paqueta following the FA charges he is facing. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Thom Harris, Renato Senise and Tom Burrows Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Copa America 2024 preview: The Athletic’s complete guide to the tournament - The Athletic ‘Paqueta should be banned for life if he’s guilty. Do I see it happening? Probably not’ - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 side. So, does the Spaniard know how to get the best out of this talented Portugal squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Tim Spiers and David Novo Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein brings us the latest developments alongside Everton writer Paddy Boyland. Plus Liverpool also have their eye on a central defender who is also a target for United & Real Madrid. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Paddy Boyland Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Manchester United make opening £35m offer for Jarrad Branthwaite - The Athletic Why Jarrad Branthwaite makes sense for Man Utd – a two-footed duel winner - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 across Europe where Kane & Bellingham have starred for Spain & Germany’s biggest clubs. Are they drawn to the allure of the box-office stars, or is it the possibility of watching England fall short again? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke, James Horncastle, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 relationship with his squad and the owners look like moving forward? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to analyse Man United’s decision and assess who else was considered for the Old Trafford hotseat ahead of looking ahead to what challenges lay ahead. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles Inside Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United reprieve: Tuchel, De Zerbi and the key meetings - The Athletic Erik ten Hag to stay as Manchester United manager - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 deep dive on the market in Spain, including Barcelona's admiration for Liverpool's Luis Diaz. Plus, after securing Kylian Mbappe, what’s holding up Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alphonso Davies Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein, Dermot Corrigan, Pol Ballus Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 21-year-old Florian Wirtz has taken German football by storm since his emergence at Bayer Leverkusen back in 2020. A superstar in their extraordinary unbeaten run to Bundesliga glory - will he also help inspire the hosts to European success in his own backyard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 21-year-old forward Johan Bakayoko has made a name for himself in a bold, attacking PSV Eindhoven team which fits his skill set perfectly.  One of the most watchable young players in Europe at the moment - will the Belgian light up this tournament and put him in the shop window for a lucrative transfer to the Premier League or beyond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. Kendry Páez has been making quite the mark for club and country since he burst onto the youth football scene in 2022. He became the youngest player ever to represent Ecuador - and the second youngest South American to ever play international football behind a certain Diego Maradona. With a highly-anticipated move to Chelsea on the horizon - could he be the player that sets this summer’s Copa América alight? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 21-year-old child prodigy Xavi Simons is at a crossroads in his career after making the high profile switch from Barcelona to PSG.  Standout loan spells at PSV and RB Leipzig over the last two seasons have got everyone asking what Xavi’s next move will be - but first, will he showcase his star quality out in Germany? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 20-year-old all-action Watford midfielder Yáser Asprilla has made it his business to score absolute screamers for the Hornets since arriving at Vicarage Road in 2022. Following in the footsteps of the Colombian great James Rodríguez isn’t going to be easy - but could he be about to explode onto the international stage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has long been touted as one of the next great strikers - linked with some of the world’s biggest clubs and hype around him reaching fever pitch ahead of a potential move this summer… Slovenia may not be anyone’s favourites to cause a shock at Euro 2024 - but could their centre forward make his mark and show why he’s considered one of the purest number 9’s in the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 20-year-old midfielder Marcelo Flores began his footballing education at Ipswich Town and Arsenal - but has a point to prove after failing to make a real breakthrough in his time at The Emirates.  Now back in Mexico and coming off the back of a successful domestic campaign with Tigres - can his youthful exuberance see him live up to the billing as his country's most exciting prospect? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 19-year-old Benfica midfielder João Neves has followed in the footsteps of Bernardo Silva, Darwin Núñez, João Félix and Rúben Dias to come through the Portuguese Champions’ academy.  Quick, agile and technically gifted with formidable tackling ability, stamina and composure - will this summer’s Euros be the stage upon which he really announces himself to the world? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América.  22-year-old USA international Folarin Balogun’s every move has been watched with intrigue since his permanent move from Arsenal to Monaco.  After a somewhat difficult start to life on the Côte d'Azur - will he make the number 9 jersey his own this summer prove his worth to the US men’s national team on home soil? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. Paris Saint Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery has had a meteoric rise since rewriting the record books when he became the club’s youngest player and goalscorer when he was just 16 years old. Now 18 and already regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the world - could he be the next face of French football for years to come? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 players could be on the move? How restricted will Premier League clubs be by PSR? And what impact could this - and the summer tournaments - have on the market? Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. 17-year-old Endrick burst onto the international scene with goals against England and Spain and will join Real Madrid after playing a potentially pivotal role for Brazil out in the USA.  He’s already been compared to legendary strikers Ronaldo, Pelé and Romário - but does he really have what it takes to follow in their illustrious footsteps? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 summer’s European Championships and Copa América. Prodigal 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has already broken a number of records for Barcelona and Spain in his short career so far.  Will the precocious attacker cement his status as one of the most talented young footballers in the world out in Germany? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 links to Pep Guardiola in their decision and how will the Belgian adapt to life in Bavaria after Burnley? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy Jones to analyse how the move came about and whether the Belgian will be a success in Munich. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy Jones Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany and the summer’s strangest managerial appointment - The Athletic Why do Bayern Munich want Vincent Kompany? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Premier League, but the upturn in form wasn’t enough. So, why did the Pochettino project fail, and who will Chelsea turn to next? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Simon Johnson, Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 dominance depend on how long the manager stays and is the whole debate overshadowed by the 115 charges they face for alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Man City writer Sam Lee, senior football writer Oli Kay and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to discuss. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Sam Lee, Oli Kay and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: Inside Manchester City’s history-making fourth Premier League title in a row - The Athletic Manchester City’s wonderful team and the 115 charges – can the two be separated? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Sheffield United vs Spurs, Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Brentford vs Newcastle and Brighton vs Manchester United. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 be so angry? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tottenham writers Charlie Eccleshare & Jack Pitt-Brooke who are also on our Spurs pod View From The Lane.. Producer Guy Clarke Executive Producer Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Hodgson just three months ago. The Austrian coach has taken Palace to safety in style - but the big question is: can the club keep hold of their star players and their manager this summer? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Woosnam and Dominic Fifield Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 competitions actually worth it?  Or would a season out of Europe allow both sides to regroup and build again?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Carl Anka and George Caulkin Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 time in 20 years, despite Man City still having the title in their hands? If they fall short, does anything need to change next season and how long without delivering a league title can Arsenal trust the process? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Arsenal writer Jordan Campbell to analyse how Mikel Arteta has managed to build his side to this point as well as look ahead to what their next steps could look like. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Jordan Campbell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles Arsenal marry progress and history with another 1-0 win at Old Trafford - The Athletic Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal for opening ‘box of dreams’ on possible Premier League title - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Chelsea. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 he done enough to still be in charge next season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey Producers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and now Ralf Rangnick have opted to stay at their current jobs rather than join the German club. So why are Bayern struggling to fill their managerial vacancy? And who could they turn to next? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Seb Stafford-Bloor Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Lopetegui. So… why have West Ham chosen the former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves manager over other candidates?  And for Lopetegui himself - what is it about the project that has made him turn down the allure of Bayern Munich? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 looked and can anyone stop Real Madrid being European football’s dominant force?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Madrid-based writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spanish Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to analyse how Carlo Ancelotti's side have managed to write their own page in Madrid's illustrious history. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Related articles: How Real Madrid won La Liga – artful Ancelotti, brilliant Bellingham and unlikely new heroes - The Athletic Real Madrid’s ‘dystopian’ dominance – Barcelona and La Liga rivals are way behind - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 36 in the Premier League and the title race is once again the main focus. Arsenal host Bournemouth while Man City go up against Wolves. Elsewhere, in the relegation battle, it’s Luton vs Everton, Burnley vs Newcastle and Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and Jordan Campbell Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So on Monday Premier League clubs opted to push on with plans for a hard spending limit — a de facto salary cap tied to the income of the lowest earning side in the top flight. Why do some clubs want more financial regulation? Who is pushing back against it? And could this end up with legal action? The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater joins Ayo Akinwolere to explain the concept of 'anchoring' as well as answering questions submitted by subscribers to The Athletic over the Premier League's proposed new spending controls. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”. But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for the Catalans. So, why did Barca perform a dramatic U-turn on Xavi’s future?  How strong is his position now? And can Xavi be backed in this summer’s transfer market to the level he now expects?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-Menchero Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer. Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are planning on him being part of their squad for next season. So, with his future back on the agenda, what are Liverpool’s options with or without their iconic forward? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and James Pearce Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After the games, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to deal with the “details” to be contenders. So what exactly are the fine margins they are missing?  And will it be enough to get to the next step and challenge next season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Seb Stafford-Bloor Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 35 in the Premier League and it’s a huge north London derby as Arsenal go to Spurs hoping to stay in the title race. Elsewhere, Man City go to Nottingham Forest and West Ham host Liverpool. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Charlie Eccleshare and Jay Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost three months on from Jurgen Klopp announcing his intention to stand down, Liverpool have earmarked the man they’d like to replace him. So why do Liverpool want Feyenoord’s Arne Slot? And is he the right personality to replace Klopp at Anfield?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Adam Crafton Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playing an exciting brand of attacking football it’s no wonder Simone Inzaghi is now being linked to high-profile managerial jobs in England and abroad. But is he better off staying in Italy and a resurgent Serie A?  Or does uncertainty around finance and the ownership at Inter mean now is the time for a new challenge? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, The Athletic revealed that West Ham have held talks with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to be their next manager…  He is also being looked at to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool So who is Ruben Amorim and why is he in such high demand?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before taking his seat at Wembley, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon and compared the race, to the job he has to do at Old Trafford. Seeing his boyhood side reach a second successive FA Cup Final was only have the story though as Erik Ten Hag's side almost squandered a 3-0 lead to be dumped out by Coventry City. So will success in the FA Cup show enough progress for Ten Hag to remain in position, or do United's problems run deeper than just their manager? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Mark Critchley who were both at Wembley to discuss. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Carl Anka and Mark Critchley Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles Manchester United’s semi-final win was no turning point for Ten Hag – it was a tipping point - The Athletic If Manchester United move on from Ten Hag, who does the data say they should target? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 34 in the Premier League as Arsenal go to Wolves in the big clash in the title race. Elsewhere, it’s the FA Cup semi-finals, as Chelsea face Man City and Manchester United go up against Coventry City. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers and Liam Twomey Producer: Mike Stavrou  Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday night, Arsenal's Champions League hopes were ended in Munich, in their first quarter-final at that level in 14 years. Afterwards Mikel Arteta was left lost for words in how to console his side, while they also remain in the Premier League title race. So how can the Spaniard ensure the Gunners season doesn't peter out, how ruthless can they be in this summer's transfer window - or should Arteta be able to get more from the squad already at his disposal? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Art de Roche to discuss and analyse how different Arsenal could look the other side of the summer transfer window. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Art de Roche Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Arsenal’s progress this season will be undermined if their title challenge fizzles out - The Athletic Arsenal are evolving at a pace that could leave Zinchenko, Jesus and others behind - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night were were reminded why the Champions League is the biggest draw in world football. Meanwhile, FIFA seem to be stepping back in the battle to stop competitive games being taken abroad. So, could we one day see the Premier League or La Liga decided in the USA? Or the UEFA Champions League final in Saudi Arabia? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and Adam Crafton Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen won the first league title in their 120-year history, and the celebrations were wild. Still to play for this season; a potential treble and the chance to go the entire season unbeaten. But is Xabi Alonso staying enough to keep his squad together next season?  Is it still even possible for this team to go to the next level and break into Europe's elite? Or, is this as good as it gets for Leverkusen?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Raphael Honigstein, Seb Stafford-Bloor Producer: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool’s terrible week got a whole lot worse. A shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has dealt a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of a second Premier League title and they have a mountain to climb in the Europa League, trailing Atalanta 3-0. So why are Liverpool faltering at the business end of the season?  And can they still turn it round? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and James Pearce to assess and analyse where things have gone wrong for Jurgen Klopp's side having gone from potential quadruple winners to seeing his reign possibly end with a whimper. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce and Oli Kay Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The 10 misses that might have ended Liverpool’s Premier League title bid - The Athletic Liverpool’s failure to keep clean sheets is proving deeply damaging - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 33 in the Premier League and Arsenal host Aston Villa as they look to hold on to top spot in the league table. Elsewhere, Spurs go to Newcastle and Chelsea play Everton. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jon Mackenzie, Art de Roché & Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After overseeing a 27-game unbeaten run, Luis Enrique’s PSG fell to defeat at home to Barcelona on Wednesday night, losing 3-2 in their Champions League quarter final first leg. So why did Kylian Mbappe struggle to impact the kind of game he’s been renowned for owning in previous years and is he at risk of seeing his PSG career end with a whimper? As for Enrique, is he the man to finally push the Parisians over the line to become a serious contender in years to come? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Peter Rutzler as well as Pierre-Etienne Minonzio of L'Equipe. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Peter Rutzler and Pierre-Etienne Minonzio Producer: Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adam Jones Related articles: Mbappe surely cannot bow out so quietly in Barcelona - The Athletic How Paris Saint-Germain made Ousmane Dembele ‘extraordinary’ again - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid have enjoyed and endured a 12-year love affair and it is hard to imagine one without the other. He has overseen both unbelievable highs and crushing lows. This season - Atletico are on course for their worst finish in La Liga since Simeone’s first year in charge, but could another Champions League run galvanize his team once again? And with plenty of big clubs looking for ,managers this summer, why isn’t his name mentioned in the conversations anymore? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan & Tomás Hill López-Menchero. HOST: Ayo Akinwolere WITH: Dermot Corrigan & Tomás Hill López-Menchero PRODUCER: Mike Stavrou EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mikel Arteta takes charge of Arsenal’s first Champions League quarter final in 14 years on Tuesday night. Top of the Premier League and with the opportunity to make a serious statement in Europe, how has Arteta revived this Arsenal side? And with Jurgen Klopp leaving and Pep Guardiola’s long-term Manchester City future uncertain, is he ready to build a dynasty in north London? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jordan Campbell, Art de Roché, Amy Lawrence Producer: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Sunday Old Trafford witnessed more mayhem as Manchester United and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw. Despite facing another 28 shots, Man United emerged with a point, but was that through luck or design? So has Erik Ten Hag done enough to convince INEOS he’s worth persisting with into next season? And with so much change coming behind the scenes over the summer…can Man United turn chaos into control? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to discuss and debate the Dutchman's future. HOST: Ayo Akinwolere WITH: Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley PRODUCER: Guy Clarke EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adam Jones Related articles: Baffling, beguiling and bewildering: trying to explain this Manchester United - The Athletic Ten Hag’s Manchester United future: Open to operating as head coach, Murtough to leave - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 32 in the Premier League and Manchester United host Liverpool in a match that will have big implications on the title race. Elsewhere, Burnley go to Everton and Luton play Bournemouth. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jon Mackenzie, Mark Critchley and Andy Jones Producer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night, Aston Villa stumbled in pursuit of securing a top four place in the Premier League losing 4-1 away to Manchester City. But as Newcastle have shown this season, despite the money in brings in, qualifying for Europe puts a huge strain on smaller squads especially when financial rules make it harder to spend. And as Ange Postecoglou commented in the week, Champions League qualification doesn't necessarily provide what clubs are seeking, if they're unable to push on and compete. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to discuss how the Premier League's growing collection of upwardly ambitious clubs sustained continued Champions League qualification amid the backdrop of strict financial spending limits. HOST: Ayo Akinwolere WITH: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Tanswell and Chris Waugh PRODUCER: Guy Clarke EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Unai Emery is all about planning – there was a point to Villa’s ‘practice’ and chaos - The Athletic Beyonce, NFL and boxing help make Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a cash machine - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, Thomas Frank and Roberto de Zerbi go head-to-head in what some might call the data derby…  Brentford and Brighton may adopt a similar approach behind the scenes, but how do their sought after coaches compare, and who is the most likely to fill a managerial vacancy elsewhere this summer?   And what are the reasons for the long running feud between the owners of the two clubs dating back to 2004?  Produced by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea’s difficult season continued as Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Burnley at the weekend.. There’s division among the fans, a billion pound squad yet to gel, and growing pressure on the manager. So can Chelsea salvage something from their remaining games?  And after all the instability this season will there be another summer of sweeping change? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers and our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, who is also part of another podcast on this network: Straight Outta Cobham. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the pitch Liverpool have seized the initiative in the Premier League title race following their 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Yet off the pitch, uncertainty lingers after Xabi Alonso confirmed last week he'll be staying with Bayer Leverkusen, ruling himself out of the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. So where do Liverpool turn next and who will be on their managerial shortlist to replace Klopp? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Oli Kay to discuss Alonso's decision to stay at Leverkusen before debating the process the Reds will go through with their new sporting director Richard Hughes to find a successor for Klopp. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related Articles: What happened with Liverpool and Xabi Alonso – and where does the club look now? - The Athletic Would Roberto De Zerbi be the right kind of manager for Liverpool? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 30 in the Premier League and the huge meeting of the weekend sees Manchester City host top-of-the-table Arsenal. Title rivals Liverpool, meanwhile, play Brighton and Manchester United go to Brentford. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Nnamdi Onyeagwara, Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us can only dream of owning a football club . But for the very rich it’s an opportunity towards power, influence and… even more money So who are the people that try to buy football clubs?  And how do football’s authorities decide who gets the green light for a takeover?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Matt Slater Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The nobody who tried to buy Manchester United and Inter Milan by Adam Crafton ‘Under every rock, we found a lie’: How the bid to be English football’s first black owner unravelled by Matt Slater Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few months ago Kobbie Mainoo had not played a minute for his club at senior level let alone his country. Now at just 18, he is one of Manchester United’s best players - and after a man of the match performance for England last night Gareth Soutgate was full of praise   So how has one so young been able to establish himself at the highest level so quickly?  And in terms of Euro 2024, has it gone beyond Mainoo just being in the squad for England - does he need to start? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Carl Anka, who is also on our Talk of the Devils podcast, data writer and part of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast, Mark Carey, and Michael Bailey, who was at Wembley for us last night. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thiago Motta, the mastermind behind Bologna's unlikely push for a Champions League spot, is seen as one of the most impressive up-and-coming managers. With plenty of clubs looking for a new head coach this summer — could Motta be ready for a move to one of European football’s elite?  Also where might Roberto De Zerbi end up & how much will his style influence the roles he could be offered? Produced by Jay Beale. Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For anyone that didn’t know about him already, 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick introduced himself with a winner against England at Wembley on Saturday. So how good is Brazil's next big thing - and where will he fit in at Real Madrid when he completes his move to the Bernabeu this summer? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Brazilian football writer Jack Lang, Nick Miller, who conducted Endrick's first interview with a UK media outlet as well as Junior Spanish Football Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Endrick delivers a preview showing of history to leave Brazil salivating for more - The Athletic Meet 15-year-old Endrick: 5ft 6in tall, left-footed and the next big thing in Brazilian football - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s just 84 days until the European Championships begin in Germany - so we are looking ahead to Euro 2024, with a particular focus on two of the favourites; France & England. Host Michael Bailey is joined by England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke, PSG and Fulham writer Peter Rutzler, plus data writer Thom Harris. Produced by Mike Stavrou. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules earlier this week, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater as well as Tim Spiers. The panel debate the sanction handed down to Forest, following on from Everton's own six-point deduction with the Goodison Park outfit set to receive a further punishment in due course. Plus, there's analysis of the impact of points deductions through the course of an ongoing season before assessing the impact the regulations could have on the summer's transfer window before getting to the role an independent regulator could have on the game. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The season of asterisks – PSR rulings have created a Premier League campaign like no other - The Athletic What is the independent football regulator? Why has it been brought in? What powers does it have? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once again Newcastle United will finish the season trophyless, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League. There have been question marks over finances, transfers and team selection. But if the belief in manager Eddie Howe remains strong, how long will the faith remain? Producer: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week England boss Gareth Soutgate announced that Arsenal’s Ben White does not want to play for England. So, why doesn’t one of the best players in Europe, in his position, not want to represent his country? And why do some followers of the England national team find it so difficult to understand? Produced by Jay Beale. Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following Manchester United's dramatic FA Cup Sixth Round win over Liverpool at Old Trafford The Athletic's David Ornstein and Mark Critchley join Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the significance of the result for Erik ten Hag. The Manchester United manager has been under increased scrutiny since the minority investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has taken over sporting control at Old Trafford. So, would possible success in the FA Cup be enough to convince the hierarchy Ten Hag is worth persisting with come the summer, or could United be set to beginning their next managerial hunt for a worthy successor to Sir Alex Ferguson? Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Manchester United are chaotic but beat Liverpool at their own game - The Athletic The story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s matchday 29 in the Premier League & the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend.  The big meeting of the weekend sees Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, while Man City host Newcastle. There’s also Premier League action to discuss & reaction to the latest England squad announcement. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Whitehead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday at their iconic home Old Trafford, but the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ isn’t what it once was. Last week the club announced plans for a “world-class” stadium, so why is it so important to have a state of the art arena and how will a shiny modern new stadium improve results on the pitch? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Andy Mitten, part of The Athletic's dedicated Man United podcast Talk Of The Devils, to discuss what options are opened to Manchester United when it comes to a stadium renovation or even rebuild. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Why Manchester United might need more debt to rebuild Old Trafford - The Athletic If Manchester United want an elite stadium, Old Trafford must be knocked down - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday night, Barcelona made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. There was a time when that would have been very much routine. But after all the off-pitch issues, could this actually be a turning point? Or is it just a false dawn for a club gripped by crippling financial losses?  The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal is joined by Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Barcelona writer Pol Ballus. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea saw off Newcastle in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, a win that eased pressure on Mauricio Pochettino… But the bigger picture is they remain 11th in the table which has led sections of the fanbase harking back to the days of Roman Abramovich. So what are the issues the owners need to address to turn things round?  And will strategies like Chelsea’s multi-club model ever convince a sceptical fanbase?  Producer: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only one point separates the top three in the Premier League following Liverpool and Man City drawing 1-1 at Anfield on Sunday, while Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday night to move to the top of the table. Meanwhile, off the pitch for Liverpool the Reds are moving closer to bringing back former sporting director Michael Edwards to work within owners Fenway Sports Group's ownership structure with Bournemouth's departing technical director Richard Hughes looking set to take the sporting director role at Anfield. Join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic's Oli Kay and Simon Hughes as they analyse the draw with Man City on Sunday as well as discuss the latest within Liverpool's off-pitch infrastructure ahead of what could be a crucial summer with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Liverpool vs Manchester City: This is what a Premier League classic looks like - The Athletic Michael Edwards close to FSG role with Richard Hughes as Liverpool sporting director - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s another huge weekend in the Premier League, with a pivotal matchup in the title race as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield. Elsewhere, Aston Villa welcome Tottenham to Villa Park as both sides chase Champions League football, and Everton go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Nick Miller Producer: Mike Stavrou We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. *** • With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend sees Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the final time in the Premier League. Two hugely successful managers but would either have been quite so successful without the other? And with Klopp about to leave Anfield - and Guardiola's long-term future at the Etihad uncertain.. Which club - Liverpool or City - is better suited to life without its legendary leader? The Athletic’s Michael Bailey is joined by colleagues Oli Kay, Pol Ballus and our German football writer Raf Honigstein. Producer Jay Beale Executive Producer Adey Moorhead *** We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. • With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With 12 games to go Spurs look like a good bet for Champions League football. So are Spurs punching above their weight or could they be even higher had their season not been hampered by injury?  And how does Ange Postecoglou’s start as a manager in the Premier League compare with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive producer: Adey Moorhead *** We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. • With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night, Arsenal swept the floor with another of the Premier League’s relegation candidates, Sheffield United. So do they need a new striker after all?! In their last seven league games they have scored 31 times. So, what has Mikel Arteta changed to open the floodgates? And will it be enough to challenge title rivals City and Liverpool all the way to the end? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and former Gunners midfielder Adrian Clarke. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive producer: Adey Moorhead *** We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. ===== • With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester City eventually ran out convincing winners over Manchester United in the derby at the weekend.  Yet, Erik ten Hag said afterwards that the gap in quality between the two sides wasn’t that big.. Is he right? And if there is a summer of sweeping changes at United, is this likely to also mean a change of manager at Old Trafford?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein & Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell. We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. *** • With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Manchester derby, with City hosting United at the Etihad Stadium. United will be hoping to better their 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. Elsewhere, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on Spurs, Newcastle host in-form Wolves, while Everton welcome West Ham to Goodison Park. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Joey D'Urso Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With 12 Premier League games to play, the top three are separated by just two points, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all still firmly in contention to be crowned champions in May. So are we set for the most nail-biting climax in Premier League history, or will March's clashes at the top of the table prove decisive? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas as well as Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to assess and analyse each of the side in the race to win the title. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool? The Premier League’s title race analysed - The Athletic Three-team Premier League title races are rare – enjoy this while you can - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night, Manchester City moved a step closer to another treble, thanks to the formidable Erling Haaland. If City do win the lot - again - could he start to think about a fresh challenge?  There’s always been a suspicion that Haaland will one day join Real Madrid. But is a move now less likely with the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe? Or is Madrid the only realistic next destination for Haaland… if anywhere at all?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Man City correspondent Sam Lee, data writer Thom Harris, plus La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan. Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional production: Jay Beale Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why has Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules been reduced to six points?  How will the decision impact sides around them locked in a relegation battle?  What might it say about Everton's upcoming second case?  And what about outstanding charges for Nottingham Forest… and the 115 for Manchester City? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Matt Slater and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland. Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional production: Jay Beale Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following Liverpool's 10th League Cup success manager Jurgen Klopp described it as the most special achievement of his career, given the reliance he had to put in a number of academy graduates. Youngsters Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Jarrell Quansah were all used from the bench along with full-back Conor Bradley. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Liverpool reporter James Pearce to analyse the Reds' bold youth policy through academy coaching and recruitment before looking ahead to what could prove to be a decisive summer at Anfield. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The Liverpool kids who won the cup – with some help from Virgil van Dijk - The Athletic Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool farewell tour skips, screams and grins on way to ‘most special trophy’ - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of top-flight football ahead, with not only Premier League points but also domestic silverware on the line.  Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Carabao Cup, but who would the trophy be more important for, Mauricio Pochettino at the start of his Chelsea career, or Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time at Liverpool?  Meanwhile on Saturday, Arsenal host Newcastle and Man City travel to Bournemouth, both hoping to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table. And the weekend will also give us our first glimpse of Oliver Glasner, new in the dugout at Crystal Palace. We explore what fans can expect from the Austrian tactically.  Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Luke Bosher Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver Glasner has been chosen as the man to re-energise Crystal Palace after a barren run of just two wins from 16 in all competitions. The Europa League-winning coach replaces Roy Hodgson, who stepped down as manager on Monday. So, who is Glasner… and why have Palace chosen him?  And just how big is the rebuilding job on his hands? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and Dom Fifield. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayern Munich and head coach Thomas Tuchel will part ways at the end of the season. Why has the announcement come now and what does it tell us? Why isn’t Tuchel leaving immediately? And will Bayern be able to compete with Liverpool to make Xabi Alonso their new manager in the summer? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and Nick Miller. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint Germain of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season with Real Madrid the expected destination but as their superstar departs, what next for PSG? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by French football writer and broadcaster Tom Williams and The Athletic's Carl Anka to analyse what comes next for Mbappe as well as the direction the French champions head in next. The panel assess what options will be open to PSG in the transfer market with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Frenkie De Jong and Rafael Leao all being linked with Luis Enrique's side following Mbappe's decision. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: Who should PSG sign to replace Kylian Mbappe? - The Athletic Kylian Mbappe is leaving, so what next for Paris Saint-Germain? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man United want Dan Ashworth to be their new sporting director. He has been placed on gardening leave after informing Newcastle of his desire to leave the club. But Newcastle want a huge fee of 20 MILLION pounds to release Ashworth from his contract. So how will this tussle between the two clubs play out as both teams chase Champions League football next season. And why is Ashworth so sought after?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Newcastle correspondent Chris Waugh. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Bailey and co breakdown matchweek 25 of the Premier League. The headline clash is Saturday's late game between Manchester City and Chelsea. The last meeting was a 4-4 classic, but can Chelsea take anything away this time? Elsewhere Luton host in-form Manchester United, who are going for their 5th win in a row, while Arsenal and Liverpool travel to Burnley and Brentford respectively hoping to keep pace at the top.  Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller, JJ Bull Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia. After playing just seven minutes in Saudi Arabia and missing a ‘last dance’ with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi failed to feature in Hong Kong with the fallout still rumbling on. So why has Messi’s no-show caused geo-political tensions to rise and is the GOAT in danger of becoming a show pony in the final stages of his illustrious career? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio to analyse the episode as well as dissect the wider impact on the growth of MLS. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: ‘A thuggish flamingo’: Why China turned on Lionel Messi - The Athletic Hong Kong uproar, Messi injured and just one win: Inside Inter Miami’s Asian tour - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

West Ham’s 6-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend was the club’s worst home defeat in over 60 years… and the fans voted with their feet. Wins over Man United and Arsenal in December had seen supporters unite behind David Moyes. But a poor run of results have swiftly soured the mood at the London Stadium. So.. will Moyes bid farewell to the Hammers when his contract expires this summer, or can he turn things around? And what do West Ham’s owners - and more importantly the fans - really want for the club?  Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional production: Jay Beale Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: https://theathletic.com/5267036/2024/02/12/west-ham-david-moyes/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayern Munich are out of both domestic Cup competitions and were humbled by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side at the weekend. As pressure mounts ahead of their Champions League game at Lazio this week… Why are things not going as smoothly as usual for Bayern? And is it REALLY possible Kane could go another season without finally winning a title? Is Thomas Tuchel in trouble? And could Bayern potentially tempt Alonso this summer? Ayo Akinwolere is with the Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and England and Tottenham reporter Jack Pitt-Brooke. Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional production: Jay Beale Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading:  https://theathletic.com/5263314/2024/02/11/bayern-munich-thomas-tuchel-bayer-leverkusen/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United's 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday made it four consecutive wins for the first time this season, but what is the significance of that? Have Erik Ten Hag's side got a realistic shot at recovering their hopes of securing Champions League qualification, or is this latest run just the latest false dawn at Old Trafford ahead of a summer reset? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Man United writer Laurie Whitwell to discuss what's been behind the recent revival and how long it may be able to go on for. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: McTominay’s seven goals have earned Man United 12 points. What does it say about Ten Hag’s side? - The Athletic Manchester United finally have ‘foundation’ to develop young players – Erik ten Hag - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview a bumper weekend of football ahead, including the Premier League as well as title matchups in Germany and Spain, and two international cup finals. The Premier League matchweek is headlined by fourth-place Villa welcoming eighth-place Manchester United to Villa Park. Both are chasing Champions League football, and Villa could open up an 11-point gap over the visitors. Elsewhere Manchester City welcome Everton hoping to extended their winning run to 10 games in all competitions, and Spurs head to Brighton in another eye-catching fixture. Saturday also sees the top two in Spain and Germany face off, with Jon MacKenzie filling us in on all the ramifications of Real Madrid vs Girona and Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich. And finally, both the Asian Cup and AFCON tournaments come to an end this weekend - we preview both finals. Further reading: https://theathletic.com/5243354/2024/02/07/fake-man-united-news-social-media/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Joey D’Urso Producer: John Rogers *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After four weeks of showcasing what the continent has to offer, the Africa Cup of Nations is down to a final two. Hosts Ivory Coast play Nigeria in Sunday’s showpiece final in what has been the most thrilling AFCON in decades. But what’s made it so good? Has the on-pitch drama been matched by the eyeballs watching the tournament?  And what does AFCON need to do off the pitch to match the success on it? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender, and 2012 AFCON runner-up, Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris to discuss and debate what has made AFCON 2023 such a success. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Related articles: The story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe - The Athletic AFCON finally has African managers. But the rest of the world has not caught up - The Athletic *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man City look unstoppable…  Victory over Brentford on Monday was their ninth consecutive win across all competitions… Win all their games and Pep Guardiola’s side will be Champions  But is their fourth Premier League title in a row already set in stone? Or are there enough flaws in this City team for the likes of Arsenal & Liverpool to believe?   Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s data expert & Man City fan Thom Harris, Manchester United writer Carl Anka… and representing Tottenham - it’s Charlie Eccleshare. Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional production: Jay Beale Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: https://theathletic.com/5254392/2024/02/07/manchester-city-premier-league-title-liverpool-arsenal/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a heavy defeat at the weekend, home fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear.. Less than a year on from the sacking of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table So…. after spending so heavily on players over the past 19 months, what exactly is owner Todd Boehly’s plan for Chelsea? And where does this leave the Pochettino Project? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, who joins us fresh from attending Mauricio Pochettino’s press conference, and in the studio is Commissioning Editor for the Athletic - Dom Fifield.  Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional production: Jay Beale Executive producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: https://theathletic.com/5252016/2024/02/06/chelsea-pochettino-eghbali-boehly-thiago/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ https://theathletic.com/5250288/2024/02/05/chelsea-pochettino-silva-boehly-clearlake-wolves/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_ *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having moved to within just two points of the top of the Premier League, are Arsenal serious contenders to win this season's Premier League? The Gunners saw of Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday in a must-win game for their title hopes as Mikel Arteta's side hope to go one better than last season. Join Ayo Akinwolere, James McNicholas and Oli Kay as they analyse Arsenal's win over table-toppers Liverpool before assessing the credibility of their title chances with champions Manchester City also waiting to take advantage with Pep Guardiola's side having games in hand on those above them. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: Arsenal bring back chaos football – and their title challenge feels stronger for it - The Athletic Jorginho interview: Arsenal ‘energy’, no-hop penalties, love for Havertz, knowing strengths - The Athletic *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Bailey sits in for Adam Leventhal for another preview of the weekend ahead!  Headlining the fixture list is Arsenal vs Liverpool - is it now or never for Arsenal to get back in the title race?  Elsewhere a downturn in form has seen Everton drift into the relegation zone, but will Champions League-chasing Spurs pile on the misery at Goodison?  And Manchester United's chaotic season continued midweek with a 4-3 win away to Wolves. Can they back it up this Sunday as they welcome West Ham? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Nnamdi Onyeagwara Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a low-key transfer window as the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules showed their teeth. Saudi spending paused, the “Chelsea loophole” closed and clubs instead left scouring the market for loans or cut-price deals. The summer, however, things could ramp up again though clubs will start to work with two deadlines in mind! Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and Joey D'Urso to discuss the impact of financial restrictions on the state of the transfer market and whether or not the paralysis could continue into the summer market. James Horncastle, Dermot Corrigan and Seb Stafford-Bloor also drop by to paint the picture across Europe explaining the financial landscape in Italy, Spain and Germany respectively. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: What Europe’s leading clubs will need to do in the summer of two transfer deadlines - The Athletic What is PSR and why do Premier League rules only allow clubs to lose £105m? - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United say Marcus Rashford has “taken responsibility for his actions” and will be available for selection again after being dropped  This after we reported Rashford went for a night before reporting ill & missing training the following day United says that the disciplinary matter has been dealt with internally and is now closed. But given how the likes of Jadon Sancho were dealt with, has Erik ten Hag been tough enough with Rashford?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Mark Critchley & Andy Mitten who writes about United for us & is also editor of fanzine United We Stand. Produced by Jay Beale. Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Further Reading: Have Manchester United been tough enough with Marcus Rashford? - The Athletic Marcus Rashford is testing the patience of fans who fear his talent could be wasted - The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a humiliating defeat on Saturday, Barcelona manager Xavi announced he’d be stepping down from his position at the end of the season.  So what led Xavi to make this decision when he did?  And as financial troubles & power struggles continue behind scenes whilst the team struggle on the pitch What next for Barcelona?  Is it time for a cultural reset for the club with perhaps the most famous identity in world football?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan and our FC Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus Produced by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Further reading: Xavi’s Barcelona resignation: The full story behind his decision to step down in June Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday morning the world of football was shaken by news Jurgen Klopp is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. After more than eight years in charge the German is to walk away in the summer, leaving the Reds in need of a new management team including a new Sporting Director, manager and first team coaching staff. So how do Liverpool go about beginning their search for a successor to their most successful manager of the Premier League era? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool writer James Pearce and German football writer, and author of the Jurgen Klopp biography Bring The Noise, Raphael Honigstein to analyse Klopp's decision to leave and explain where it leaves Liverpool. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview another bumper FA Cup weekend, featuring 16 matches, including several heavyweight Premier League ties. Friday night sees Spurs welcome Man City back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a match in which they boast a remarkable record: five games played, five wins, zero goals conceded. Can Man City snap the streak? Also on Friday, Aston Villa head to Stamford Bridge. The Villains may be way ahead in the league, but Chelsea are coming off the back of recent cup success, reaching the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday. Elsewhere we have a Black Country Derby, with West Brom hosting Wolves. We catch up with how the home side has fared since Premier League relegation in 2021 and ask whether they can upset the odds come Sunday. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Luke Bosher Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool have announced that Jurgen Klopp is stepping down as manager at the end of the season. After a hugely successful eight and a half years at the club, Klopp will take a sabbatical. So what next for him, and what next for Liverpool? The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce reacts to this seismic news. Host: Iain Macintosh Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just 18 months after completing a £45m move to Manchester City from his boyhood club Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips is heading out on loan to West Ham United. So why has the move ended in failure for the England international after flourishing under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road prior to signing for Pep Guardiola. And with Euro 2024 on the horizon can David Moyes rejuvenate one of Gareth Southgate's most trusted midfielders? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Leeds United writer Phil Hay and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Into a cup final and not spending a penny in January… Couldn’t be Todd Boehly’s Chelsea could it?  So, is this another false dawn or is Pochettino's project starting to gather pace?  And as the Blues struggle to find suitable buyers for players like Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher - would anyone actually notice if someone gently closed the January transfer window now? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Egypt scraped through to the knockout stages on another night of pure drama at AFCON, Mo Salah was resigned to cheering on his teammates from the stands, with a hamstring injury... With Salah returning to Liverpool for treatment - confusion reigns over how it was communicated by his club and country. So is his tournament really over? How has Egypt's perception of one of African football's biggest stars changed in recent years and was he put in an impossible position by both Liverpool and the Egyptian FA? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Less than one month on from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man United being made public, INEOS have already signalled their intentions poaching Omar Berrada from rivals Man City to become their new CEO. But who is he? How significant has he been in building City’s dominance and what impact can he have at Old Trafford? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein, reporter Adam Crafton and FC Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus to analyse the appointment. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the five remaining fixtures of matchday 21.  Liverpool head to Bournemouth on Sunday, and will have to cope with the red-hot Dominik Solanke. Can he make the difference against his former club, and could he be in line for a big move in the near future? Arsenal host Crystal Palace hoping to get back to winning ways after three straight defeats. Will their winter break have done their misfiring strikers some good?  Elsewhere, Ivan Toney finally returns to the pitch as Brentford host Nottingham Forest; Sheffield United take on West Ham hoping to ignite their dismal season; and Brighton host Wolves to round out the games. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Luke Bosher, Jon Mackenzie, Jay Harris Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After eight months away, after being banned for 232 betting offences, this weekend marks Ivan Toney’s return. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Brentford writer Jay Harris and Senior Football writer Oli Kay to discuss how much the Bees have missed their talisman ahead of the second half of the campaign. David Ornstein shares the state of play in the transfer market regarding the striker before co-editor of Beesotted Billy ‘The Bee’ Grant reacts to the continued speculation over Toney future, fuelled in no small part by the player himself. Plus, ahead of Euro 2024 this summer, can he do enough to earn himself a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad that will travel to Germany? Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jose Mourinho’s 'Roman reign' came to an abrupt end yesterday... Former captain Danielle de Rossi will now take charge of Roma until the end of the season. It’s almost 20 years on from that touchline sprint at Old Trafford & THAT Chelsea press conference ... But is he still special? And what next for Jose Mourinho?  Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional production: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is close to a year — 49 weeks and counting — since the Premier League handed Manchester City a charge sheet with 115 breaches of its financial rules across NINE different seasons. Just yesterday, the Premier League brought charges against both Nottingham Forest - and for the second time this season - Everton... All before the reigning Premier League champions are to even see a hearing begin? So, what’s going on? Is PSR (Profitability & Sustainability Rules) really about promoting sustainability, meeting arbitrary deadlines or maybe just maintaining the status quo? And is the Everton ruling to blame for an unusually quiet January transfer window? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was a sense of inevitability at St. James' Park on Saturday when Kevin De Bruyne entered the arena. So why can't Newcastle United, the-so-called “richest club in the world” match Manchester City spending power and have their own selection of superstars to call on from the bench? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh and Mark Critchley to analyse. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview matchweek 16 of the Premier League. Five fixtures over the weekend are headlined by Man United vs Tottenham. Will we get a glimpse of new Spurs’ signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, and will they hit the ground running? Elsewhere champions Man City travel up to Newcastle. Both teams won comfortably in the FA Cup last week, with City welcoming back Kevin De Bruyne from a 5-month absence. Can he make the difference in the title race? The remaining fixtures are a 6-pointer at the bottom between Luton and Burnley, a west-London derby as Fulham go to Chelsea, and second-place Aston Villa visiting Goodison Park. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Whitehead Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years on from Senegal ending their wait for glory, AFCON returns this weekend. Does this year's tournament represent Mohamed Salah’s best chance to finally lay claim to being King of the Continent? Meanwhile, Andre Onana, one of Africa’s most high profile players, once again sees his international career in jeopardy. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris, Mark Critchley and Thom Harris. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day… What started with a multi-million-pound pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2022 soon expanded to include the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and of course, Jordan Henderson. Well, now it seems Henderson wants out - and to return to the Premier League. But it may not be that easy and could come at a significant cost... So what would an exit from the Saudi Pro League cost Henderson? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Sarah Shephard & Oliver Kay. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner. A player who  - it’s fair to say - was a disappointment at Chelsea. But if the German international fits the profile and style Spurs are looking for.. Can Ange Postecoglou be the one to unlock Werner’s potential?  Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jack-Pitt Brooke, Liam Twomey who as one of our Chelsea writers was there to witness Werner’s time at Stamford Bridge and European writer Seb Stafford-Bloor who is based in Germany. Produced by Mike Stavrou. Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home yesterday by Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was despite creating a number of good chances and having relative ‘control’ of the game throughout... Something Gunners' fans haven’t seen since… well, the West Ham game last week! So, how worrying is this pattern for Arteta? And what’s their way out - Is it through coaching? Or in the January transfer window?  Host Adam Leventhal is joined by former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke and The Athletic's James McNicholas to discuss. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Weekend Preview returns for 2024 with an FA Cup special. Headlining the show is the first Tyne-and-Wear derby since 2016, as a wounded Newcastle head to their local rivals Sunderland. Meanwhile, the highest-profile clash sees fourth-place Arsenal welcome table-topping Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal are in poor form, but how much will Liverpool miss Mo Salah, who’s just left for AFCON? Another all-Premier League tie is Brentford vs Wolves, which Jon Mackenzie is off to attend. With Brentford only a couple of places outside the relegation zone, could a cup win re-ignite their season? And finally, we whip out the crystal ball and offer some predictions for the year ahead, covering winners, losers, new trends and best players. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Tim Spiers Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victory last night means Real Madrid have reached the halfway stage of La Liga as league leaders on goal difference. But in terms of stability, resources and recruitment they look miles ahead of everyone else in Spain - and most clubs across Europe.  So with the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti secured, overseeing a clutch of talented youngsters in their redeveloped iconic stadium what, if anything, do they need to do to improve? Apart from adding Kylian Mbappe... Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spain Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss Madrid's season so far as well as analyse the ongoing chase to sign Mbappe. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has finally been confirmed, how will this impact the club’s January window? Even if players are sold, is spending even possible given FFP concerns? And is Jadon Sancho set to follow Donny van de Beek out the door at Old Trafford? Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the last set of games before Christmas. First up, a Christmas cracker at the top of the table, with Arsenal visiting Anfield. The Gunners lead the league but are without a win away to Liverpool in over a decade. Elsewhere West Ham host Man United, where they have a chance to overtake the Red Devils in the table, while guest Jon Mackenzie shares his controversial take on David Moyes.  Other storylines ahead of this weekend include Everton going for 5 wins in a row versus Spurs and a debut at Nottingham Forest for Nuno Espirito Santo. And finally, for our last show of 2023, we look back on our best and worst moments of the year, and make some Christmas wishes for 2024. Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, Tim Spiers Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They were frustrated by Man United last weekend, sensational against West Ham last night... Liverpool’s last two games sum up the predicament many fans find themselves in when trying to assess whether Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0 are really ready to win the Premier League this season. Do they need to strengthen in January, are they still over-reliant on talisman Mo Salah and will Arsenal this weekend provide a definitive acid-test?  Plus, how the club have reacted to Thursday's big news that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) attempts to block a potential European Super League were “unlawful”. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce to discuss. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even as Nuno Espirito Santo becomes Nottingham Forest's new manager, the fanbase continues to mourn the departure of Steve Cooper - a coach widely regarded as their best since legendary club figure Brian Clough... This is a story that will resonate with fans all over the world - why there is no room for sentiment in modern football. So, does Evangelos Marinakis have a plan, or are this just the latest example of a Premier League side run entirely on the impulses of their wealthy owner?  Produced by Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid aren’t the only team upstaging the mighty Barcelona this season…  The Catalans are already nine points behind league leaders Girona - and the goals have dried up for star striker Robert Lewandowski too. So, is Xavi on borrowed time in the dugout. Why is Barca president Joan Laporta interfering in team selection? And if they were to make a change - would they have to look further than the long-list of talented coaches all to emerge from the Spanish region of San Sebastian? Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four weeks on from being hit with a record Premier league points deduction, Everton's fighting spirit is undeniable... After four wins on the bounce, the Toffees already clear of the drop-zone - and in fact - if their appeal was successful they'd be firmly in the race for European football. So how has Sean Dyche masterminded their escape, and with a takeover and the January transfer window looming - are they out of trouble just yet? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jacob Whitehead and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland to discuss. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Levethal returns to preview Matchweek 17 of the Premier League! The weekend is headlined by table-topping Liverpool taking on Manchester United. Will Jurge Klopp’s side dish out another 7-0 thumping to The Red Devils at a slightly larger Anfield? Then we switch our minds to the Dyche derby as Everton’s manager returns to Turf Moor. Will the in-form Toffees come unstuck at Vincent Kompany’s Clarets? And finally a whistle stop of other interesting storylines - will Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United win back to back games? Why are Chelsea the worst team not to be relegated in the Premier League in the past 12 months? How do Newcastle Utd refocus after their draining European exit against a re-energised Fulham? Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Jacob Whitehead, Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie. Producers: Adam Jones & Steve Hankey *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newcastle United's dreams of Champions League progress ended in failure as AC Milan mounted a second half comeback to knock them out. Newcastle's focus will now be to get back into the competition via the Premier League despite missing key players due to injury as well as Sandro Tonali, the player they signed from AC Milan, suspended until next season. Why did Newcastle’s European campaign fail, what’s happening with Tonali and what room for manoeuvre do they have in January? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Newcastle United writer - and Pod on the Tyne regular - Chris Waugh and our Italian Football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man United are out of Europe, 10 points off top spot in the Premier League and it’s not even Christmas…  In normal circumstances, any Manchester United manager would be under almost unbearable pressure…  So why aren’t the club going to sack Erik ten Hag just yet?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Man United writer Laurie Whitwell and our German football writer Raphael Honigstein Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may want to spend MORE money this January…  So, after almost a billion pounds in transfer fees already, could there really be another spending spree? And how much progress has actually been made at Chelsea under Pochettino?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey - also a regular on our Chelsea podcast ‘Straight Outta Cobham’  Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After beating Man City on Wednesday night, Aston Villa backed that up against Arsenal on Saturday, seeing off Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at Villa Park. Having won 15 games in a row at home, Unai Emery has now taken Villa to within two points of the Premier League summit. So what is possible for Aston Villa this season and should they be considered title contenders? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Data Writer Thom Harris to discuss Villa's remarkable transformation under Emery. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview Matchweek 16 of the Premier League! The weekend is headlined by a clash between table-topping Arsenal and surprise-package Aston Villa. Can Villa extend their winning run at home to 15 games? Then we ask what's going wrong at Manchester City? The Champions are without a win in four matches and have only managed three in their last nine.  And finally it's a tour of some other interesting storylines - will Manchester United continue their mini-renaissance vs Bournemouth? Will Steve Cooper still have a job by Monday? And how high can Everton climb even with their points penalty?  Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Joey D'Urso, Oli Kay Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Manchester City fell to defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's side slipped to fourth in the Premier League and six points off pace-setters Arsenal. So what is going wrong at City, is it a glitch in the matrix or are their problems more serious? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Mark Critchley, Pol Ballus and Thom Harris to explore and examine City's winless run as it stretched to four games in the Premier League. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley were beaten again this week & remain in Premier League relegation zone... Kompany has revolutionised their playing style, but does a ‘stubborn’ commitment to one way of playing hold back too many managers in the Premier league? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to discuss. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exclusive interview for The Athletic, Arsenal and Italy midfielder Jorginho joins host Ayo Akinwolere, to talk about the Gunners' Premier League title charge, 'misunderstood' Kai Havertz and more... What's it really like to play for Mikel Arteta and why deep-lying central midfielders have become so expensive in the transfer market. Jorginho also opens up about the abuse he's suffered having missed penalties for Italy, why dual-nationality can be a gift and a curse in football, and working his way back into the squad for Euro 2024. Plus, if Bukayo Saka is playing too much football and his work to help young players manage their money better. Jorginho is founding Investor and Ambassador at Gather Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trent Alexander-Arnold is flying in the Premier League… A year on from playing a bit-part role in Qatar and struggling for form at home, Trent is now excelling for club & country in a bespoke hybrid role.. So is unlocking his immense talent the key to Liverpool’s title challenge & has he finally convinced Gareth Southghate that he has to find a starting place for him for England.. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Liverpool writer James Pearce, Senior Football writer Oli Kay and Data Analyst Mark Carey. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League.  First on the docket is the Man City vs Tottenham, with the away side looking to live up to their reputation as the champion's 'bogey team', with Spurs having won 5 of the last 7 matchups.  Then it's a trip to Tyneside for Newcastle vs Man United. With both teams having had emotionally exhausting midweek games, who will come out on top? And there's also time for a discussion of basement battle Burnley vs Sheffield United, league leaders Arsenal vs Wolves, and Chelsea vs Brighton.  Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination... But despite some costly individual errors, is it really all goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fault?   Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Man United writer Carl Anka and our Italian football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades... Success feels like a virtual guarantee these days with Jude Bellingham at the heart of one of the most exciting young teams on earth - So why would anyone want to leave? The Soap Opera of ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues… Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos and La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’… So are they actually going to sign Ruben Neves in January? Or anyone else from the Saudi Pro League for that matter?  And why is the richest club in the world, turning to a 17 year-old midfielder amid an injury crisis?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, plus Jacob Whitehead & Chris Waugh. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career?  And with the best defence in the division - are Arsenal a better team than last season - if not quite as fun to watch?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal writer Amy Lawrence and German football writer Raphael Honigstein.  Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the year, with the visitors looking to lay down a marker. Sunday sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park fresh from their 10-point deduction while Tottenham take on Aston Villa in a battle of fourth versus fifth. Newcastle welcome Chelsea to Tyneside to round off the heavyweight clashes, while Sheffield United and Bournemouth play out a relegation 6-pointer.  All that and more, as Adam Leventhal hosts Colin Millar, Thom Harris, and Reuben Pinder. Produced by John Rogers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s aristocracy  But after 11 games this season - they’re bottom of the table, their world-famous pool of academy talent seems to have dried up, and after losing one of the most influential football executives of this century could a genuine 'legacy club' soon be a second-division side? Ayo Akinwolere is joined one final time this week by The Athletic’s Matt Slater & Adam Crafton, plus our German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins in to connect the dots with our fifth club, Hertha Berlin. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead ** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverware for a fourth consecutive season…  Behind the scenes however, the picture isn’t quite as rosy. Despite increased revenues, profits are low and debts are sky-high. Add to that an outdated stadium, an ageing squad and some high-profile departures. So, is it enough for them to just be successful on the pitch and if a takeover is the solution, are they, or any Italian club, attractive enough to buy?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater & our Italian football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead ** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It doesn’t seem that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club. Moving on from Messi & co was always going to be difficult, but a series of failings on and off the pitch, led to a fall from grace. Only last month however, President Joan Laporta proclaimed the crisis he ‘inherited’ was over. But, as the reigning La Liga Champions’, net debt climbs to almost £1.2bn - is everything quite as it seems at Barca?  In the second part of our series ‘Crisis Clubs’, examining the financial states of five European football clubs, Ayo Akinwolere, Matt Slater & Dermot Corrigan dig into the numbers and plot a potential way out for Barcelona. Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. Leaving Everton with only four points, and in the relegation zone, despite an up-turn in recent form on the pitch…  So today, we’ll explain why Everton have been punished, what happens next & what it might mean for clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater, Football Correspondent David Ornstein & Everton writer Patrick Boyland. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far.  With the help of Nick Miller, Jay Harris, and Caoimhe O’Neill, we start by asking whether Man City can be beaten to the title this season, with Liverpool and Arsenal looking like the key contenders. Then it's a trip to the foot of the table, and wondering whether the three promoted clubs - Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton - can escape instant relegation.  And finally, it's a tour of our moments of the season so far, featuring our favourite goals, matches, players, signings, and more! *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS set to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, does this move represent the start of a change of direction after a difficult 12 months at the club?  And can United live up to the claim they made to investors, that with the right support they can enjoy billion pound revenues?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & Dan Sheldon. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge… Walter Mazzarri is the surprise replacement having previously been in charge of the club in 2013.. So how have Napoli gone from winning their first league title in 33 years to sacking their manager just six months later? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric start to his managerial career. After playing under some of the biggest names in coaching during his playing career, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Alonso has already begun to forge an impressive reputation for himself. The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Thom Harris join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Alonso's start in coaching at Leverkusen, which influences have shown within his side as well as assessing what could come next for the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling. But despite being one of the best players on the pitch in Chelsea’s four four draw with Manchester City, Sterling has - once again - not made the latest England squad. So is Sterling being unfairly overlooked or has Gareth Southgate moved on with new faces, such as Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Chelsea writer Simon Johnson as well as Oli Kay. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead  *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal welcomes Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, and Omar Garrick to the studio to preview the weekend's fixtures.  Chelsea vs Manchester City headlines the weekend's action as Pochettino's side look to claim another big scalp after taking down Spurs on Monday.  Tottenham will look to regroup despite losing four key players to injury or suspension as they take a trip to Wolves. Elsewhere, Brighton are five games without a Premier League win; we ask Tifo tactics expert Jon Mackenzie whether other managers have figured them out, or if it's just a blip, as they prepare to take on Sheffield United.  Finally, as Manchester United lurch from one crisis to another, surely they have enough to beat Luton at home?  All that and more! Produced by John Rogers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson have felt the weight of expectation following their respective summer moves to Man United and Chelsea. To analyse their starts to life in the Premier League Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and ex-Brighton & Hove Albion forward Glenn Murray as well as The Athletic's Oliver Kay. The panel assess the impact of the environment both players are operating in, the options available within the transfer market for 'elite' clubs as well as what it will take for both Hojlund and Jackson to succeed. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor as well as ex-Bundesliga striker Jan Aage Fjortoft to analyse Borussia Dortmund following their 2-0 Champions League win over Newcastle United. Having lost out on the Bundesliga title on the final day of the 2022/23 season before selling Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in the summer, the panel analyse what is possible for Edin Terzic's side both domestically and in Europe. With Bellingham following on from the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho in leaving Dortmund in recent seasons, we also delve into their changing approach in the transfer market as well as the influence of their supporters. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forget the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, Tottenham vs Chelsea was 'Monday night Madness' in North London. Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and Spurs writer Charlie Eccleshare to explore whether Postecoglou's side really emerged stronger in defeat? Plus, what can Chelsea take from a huge win that was arguably one of their worst performances of the season? Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arteta's Arsenal were furious with VAR following their defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, but with just one shot on target in match - should they be more concerned with their own misfiring attack? From his brilliant hat-trick at home to Sheffield United - to being subbed with his team in need of a goal in Newcastle - has Nketiah become the fall-guy for Arsenal’s need to evolve in attack?  Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Arsenal writer James McNicholas to explore the Gunners' creative problems and their January transfer plans. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of Premier League fixtures.  Headlining the weekend is Arsenal's trip to Newcastle, their first away game at a top-six team so far this season. Can Newcastle withstand the Gunners even without new signings Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali to call upon? Jacob Whitehead, the Athletic's Newcastle correspondent, is on hand to tell us.  Then it's a return to Tottenham for Mauricio Pochettino for the first time with a new club. Can his Chelsea team break out of their slump to shock the league leaders?  And finally, we discuss the race to the bottom, and whether Luton is the most likely to escape relegation this season.  Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Jacob Whitehead and Luke Bosher *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following Australia's withdrawal to host the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia has been left as the sole bidder to stage world football's showpiece event. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse how Saudi Arabia became the only bidder for the tournament, what benefit the Gulf state hosting the tournament brings to FIFA and the impact it could have on the wider football world. Plus the panel debate the discussion around Human Rights, following the scrutiny the Qatar World Cup came under, before debating the impact it could have for the Saudi Pro League over the next 11 years before the tournament is played. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last season in the Premier League it felt like there was a manager being sacked every week. This season, it feels like the writing’s on the wall for a few struggling clubs already... So is it a surprise that no head coaches have paid the price. And will November once again prove to be the start of 'sacking season'? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Dom Fifiled, Duncan Alexander & Jay Harris to discuss. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Real Madrid about to leave Barcelona behind, both on and off the pitch? After losing Saturday’s El Clasico and then seeing Lionel Messi collect a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, you can bet there were a few people at Barcelona, hankering for the old days.. Add to that, Jude Bellingham’s goals, and last night’s Kopa Trophy win — the award for the best under-21 player - it's clear Real Madrid are looking towards the future. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus, Spanish football editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & tactics writer Michael Cox… Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Old Trafford yesterday Manchester City proved once again they are levels above Manchester United. How much is Erik ten Hag to blame and is he right to say United are still moving in the right direction after being outclassed by City? Or with all the turmoil off pitch going on, at one of the worlds biggest clubs, does he simply have an impossible job? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Spiers, in for Adam Leventhal, hosts Jon Mackenzie, Reuben Pinder, and Omar Garrick for our weekly preview of the Premier League. Matchday 10 welcomes the Manchester derby, with United welcoming their City rivals to Old Trafford. Can United repeat their 2-1 victory from last season or will City continue to expose some of their neighbour's flaws? Elsewhere there's a West London derby as Chelsea welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge. The Blues once again impressed without winning last time out versus Arsenal, leaving our panel wondering if their results will ever catch up to their performances. And in the race to the bottom, Bournemouth take on Burnley - could a poor result either way spell the end of Andoni Iraola or Vincent Kompany's managerial reign at their respective clubs?  Produced by John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two months on from his last appearance for Manchester United, Jadon Sancho seems no close to a first team return. The Athletic's Manchester United writers Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka join Ayo Akinwolere to explain and analyse Sancho's ongoing exile with the 23-year-old currently banished from all first team involvement. As well as looking into the public fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag the panel discuss where things had already been going wrong for the England international at Old Trafford before assessing what comes next ahead of the January transfer window opening. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner and Naby Keita all left Anfield in the summer transfer window, Jurgen Klopp’s midfield required a full-scale re-build - with Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai at the heart of it. The 23-year-old is the only Liverpool outfielder to have played in all 810 minutes of the Premier League campaign so far, and is already a fan-favourite on Merseyside. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein, data writer Mark Carey and Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap, to assess the his 'transformative' impact, changing role in Klopp's team and whether comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard are worthy. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night, Tottenham went two points clear at the top of the Premier League, thanks to goals from Maddison and captain, Son Heung-min. Michael Bailey is joined by Charlie Eccleshare and Adam Crafton to discuss whether Spurs are title contenders or if their incredible early season form is unsustainable? Plus, Liam Tharme shares his thoughts on how Son has adapted to the No.9 role and filled the goals void left by Kane, and the panel ask whether Ange Postecoglou deserves more respect? Produced by Jay Beale and Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of his first anniversary as Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery has Villa within striking distance of the top of the Premier League. Having returned to English football last season, following an ill-fated 18 month spell at Arsenal, Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Gregg Evans to analyse the Spaniard's resurgence in the West Midlands. Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell shares his take on Villa's start to the season, their best season 1998/99, while Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas reviews his time in North London before assessing how he feels seeing Emery thrive at Villa Park. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides ** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview Premier League matchday nine. The weekend starts with a Merseyside derby at Anfield. With only one win against Liverpool since 2010, can Sean Dyche’s team take advantage of Liverpool’s dodgy form in early kickoffs? Then we’re off to Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea host Arsenal. With Arsenal’s recent dominance we ask if the title of ‘biggest club in London’ has swung back to North London. And Man City host Brighton on the back of a blip, with three losses in the last four games. Will they right the ship, or can the Seagulls add to their misery? Adam Leventhal hosts Jay Harris, Tim Spiers and Luke Bosher. Producer - John Rogers *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self. • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contracted through to 2025, there's no immediate sign of Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City. Yet with Roberto De Zerbi taking his Brighton & Hove Albion side to the Etihad this weekend, he could outlines his credentials to succeed the Spaniard at City with Guardiola a known admirer. Adam Levethal is joined by The Athletic's Italian and German football correspondents James Horncastle and Raphael Honigstein, with Man City writer Sam Lee also dropping in to assess Guardiola's impact on the Premier League and European Football before assessing the candidates who could be viewed as Guardiola successors. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Adonis Pratsides *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self. • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As England secured their place at Euro 2024, we watched on in awe at another Jude Bellingham masterclass - is there a better player in world football right now? And as England boss Gareth Southgate continues to bristle at questions over his team selection and along culture war lines - has the manager’s more 'combative' character, changed how you feel about him? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s England correspondent Tim Spiers and reporter Adam Crafton to discuss... Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self. • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Adam Leventhal and a couple of The Athletic's resident gamers, Jay Harris & Art de Roché, reflect on the cultural impact, messy divorce and exciting future of FIF... EA SPORTS FC 24! Why Gianni Infantino will miss the PR cover the game inadvertently provided for FIFA and why EA were happy to go it alone. How the franchise pulled clear of rivals like Pro Evolution Soccer and their efforts to impact the sport in the real world. With interviews from David 'DJ' Jackson (VP of Brand at EA SPORTS) and Leah Revelle (leading female FC streamer in North America) on the decision to incorporate the biggest stars from the Women's game in 'Ultimate Team', gaming addiction and spending on 'packs'. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self. • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of Manchester United’s board being set to vote on selling a minority stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater, David Ornstein and Adam Crafton is debate the proposal. Following Sheikh Jassim’s Qatari group claiming to have withdrawn from the process the panel analyse Ratcliffe's offer to purchase a 25% minority stake in the club, in return for sporting control at Old Trafford. Plus there's debate around what impact it could have on the Glazers' tenure as well as which personnel could be at risk following INEOS involvement at Manchester United. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of the Weekend Preview we welcome another round of Euro 2024 qualifiers, with England potentially securing qualification if they can see off Italy on Tuesday. With the Three Lions in good shape ahead of Germany next summer, we ask the panel whether they’re comfortable with the ‘favourites’ tag and which countries fear them the most. Also, with the UK and Ireland having been confirmed as hosts of Euro 2028, our panelists get out their crystal balls to predict the starting lineups five years from now. Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Tim Spiers and Thom Harris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the release of the David Beckham documentary that everyone is talking about, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Carl Anka and Felipe Cardenas to discuss Beckham and how he became a global icon that broke America. We’ll also hear Adam in conversation with Paddy Harverson - former Manchester United Head of Communications, during the peak of Beckham’s celebrity. How much of the documentary is a true reflection of the player and the man? Or is it all part of the Brand Beckham plan? Produced by Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and our tactics writer Michael Cox to reflect on the career of Eden Hazard following his retirement this week. Was he a player that didn't quite hit the heights expected or was his approach to the game - married with his undoubted ability - make his achievements all the more impressive? We detail why his dream move to Real Madrid didn't work out and hear from Premier League defenders who actually had to try and stop Eden Hazard at a time when he was one of the best players in the world. Produced by Mike Stavrou Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Benji Lanyado & The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas to assess how quickly West Ham have rebuilt after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer... They discuss the work that manager David Moyes has done to integrate new summer signings and doubling-down on a style of play that has led to a surprisingly strong start in the Premier League. Roshane also shares details of Jarrod Bowen's new seven-year-contract and there is a closer look at how midfielder Lucas Paqueta has developed. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas and reporter Adam Crafton following the Gunners' first Premier League win over Man City in almost eight years. The panel discuss the importance of the win over Pep Guardiola's side for Mikel Arteta before analysing Arsenal's summer transfer business and assessing whether or not it will be enough to help Arsenal leapfrog Man City in the Premier League. Plus, after five years in sole charge of the club, the role of the ownership group KSI is also debated in how Arsenal have become an aligned force on-and-off the pitch. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns as he does every Friday to preview the weekend's football. The showcase this week: a clash between last season's top two, as Arsenal host Manchester City. Can Arsenal snap their 12 (twelve!) game losing streak to the Citizens? Will Bukayo Saka be fit enough to play? And could the suspended Rodri be a game-changer? These are just some of the questions Adam and co will try to find answers to. Also on the docket, following Jurgen Klopp's replay wishes after an incorrect VAR call against his side, we're reviewing which games our panelists would like to do over again. And there's a tour of the other interesting fixtures on offer: Luton vs Spurs, Manchester United vs Brentford, Liverpool vs Brighton, and more! Guests: Tim Spiers, Nnamdi Onyeagwara, Jordan Campbell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Danny Donachie former Head of Medical Services at Everton, ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke & The Athletic’s Oli Kay to discuss how elite footballers are facing the threat of injury and burnout in the ever expanding football calendar  The panel discuss the huge demands on stars like Bukayo Saka, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe playing much more than similar players of previous generations yet continue to deliver on the world stage… So what can be done to improve welfare and demands on players and will they really need to take action and stop playing to be listened to?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Manchester United writers Andy Mitten and Mark Critchley to explore Marcus Rashford's 'streaky' goalscoring form and the weight of expectation on him at Man United... How does Erik ten Hag get Rashford back to his best, and could the budding partnership with new striker Rasmus Hojlund be the key? And after one-time United winger Wilfried Zaha returned to haunt them in the Champions League on Tuesday - why didn't it work out for him at Old Trafford? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s George Caulkin and French football writer Tom Williams to explore some intriguing parallels between the state-backed 'projects' at both Newcastle & PSG - ahead of their hotly anticipated clash in the Champions League... Have Newcastle actually learnt from PSG’s mistakes, and, after turning over a new leaf under Luis Enrique - are PSG actually trying to be a bit more like Newcastle? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Pearce and Oli Kay are alongside Ayo Akinwolere to react to Liverpool's VAR-impacted defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Both the PGMOL and Liverpool have issued statements following Luis Diaz's first half 'offside' effort not being overturned by VAR, with the panel dissecting events around the mistake made at Stockley Park. Plus, there's analysis of the Reds' start to the season who despite seeing their 17-game unbeaten run ended possess one of the league's most devastating attacking line-ups as well as remodelling their midfield during the summer transfer window. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal hosts Caoimhe O'Neill, Nick Miller, and Tim Spiers as they look ahead to match day seven of the Premier League. One game stands out among the rest: Tottenham vs Liverpool. With both teams unbeaten so far this season, we ask where the improvement in both squads has come from, and what kind of match it will produce. We also take a whistle-stop tour around some of the other fixtures, with Man United facing Crystal Palace for the second time this week, the champion’s Man City away to Wolves, and can Everton make it three wins in a row versus Luton? *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roberto Calenda, the agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, has threaten the club with legal action for mocking the striker on TikTok. James Horncastle and Carl Anka join Ayo Akinwolere to dissect and debate the fallout and analyse the impact the social gaff could have for one of Napoli's most prized assets. With his contract set to end it's final year in the summer, could this incident mark the beginning of the end for Osimhen's time in Naples? Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Simon Hughes, plus Chief football writer for Dutch newspaper AD Sjoerd Mossou, to explain how Ajax imploded - after the ugly scenes on Sunday that led to 'De Klassieker' being abandoned... The panel discuss the power vacuum left by Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar and former manager Erik ten Hag, and how far the club has fallen from that run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. Also, what role the former Arsenal and Dortmund transfer chief Sven Mislintat has played in this summer's chaos, as Ajax, like so many of Europe's legacy clubs, have been plunged into an 'identity crisis' of their own. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Rodri's red card at the weekend, Pep's Manchester City will have to find a way to cope without the most reliable player in the Premier League... But is he more than that? With the trip to Arsenal looming, Ayo is joined by City writers Sam Lee and Mark Critchley, to talk about how the Spaniard became the lynchpin of Pep’s all-conquering champions, a sliding doors moment for Kalvin Phillips and how the best 'problem-solvers' in football might try to adapt to this temporary set-back. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Ornstein and Art De Roche are alongside Ayo Akinwolere following Arsenal's 2-2 draw in the North London Derby at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Within the game, Gabriel Jesus missed a presentable chance to put the Gunners 2-0 up in the first half while Eddie Nketiah also drew attention later in the game too, for Mikel Arteta's men, leading to debate around whether or not Arsenal possess the firepower needed to mount a Premier League title challenge. As well as the panel getting stuck into the debate, Mark Carey also drops in to dive into the data regarding Arsenal's attacking output. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal welcomes a packed studio to preview this weekend's biggest clash: Arsenal vs Spurs plus David Ornstein pops up to bring us exclusive details on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard's bumper new contract. In the red corner, Jay Harris and Jordan Campbell represent the Arsenal side of things, while in white we have Tim Spiers and Alex Kay-Jelski. Who will emerge victorious, both in the studio and on the pitch? And as a cherry on top of the cake. To finish the episode we also hear briefly from Spanish football expert Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero on the upcoming Madrid derby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the signing of David Raya on loan from Brentford, Mikel Arteta has maintained his view this season he can rotate between the Spaniard and last season's first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale. With Raya having started each of the last two matches Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and former Arsenal and Tottenham stopper, and now Women's Football Editor at The Athletic, Chloe Morgan to debate the possibility of rotating goalkeepers. Plus The Athletic's Arsenal writer Jordan Campbell drops by having been at Goodison Park as Arteta floated the idea of making in-game goalkeeper substitutions. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barcelona had failed to win by a five-goal margin in any game since Lionel Messi left for PSG back in 2021... So after back-to-back 5-0 wins in La Liga and last night in the Champions League, are Xavi's side finally ready to entertain again?  Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Spanish football writers Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan to find out who 16 year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is, if Joao Felix has finally found the perfect home and why a first La Liga title in five years wasn't enough for Xavi. Plus, how AI is helping the team cope with their rigorous fixture schedule and whether any more financial 'levers' will be required in the coming transfer windows. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea were booed by their own fans away at Bournemouth on Sunday but are they actually playing better than results would suggest? Ayo is joined by Adam Crafton, Dom Fifield and Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, to talk about footballing 'projects' - What they really mean and if Chelsea are really built for one? Plus, why the fanbase still bear the scars of the Roman Abramovich era and the external pressure for 'Project Chelsea' to fail, because of all the excessive spending. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is alongside The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Carl Anka to reflect on Manchester United's 3-1 humbling defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday at Old Trafford. The panel not only analyse where things went wrong on the pitch for United, but also the difference in infrastructure and preparation behind the scenes at both clubs with Brighton set for the start of their first-ever European campaign this week. How both clubs are set up for, and approach the transfer window, football identities within their squads as well as the respective roles of Erik Ten Hag and Roberto De Zerbi are also debated. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Miller, Tim Spiers and Luke Bosher join Adam Leventhal to preview round five of the Premier League. They attempt to answer the weekend's big questions, such as: can Liverpool avenge the 3-0 defeat to Wolves from last season? Will Harry Maguire get the nod for an injury-hit Manchester United vs Brighton? And can Arsenal break their Goodison Park hoodoo after five consecutive winless trips? There’s also a review of the Athletic's Agent Survey which the panel discusses, as well as a quick preview from Seb Stafford-Bloor as the top two clash in Germany.  *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following his public fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag, Jadon Sancho's Manchester United future looks uncertain. Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon to explore and debate Sancho's spell at Old Trafford from the promise he showed in Germany prior to making the move through to the present day after being criticised for his performance in training by Ten Hag after Man Utd's 3-1 defeat to Arsenal prior to the international break. Raphael Honigstein also offers up the view from Germany on how things have panned out for the England international since leaving Dortmund for £73m back in 2021. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Spurs actually better without Harry Kane? ... Of course not, but new manager Ange Postecoglu's personality and James Maddison's 'swagger' are certainly helping the club move on. Today, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare and data writer Thom Harris, to discuss their fast start to the season - as well as - to urge a little caution after just four Premier League matches. How James Maddison became the new 'technical leader', why Big Ange is the perfect manager for Richarlison right now, why Bissouma and Romero feel like new signings, the stark contrast to last season under Antonio Conte and why it's so difficult to replace a talismanic figure like Kane. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian writer James Horncastle to discuss a chaotic 12 months at Juventus including the news that Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after failing an anti-doping test & club legend Leonardo Bonucci is taking legal action against his former club. So what next for Paul Pogba, who has also had a difficult year both on and off the pitch? And, despite it all, can Juve bounce back this year? *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor to debate Germany's decision to sack Hansi Flick ahead of hosting Euro 2024. The decision came following Germany's 4-1 defeat to Japan on Saturday evening with the panel assessing the merits of the decision before looking ahead to who could replace Flick and the state of the DFB ahead of hosting next summer's European Championships. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal welcomes Nick Miller, Thom Harris, and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero onto our weekend preview show, this time with an international twist.  That's right, it's the first international break of the season! Will England maintain a 100% winning record in European Championship qualifying as they take on Ukraine this Saturday? Which other fixtures are appealing? And, looking further down the line, what is the succession plan post-Gareth Southgate? We also bring you the up-to-date on the Luis Rubiales scandal, with Spain's World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda getting the axe this week. And finally, we go on a whistlestop tour of the transfer window - who were the winners, who were the losers, and which transfers left us scratching our heads?  - The latest episode of the Athletic's Go Deeper podcast series charts Bukayo Saka's rise to two-time English player of the year and Ballon d'Or candidate. Follow the link here to listen now: https://theathletic.com/podcast/220-beyond-the-headline/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ayo Akinwolere is alongside The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Adam Crafton to dive deeper into the struggles of Mykhailo Mudryk at Chelsea. The Ukraine international was signed in January 2023, and has had three managers since then at Stamford Bridge; Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and now, Mauricio Pochettino. He’s yet to live up to expectations - failing to score a goal for the Blues since moving from Shakhtar Donetsk.  But to what extent can his struggles can be attributed to the constant change at Chelsea, and how much responsibility does he need to take himself? Produced by Mike Stavrou. Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bayern are a club known for getting their transfer business done early but have they been left short - despite landing number one target Harry Kane? ... And how did Thomas Tuchel react?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor, to reflect on Harry Kane's move to Germany and the impact of a long-drawn-out transfer saga on the rest of their transfer plans. Will they go back in for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha - who was taking pictures in a Bayern Munich kit before his move collapsed - this January. And did Kyle Walker use the German giants in order to negotiate a better deal at Manchester City? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Henderson sat down with The Athletic's David Ornstein and Adam Crafton this week in an attempt to set some of the records straight about his controversial summer move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. On the podcast today, David and Adam joined Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the main talking points from the interview; from his denial that the move was financially motivated to the backlash he's received from LGBTQ+ groups. He also discusses his departure from Liverpool. Also joining the pod is Joe White, co-chair of LGBT supporters group 3 Lions Pride. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production by: Adam Jones & Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Manchester United writers Laurie Whitwell & Mark Critchley, as well as, senior writer Oli Kay, to reflect on Ten Hag's comments following their defeat at Arsenal... After more than a year in the post, does anyone really know what Ten Hag's Man United is supposed to look like - and on Sunday's evidence - is it good enough? Plus, what's going on with Jadon Sancho? Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special Deadline Day episode of the Daily Football Briefing; all the football news you need to know to start your day. Today, David Ornstein tells us: Can Salah still move to Saudi? Has Manchester United found their midfield linchpin? Did Spurs do enough in the window? Host: Mike Zimmermann Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by Caoimhe O'Neill, Thom Harris, and Joey D'Urso to look ahead to this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures. Do Arsenal and Manchester United have more questions than answers right now?  Who is favourite between Liverpool and Aston Villa? Are we already in relegation six pointer territory for Everton and Sheffield United? And should Eddie Howe be feeling the heat? All that and much more on this episode of the Weekend Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transfer Deadline Day is here and clubs, as ever, are still busy doing deals. To give you the lowdown on what to expect, David Ornstein and Adam Leventhal joined host Ayo Akinwolere to provide the latest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and more. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Guy Clarke *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spain won their first Women's World Cup last week, but the fallout has instead been dominated by one man; president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales. Rubiales planted a kiss on Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso's lips during the medal ceremony, a kiss she said was non-consensual. Since then, Rubiales has been suspended but ignored calls to step down as Spanish football descends into chaos... even leading to his own mother going on hunger strike over accusations against him earlier this week. To discuss a fast moving story and what it says for women in sport, The Athletic's Laura Williamson, Laia Cervello and Adam Crafton joined host Ayo Akinwolere. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production by: Abi Paterson, Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everton are rock bottom of the Premier League with zero points and zero goals from their opening three games, but their problems extend way beyond their on pitch struggles. Joining Ayo Akinwolere today is The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and investigations writer Matt Slater to explain what the collapse of the MSP Capital deal means for both the club's new stadium and its transfer strategy, plus whether there's any light at the end of the tunnel. Plus, insight from Italian football writer James Horncastle, on whether their new striker, Beto, can at least help to end the goal drought. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou & Guy Clarke *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool writer James Pearce and Nick Miller following Darwin Nunez's explosive cameo at St James' Park as the Reds came from behind to win 2-1. The panel analyse the Uruguayan's contribution and potential after a season of adaptation in the Premier League. Plus there's the latest on Liverpool's transfer search in the final week of the summer market as well as pondering the possibility of Mohamed Salah moving to Saudi Arabia. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Spiers takes on hosting duties of our weekend preview with help from Nick Miller, Nnamdi Onyeagwara, and Reuben Pinder.  They break down the big talking points ahead of matchday three, including whether Newcastle or Liverpool are in with a title shout this year ahead of their Sunday clash, should Manchester United fans be worried ahead of a visit from Nottingham Forest, and is Everton vs Wolves already a relegation six-pointer?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a summer Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez has moved on and with Kevin De Bruyne struggling with injury, Man City's Bernardo Silva has committed his future to the club, signing a new one year contract extension through to 2026. Join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to dissect and debate the importance of the Portuguese during a turbulent time for City's midfield. Plus, our Man City writer Sam Lee drops by to share his thoughts on Phil Foden with the England international getting his long awaited chance to shine in the centre of midfield. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Sarah Shephard, to reflect on Manchester United's U-turn over the decision to bring back Mason Greenwood and discuss what's next for both? What really happened in the days after Adam's reporting revealed Chief Executive Richard Arnold's plans for Greenwood's re-integration with the first team. And did the combined statements leave us with more questions than answers? Plus, the panel are joined by Theresa Parker from Women's Aid - who've been in contact with the club this week - on the lessons that still need to be learned from this. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield and Jay Harris to reflect on the significance of Michael Olise's decision to stay at Crystal Palace, amid interest from serial spenders Chelsea... What is it about the 21-year-old winger that attracted interest from Chelsea (and even Manchester City) and is it important that so-called 'smaller' Premier League clubs, fight back against the tide of mega-rich teams - like Chelsea - stockpiling the best young prospects from elsewhere in the league. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having scored three goals in his opening two La Liga games Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a meteoric start to his career with Real Madrid. The Athletic's Guillermo Rai and Dermot Corrigan join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Bellingham's start to life in Madrid and role in Carlo Ancelotti's tactical overhaul. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/theathletic to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special bonus episode from The Athletic's team in Australia, Michelle Owen is joined by Michael Cox, Charlotte Harpur, Mark Carey and Laia Cervelló Herrero to reflect on how Spain became Women’s World Champions. Their 1-0 victory over the Lionesses sees La Roja go from entering the tournament with internal strife and acrimony, being humiliated 4-0 by Japan in the group stages; to winning the whole thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the second round of fixtures of this Premier League season, featuring mouth-watering clashes such as Man City vs Newcastle, Spurs vs Man Utd, and... Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United?  Nick Miller is on hand to make the case for the latter, while Arsenal writer Art de Roche and Spurs correspondent Tim Spiers make up the rest of this star-studded (their words) panel.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday Adam Crafton broke the news on The Athletic that Manchester United’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, told the club’s executive leadership in early August that United were planning to reintegrate Mason Greenwood into the first team. This comes after Greenwood had sexual assault charges against him dropped in February - charges that he denied. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s deputy editor Laura Williamson, reporter Adam Crafton and Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell to explain what has happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Peter Rutzler and Carl Anka, French football writer Tom Williams and Brazilian football correspondent Renato Senise, to reflect on Neymar's move to Saudi Arabia... The panel assess his PSG legacy, after six years in the French capital and the world-record transfer fee, that represented a watershed moment for the sport. Plus, how he is viewed back in Brazil and if Neymar remains a truly generational talent or a case of talent unfulfilled? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and our Chelsea and Liverpool writers Simon Johnson & James Pearce to discuss how Mauricio Pochettino’s side won the race to sign Moises Caicedo for a whopping £115m. We also hear how Chelsea also swooped in for Romeo Lavia from under the noses of Liverpool and the story behind the transfer battle between the two clubs. And the panel answer the question on everyone's lips - how on earth can Chelsea keep spending like this?! Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the transfer window’s longest-running sagas is over now Harry Kane has swapped Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in a deal worth more than €100 million (£86.4m, $110m). Join Ayo Akinwolere, David Ornstein, Charlie Eccleshare and Seb Stafford-Bloor as they delve into the detail of the deal, explain how Bayern secured the England captain’s signature and assess where Tottenham go next. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal previews the return of the Premier League with the help of a crack team of Athletic staff: Laura Williamson, Jay Harris & Nick Miller. Plus, David Ornstein and Rafa Honigstein on Kane.On the agenda, we discuss Harry Kane's decision to sign for Bayern Munich. Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge, and how optimistic are you - we reveal the results of our Hope-O-Meter survey... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2019 Manchester United signed defender Harry Maguire for a world-record £80m for a defender, four years later he’s set to join West Ham in a £30m deal. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to assess where it went wrong for Maguire at Old Trafford, his importance to England ahead of Euro 2024 and why moving to West Ham could rejuvenate the 30-year-old. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Walk On podcast host Tony Evans, to take a closer look at how and why Liverpool went from being the best side in the Premier League at signing players… to being not so great... Will the deal for Romeo Lavia get over the line and what's the hold up? And how have three different sporting directors in 18 months impacted Jurgen Klopp's position at the club. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Peter Rutzler and Adam Crafton to discuss latest round of drama at Paris Saint Germain... Nine new faces in, including rising star Goncalo Ramos - Why didn’t one of the Premier League sides who need a striker make a move for him? Are PSG actually preparing for life after Mbappe and could Neymar still leave this summer as well?  Plus, how to assess a decade of investment from QSI and manager Luis Enrique's new-look team on the eve of the new season? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years on from re-joining Chelsea in a club-record move, Romelu Lukaku has no future at Stamford Bridge - but where will he be playing this season? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Chelsea writer Simon Johnson and Italian football writer James Horncastle to assess what happens next for the Belgian. Inter Milan may have been priced out of a move, arch rivals Juventus linger with a possible swap move involving Dusan Vlahovic on the cards, meanwhile are Chelsea any closer to signing Moises Caicedo? Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester City have agreed a €90m (£77.6m, $98.6m) deal to sign their top summer target Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, ahead of looking to begin a fourth successive Premier League title charge. Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Manchester Football writer Mark Critchley and former City defender Nedum Onouha to discuss what it takes to play for Pep Guardiola, how much the move strengthens the champions and ponder who is capable of stopping their domestic domination. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adrian Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So Erik ten Hag has been able to strengthen his squad in three key positions this summer already but will the arrival of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund help Manchester United close the gap to Man City? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Carl Anka, to discuss what United have learnt from their recent mistakes in the transfer market, why they didn't pull out all the stops for Harry Kane, replacing David de Gea and the protracted sale of the football club. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional production: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adrian Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do Arsenal want to sign Brentford’s David Raya and what does it mean for current number one (and fan-favourite) Aaron Ramsdale? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Arsenal writer Art de Roché, to dig into David Ornstein's exclusive... Did something happen on tour in the US? Can a closer look at the Arsenal Women's team shed some light on Arteta's thinking and is there ever actually room for two top goalkeepers at a football club? Professional goalkeeper coach and former player David Preece shares his perspective. Plus, our data writer Mark Carey takes a closer look at Raya's numbers from last season. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale, Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adrian Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Harris introduces The Athletic's new podcast series, Access All Areas: Brentford. It's a behind the scenes look at how to build a modern Premier League team. In this episode - episode 2 of the series - Jay talks to those responsible for Brentford's famed recruitment strategy to detail how they scout and how they convince players that west London is a place for them to thrive. To listen to the full series click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What you're about to hear is a sample of our new three part narrative series; The Making of Messi. With arguably the greatest player of all time set to make his debut in MLS on Friday, we charted his extraordinary career on and off the pitch. In this episode, we explore the complexities and nuances of the deal that brought him to the US and what legacy he will leave behind. If you'd like to hear the rest, follow this link to listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/godeeper Illustration credits: Marcus Marritt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Daily Football Briefing; all the football news you need to know to start your day. Today: Chelsea had a really bad Tuesday. Simon Johnson tells us why. Tottenham started life under Ange Postecoglou with a loss, so what's changed? Charlie Eccleshare has the details And Liverpool might need to find some new midfielders sharpish. Andy Jones has dived into the data to tell us who he'd choose. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Click here to get a subscription to The Athletic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Ornstein and Adrian Clarke join host Adam Leventhal to reveal how Arsenal won the race to sign Declan Rice... How serious were Pep Guardiola and Manchester City about signing him, how Arteta helped to convince the West Ham captain and how Arsenal can afford to keep spending in transfer market. Plus, why Arsenal became determined to sign him, where he'll fit into the manager's midfield plans for next season and how West Ham will attempt to use their £100M+ windfall to replace him. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid a series of reported bids for unwanted Chelsea stars, host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, to examine the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the new owners at Stamford Bridge... Does the rapidly subscribed to 'conspiracy theory' that Chelsea are attempting to 'cheat FFP' stand up to questioning, is there a genuine conflict of interest for Newcastle's owners or are calls from rival supporters and pundits for a blanket embargo on transfers, premature? Football correspondent David Ornstein also provides an update on the Kingdom's pursuit of various PL stars and the panel assess Saudi Arabia's longer-term footballing ambition. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Manchester City sweep all before them to win a treble, where does City’s dominant season rank in comparison with those conjured by teams across football and other sports down the years? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jack Pitt-Brooke to share the teams they think are the greatest in sporting history, the various caveats & bias we all hold plus debate the futility on agreeing on these debates in the first place! *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/athleticfootball and get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Istanbul plays host to the Champions League final tonight just months after the horrific earthquake that killed tens of thousands of people in Turkey. Our reporter Adam Leventhal went to the country to see how it is recovering from the worst natural disaster in its modern history. In part one of our two-part series, Adam visits Hatayspor; the club Christian Atsu played for before he tragically passed away in the quake. To check out part two, just search for The Athletic's audio documentary feed 'Go Deeper' wherever you listen to your podcasts: https://pod.fo/e/182cac Produced by Adonis Pratsides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Manchester City head to Istanbul in search of a Treble, having already secured the Premier League and FA Cup, Inter Milan stand in their way of achieving football greatness. Pep Guardiola aims to lead City to their first European success and in doing so end his own 12-year wait for Champions League success. Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the action as well as discuss some of the week's other big issues, including Ange Postecoglou's appointment at Tottenham Hotspur, plus, there's the Trivia as ever! Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lionel Messi has opted to join Inter Miami in MLS over a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia or a romantic return to Barcelona. On this bonus episode of The Athletic Football Podcast, Adam Leventhal is joined by Felipe Cardenas in the US, Pol Ballus in Spain and Matt Slater in, err, Macclesfield to explain the intricacies of the move from every angle. How close was a return to Barcelona realistically? Why did Miami eventually win him over? Here’s all the big questions answered… Produced by Mike Stavrou. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Real Madrid won the race to sign Jude Bellingham and why he chose La Liga over the Premier League..  We also have all the detail of how much are they paying Dortmund, how Real funded the deal and why they will not be finished spending just yet. Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein - who broke the story - our German football writer Rafa Honigstein & Dermot Corrigan who is in Madrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the Saudi Arabian domestic league announced a big revamp. In short it’s more teams, bigger talent, and a huge injection of cash.  How will it work? Who could be joining Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema out there? And what is the Kingdom's ultimate goal? To answer these questions Mark Chapman is joined by Adam Crafton, Jacob Whitehead and Wael Jabir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 72 days of searching for Antonio Conte's successor, Tottenham Hotspur have named Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach. Following his successive spell north of the border with Celtic, can he replicate that in North London and turn around Tottenham's fortunes? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare and CODE Sports' Adam Peacock to delve into the Australian's career to date and consider how suitable a fit he is for the hotseat at Spurs. Produced by Guy Clarke *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming up, how far are Manchester United from Manchester City in terms of success on the football pitch?  And with uncertainty around ownership and transfer funds, what can they realistically do to close the gap next season?  Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Mark Critchley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth are here to cast an eye over events at Wembley this weekend as Manchester City look to take a step closer to sealing the Treble. With Manchester United out to stop them matching Sir Alex Ferguson's feat of 1999 the panel look in depth to the match-up at Wembley with both The Athletic's Man City and Man Utd writers Sam Lee and Laurie Whitwell giving the perspective from both sides of Manchester. Plus there's a look at the managerial merry-go-round following the end of the Premier League season as well as the Trivia too! Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor after a hectic finale to the Bundesliga season in which Bayern Munich pipped Borussia Dortmund to the title. The reigning Bavarian champions acted quickly, relieving Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn of their duties as their rebuild begins. Meanwhile, it was another emotional collapse for Dortmund as they failed to snatch Bayern’s crown. So what next for Bayern and Dortmund, and… their stars like Jude Bellingham, Leon Goretzka. Also, who could they bring in this summer? The panel answer all. Produced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O’Keeffe & Patrick Boyland to detail the story of Everton’s latest escape from relegation & how they’ll be looking to avoid it happening again next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by Steven Caulker & The Athletic's Jay Harris to explain Ivan Toney's 8-month ban from football and discuss the game's 'toxic' relationship with gambling... What exactly was Ivan Toney found guilty of, the 'extreme' nature of his punishment and a 'culture' that still plagues English football. Plus, Steven talks about an academy project of his launching this summer, Behind The White Lines, aimed at providing support to young players who have been rejected by professional clubs. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So Leicester City & Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League and will be playing in the second tier of English football next season.. So how did it come to this?  And how will both clubs deal with various off pitch issues and look to bounce straight back? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay & Rob Tanner who covers Leicester City for us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as the curtain comes down on this Premier League season. Ahead of the scrap for survival at the bottom the panel assess what twists and turns could happen as Everton, Leicester and Leeds look to avoid relegation. Plus, there's a look ahead to the shootout for the Europa League Conference qualification between Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brentford as well as our 'End of Season' awards along with the Trivia and Six Scores Challenge. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As recently as 2018 both Coventry City and Luton Town were playing one another in League Two, yet on Saturday meet at Wembley for a place in the Premier League next season. Luton having climbed back from dropping out in the EFL in 2009 and Coventry City, who have been 'homeless' due to stadium disputes and evictions during the last decade both have the chance of returning to the top flight. Mark Champman is alongside Matt Slater, Richard Sutcliffe and Nancy Froston to discuss football's 'Richest Game' and the impact this season's Championship Play-Off Final could have for its winner. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono, after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid. La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches. But is that going to make a difference? The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil. Produced by Mike Stavrou. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newcastle United will be returning to the Champions League after 20 years away next season, after securing a top four finish with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night. Having also reached a first cup final in 24 years this season, their first under Saudi Arabian ownership and with Eddie Howe in the dugout what comes next for the Magpies? Mark Chapman is alongside George Caulkin and Oli Kay to explore where Newcastle go next... Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in the past six years. But off the pitch questions remain after over 100 Premier League charges - for allegedly breaching financial regulations - were brought against the club.. So is there an asterisk over City’s success until the charges are resolved either way? Or will the allegations just be forgotten about as more titles are collected and the long process drags on?  Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and our Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the penultimate weekend of action in the Premier League. Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad hoping to seal their third successive league title while Newcastle know a win over Leicester City on Monday night will be enough to secure Champions League qualification. At the bottom, Big Sam heads back to West Ham hoping to keep Leeds alive heading into the final day, plus there's the Trivia & Six Scores Challenge. Produced by Guy Clarke *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances. But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manchester City's rivals make of their dominance. *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell to dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League under the stewardship of data-driven Sport Republic. The role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, appointment of Nathan Jones as well as the club's bold youthful transfer policy are all put under the spotlight. Produced by Guy Clarke *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.” But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club? Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future. *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need?  And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running?  Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson & David Ornstein  *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest. At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip. Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Manchester United really back? That was the feeling back in February after winning the League Cup and beating Barcelona. But now league form is faltering and their Champions League place is under threat from arch-rivals Liverpool and do they have enough in the tank to stop City winning a possible treble? All this plus the uncertainty over the ownership rumbles on. Ian Irving sits down to discuss it all with The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee and Raphael Honigstein to explore Jude Bellingham's proposed summer transfer to Real Madrid, over a return to England and the Premier League... Why Man City have positioned themselves as "Release Clause FC", the impact of Real Madrid's very public failed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe last summer and Borussia Dortmund's negotiating position. Plus, an insight into the way the Bellingham camp operate, why so many players can't resist the lure of Los Blancos, which 'football project' is the most enticing and why a move to Pep's City might not actually make sense. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football. We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed. We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table. And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final. Italy - It’s chaotic, it’s romantic… but above all you can’t take your eyes off it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League.. Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough?  Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action. Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton while Everton and Leicester City look to kick-on following their pulsating draw at the King Power Stadium. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So this week Lionel Messi was suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain and will be fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia… Coming up we’ll discuss the events that surely signal the end of Project Messi in Paris & where he might play next..  Is Messi now more of a very expensive PR tool than a footballer? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's we have Adam Crafton and also our Paris Saint-Germain writer Peter Rutzler in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal have had a very good season - Champions or not. And with Champions League football back, the future is certainly bright. So, what do Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal need to do to get to the ‘next level’ and how will the way they operate need to change?  Joining Mark Chapman it's David Ornstein and Adrian Clarke Produced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has made history scoring his 50th goal of the season on Sunday - the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years. How has manager Pep Guardiola got the best out of him? How can City look to ensure he stays for as long as possible? Where does this season rank him in terms of the greatest of Premier League strikers?  Joining Ian Irving to discuss the goalscoring heroics of Erling Haaland we have The Athletic’s Man City writer Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"This isn't about the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, it's about the decisions they've made since..." The Athletic's Leeds writer Phil Hay joins senior news reporter Matt Slater and host Ian Irving, to reflect on how Leeds got themselves into another relegation scrap this season. The vote of no confidence from the Supporters Advisory Board, the viral video, if Javi Gracia will see out the last four games of the season, what being in the Championship would mean for the takeover and a cautionary tale in how to sink a Premier League football club. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth following a decisive week at the top and bottom of the Premier League. With Arsenal not in action until Tuesday, Man City will look to take top spot when they head to Fulham. In the battle for European qualification Aston Villa head to Old Trafford and Liverpool take on Tottenham while Newcastle play Southampton. Plus, at the bottom, have Nottingham Forest begun their great escape and is there any hope left for Everton after they were smashed at home by Newcastle. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey and Jack Pitt-Brooke, our Tottenham correspondent. The panel discussed how Mauricio Pochettino has become firm favourite to be that man as the new permanent Chelsea manager & why the timing couldn’t be better for all parties involved. Also how Chelsea's dismal form puts Pochettino in a position of strength, why the state of the squad could suit his skills and how his Spurs links will be a hindrance if things don't start well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday, Wrexham reached their cliched Hollywood ending with promotion back to promised land of the English Football League.  And as emotions poured out of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as much as the fans on the pitch, the questions began about this club’s future.  So then EFL, Welcome to Wrexham. Can anyone stop them? And is the Premier League a realistic goal? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Richard Sutcliffe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in '99, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United won a historic treble - The Premier League, FA Cup & Champions League - Despite Roman Abramovich’s millions and the genius of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', no one in English football has been able to do it since. Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee, Amy Lawrence and Andy Mitten to discuss Manchester City's chance at Premier League 'immortality'… How much luck was involved in Man United's famous season and what would it mean to their city rivals to stop them at Wembley in this year's FA Cup final? And do Arsenal have to beat City at the Etihad this week to win the league? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tottenham absolutely fell apart yesterday, hammered 6-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park - they are also currently without a first team manager, director of football So where do Spurs begin with fixing all these issues both on and off the pitch? And has the club really got the ambition to compete with the very best? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-Brooke - our Tottenham correspondent who was at St James Park yesterday - and also Tim Spiers who has also covered Spurs this season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is with George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to the Premier League weekend & FA Cup semi-finals. The panel assess Arsenal's recent wobble ahead of Southampton visiting the Emirates, with Man City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend. We also assess the race for European qualification, analyse the latest twists and turns in the battle for survival including The Athletic's Leeds United writer Phil Hay looking into the Elland Road side's recent struggles. Plus, there's a look ahead to the action at Wembley along with our weekly trivia. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming up, hear how Unai Emery has made Aston Villa a force in the Premier League again. Also how he always seems to find a way to start so well wherever he’s in charge & what Villa can expect to happen next. Joining us for this one The Athletic’s Aston Villa writer Greg Evans, Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan who interviewed Emery for The Athletic last year and Art De Roche who covers Arsenal, one of Emery’s former clubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is more than catching the eye this season. In fact he’s leaping higher than Ronaldo, out-scoring everyone in Serie A by some distance, and whilst he won’t be adding a Champions League medal this year, if teams want to bring him in, he’s going to cost an awful lot.  So who is the man behind the mask that’s on everyone’s must-buy list?  Mark Chapman is joined by Jon Mackenzie, Carl Anka, David Ornstein and James Horncastle. Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Lukaku's disappointing loan spell at Inter is coming to an end, Chelsea's problems in front of goal show no signs of abating, so, is it time for a reunion? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss... Was the infamous Sky Italia interview the last straw for then head coach Thomas Tuchel, and could Lukaku's return actually help the club's muddled recruitment strategy start to make sense on the pitch? Plus, James Horncastle reflects on the striker's time in Italy, why June 30th is such an important date in Todd Boehly's calendar and why the whole Lukaku situation may become an uncomfortably familiar one for supporters in the near future. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke. If last week at Anfield was perhaps a point gained, then yesterday at the London stadium was definitely two points dropped. Losing 'control' at crucial moments in games, have they lost control of the title race? How much has Arsenal's lack of depth in squad hurt them and what do they need to do in the summer to address this? The Athletic's David Ornstein brings the latest news on Arsenal's purist of Declan Rice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Dean Smith prepares to take charge of Leicester City for the first time away at a red-hot Man City. Elsewhere two of the Premier League's form sides meet at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, plus Matt Woosnam gives us the lowdown on Crystal Palace's resurgence under a returning Roy Hodgson. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vincent Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League in impressive fashion but is he destined for even greater things? Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Sam Lee & Andy Jones to assess Kompany's potential to join the ranks of the elite, with Pep Guardiola already talking him up as a future Manchester City manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona writer Pol Ballus and PSG writer Peter Rutzler to debate the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona two years on from leaving. The panel assess how the La Liga side could afford a move for their former star, his relationship with the PSG supporters having been booed in recent home matches, while his name has been chanted at Camp Nou. Plus, what commercial impact could it have on PSG if he were to leave and if not Barcelona what other options are open to Messi? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man City may be firing on all cylinders in the Premier League but the Champions League has humbled them in the past. Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Rafa Honigstein and Sam Lee - ahead of their first-leg quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich - to discuss 'over-thinking it', Haaland's form and a familiar face in the opposition dugout... But has Thomas Tuchel, parachuted into Munich as he was at Chelsea in 2021, had enough time to mould Bayern Munich in his image, plus Pep's Bayern legacy, Cancelo-gate and if the treble is actually on? Produced by Abi Paterson and Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Premier League title race stepped up a notch following Sunday's game of the season contender at Anfield as Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils with two-all draw. So what is it about Anfield that causes teams to slip up or sense to go out the window? How much margin for error is there now for Arsenal and City?  Ian Irving is joined by Adam Crafton and Oli Kay to assess the damage for Arsenal and state of play in the title race. Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the Easter Weekend's Premier League action. League leaders Arsenal head to Liverpool while Man City visit Southampton ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, the panel get into the latest managerial movements with Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea, plus, there's a check-in on the race for a top four finish with Newcastle moving into pole position. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when you think you've said all that you can about Chelsea in one week, they appoint Frank Lampard as caretaker manager. Joining host Ian Irving to discuss Lampard's return are the Athletic's Oli Kay, Stu James and Rob Tanner. As the merry-go-round spins ever faster there's also a look at the wider managerial picture and in particular the future of Brendan Rodgers. A man with trophies and plenty of experience under his belt but why isn't be being considered for one of the big jobs available? Is it all a question of timing or are you always judged by your most recent failure? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jurgen Klopp described himself as the "last man standing" on Monday. It was a tongue in cheek comment but equally an odd one to bring up at a time when Liverpool are, yet again this season, in a rut. So is the great man untouchable or can he rebuild his way out? Joining Ian Irving to talk through the current state of Liverpool and what Klopp can learn from his previous job as Borussia Dortmund boss it's Raphael Honigstein and Caoimhe O'Neill Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday, we brought you the news that Chelsea head coach Graham Potter had been sacked by Chelsea, today, host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to reveal the full story of how things unravelled for Potter in West London... A playing squad too big to fit into one dressing room, who really wields the power at Cobham, why Bruno Salter and other coaches are likely to still be in charge when the team head to the Bernabeu next week and the "Harry Hogwarts" moniker that underpinned a mutiny. Plus, an update from David on the search for the next permanent manager and why the owners might struggle to find the perfect candidate. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Simon Johnson to discuss the sacking of Graham Potter as Chelsea manager. The panel detail why Chelsea acted now, who is in the frame to take over and where might Potter end up next. There is also reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving his role as Leicester manager - could he be in line to be the new Chelsea manager? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Manchester City prepare to take on Liverpool at the Etihad, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of the weekend's Premier League action. The panel analyse Bukayo Saka's sensational form and ask whether he can rival Erling Haaland for the PFA Player of the Year award, Newcastle are out for revenge for Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United as well as the latest at Tottenham in a week full of incident and drama. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers & Oli Kay to debate how managers & head coaches in the Premier League should be assessed and rated when they are appointed. Two managers widely regarded as the best face each other in The Premier League this weekend as Manchester City & Pep Guardiola play Liverpool led by Jurgen Klopp.. Who is the better manager? Or are they just the right fit for their respective clubs?  Meanwhile Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, with multiple European trophies on his CV takes on Graham Potter who got the Chelsea job following excellent work at Brighton.. How would you compare those two?  Is it on trophies or overachievement? Or is it something else? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four big teams, three points separate them, but only one of them will lift the WSL trophy - and one of them won't be playing Champions League football next year either. This season's WSL is the most competitive it's been at the top for some time. Joining Mark Chapman to run the rule over where each team will be fantastic and fallible it's The Athletic's women's football editor Chloe Morgan, writer Charlotte Harpur, and host of The Athletic Women's Football Podcast Lynsey Hooper.  Listen as the panel go through where Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal's strengths and weaknesses lie and make a case for why each team could win the league. Yet there's one side that could actually be the disruptors to all this and decide where the title goes... Hint: it's not one of the big four.  Produced by: Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Adam Crafton to reflect on Steven Gerrard's recent comments about Harry Kane and the 'big decision' he is once again facing over his future at Spurs... Has the lure of winning silverware elsewhere been softened by breaking both the England and Tottenham all-time scoring records and does the modern striker pride individual records over team success? Is Manchester United the only realistic domestic option for Kane and can they afford him this summer amid FFP concerns? Plus, how Spurs' plan to hire 'win-now' managers like Conte and Mourinho in order to satisfy Kane's ambitions, backfired, what kind of manager they could turn to next and how Kane's arrival at Manchester United would impact Marcus Rashford's resurgence. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman get's reaction from The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brooke to Antonio Conte leaving his role as manager at Tottenham. Meanwhile Bayern Munich also made a managerial change as they sacked one of Europe's top young coaches, Julian Nagelsmann. The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Hongistein & also former Premier League & Bundesliga striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft share their insight.   Would Julian Nagelsmann be a good fit at Spurs?  And was Spurs moving to sack Conte a reason for Bayern move for Thomas Tuchel so quickly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi guys. What you’re about to hear is a recent episode of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast where the panel - consisting of Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Ali Maxwell - discuss whether we can truly measure the importance of a manager to a club’s fortunes. They explore the evolution of a manager’s role, from basic admin roles to becoming the central figurehead of a club in the modern day. Will there be a time soon when a manager’s influence is overtaken by the views and opinions of a club’s data department? And is the ‘new manager bounce’ actually a myth? If you like the show make sure to visit their extensive back catalogue of episodes. Just search for The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Steve Freeth and Nick Miller as they react to England beginning their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a win over Italy. Oli Kay sends his thoughts on Harry Kane becoming England's all-time leading scorer in Naples, Tim Spiers is in Stockholm ahead of a potential international return for Zlatan Ibrahimovic aged 41. Plus, the panel take stock of what's happening in the Premier League ahead of the final throws of the campaign following this week's international action. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writers Pol Ballus & Laia Cervelló Herrero. After victory against Real Madrid sent them 12 points clear, Barcelona might have La Liga all wrapped up. But their problems are never far away, and now news that their young star Gavi could leave Camp Nou for free with a legal battle over his registration.. So what’s happened in this latest off the field issue & how will the club deal with it? Will Gavi really leave Barcelona? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following yesterday's foray into the big issues facing international football, host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Matt Slater, Laura Williamson & Adam Crafton turn their attention to the club game... Why FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plans for a new Club World Cup was an inevitable response to the Super League idea, how 'global' and 'match-going' Premier League supporters are on a collision course, why the Manchester United takeover raises more problems for multi-club ownership rules and won't somebody think of the players! Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, and Laura Williamson to discuss the biggest changes to international football. In the week that FIFA announced an expanded 48 team World Cup, extended Gianni Infantino's reign as President, and dropped 'Visit Saudi' as a potential sponsor for the Women's World Cup, we ask what state international football is in, and whether FIFA are getting the big decisions right? 00:00 - Intro 01:20 - Infantino re-elected FIFA President 08:50 - The expanded Men's World Cup 20:00 - The Women's World Cup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brook & James Horncastle to reflect on Antonio Conte verbal attack on his Tottenham players and the entire culture and direction of the football club after his side let a two goal lead slip at Southampton. In an astonishing outburst he branded his players “selfish”, said that they only play “for themselves”, and suggested that there was a culture of underachievement at the club. So will his exit as boss come sooner rather than later? Where any of the criticisms he made valid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Dan Barnes and bet365's Steve Freeth for a relegation special, ahead of this weekend's Premier League action. With Patrick Vieira sacked by Crystal Palace, ahead of a visit to Arsenal, the panel give their reaction as well as speculating over who could take the reigns at Selhurst Park. Jacob Tanswell shares the tale of Southampton's sorry season, prior to taking on Tottenham - and Paddy Boyland discusses Sean Dyche's impact at Everton with the Toffees travelling to Stamford Bridge this weekend. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield on Matt Woosnam to discuss what has gone wrong for Patrick Vieira as manager of Crystal Palace. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Mark Chapman to look at the career of Paul Pogba as he turns 30 it's James Horncastle and Carl Anka. Here they discuss whether the France and Juventus midfielder is overrated, why he has such a bad reputation in England, and whether Eric Ten Hag is actually the Manchester United manager that Pogba has been crying out for. And with his return to Serie A not going to plan, it begs the question 'where next'? But why is the obvious answer not necessarily the correct one. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21-year-old Josko Gvardiol is a man in high demand. So, which European giant will win the race for his signature? Will Guardiola need to sell a defender first, can Todd Boehly's Chelsea keep spending and does Real Madrid's Champions League lure still trump the Premier League's riches? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus and Simon Johnson to discuss... Plus, Rapha Honigstein explains Gvardiol's current contract situation at RB Leipzig, how big a transfer fee he would command and Nick Miller reveals what a former Croatia u21s coach told him about the man now being described as the 'Haaland of centre-backs'. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Liverpool look to push on from their 7-0 thrashing of Man Utd, while Erik Ten Hag's side look for a response. In the title race, Man City once again play ahead of Arsenal with Pep Guardiola's side taking on Crystal Palace followed by Arsenal travelling to Fulham on Sunday. Down at the bottom Bournemouth welcome Liverpool, having already conceded nine to the Reds this season, Man Utd welcome Southampton and West Ham take on Aston Villa as the Hammers struggle to pull clear of danger. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Mark Chapman to talk through yet another Paris Saint-Germain Champions League exit is The Athletic's Peter Rutzler and french football expert Tom Williams. After the French giants limped out of Europe's top club competition there will be plenty of sneering and sniggering towards them, but why is that? And is it fair to do so? It's a result that forms more questions now than answers - what does the future of Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar look like now? Will their coach Christophe Galtier see through the rest of the season? And does this call for a complete change in approach by the club in how they build their squad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by two writers from The Athletic’s who were at Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea knock Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League - Liam Twomey & Simon Johnson. Is this the start of something for Graham Potter at Chelsea ? Or is it merely a stay of execution with the next defeat pushing him back to the brink of the sack with question marks over where the club is heading? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enzo Fernandez, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, the list goes on... Boasting an academy record which is the envy of most clubs in world football, The Athletic's Stuart James was granted special access behind-the-scenes at Benfica's famed academy to find out what makes it so special... Alongside host Mark Chapman and Portuguese football expert Jack Lang, the panel examine Benfica's unique approach to talent ID, academy ethos, managing the expectations of so many aspiring young footballers and the mind-blowing size of their operation in Portugal. You'll also hear from a few of the academy coaches and technical director Pedro Marques on why the likes of Bernardo Silva are equally comfortable playing in attack and defence. Plus, how the fans feel about losing a home-grown superstar to the Premier League every year and how far they can go in this year's Champions League knockout stages. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined from The Athletic by Adam Crafton also two of our writers who were at Anfield yesterday Oli Kay & our Liverpool writer James Pearce.. Does it show United are still playing catch up with Liverpool or was it a freak result? What were the reasons behind Liverpool's performance and how should Man United manager Erik ten Hag respond? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what really happens in a Premier League changing room? What triggers fallings out between footballers and managers? Fascinated by the nomadic lifestyle of modern players and what the constant relocating means for family members? This is The Real Footballer Show - and you are literally the first people to ever hear it. Joining host and broadcaster Jaydee Dyer and former West Ham, Wolves and Ipswich player Frank Nouble is special guest Anton Ferdinand to lift the lid on the cliques, spats and anxieties of being a footballer at the highest level. It's uncensored and unfiltered. If you like what you hear and think we should make more episodes, please get in contact by emailing bgreen@theathletic.com. And if you're a brand interested in sponsoring the show, also get in touch by emailing partnerships@theathletic.com. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Manchester City look to respond to Arsenal opening up a five-point lead in the Premier League. Chelsea welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge with the pressure ramping up on Graham Potter while Manchester United look for a first win at Anfield since 2016, while the Reds head into the game unbeaten in four without conceding. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's r Rafa Honigstein & also Seb Stafford-Bloor to discuss the German Bundelsiga - perhaps the most exciting league in Europe this season. 11 years since a team other than Bayern Munich were champions, this year the top four teams are separated by four points & four German teams in the last 16 of The Champions League.. So why is the Bundesliga so strong at the moment & will it last? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Mark Chapman is Jack Pitt Brooke and Tim Spiers to cover the past month at Tottenham Hotspur and what the future could yield for the club. In this episode the panel discuss the managerial situation, whether Antonio Conte will be there next season, and what exactly Cristian Stellini's role has been with the assistant filling in on the touchline - and overseeing excellent results. Plus with the announcement of another external partnership for the club, this time with Formula 1, we ask what is more important: the trophy cabinet or the brand? Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Bukayo Saka need better protection from Premier League referees? Do Arsenal themselves rely too heavily on the 21-year-old, and, with the world at his feet, how seismic a moment is it in Arteta's 'process' that he has decided to commit his future to his boyhood club? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Arsenal correspondent Amy Lawrence to discuss... How do you stop 'rotational fouling', where does he rank in terms of most-fouled PL players, do top players even want a rest and how central is he to Arsenal's renaissance? Plus, will he end up being a one-club man and why the comparisons with David 'Rocky' Rocastle are so poignant. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss whether this is the start of something big for Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford or another false dawn as seen under the likes of Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho & Ole Gunnar Solskjaer The Athletic's Newcastle writer Chris Waugh shares his thoughts from Wembley, outlining where improvement is needed despite the giant step forward under Eddie Howe at the club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup Final at Wembley with both Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes returning for Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively. The title race is hotting up too with Arsenal heading to Leicester and Man City off to Bournemouth. Can Graham Potter hold on at Chelsea - and who will hold onto their Premier League status as four of those in trouble go head-to-head on Saturday. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel, former Liverpool & England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland & England & Southampton Goalkeeper coach Dave Watson who played also in the Premier League with Barnsley. Does the risk of ball playing keepers outweigh the reward? How do keepers recover when things go wrong with millions watching? They discuss the huge challenge ahead for Loris Karius Newcastle United in Sunday’s League cup final against Manchester United five years on from his errors in the Champions League final. At the other end Peter gives tells us how David De Gea has evolved with the demands of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Also a look back to Tuesday which saw two of the very best - Alison & Thibaut Courtois - made mistakes on the biggest stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Dermot Corrigan and James Pearce to look back on a classic night of Champions League action as Liverpool were dealt a sucker punch by Real Madrid at Anfield. From gift-wrapped goals, to Gomez, to Galacticos there is a gulf between these two sides now, and it looks like it's only going to get bigger.  Listen to hear about how Madrid have got their recruitment so right in recent years. The panel also cover, as they must when Liverpool are mentioned, the Bellingham Prism - could he have been the difference? Plus there is insight on the protests against UEFA from both sides too that occurred on Tuesday night too. Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With two takeover bids on the table, will the Glazer family's 18-year reign at Manchester United finally come to an end? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Laurie Whitwell to discuss the bids, the people behind them and all the issues in-between... What is the true scale of the damage inflicted on the club by the Glazers and are they even serious about selling this time? Do Manchester United actually need a sovereign wealth fund to compete with Chelsea & Manchester City and why the Premier League are powerless to stop Gulf states buying football clubs in UK. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to discuss the problems at Chelsea for manager Graham Potter. Another poor result after that huge spending spree in the January window. A second game in a week without a goal & a proven Premier League goalscorer can’t even make the bench. So, almost a year since Roman Abramovich announced his intentions to sell the club, what’s going wrong at Chelsea & where is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sir Bobby Robson would have turned 90 today, so it's fitting that St James' Park will be rocking later when Newcastle host Liverpool. To mark the occasion The Athletic, with the kind permission of his family, have released Bobby '90 - a special podcast series featuring previous unheard interview tapes with one of football's greatest characters in the months and years before he died. This is the second episode from the four-part series which features Sir Bobby in conversation with The Athletic's George Caulkin about his managerial stints with England, Barcelona, Ipswich and what it was like trying to tame Paul Gascoigne. To listen to the rest of the series simply search for 'Pod on the Tyne' wherever you get your podcasts, or follow this link: https://podfollow.com/pod-on-the-tyne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers as they react to Man City's win over Arsenal in midweek, ahead of this weekend's action. Can Arsenal put things right at Villa Park? Who will win the relegation six-pointer between Everton and Leeds Utd? Plus, can Liverpool spark a run of form and back-up their Merseyside derby win as they travel to Newcastle? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Mitten, Carl Anka, Pol Ballús to discuss Manchester United's interest in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong . How close did United get last season? Could they go for him again? Is he still a player they actually need? Would he be allowed to leave? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Art de Roché and Sam Lee to talk about the Premier League's two most exhausting managers to watch on the touchline and to get you ready for the big match between the sides. Is it time to stop talking about Arteta as Pep's apprentice? Why do we not see more assistants become managers? And how do you expect the teams to line up tactically on Wednesday night at the Emirates? Those questions and more on the show today. Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 100 days since Liverpool Football Club was put up for sale. Manchester United expect a takeover bid from Qatar, Tottenham want ENIC out and Newcastle are Top 4 contenders again - So, what makes a good Premier League club owner? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Oli Kay and George Caulkin to explore... Are FSG the epitome of sensible ownership, should a State be able to buy a PL club in the first place and is an owners legacy actually more important than how much success is achieved on the pitch? Plus, more on how Manchester United's big announcement stunted FSG's own efforts to sell, why half of all Premier League clubs now operate within a multi-club model and who is the best PL owner of all-time? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Adam Crafton to discuss The return of The Super League with promises of a new-look structure based on “sporting performance”, with no permanent members. Is it too good to be true or could this be a positive reset for the game?  Coming up you’ll hear exactly what is being proposed, how football has responded & what happens next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to the weekend's Premier League action, including Monday night's Merseyside derby. Chelsea's trip to West Ham United is also on the menu along with Leeds United v Manchester United four days on from their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford as well as Manchester City looking to respond to defeat at Tottenham as Aston Villa travel to the Etihad. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan & Mario Cortegana to discuss the rise of Real Madrid's Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr and the recent spate of racist incidents he has had to endure. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Spanish football has a racism problem — is he right ? and if so what are La Liga and Real Madrid doing about it?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mark Chapman, Matt Slater and Phil Hay as they explore Leeds United's decision to sack Jesse Marsch - as well as the ongoing power struggle at Elland Road. The panel explore the ownership structure at Leeds with 49ers Enterprises holding a significant minority share in the club, with an option to complete a full buy-out in January 2024, who is making the big calls: them or Andrea Radrizzani? The consortium's role in the January transfer window is also analysed as well as assessing who could be at the top of Victor Orta's list to replace Marsch in the dugout. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So the Premier League has waged a war with its serial Champions, Manchester City - but what is rule W51, could City suffer a points deduction this season or even be stripped of past titles? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee and Matt Slater to explain...  What have Man City allegedly done wrong, how long is this all going to take, why there is an Arsenal fan on the independent panel and the significance of a postponed government White Paper on football's ability to govern itself. Plus, what lessons we can draw from recent controversy in Serie A, cycling and rugby too. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** • Get 6 months of Babbel language learning for free when you purchase a 6 month subscription by entering the code ATHLETIC at babbel.com/play Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce & Raphael Honigstein to discuss the problems facing Liverpool in biggest crisis of Jurgen Klopp’s time as manager. What’s gone wrong & what can be done to turn things around? And if things don't improve how might it effect their chances of recruiting elite players such as Jude Bellingham? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Rich Amofa as the Premier League returns following the closure of the transfer window. As well as looking ahead to an Antonio-Conte-less-Tottenham hosting Man City, the panel cast their eyes over an equally tasty Friday night fixture between the two West London clubs of big spending Chelsea and Fulham.  Arsenal are the Saturday lunchtime entertainment but they face an intriguing proposition in Sean Dyche's Everton at Goodison Park. Whilst the Kevin Nolan derby will be captivating on Tyneside between Newcastle and West Ham. Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to discuss Arsenals signing of Jorginho from Chelsea. Meanwhile Manchester United were also forced to react and make another loan signing - in Marcel Sabitzer -  following injury to Cristian Eriksen  Are these shrewd moves to help both clubs win trophies this season? Will this lead to bigger from both clubs signings in the summer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Ornstein and Liam Twomey join Mark Chapman to analyse Chelsea's British Transfer Record deal to sign World Cup winning Enzo Fernandez. The panel discuss how Chelsea managed to pull off the deal to sign the Argentine, the level of finance involved as well as taking a deeper look at the Blues' approach in the transfer market. Also, having spent over £600m since Todd Boehly's takeover what pressure is there on Graham Potter to deliver immediate results? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A PFA Team of the Year regular and an ever-present figure in back-to-back title-winning seasons for Manchester City - So how has Joao Cancelo ended up on loan at Bayern Munich, just hours before the January transfer window closes? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee and Pol Ballus to explain... A burning desire to start every game and a history of flare-ups with coaching staff, our panel reveal a sense of inevitability about Cancelo's Man City exit. Plus, why Pep Guardiola's ruthless streak is significant, the difficulties of trying to manage a 'super-squad', how likely a return to the Etihad is this summer and why Bayern Munich were so quick to pounce. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to detail what could happen in the final hours of the January transfer window. They discuss Arsenal's move for Moises Caicedo, Chelsea's bid to sign Enzo Fernandez, and Spurs failed bid for Pedro Porro plus plenty more. The Athletic's Andy Naylor reveals the names Brighton are lining up even if and when Caicedo leaves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek as well as The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as the FA Cup Fourth Round sees the first clash of the Premier League's top two this season. As well as looking ahead to Man City v Arsenal the panel also pick out Accrington Stanley v Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur's visit to Preston North End. Liverpool's return to Brighton two weeks on from losing 3-0 down on the south coast is also analysed ahead of picking out which ties to keep an eye on in the Fourth Round with a number of EFL sides hoping to spring a suprise. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater & Dan Sheldon look at how the huge spending in this January transfer window by Premier League clubs compared to the rest of European Football.  Is Financial Fair Play - world football’s attempt at financial self-regulation - creating an unfair playing field that sees Leeds United spend more on one player than all clubs in La Liga & Serie A combined.  How are FFP rules affecting the recruitment policy at clubs across Europe & what are the loopholes being jumped through to gain a competitive advantage during the current transfer window Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been three league games since Mohamed Salah had a shot on target, never mind a goal, and questions are popping up around the Egyptian's form. But what is it down to? Is it the loss of team mate Sadio Mane? Is his new contract weighing heavy on him? Or is he a symptom of a wider issue at Liverpool? Alongside Mark Chapman to answer those questions and dive into the data around Liverpool's star striker are James Pearce and Duncan Alexander Produced by Abi Paterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What more could Frank Lampard have done at Everton? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Everton writer Patrick Boyland and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to see if after failing at two Premier League clubs, a worrying pattern is emerging for Lampard the manager... The panel explore various similarities and differences between how things unravelled for Frank at both Everton and Chelsea, as well as, whether Everton need a 'firefighter' or a 'project' manager next and why it probably shouldn't be ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle & Tim Spiers to discuss why Juventus, the biggest team in Italy, were deducted points and share what we know about the crisis surrounding the club, the wider impact across Italian football and what happens next. Also discussed the resignation of the Juventus board in November and the challenges both on and off the pitch for the new board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers ahead of what could be a telling week in the Premier League title race as Arsenal welcome Manchester United, while Man City take on Wolves. At the other end of the table pressure mounts as David Moyes takes on his former employers Everton at the London Stadium. Meanwhile in mid-table Liverpool and Chelsea do battle in Jurgen Klopp's 1,000th game in management at Anfield. Produced by Guy Clarke *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Arsenal bought Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard for £30m in 2021 the expectation among supporters wasn’t particularly high - and some didn’t understand why the club wanted to buy him.  After all this was a player who as a teenager was dubbed the “heir to Messi’s throne”. But fast forward 18 months and he’s not only Arsenal’s playmaker, but possibly the best midfielder in the league. It’s been quite a rise for Martin Odegaard. Mark Chapman is joined by Amy Lawrence and Michael Cox to discuss the Arsenal captain in detail Produced by Abi Paterson *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & Mario Cortegana to discuss a new chapter in one of football’s biggest transfer sagas...Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid. Are PSG doing the right things to keep him? How might his relationship with teammate Neymar influence his views? How might Real Madrid even afford him? *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Board members receiving alleged death threats, home-grown players being chased from Goodison Park, an owner who publicly blames supporters for the churn of managers and a team who are without a Premier League win since October - Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O'Keeffe and Senior writer Oli Kay to find out if Everton are broken beyond repair this season? The panel reflect on owner Farhad Moshiri's track-record, assess sanctioned oligarch Alisher Usmanov's current influence and discuss what, if anything, can be done in January to stave off a first top-flight relegation since 1951. Plus, how effective Everton's protests have been, the validity of safety concerns relating to certain Club Directors and why manager Frank Lampard continues to retain most people's support. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to discuss the crazy chain of events that saw Mykhailo Mudryk end up at Chelsea when it looked like he was destined for Arsenal. David details the work done behind the scenes to sign the forward at both clubs and Adam gives the perspective of the selling club having been embedded with Shakhtar Donetsk in the making of his podcast series Away From Home. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek and The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa ahead of a pivotal weekend in the Premier League as both Arsenal and Man City head to their local rivals. Manchester United will be out to settle the score after losing 6-3 to City at the Etihad in October while Harry Kane sits just one goal shy of Jimmy Greaves' club-record at Spurs. Plus there's reaction to Joao Felix seeing red at Fulham, Nathan Jones taking Southampton to Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion welcoming Liverpool to the Amex without Virgil van Dijk. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Lang & Gustavo Ribeiro from The Brazilian Report to discuss how and why the national team football jersey has turned from a symbol of unity in Brazil to one that divides the nation down political lines. We reflect on a monumental start to 2023 in Brazil, as the nation prepared to welcome a new President, say goodbye to one of its most famous sons following the death of Pele and witnessed thousands of supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro wearing Brazil shirts as they storm Congress, the Supreme Court and surround the presidential palace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to analyse the chaos at Chelsea as Graham Potter struggles to convince the fans four months on from replacing Thomas Tuchel. 10 points off the top four pace, and after defeat to Man City in the FA Cup Third Round the panel consider the change in process at Stamford Bridge following the summer takeover of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Plus, David Ornstein explains the deal set to take Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix to Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season, before the rest of Chelsea's transfer needs are evaulated. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell to get a read on the optimism surrounding Erik ten Hag's start at Old Trafford... Laurie explains how Ten Hag's influence and change behind-the-scenes in how the club look to recruit new players could usher in a far more successful age of transfer business than in recent seasons. Plus, how the manager's big decisions and authority have even led to talk of a genuine title race, ahead of Saturday's Manchester Derby. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Pol Ballus & Guillermo Rai to discuss how Barcelona & Real Madrid, rivals on the pitch for decades,  have become close off the field and need each other more than ever.  Hear how both clubs continue to fight for salvation via the Super League and why Jude Belligham is far more likely to be a Real player than a Barca player next season.  The Athletic's Laia Cervello Herrero details her debut article that looks at Ansu Fati tough couple of years at Camp Nou since inheriting Lionel Messi's number ten shirt.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the FA Cup Third Round getting underway Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to one of the landmark weekends on the football calendar. As the pressure mounts on Frank Lampard the panel assess his position ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, Antonio Conte is out to win Spurs their first silverware in 15 years meanwhile Newcastle hope to begin their journey to winning a first piece major domestic silverware since 1955. Plus Oxford United welcome Arsenal on Monday night - and where else could we see those eagerly anticipated Giant Killings? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Nick Miller to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, where he will earn a reported £173 million a year. Hear details of how that deal was done without the help of super agent Jorge Mendes and what awaits Ronaldo after a pretty strange six months - walkouts, tears & that interview.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Patrick Boyland, can Frank Lampard hold onto his job after Everton were heavily beaten by Brighton and discuss the off-field challenges at Goodison Park. And what did Arsenal & Newcastle’s draw last night tell us about what both sides have to do off the pitch to get to that next level after a night of frustration for Mikel Arteta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris and Tony Evans following Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Monday evening... The panel reflect on Liverpool's complicated season so far, whether Van Dijk is suffering from a World Cup hangover, how Cody Gakpo can help ease the burden on Darwin Nunez, as well as, why Klopp will need to find some more of that 'Monopoly money' to spend in the January transfer window & the secrets behind Brentford's record against the 'Big 6'. Plus, how uncertainty over the club's future off-the-pitch is affecting the team's confidence and if Klopp is starting to resemble Arsene Wenger towards the end of his time in charge of Arsenal? Hear more from Tony Evans on The Athletic's new Liverpool podcast 'Walk On' available wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by Carl Anka and Liam Twomey to react to a big weekend of Premier League football as the battle for a top four finish took centre stage. The panel analyse where things are going right at Manchester United, wrong at Chelsea and whether Antonio Conte is picking one battle too many at Tottenham. Plus David Ornstein looks ahead to the January Transfer Window including the latest on Joao Felix's future amid a number of Premier League clubs showing interest in the Atletico Madrid forward. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dan Bardell, George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Atheltic's Rich Amofa ahead of the final round of Premier League games for 2022. The panel look ahead to Liverpool welcoming Leicester City, fresh from agreeing a deal for Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. Manchester United's visit to Wolves is also on the agenda along with Everton, after defeat to Wolves increased pressure on Frank Lampard. Plus, there's Arsenal's visit to Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton & Hove Albion. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Premier League returns Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell and Dan Barnes to discuss the Boxing Day action as well as analyse Liverpool's move for PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo. David Ornstein gives the details on Gakpo's proposed move to Anfield while there's reaction to Manchester United missing out on the Dutchman, with the 23-year-old known to have admirers at Old Trafford. As Arsene Wenger returned to Arsenal for the first time since leaving the club in 2018, the panel look back on Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham as well as Newcastle's impressive win over Leicester City before looking ahead to what moves could take place in the January Transfer Window. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Dan Barnes as the Premier League returns on Boxing Day following the break for the World Cup in Qatar, but who's best set to hit the ground running? Tottenham head to Brentford in the first of the action prior to Liverpool heading to Aston Villa, leaders Arsenal welcoming West Ham United and on Tuesday Manchester United, without Cristiano Ronaldo, take on Nottingham Forest. Plus, there's the latest on Chelsea's appointment of Christopher Vivell ahead of the January transfer window as well as champions Man City restarting against Leeds United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Argentina are World Champions again. Lionel Messi has emulated Maradona in 1986. Destiny fulfilled. Debate over? Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, David Ornstein and others to reflect on arguably the greatest World Cup final of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the World Cup Final, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Laura Williamson to evaluate the Qatar 2022 World Cup. From the build-up to the tournament, the treatment of migrant workers and the handling of the tournament by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the panel analyse all aspects. What comes next? What happens to the stadiums, Qatari football and what lessons have been learned? Plus, there's reaction to Infantino's announcement over an expanded FIFA Club World Cup as well as confirmation over his second term as President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Argentinian journalist Martin Mazur to discuss Lionel Messi as he looks to crown his career with a World Cup winners' medal on Sunday. Having taken Argentina to the final in 2014 as his country's talisman, now at 35, in his last World Cup Sunday offers his final chance for World Cup glory. The panel analyse his tournament so far as well as his role within the Argentine side, plus Jay DeMerit, Adrian Mariappa and Leon Balogun share their experiences of playing against Messi while former PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino tells The Athletic what it's like to coach Messi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kylian Mbappe once more shone brightly on the world's stage as he helped France through to consecutive World Cup finals. He is a superstar on the pitch, yet look around Qatar and you won't see a lot of, if any, shirts with his name on the back which is a surprise given that he plays his club football for Qatari backed PSG. Joining Adam Leventhal to discuss "brand Mbappe" and its future is The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur. Off the back of yet more french success we discuss why the France camp is so united and what fears they have ahead of Sunday's final, if any. And in the final it's Messi v Mbappe, club mates at PSG, making this final a great success for the French club and its owners. Plus, Adam Leventhal managed to grab a word with elusive Manchester United owner Avram Glazer post match, hear what he had to say on the sale of his club, and whether it is in fact a "sale". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morocco made history when they beat Portugal as they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, and this incredible team aren't done yet. Adam Leventhal hosts a special episode of The Athletic Football Podcast as we dive deep into the story of the 'Rocky' of the World Cup, a name given to them by their coach Walid Regragui. The identity of Moroccans, what it means to have an African nation at this stage of the World Cup, and why the Moroccan players have been hugging their mums after matches are topics all discussed on this edition. Abi Paterson speaks to The Athletic's Jay Harris, Luke Bosher and many Moroccan fans. While out in Casablanca, Jacob Whitehead helps build the picture of the impact of this Moroccan success in their homeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World Cup resumes tonight as Messi and Argentina prepare to face Croatia - A far smaller footballing nation which has somehow reached back-to-back World Cup semi finals... To explain how they keep doing it and to tell us more about the remarkable personal journeys of the players, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and host of Nova TV in Croatia, Sasa Lugonjic. Hear about Luka Modric’s backstory of war and personal trauma, to his rise as the best player in the world, possibly even the best midfielder of this generation. Sasa tells us about Josip Juranovic’s “Cinderella story” from competition winner (literally) to National stardom. And the panel discuss where hot property Josko Gvardiol might end up in the coming transfer windows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the January transfer window coming into sight, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Adam Crafton in Qatar to discuss which players could be on the move this winter. Following glowing World Cup displays there's growing interest in both England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Portugal striker Gonçalo Ramos, as well as the latest on his compatriot Joao Felix with a number of Premier League clubs interested. Cristiano Ronaldo's future is still yet to be resolved after leaving Manchester United ahead of the start of the tournament, meanwhile away from the World Cup, Arsenal continue to be linked with Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhailo Mudryk. For more, read David Ornstein's transfer column on The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3991075/2022/12/12/ornstein-world-cup-transfer-targets/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal brings you immediate fallout following England's quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup, following yet more penalty heartbreak at a major tournament. Jack Pitt-Brooke, Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Charlotte Harpur and Abi Paterson are all on hand at the Al Bayt Stadium as England exit the tournament after an evening of penalty drama involving captain Harry Kane. There's also the view of the fans out in Qatar, analysis of what next for the England squad and Gareth Southgate as well as the French winning scorer Olivier Giroud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke to look ahead to England’s huge quarter-final against France as the draw opens up for Gareth’s Southgate side. One of the clear favourites to win the World Cup, Brazil, are out after their defeat to Croatia on penalties. A win against the reigning world champions would see England go into a semi-final against Morocco or Portugal, while Argentina scraped through on penalties against the Netherlands. They discuss Kyle Walker vs Kylian Mbappe, and if that duel really matters. And the panel pay tribute to American sports journalist Grant Wahl, who sadly passed away in Doha last night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by Daniel Taylor, Jay Harris and Dutch journalist Sjoerd Mossou for a looking into one of the most fascinating coaches to shape modern football: Louis van Gaal. Ahead of the Netherlands quarter-final tie with Argentina the panel debate and discuss the career of the 71-year-old including his time at Manchester United as well as how he has cultivated a 'loving' atmosphere within the Dutch camp. There's reflections on his personal battle with cancer in the build-up to the tournament as well as how he has brought his collection of unlikely lads, including goalkeeper Andries Noppert to the cusp of greatness on the highest stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Qatar has hosted the 'best group stage ever' at a World Cup. But what about all of the issues off the field of play casting a large, looming shadow over the tournament? Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and writers Adam Crafton and Matt Slater to dissect all. We hear the tragic story of how a Filipino migrant worker died during the group stage at Saudi Arabia’s training resort in Qatar. The panel also discuss the 'Disney-fication' of the World Cup, LGBTQ+ issues, sportswashing and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Abi Paterson is in Doha, Qatar at the World Cup and has a few burning questions regarding a player who many consider as the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi. The forward has captained his Argentina side to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, which is widely thought to be his last ever World Cup tournament at 35 years of age. With questions ranging from; is Lionel Messi the greatest? To is he better than fellow Argentine Diego Maradona, or his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo? And has his ambassadorial role with Saudi Arabia effected him? Abi is joined by a host of guests including James Horncastle, Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas, Sam Lee, Michael Cox, and a number of other journalists and fans in Qatar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by James Horncastle, Raphael Honigstein & Jack Pitt-Brooke to debate and analyse the values and importance of a no.9 in international football. With the likes of Olivier Giroud, Richarlison and Harry Kane all playing prominent roles in their nations' hopes of winning the World Cup, yet playing the centre forward role in a differing way: what exactly are the hallmarks of a successful no.9? The role of a false nine, target man and wide forward converted into a striker are all evaluated as well as the evolution of the centre forward through football history along with the role academies have played in the 'decline' of no.9 production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Jude Bellingham played the starring role in England's 3-0 last 16 win over Senegal join Adam Leventhal from the Al Bayt Stadium for all the reaction. Michael Cox gives his tactical breakdown on how the 19-year-old dominated on the biggest stage, David Ornstein catches up with Declan Rice and discusses his midfield partner. Plus there's reaction from England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke on Harry Kane scoring his first goal of the tournament and Oli Kay on England's next opponents France - and Charlotte Harpur reflects with Abi Paterson on a day spent with the Senegal fans and their drums! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writers Oli Kay and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss England manager Gareth Southgate's starting XI to face Senegal... US soccer correspondent Sam Stejskal reflects on the many positives that USMNT can take from this World Cup and James Horncastle purrs over yet another milestone and masterclass from Leo Messi. Plus, an insight into the mindset of England's opponents from Senegalese journalist Mahmoud Gueye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Athletic writers Jay Harris and Paul Tenorio to discuss the drama on the final day of the group stages and also look ahead to the USA’s huge knockout clash against Netherlands.  South Korea scored a late, late goal to beat Portugal and seal their place in the Round of 16 ahead of Uruguay, leaving Luis Suarez in tears. In the other group, Switzerland edged a five-goal thriller against Serbia to progress, while Brazil topped Group G, despite their 1-0 loss to Cameroon. We also hear from Michael Cox, who gives his thoughts on South Korea’s win, and Cameroonian journalist Francis Ajumane discusses Cameroon becoming the first African team to beat Brazil in a World Cup match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Michael Cox following another dramatic night in Qatar with two European heavyweights in Germany and Belgium exiting the World Cup. There's reaction from Japan's dramatic win over Spain which eliminated Germany and also sent Japan through as Group E winners. Raphael Honigstein gives immediate reaction to Germany heading home, while Jack Pitt-Brooke revels in Japan's joy. With Belgium also out coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the end of his time in charge with the panel assessing where and what next for the Spaniard before Carl Anka looks ahead to Uruguay v Ghana on Day 13 with a look back to their quarter-final meeting in 2010. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, James Horncastle and Adam Crafton react to Argentina's 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday night that saw both teams make it through to the last 16, but it wasn't without its drama as Messi had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny and Poland came perilously close to exiting the tournament on yellow cards. If this World Cup isn't enough for you, we cast ahead to 2026 as Adam Crafton brings us news that FIFA are considering the possibility of having penalty shoot-outs pre-match in the group stages as a way of guarding against possible collusion in the expanded 48-team tournament We also hear from the Athletic's Jay Harris who witnessed Australia's triumph over a disappointing Denmark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That’s a wrap for Groups A and B. England sailed past Wales with a resounding 3-0 win, courtesy of a remarkable Marcus Rashford brace and goal from Phil Foden. Gareth Southgate’s side will face Group A runners-up Senegal in the last-16. USA qualify in second place in Group B after their 1-0 win over Iran, and they will go up against Group A winners, the Netherlands. That match was largely overshadowed by the political tension surrounding Iran. Joining Adam Leventhal to bring us the stories of anti-Iranian government protests and how female Iran fans fear they are being spied on whilst attending games are Athletic writers Adam Crafton and Charlotte Harpur, while Jack Pitt-Brooke and Alex Abnos dissect the football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the finale of Group B, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Matt Slater on Day 10 of the Qatar World Cup. Matt reflects on attending all four games on the final day of four separate kick-off times before Michael Cox and Dermot Corrigan reflect on Andre Onana being suspended from the Cameroon squad by coach Rigobert Song. James Horncastle reacts to Brazil's 1-0 win over Switzerland while Laura Williamson and Felipe Cardenas watched Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice - despite Cristiano Ronaldo's best attempts to claim one. Meanwhile, ahead of England v Wales David Ornstein has the latest on the England team news before Sam Stejskal reflects on a heated press conference prior to USA v Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay following a day of shocks in Qatar with Costa Rica and Morocco two of the noteworthy winners, while German's draw with Spain keeps their hopes of qualification alive. Abi Paterson reports from Al Bayt Stadium along with Michael Cox, Raphael Honigstein and David Ornstein, who spoke with Ilkay Gundogan post-match, on Germany's draw with Spain. Plus there's the latest from the England camp as Marcus Rashford speaks ahead of the Three Lions taking on Wales on Tuesday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Sunday morning and host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas and Charlotte Harpur to reflect on Lionel Messi handing Argentina a World Cup lifeline in typical style... James Horncastle offers his thoughts on Messi's moments of brilliance, was Enzo Fernandez' goal an even sweeter strike and why Mexico fans are frustrated with coach Gerardo Martino. Then, following a 'prickly' Deschamps post-match press conference - and despite France's 2-1 win over Denmark - our panel also discuss how good Mbappe is in the flesh, Tunisian fan envy, Australia's Mitchell Duke and Jurgen Klinsmann's comments about Iran and their head coach Carlos Queiroz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Adam Leventhal for immediate reaction from England's goalless draw with USA in Group B from the Al Bayt Stadium. With comprehensive post-match analysis and reaction, tactics writer Michael Cox discusses where England failed to capitalise, USMNT writers Paul Tenorio and Alex Abnos dissect the US performance before heading to the mixed zone. David Ornstein and Sam Stejskal give their thoughts on the game with Abi Paterson along with hearing from Kieran Trippier, Jordan Henderson and US midfielder Yunus Musah. England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke reacts to Gareth Southgate's press conference, meanwhile elsewhere in Group B Laura Williamson watched on as Wales fell to defeat against Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of Day Six of the World Cup, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's England writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Sam Stejskal to preview England v USA this evening. They discuss the historic context of the fixtures and development of the USMNT before debating where the game will be won or lost. David Ornstein speaks with Bruno Fernandes following Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana with Abi Paterson and Michael Cox reacting to Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the first player to score in five World Cups. James Horncastle reports from Brazil's opener, having beaten Serbia 2-0 with talisman Neymar forced off through injury. Plus, Adam Crafton speaks with Piara Powar from anti-discrimination group Fare giving his take on the tournament so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal joins Raphael Honigstein and James Horncastle to reflect on day four of the World Cup, a day which saw Germany lose 2-1 to Japan after a disjointed performance but they took the headlines pre-match with their show of defiance against FIFA in the ongoing armband row. We discuss both the on and off field issues from that game, plus reflect on Spain's 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, Belgium's underwhelming win over an unlucky Canada, and we have an update from the England camp as David Ornstein brings us news on Harry Kane's ankle injury as well as updates on Kyle Walker and James Maddison. There's also a look at Brazil ahead of their tournament bow against Serbia later today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day three of the World Cup started with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1, and ended with the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United, the Glazers have put Man Utd up for sale, oh and England captain Harry Kane is having a scan on his ankle ahead of Friday's game vs USA. Here to reflect on all of that is the Athletic's Adam Leventhal, who is joined by Matt Slater following his trip to the Saudi/Qatar border to look at that shock result amid the backdrop of Messi's commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia, plus Matt gives us his expert view on how things will play out at Man Utd now the Glazers have effectively announced they want to sell. We also hear from David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Laura Williamson on Cristiano Ronaldo's second tenure at Old Trafford finally coming to an end and what it means not just for his world cup but for the rest of his career. Plus we get the latest on the Harry Kane injury situation from our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Day 3 of the World Cup dawns, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to reflect on England's 6-2 win over Iran... They discuss Saka's joy, Kane's influence, why no one's talking about Maguire or Sterling's club form this morning, as well as, which former German international Jude Bellingham reminds Jack of. Plus, Producer Abi spoke to Iranian fan Sahir, about why she is protesting at the World Cup and USMNT writer Paul Tenorio checks in after the 1-1 draw with Wales.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Laurie Whitwell on day two of the World Cup to discuss England's World Cup opener against Iran... The panel reflect on Qatar's opening day defeat, empty seats in the stadium, choreographed support and relations between Qatar and former hosts Russia. Plus, whether England and other nations should risk punishment for their 'OneLove' armbands in support of LGBT rights, comedian Omid Djalili's message to Rashford and co, as well as, American excitement levels ahead their Group B clash with Wales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices