The Athletic Football Podcast

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

Join us for the first of our daily World Cup podcasts throughout the tournament as Adam Leventhal brings you the latest news, views and reaction from Qatar. Ahead of the start of the tournament, Matt Slater reacts to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's speech on the eve of the tournament, before Simon Hughes shares his thoughts having returned from an eight-day trip to Nepal to hear from the migrant families and their families who have prepared Qatar for hosting the World Cup. Plus David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell are at Portugal training with the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke checks in from England's training base in Al-Wakrah. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's dedicated England writers Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oliver Kay to look ahead to how England could get on out in Qatar, as well as USMNT writer Paul Tenorio. The panel look at England's standing and form under Gareth Southgate having led the Three Lions to the semi-final in Russia in 2018 prior to reach the Euro 2020 Final last year at Wembley. Plus, in a group containing USA, Iran and Wales how far are England expected to progress and what does the potential road to glory look like? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, Rafa Honignstein & Adam Leventhal to debate whether managing at international level is an attractive proposition for the very best managers like Jurgen Klopp & Pep Guardiola?  On the flip side are national teams managers in the conversation to be the head coach at elite clubs that expect Champions League glory?  Plus we’ll hear Mauricio Pochettino’s thoughts on whether he’d take the England job.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Carl Anka, Andy Mitten and Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan to debate whether either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo can finally claim FIFA World Cup glory, in Qatar. The panel look back through the international careers of both Messi and Ronaldo debating and analysing their impact on their national sides' fortunes and the struggle for both to perform to their highest on the international scene. Who is better set for glory in Qatar is also discussed as well as whether or not World Cup victory for one over the other will finally settle the great debate over who is the greatest. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Editor-in-Chief Alex Kay-Jelski, Deputy Editor Laura Williamson and Investigations writer Matt Slater, to pause and reflect, just days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar... How Qatar retained the World Cup following the controversy surrounding their bid to host. The moral dilemmas of covering and even sending reporters to the tournament, how much Doha has changed in the intervening years and what visiting fans from all over the world can expect. Plus, how Gareth Southgate and the FA have navigated human rights issues in the lead up to the biggest festival of football in the world, Gianni Infantino's lamentable letter, Jurgen Klopp's aspersions on the media and if sportswashing is really at the heart of Qatar's World Cup project. 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 Cristiano Ronaldo's interview where he criticised the club & his manager. Is this the end for him at Old Trafford? Greg O'Keefe then tells us the challenges Frank Lampard faces in turning round Everton who seem to be slipping into another crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic has a brand new documentary series following Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk. Here is an introduction to the series In this episode, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton speaks to Taras Stepanenko, the captain of Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk, as he and his young family take refuge in an underground shelter when war breaks out in Ukraine.  Adam also meets with Shakhtar's Croatian head coach, Igor Jovicevic, who was separated from his family when Russia invaded.  Meanwhile, as the team prepares for their first match in Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, we hear from Shakhtar midfielder Ivan Petryak, who lost a family member to the war with Russia. With all the odds against Shakhtar, can the Ukrainian club pull off a shock victory against the German club Red Bull Leipzig? Credits Presenter: Adam Crafton Producers: Adam Crafton, Abi Paterson, Mike Stavrou Sound mixing: Ollie Bellwood Featuring footage from: The Daily, AP, ABC News, Sport BILD, DW News, Al Jazeera, and BT Sport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as well as bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the final weekend of Premier League action prior to the World Cup. Chelsea's visit to Newcastle is top of the bill before looking ahead to Nathan Jones' Southampton start away at Anfield, before discussing Wolves welcoming Arsenal to Molineux. Plus there's reaction to the latest in the Cristiano Ronaldo fiasco ahead of Manchester United taking on Fulham. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jay Harris for reaction to Gareth Southgate naming his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. The big news is Leicester's James Maddison is finally in the squad, plus a surprise inclusion for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, as well as a place for Newcastle's in-form striker Callum Wilson. There's a look at how those three will feature during the tournament, plus discussion of Harry Maguire's role in the team, whether Sterling will keep his place, how you get the best out of England's many attacking options, and we pick our starting XI for the game against Iran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's George Caulkin sit down with Martin O’Neill to talk about his new book On Days Like These and his life in football.  As well as discussing the numerous career highs, Martin also shares his regrets during managing in the Premier League. Martin talks about the charisma of playing in Brian Clough’s legendary Nottingham Forest team & about his time as manager of the Republic of Ireland at Euros in 2016, when they made it to the second round for the first time in their history. On Days Like These – My Life in Football by Martin O’Neill is published by Pan Macmillan, 10 November Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rio Ferdinand's 3-part documentary series, 'Tipping Point' aims to find real solutions to the racism, homophobia and mental health crisis which plague our sport... prior to its release, Rio sat down for an honest conversation with The Athletic's Roshane Thomas on the current state of play. Host Dan Barnes is joined by Roshane and editor Richard Amofa to keep that conversation going. Over the course of this episode you'll hear the interview with Ferdinand, but also from Wilfried Zaha, Romelu Lukaku and Josh Cavallo, as our panel evaluate football's progress. Rio Ferdinand’s Tipping Point is available on Prime Video from Friday 11 November Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by football correspondent David Ornstein & senior football news writer Matt Slater to discuss the latest on FSG's decision to explore an exit from Anfield. Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes shares his thoughts on the decision too, giving insight into the American consortium's reign at Liverpool over the past 12 years and the impact the decision to sell could have on manager Jurgen Klopp. Plus, the panel explore who could be interested in buying Liverpool as well as analysing the short-term impact on the sporting side of things at Anfield. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In breaking news, The Athletic's David Ornstein reveals Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has put Liverpool up for sale. Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jacob Tanswell to discuss the breaking news that Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.  Adam also discusses his new podcast series Away From Home, where he follows Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk's during their champions league campaign whilst their country is at war with Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, The Athletic's Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Arsenal head to Chelsea in the weekend's standout Premier League game. The panel also look ahead to Liverpool's visit to Tottenham following Antonio Conte's first anniversary in charge of Spurs. Plus there's a look ahead to Unai Emery starting his reign at Villa Park against Manchester United, including some trivia, as well as Man City v Fulham & Everton v Leicester. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The group stages of the Champions League are now over & despite pulling various levers Barcelona have not qualified for the knockout stages Mark Chapman is joined by Spanish football journalist Alvaro Romeo & The Athletic’s Oliver Kay to discuss what has gone wrong & what are the financial consequences of being eliminated?  And with stalwarts Atletico & Juventus also being eliminated, does a less predictable Champions League make for a better competition and weaken the argument for a European Super League?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur writer and Serie A expert James Horncastle to analyse one year of Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur. Fresh from winning their Champions League group to make it through to the last 16 of the competition, the panel comment of Spurs' style of play under the Italian as well as the mentality he has instilled, helping to get the best from Harry Kane. Given the uncertainty over Conte's long-term future as well there is debate into the likelihood of him remaining in north London while also considering any potential return to Juventus? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka to explore why 14 years on from Uriah Rennie's last Premier League game, he remains the only black referee in Premier League history...  What are the major obstacles that continue to prevent aspiring male and female officials - from marginalised or ethnic communities - from reaching the Premier League? The cost, the abuse, and how much progress has been made in recent years - following a 2021 FA initiative to combat the problem head on. We'll hear from Ashley Hickson-Lovence, a former semi-professional referee and author of Your Show, written in collaboration with Rennie, as well as, Russell Hoyte, who helps semi-professional referees navigate their way through the ranks. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce to discuss What is going wrong at Liverpool & the financial implications on missing out on a top four place. We’ll hear how Manchester United are weighing up changes to their goalkeeper department and the future of David De Gea - Laurie Whitwell joins us. And David Ornstein will tell us about the MLS club who are confident of signing Lionel Messi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Man City look to leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and Graham Potter returns to Brighton with his in-form Chelsea side. Following Unai Emery's return to the Premier League the panel give their take on the Spaniard taking over at Aston Villa, as well as Villa's visit to Newcastle United. The panel also discuss Liverpool v Leeds at Anfield with the Reds in need of kickstarting their campaign while pressure being to mount on Jesse Marsch. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman sits down with Sean Dyche who is looking to return to being a football manager after nearly ten years with Burnley - including seven seasons in the Premier League. Sean outlines why his brand of football is sometimes misunderstood, explains why Pep Guardiola compared facing Burnley to visiting the dentist & what he is looking for in his next role & the moment in football be wished he could live again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Aston Villa writer Gregg Evans and Pol Ballus to discuss Unai Emery's appointment at Aston Villa. The end of Steven Gerrard's reign is analysed prior to look at what Emery will bring with him to Villa Park having taken Villarreal to Europa League success as well as last season's Champions League semi-finals since being sacked by Arsenal in 2019. Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan also gives his view from Spain as well as the tactical ideas Emery may look to instil at Aston Villa. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes, editor Dan Barnes and author Jimi Jagne, to discuss the issues facing Everton, in light of revelations about John Bramley-Moore (after whom the site of their new stadium is named) and his involvement in the slave trade... The panel detail Bramley-Moore's connections to the horrors of slavery in Brazil and handle many uncomfortable truths relating to how the City of Liverpool prospered from men like him - as well as, how local authorities are trying to confront these aspects of their past. Plus, a frank assessment of Everton's response, and how a problem inherited may also present a unique opportunity to lead new discussions around racism in football. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Phil Hay to share his insight on the future of Jesse Marsch as Leeds manager - could he hang on till after the World Cup? Our Newcastle writer Chris Waugh details how Eddie Howe has turned his side into top four contenders as he approaches a year in charge. Dan Bardell tells us what went wrong for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and who he'd like to see as their new manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Bet 365's Steve Freeth and the Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to all the action in the Premier League this weekend. We start with reaction to Aston Villa sacking Steven Gerrard on Thursday night, with Villa fan Dan very pleased with the decision, before moving on to the big game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening between Chelsea and a Ronaldo-less Manchester United. There's also a look at Spurs v Newcastle, Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, Manchester City v Brighton and Leicester v still managerless Wolves Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Jack Pitt-Brooke to reflect on Manchester United's comfortable win over Tottenham that was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle after being an unused substitute. What did this performance tell us about Erik ten Hag’s influence on his United side? What does the defeat say about Spurs nearly a year into Antonio Conte’s tenure as manager? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield and Crystal Palace writer Matt Woosnam to discuss and dissect Crystal Palace's start to the new Premier League season. After making it three unbeaten against Wolves on Tuesday night we explore how the South London club continue to evolve under Patrick Vieira, the key men on the pitch including Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha, plus what does the future hold at Selhurst Park? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman presents a special report from The Athletic's Tim Spiers who, over the weekend, was granted an all-access, behind the scenes pass on a match day in the life of a professional footballer... With special thanks to both Omar Beckles and Leyton Orient FC, Tim was invited into the Grenada international defender's home for breakfast with his family, right through to moments before kick-off in the home dressing room for this 'fly-on-the-wall' insight into what it's really like. We learn about the pressures of victory and defeat on a young family, the duty Omar and his teammates feel towards their local community, how important match-day routine and diet have become and also about the role of his faith in his career. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee & Oli Kay to reflect on that titanic battle that saw Liverpool see off Manchester City at Anfield. Pep Guardiola suggested afterwards that his side get a bit of a raw deal at Anfield - is he right? Also, we’ll cross to Spain to look back on an El Clasico victory for Real Madrid that puts Barcelona manager Xavi under pressure with The Athletic's Deromot Corrigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek and bet 365's Steve Freeth as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool look to get their Premier League campaign back on track up against Pep Guardiola's Man City. Steven Gerrard's position at Aston Villa has been up for debate ahead of Chelsea heading to Stamford Bridge. Plus Newcastle United visit Old Trafford looking to upset Manchester United, meanwhile, will Tottenham finally provide style as opposed to substance up against Everton? Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Richard Scudamore who was the Premier League’s executive chairman for 20 years, a tenure that saw it develop into the world's leading sports entertainment product. Scudamore addresses a range of issues including his thoughts why an independent regulator won't work, the failed European Super League, foreign ownership of Premier League clubs, games being played overseas and his role in the infamous 39th game propsal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Nottingham Forest writer Paul Taylor and Nick Miller to delve into exactly what is going on at Nottingham Forest, having made more than a splash on their return to the Premier League. 22 new signings, just one win in nine and having sacked their recruitment team, Forest are certainly making up for 23 years away from the Premier League. Steve Cooper's position is also analysed as well as Senior Writer Daniel Taylor taking a look at Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Adam Leventhal present a special report into the Kanjuruhan stadium disaster in Malang, Indonesia on October 1st. When a pitch invasion escalated, as tear gas was fired onto the pitch and into the stands by Police, several locked exits led to a crush and the death of 131 people. Adam later provides an update on the independent investigation into what happened, the government's response, FIFA's involvement and the search for justice which will feel all too familiar for many UK football fans. * Please be advised that this episode contains reporting that some people may find disturbing. 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 how have things turned out round so quickly at Arsenal & the role of manager Mikel Arteta and the increasing influence of technical director Edu. In contrast, our Liverpool writer James Pearce explains the challenges for Jurgen Klopp as he tries to turn things at Anfield. The Athletic Manchester United writer, Laurie Whitwell shares his thoughts on what he saw of Casemiro who was man of the match in victory over Everton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet 365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to preview the weekend's Premier League action, with a big focus on Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates. There's also a look at Erling Haaland's incredible run of form before getting stuck in to Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Manchester United and Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd. All this plus the meeting on Monday night of two managers under increasing pressure as Steven Gerrard takes his Aston Villa side to the City Ground to take on Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Phil Buckingham to look at ahead to preparations for the World Cup in Qatar in just 45 days time. Is the country ready for the influx of people from both an accommodation & security point of view? What do Qatari residents feel about the attention the World Cup has brought to their country and the scrutiny it has been under from those who have highlighted human rights and environmental abuses in the host nation. Also, what will the knock on effect be in the Premier League in terms of players returning to their clubs ahead of a busy Christmas schedule and just before the January transfer window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Senior Football Writer Oli Kay and Liverpool Reporter Andy Jones to analyse Liverpool's start to the new season. Whilst the European recovery continued at Anfield on Tuesday night, seeing off Rangers 2-0, the Reds remain 11 points off the pace in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's visit to league leaders Arsenal. We explore the on-pitch issues that have led to Jurgen Klopp's side struggling to build momentum this season as well as explore the off-pitch transition within the recruitment team. Having replaced Michael Edwards as Sporting Director in the summer, Julian Ward oversaw Mohamed Salah's contract extension, the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich as well as the potentially club-record arrival of Darwin Nunez, but have the Reds done enough in the transfer market to keep pace with Man City? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey and German Football expert Raphael Honigstein, to explore RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku's prospective move to Chelsea in the summer... Where he would fit in, the inevitable questions about 'Bundesliga tax', whose feathers will be ruffled in Potter's existing squad, a potential attacking duo of Nkunku and Lukaku and why the new owners have elected to pay over the odds now, rather than wait til next Spring. Plus, an assessment of his strengths, character, form and whether the next superstar to arrive in the Premier League from the Bundesliga, will ultimately turn out to be more Haaland or Werner? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein. They discuss Man City's demolition of United with The Athletic's Sam Lee with news on a new contract on the cards for Phil Foden. The Athletic's Wolves writer Steve Madeley tells has all the details as to why Bruno Lage was sacked and we hear how the influence of agent Jorge Mendes at the club who could be lined up as the Wolves manager. David also has news on Chelsea's pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Dan Barnes, Carl Anka & Roshane Thomas in conversation about Taking The Knee - the gesture was popularised ahead of games in England following the death of George Floyd in the USA. What purpose has taking the knee served? What if anything has changed? And why does it make some people so angry? What should happen next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth to get stuck in to a massive weekend of Premier League football, with the North London derby, the Manchester derby and a crunch encounter in the East Midlands between Leicester and Nottingham Forest the pick of the bunch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's data writer Maram AlBaharna & former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to explain the numbers and facts behind Granit Xhaka's journey to leading his side to the top of The Premier League having been close to leaving and the focus of fierce criticism in the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by Adam Leventhal and David Walker to talk about Watford's 17th head coach of the Pozzo era. On Monday this week in the space of 15 minutes, Watford announced the departure of Rob Edwards and the arrival of Slaven Bilic. It's not new but this time things felt different, and this time Watford fans are angry. Listen to get the inside story on how the club looks and to try to get inside the mind of Watford's trigger happy owner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay to reflect on Monday night's 3-3 draw at Wembley between England and Germany. It was a spirited comeback for Gareth Southgate's side but big question marks remain over the inclusion of Harry Maguire, whether Foden fits into this system, whether Bellingham has nailed down a starting berth, whether Saka should start, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly out in the cold, to name but a few. All these issues and more discussed, plus JPB and Oli pick their starting XIs for England's opening world cup encounter against Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Premier League legend Eric Cantona sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss a range of topics including his offer to become President of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, his thoughts on David Beckham's promotion of the World Cup in Qatar the possibility of World War and his connection with England. Eric also shares the inspiration behind that iconic goal celebration, that kick and why he is both humble & arrogant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth for a look ahead to a big weekend of international football which will feature significant tests for Gareth Southgate's England and Rob Page's Wales just two months out from the world cup. Will Southgate put his faith in Bellingham? Will out of form Maguire and Shaw retain their starting spots? Who takes the no.1 shirt in Pickford's absence? The international break also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Premier League, so the panel cast their eye on how the title race and relegation battles are shaping up after seven games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by commentator Robyn Cowen and author Dr Carrie Dunn to look ahead to a big weekend of WSL action where we will be treated to Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Everton, and Chelsea v Man City. We discuss why Manchester City has got itself into the state it has, why Manchester United were able to get ahead of Spurs, and what to expect from the big derby matches in the men's stadiums. All that plus a debate on the best kick off time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Rafa Honigstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & James Pearce to detail the battle between clubs such as Liverpool & Manchester United to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. Also we hear why, despite impressive performances in the Champions League, Bellingham isn't sure to start for England at this year's World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for an exclusive in-depth conversation on topics ranging from Bruno's mindset and attitude when on the pitch, his view of why life under Erik ten Hag started so badly, how it's turned around so quickly, how it feels to be handed the captain's armband, and his relationship with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. There's also fascinating insight from Fernandes on how he uses the referee as a reference for finding space on the pitch, his thoughts on what went wrong for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, why it didn't go well for Ralf Rangnick, and much more besides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the two sides to the Jack Grealish debate – and why they are both right. Andy Naylor explains how and why Brighton appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new manager. Nick Miller on the mounting pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper & Leciester City boss Brendan Rodgers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Jay Harris to look ahead to all seven games this weekend as the Premier League returns from a week off. There's a big game on Friday night between two promoted sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, can Forest pick up some points to match their promising performances of late, or will Mitrovic be too much for that leaky defence? There are question marks over Son's place in the Spurs team as they get set to take on Leicester, Brentford take on Arsenal with Ivan Toney looking to celebrate his England call-up with a big performance, and there's a big game for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa look to back up that point against Man City with a positive result at home to Southampton on Friday night All that plus Wolves v Man City, Everton v West Ham and Newcastle v Bournemouth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein & Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Robert Lewandowski; the reasons he left Bayern Munich & what he offers Barcelona. Also, how do the Barcelona & Bayern Munich compare off the pitch and which club is the greater attraction for elite players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Spurs and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to talk about Marcus Edwards; the 23-year-old English forward lining up against his former club Spurs in the Champions League... Plus, tactics writer Michael Cox is on hand to assess whether Christophe Galtier's PSG are any more balanced than in previous years, as well as, Neymar's imperious form less than two months from the start of the Qatar World Cup. Senior Writer Oli Kay also joins to discuss some fascinating parallels between Klopp's current floundering Liverpool and Arigo Sacchi's great AC Milan side of the late 80s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle & Matt Slater to detail how AC Milan was turned around both on and off the pitch, and tell you all you need to know about their new owners RedBird Capital - including their links with the New York Yankees, Drake & Lebron James - and hear about out their plans and challenges for AC Milan in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A day on from Chelsea's sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to analyse how things turned sour at Stamford Bridge. And with Graham Potter's arrival close to confirmation, we ask why the new Chelsea ownership regard him as the key man for the Blue's next decade. Plus, what next for Tuchel - and how do Brighton prepare for life after Potter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel after a string of disappointing results and performances at the start of the new season. Join Mark Chapman, David Ornstein and Liam Twomey as they discuss why tensions have been increasing since the US tour, what this might mean for new boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and which manager they could to turn to next. [This episode of the Athletic Football Podcast was originally broadcast as a live stream] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Pol Ballus to put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deadline day return to the Premier League under the spotlight... Where does the 33-year-old goalscorer fit in, six years on from being coached by Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, and how will his arrival impact Sterling, Havertz & Mount? Xavi's reluctance to sell at Barcelona, Auba's status at London-rivals Arsenal and a case of some unfinished business in the Premier League. Plus more on Todd Boehly's first transfer window since the Chelsea takeover and the shared desperation/chaos/bad-planning that kept drawing Barcelona and Chelsea together throughout the summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Naylor to explain how Graham Potter’s Brighton sold their best players and improved. Alongside him, our Leicester writer Rob Tanner tells us why Brendan Rodgers is safe for now but is on thin ice. Elsewhere, with Diego Costa set for a medical at Wolves, we hear what if anything he has left in the tank from The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Jack Land & Wolves writer Steve Madeley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers for a look at the pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend, there's the Merseyside derby on Saturday lunchtime which should feature the returning Darwin Nunez, and could see new signings debut for both teams. Chelsea made a late move for Aubameyang, will he come straight in against West Ham and make an impact? Plus there's a look at Aston Villa v Manchester City, a daunting prospect for under pressure Steven Gerrard. All that plus Man United v Arsenal, and the increasingly beleaguered Brendan Rodgers takes his Leicester side to high flying Brighton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Matt Slater and Phil Buckingham join Mark Chapman to look at a transfer window where the Premier League blew its European competition out the spending waters. So much so that players are choosing to come to England rather than stay at their clubs and compete in Europe's elite competition: the Champions League. The how and why of that is explained here. Plus there's a discussion on the Super League, what forms it could take should Europe want to compete with the Premier League, and whether we prefer juggernauts doing well but don't want to admit it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Ahmed Shooble & Peter Rutzler for a deep dive into why Bournemouth sacked Scott Parker as manager. Details include the relationship between Parker & the players, his relationship with the board and ownership, what happened inside the club in the after the nine nil battering by Liverpool and of course what who will take over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jack Pitt-Brooke to explore the myriad of events which led to Dele Alli making his Besiktas debut last night at just 26 years old... The panel reflect on a meteoric rise, their first impressions of a totally self-confident phenomenon who quickly became a symbol of both Pochettino's top-table party-crashers and England's new generation. Was Dele failed by a succession of coaches, is he a player born in the wrong era tactically, or even a victim of the gaps in his own footballing education such was the speed of his rise to the top? Plus, did anyone think the Everton loan would work out and do we need to challenge the narrative of what success actually looks like for Alli? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Adam Crafton for a comprehensive roundup of the Premier League transfer picture ahead of Thursday's deadline. There's the latest on Antony to Man Utd and the future of Ronaldo, plus Chelsea's deal for Wesley Fofana and news of a possible u-turn in their pursuit of Aubameyang. We also look at the potential ins and outs at Everton as they strive to keep hold of Anthony Gordon amidst continued interest from Chelsea. All that plus mention of potential activity at Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, West Ham, Newcastle, Arsenal, Tottenham, Leeds, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa as we prepare for the conclusion of what has already been a record breaking summer window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell, George Elek, and Tim Spiers gather once again to preview the biggest Premier League fixtures. Coming up, can Manchester United get two wins in a week? Will Liverpool be pulled apart by the Cherries? And could Fulham be the first to put a spanner in the Arsenal armoury? All that plus some insight into Newcastle's potential new striker Alexander Isak and the striker with a pirate celebration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay and tactics writer Ahmed Walid for an in-depth look at how Jesse Marsch's has put his stamp on things at Elland Road, and how that has helped the club and its fans to move on from the Marcelo Bielsa era. We look at his soft approach off the pitch, his aggressive tactics on the pitch, his renewed focus on set-pieces and the abandonment of the high-risk man-to-man system used by Bielsa. There's also a look at how the new signings like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are the perfect fits for Marsch's system and how he's reinvigorated the likes of the Premier League's leading goalscorer Rodrigo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Nancy Frostick of The Athletic and EFL goal centurion Sam Parkin to bring you up to date on the story lines from across tiers two to four. Covering everything from Coventry's dodgy pitch, to Preston's clean sheets, to the manager inspired by Hansi Flick to the coaches Manchester United have waved goodbye to. It's all here in this whip around the lower divisions. All that plus Watford's transfers, Wigan and Rotherham's unbeaten records, and the first sacking of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell, News correspondent Dan Sheldon and Liverpool writer Simon Hughes (somewhat more reluctantly), to reflect on all the drama from Monday night's game at Old Trafford... The panel discuss the anti-Glazer protests, how Erik ten Hag's big decisions paid off, while Jurgen Klopp's backfired and what it all meant for the respective futures of the likes of Ronaldo, Alexander-Arnold and more... Plus, an update on United's pursuit of Ajax's Antony and PSV's Cody Gakpo, as well as, why Liverpool may need midfield reinforcements more than the manager is prepared to admit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and our Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to reflect on Sunday's chastening defeat at Elland Road for Tuchel's side, and bring you insight on whether this result will hasten Chelsea's transfer pursuit for the likes of Aubameyang, Fofana, Anthony Gordon and even Frenkie De Jong. We're also joined by the Athletic's Manchester United writer Carl Anka as Casemiro is set to be the latest big-money star signing to arrive at Old Trafford, but will he be the difference maker that they so badly need? Plus there's a look at Man Utd's continued interest in Brazilian winger Antony, after he was left out of Ajax's fixture at the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell, Tim Spiers and George Elek preview the best of the weekend's Premier League action starting with the huge game at Old Trafford on Monday night as Manchester United take on Liverpool - will another humiliating defeat prove a tipping point for the disgruntled United fans? Does Liverpool's lengthy injury list give Utd a glimmer of hope? Can Jurgen Klopp's side afford to drop more points this early on? Plus there's a look at Spurs v Wolves, Bournemouth v Arsenal, Leeds v Chelsea, and Newcastle v Manchester City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Pablo Maurer sits down for an interview with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney about their ownership of Wrexham football club - and their new documentary charting the experience. To set the scene, Pablo is joined by Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Nick Miller to discuss the rise of sports documentaries and why football clubs & footballers want to peel back the curtain in the first place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Mark Chapman this week it's Newcastle's "Pope of Mope" George Caulkin and senior writer Oli Kay to answer the question: "Why aren't Newcastle doing the thing we expected them to do?" ie spend tonnes of money. To answer that question and get an insight into the running of this rejuvenated football this is the podcast for you. Hear about comparisons with Chelsea, City, and Everton and why this is such a different situation to those clubs. There's also a look into a matchday at St James' Park including something significant on cheese. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Southampton writer Jacob Tanswell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes, to explore the huge gamble the club's new owners are taking on young talent - despite mounting concerns over Premier League relegation and manager Ralph Hasenhutll's job...  The panel detail and discuss the new profile of player being targeted by the club and why new Head of Recruitment, Joe Shields, is the right man for the right time. Plus, what it's like to actually play for Hasenhuttl, why a tactical shift has dented his popularity among supporters and what the last few years have done to his once glowing reputation on the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jay Harris - who were both at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday - to explain how Brentford blew Manchester United away. Hear details from both clubs as to how they prepared and the fallout out behind-the-scenes at United featuring a an extra running session , strained relations and Ten Hag changing his mind on Ronaldo. We also get a report from The Athletic's Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan as he left Camp Nou on Saturday after Barcelona’s frantic week to register their new signings for their season opener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell, Tim Spiers and George Elek preview the best of the weekend's Premier League action as Gerrard prepares to take on Lampard. Is Stevie G missing Mick Beale? Do Chelsea have everything to lose against Spurs? And will somebody hit 40 goals in the Premier League this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by Jack Pitt Brooke and James Horncastle to discuss the peculiarly sensible transfer dealings of Tottenham Hotspur and what has caused Daniel Levy to rip up his playbook. In the pod hear about the triumvirate of Levy-Conte-Paratici and how the Italian duo have influenced Levy for this transfer window. James tells us about Conte and Paratici's history at Juventus and the developing relationship Spurs are forming with Serie A. Whilst Jack gives insight on why exactly the stadium is also key to Spurs' development - and why in particular Lady Gaga is an aid to it all too. All that plus a little bit on United - because it wouldn't be The Athletic Football Podcast without it would it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Joey D’Urso to discuss the news that FIFA is set to move the start date of the World Cup one day earlier so that host nation Qatar can play the first match. The panel discuss why the decision is only being take now, the current state of preparations for the World Cup in Qatar and also what the fan experience might be like for supporters given the countries' human rights record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Leicester writer Rob Tanner and Stuart James, to explore Leicester's bemusing inactivity in this summer's transfer window so far... The reality behind the widespread statistic that the Foxes remain the only top-flight European side yet to make a summer signing, Brendan Rodgers' frustrations and Chelsea's very public pursuit of Wesley Fofana. Plus, the panel explore the smaller margin for error in the transfer market, for Premier League clubs like Leicester, their recruitment strategy, hope yet for Boubakary Soumare, Maddison and Tielemans' futures and what would constitute success this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss Manchester United's pursuit of Adrien Rabiot from Juventus & Marko Arnautovic from Bologna.. David exclusively reveals a huge story from his weekly column that Barcelona told Frenkie de Jong that they have evidence of criminality around contract given by old board and cause for legal action vs all involved. We are also joined by our Aston Villa writer Gregg Evans after a disappointing start to the season for Steven Gerrard - will he get to spend the money from the sale of Carney Chukwuemeka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers for the first preview show of the season, and on the eve of another Premier League campaign they start by looking at the big narratives that may define the 9 months ahead. Are we set for another two-horse title race between Man City and Liverpool? Can any of the chasing pack close the gap and could that team be Antonio Conte's Tottenham? Could Newcastle barge their way in to the big six and make it seven? Plus there's a look at the relegation candidates, how we expect new boys Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest to fare, and with things seemingly not being well at Leicester could Brendan Rodgers be a surprise candidate for first manager to be sacked? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Pol Ballus to explain the story of Barcelona's summer transfer window... How exactly returning President Joan Laporta 'rescued' the Catalan giants from being 'clinically dead', why in-demand stars like Raphinha and Kounde chose Barca over Premier League rivals and how on earth they got themselves into this mess - dating all the way back to the aftermath of Neymar's transfer to PSG. Plus, more on 'Operation Salida' and whether any of their new recruits will be registered in time for the first game of the new La Liga season, Bernardo Silva interest, Frenkie de Jong's choices, why Real Madrid actually need a competitive rival and if there is any chance of a Lionel Messi comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving & The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur reflect on EURO 2022 as the Lionesses clinched their first ever major trophy - we hear from wonder goal scorer Ella Toone. We’ll also squeeze in an update on Ronaldo after his return in a red shirt at Old Trafford - where he was watched by The Athletic’s Carl Anka. Plus David Ornstein is here with a transfer update. Chelsea fans - he may have some good news.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kait Borsay, Jen O'Neill, Tim Stillman, The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur, Lynsey Hooper and a host of other voices at Wembley try to process what just happened as England are crowned European Champions. Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway, Mary Earps and Rachel Daly tell us how it felt to win it against Germany. Plus we get the reaction from past Lionesses Katie Chapman, Karen Bardsley, Kerry Davis and Julie Fletcher. German journalist Tamara Keller assess whether Germany deserved the defeat. After analysing the final we look ahead to how this home victory could change the women's game for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by a host of The Athletic's EFL writers, including Burnley correspondent Andy Jones, West Brom writer Elias Burke and staff writer Nick Miller, to preview the start of the 2022/23 EFL season... The panel discuss Vincent Kompany's big rebuild at Turf Moor, why Hull City are sure to entertain this season, if Sunderland could make a surprise run at the Championship play-offs, as well as who Derby will contend with for automatic promotion from League One. Plus, the Chris Wilder Factor at Boro and why Scott Twine, Jack Rudoni & Grady Diangana are just a few of the one's to watch this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kait Borsay, Faye White and Carrie Dunn try to keep giddiness at bay as England sweep aside Sweden to reach the Euro 22 final. The Lionesses hammer Sweden 4-0 at Bramall Lane on a night where dreams come true, a night full of unforgettable moments. The Russo goal, the Williamson performance and winger Beth Mead showing she’s up there with the best strikers in the world. Are Sarina’s side destined to face Germany in the final? Tamara Keller gives us the lowdown on Magul, Popp and co ahead of their semi-final with France. And we revisit England’s two previous Euro final appearances. The quagmire of 1984 and Faye’s class of 2009. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Flo Lloyd-Hughes to look ahead to England's EURO 2022 semi final and the form & fitness ofLucy Bronze - why is not shining as brightly as she once did – is that to be expected? Paul Taylor brings details of Jesse Lingard's move to Nottingham Forest; his social influence and how a seafood restaurant in Athens helped swing the deal. And our Chelsea writer Simon Johnson gives his reaction to Thomas Tuchel's comments questioning the the club’s transfer activity & his players' commitment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

England legend Kelly Smith and She Kicks Editor Jen O’Neill join Kelly Somers to digest England and Spain’s rollercoaster of a quarter-final. How did England turn it around? And is this the best England side we've seen? From Brighton Lynsey Hooper brings us Lucy Bronze and Sarina Wiegman's reaction. Spanish journalist Bea Redondo reflects on what Spain could have done better. Plus we look ahead to the next quarter-final, Germany v Austria, with Tom Middler in Vienna. RUNNING ORDER PART 1 - So much adrenaline. How will we sleep? (1.00) PART 2 - England 2 - 1 Spain with Lynsey Hooper and Bea Redondo (4.00) PART 3 - Coming up… Germany v Austria with Tom Middler (28.00) Producer: Sophie Penney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's South American football expert Jack Lang, tactics writer Michael Cox and Spurs & England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke, to reflect on three big summer transfers for a new kind of Brazilian superstar... The panel reflect on some of the true Brazilian greats of the last 25 years, discuss why great entertainers like Ronaldinho and Neymar never signed for a Premier League club and if the 'Joga Bonito' spirit clashes with modern day Premier League tactical systems. Plus, ahead of the winter World Cup, who has taken the biggest risk by moving to Arsenal, Spurs and Barcelona respectively and what chance do Tite's Selecao have in Qatar this winter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's David Ornstein shares transfer lines on players including Armando Broja Oleksandr Zinchenko & Youri Tielemans There is an exclusive from Adam Crafton featuring and interview with the CEO of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk & Chris Waugh has the latest from Newcastle’s tour of Austria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Pablo Maurer, fresh from his interview with the new DC United manager... It's Wayne Rooney! Senior Writer Oli Kay joins in as the panel reflect on his playing days stateside, a 'baptism of fire' at Derby County last season, how Wayne appears to be carefully plotting his route to some of the 'big Premier League jobs' and what Rooney: The Manager - is really like. You'll also hear from Wayne Rooney himself throughout the podcast, as well as from Elias Burke, Derby Correspondent for The Athletic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special bonus episode of The Atheltic's Woman's Football pod with all the reaction to an historic night for English football. Ex-England player Gemma Davison joins Kait Borsay and ex-Sunderland player turned She Kicks Magazine Editor Jen O’Neill to digest England’s epic 8-0 win over Norway in the Euros group stage. To keep right up to date with the Lionesses throughout the tournament and beyond, search 'The Athletic Women's Football Podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving Coming up today we attempt to unravel the tangled web of Manchester United’s chase for Frenkie de Jong. from Barcelona. We get the perspective from all sides with The Athletic's Pol Ballús & Laurie Whitwell. Barcelona finances will dominate the pod and Phil Hay will join us to talk about their improving chances of spending some money on Leeds forward Raphinha. Look away Chelsea fans. Plus, Charlie Eccleshare gives us an update from Tottenham’s tour of Korea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and football news reporter Dan Sheldon, to reflect on England's U19 Euro's win... for the second time in just five years! So, what's the secret to all their recent success at youth level, who is head coach Ian Foster, how did both Mason Mount and Steve Holland play a vital part and have we got any better at protecting and nurturing young English talent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Euros are off and underway and you can follow it all over on The Athletic Women's Football Podcast. But for now, here's a taster of what to expect. A bonus podcast episode will drop on this feed on Friday morning but to keep right up to date with the Lionesses throughout the tournament and beyond, search 'The Athletic Women's Football Podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving us joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Laurie Whitwell to discuss the news that that Cristiano Ronaldo has told Manchester United he wants to leave if the right offer comes in for him and that Chelsea are considering a move. We also have an exclusive from David Ornstein on the news that Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to join United. We also hear part of Adam Crafton’s interview with Monaco Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who has admitted he wants to return to the Premier League at some point in the future amid continued links with top-flight clubs in England including Manchester United Then our Liverpool writer James Pearce with all the details of Mohamad Salah’s new Liverpool contract that could see him earn close to £400,000 a week And our Women’s football Correspondent Charlotte Harpur will help us preview the European Championships that start in England on Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Dominic Fifield and Laurie Whitwell to reflect on the 2002 World Cup in South Korea & Japan, twenty years on this week... Uri Geller's bizarre effort to repair Beckham's broken metatarsal on live TV, Rivaldo's histrionics, Rustu's war-paint, South-Korean spirit, Roy Keane's civil war and whether or not Ronaldinho actually meant to catch Seaman out from that far away. Plus, Mr Football Cliches, Adam Hurrey's own personal Top 5 moments, what happened when George Caulkin got caught in a lift with R9, if James Horncastle (and the rest of Italy) has finally forgiven referee Byron Moreno and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving & The Athletic's Adam Crafton discuss stories including Arsenal agreeing terms with Manchester City to sign Gabriel Jesus. They are joined by Correspondent James McNicholas to explain what the deal means and our Investigations Writer Joey D'Urso on his piece that looks at the impact & fallout of Arsenal's Visit Rwanda sponsorship. Dom Fifield talks about the news that Petr Cech has left his role as Chelsea technical advisor and reports that owner Todd Boehly met with super agent Jorge Mendes with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future on the agenda - amongst other things of course. Then Matt Slater will be with us to tell us what he learned from his trip to Switzerland to watch the two men who used to run football stand trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's senior writer Dom Fifield and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke, join host Ian Irving to discuss the impact of a winter World Cup on this summer's transfer window... Why Premier League stars like Gabriel Jesus, Marcus Rashford, Conor Gallagher and countless others might be inclined to 'side-step' or even stay put before November's curtain-raiser in Qatar? The 'unique opportunity' for heads of recruitment to get creative in the loans market and what free-agent Gareth Bale might do next. Plus, the panel also discuss Chelsea Director Marina Granovskaia's exit and the news that co-owner Todd Boehly will fill the role himself on an interim basis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Manchester City writer Sam Lee & Chelsea writer Simon Johnson to discuss Chelsea's interest in signing Manchester City & England forward Raheem Sterling. We learn how Chelsea's confidence in capturing Sterling has grown, why City are open to letting Sterling leave this summer & consider whether this could see a new trend in the Premier League's top clubs selling players to domestic rivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's England and Spurs reporter Jack Pitt-Brooke to reflect on a historically bad evening for Gareth Southgate's England against Hungary - Is his relationship with the supporters now broken? David Ornstein is on hand for a mid-week transfer window round-up with Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, Man United's offer to free-agent Christian Eriksen and Spurs' surprisingly ambitious approach to the market, all on the agenda - Could Conte's Tottenham actually be the biggest threat to both Liverpool and City next season? Plus, Everton writer Greg O'Keeffe details how a consortium led by former United and Chelsea Chief Executive, Peter Kenyon, have proposed a shock takeover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to detail Liverpool's move for Darwin Nunez plus other transfer lines involving Manchester United, Tottenham on the day Manchester City announce Erling Haaland signing. Also what next for Mauricio Pochettino as he agrees to leave his managerial role at PSG. And our Italian football writer James Horncastle joins the pod to discuss his brilliant piece on the redemption of AC Milan.. With maybe a lesson or two in there for some top English clubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Troy Townsend, head of development at Kick It Out, sits down with Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas to discuss the death of his son Kurtis in a car accident in 2001 and how he and his family coped with the tragedy. Troy is father to six children, including Kurtis and current Everton midfielder Andros, and in this conversation he speaks honestly and emotionally about his relationships with them, and how over twenty years later he is still learning to deal with grief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2016 former Tottenham, Liverpool and England midfielder Paul Stewart made the decision to open up about the sexual abuse he suffered from a youth-team coach when he was a young footballer. For more than 40 years, Paul had done whatever he could to suppress or even erase the thoughts and images that haunted him. In this episode, Paul discusses how it has impacted his life and how he's trying to prevent it happening again. Before you begin this podcast we want to let you know that this episode contains detailed discussion of child sexual abuse and trauma. If you’re a victim of sexual abuse of or have been affected by it and would like to talk to someone confidentially you can call 0808 800 5000, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic Football Podcast will return on Monday 13th June, but in the meantime we wanted to give you a taste of our new series 'The Moment with Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas' Kelly and Geoff are joined by Gary Lineker who opens up about his son George's battle with leukaemia as a very young baby, as he reflects upon those days spent with George in hospital in 1992 and the lasting impact they made. Check out the rest of the series, including interviews with Troy Townsend, Luke Chadwick and more, by searching for ‘The Moment’ in your usual podcast provider Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Oliver Kay to reflect on the chaotic scenes which delayed the start of the Champions League final. We hear first hand accounts from fans who travelled to Paris and were caught up in distressing situations. Meanwhile the panel discuss the news that Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is expected to leave Liverpool this summer & Manchester United have announced Ralf Rangnick will not be staying at Old Trafford as a consultant despite his previous agreement with the club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid... Do Madrid dare lose this following Mbappe's public rejection? And if Liverpool were to fail, does a season which at one point looked truly historic, become forgettable? Is Mo Salah is really out for some 2018 revenge, why Liverpool's left flank will decide this match and we'll hear from Michael Owen - who sat down with The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce earlier this week - to talk about the number 9s: Sadio Mane & Karim Benzema. Later, our trio cast their minds ahead to the start of the next Premier League season and make some early (bold) predictions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater host a roundtable on the reasons and ramifications of La Liga filing a complaint to UEFA, the French administrative courts and the European Union over Kylian Mbappe's decision to renew his contract at Paris Saint-Germain despite Real’s attempts to sign him. Their guests are Christian Nourry Managing Partner at RETEXO a sports analytics firm that uses data to match owners to prospective football clubs & works with clubs to market their players more effectively to clubs seeking players with similar characteristics plus David Diaz, a partner at Baker McKenzie Madrid who has extensive experience in sports law in football. He regularly advises Spanish and foreign clubs on the legal aspects of their operations. He also has extensive experience in advising foreign investors with a potential interest in the game. The panel also touch on the takeover of Chelsea - is it a deal that makes financial sense?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Adam Crafton and Dermot Corrigan of The Athletic, as well as, French football writer Tom Williams, to analyse the wider impact of Kylian Mbappe's decision to stay at PSG... The panel detail the eye-watering finer points of Mbappe's new contract, explore Madrid President Florentino Perez' "obsession" with the Frenchman and the state of La Liga, having missed also missed out on Erling Haaland to another 'new money' club in Manchester City. Plus, is it a good idea for Mbappe to have power over big club decisions, who Real Madrid could turn their attention to next and if their Champions League final against Liverpool this weekend just became crucial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Sam Lee to discuss City's title triumph and imagine what the mood would have been like had they lost out on the title to Liverpool. Coming up later in the pod we’ll hear how PSG kept hold of Kylian Mbappe, why City moving for Erling Haaland early means they didn't face competition from Real Madrid who will no doubt look to react in the transfer market. And Phil Hay will join us - in a much better mood than last week - after Leeds United managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League after a terrible season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal hosts a special live show, recorded shortly after the final whistle on Sunday, and is joined by various club writers to reflect on the big stories from the final day of the Premier League season... James Pearce, Caoimhe O'Neill and Sam Lee discuss the conclusion of a dramatic title race. Amy Lawrence reflects on Arsenal's 'progress', while Andy Jones explains Burnley's financial fears following their relegation. Plus, Carl Anka on why the 'PL Young Player of the Year' award isn't fit for purpose and data analytics writer Mark Carey on some of the statistical over and under achievers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to discuss if Gerrard's Merseyside connections are a genuine source of hope for Liverpool's slim Premier League title chances... Plus, why City feel like the footballing world is against them, how Leeds may live to regret those chants about Thomas Frank and why Spurs with Champions League football AND Antonio Conte at the helm, will mean business next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Rangers reporter Jordan Campbell to preview an historic night in Rangers Football Club history, as they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt in Wednesday night's Europa League Final... Their journey to a first European final in 14 years, the transition from Steven Gerrard's league Champions to a 'bolder' European outfit under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, zero-to-hero John Lundstram and an inspiring letter from captain James Tavernier's mother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up the focus is on Leeds United’s who are now outside of the Premier League relegation zone but rivals Burnley & Everton both have games in hand before they all play their last game this weekend - will they be able to keep hold of star players even if they avoid relegation? Then a little later in the pod Greg Evans will tell us how Aston Villa held firm to sign Philippe Coutinho   And we’ll talk Adam Leventhal will be with us to talk about Watford’s new boss Rob Edwards who will have plenty of work to do after relegation to the Championship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet356's Steve Freeth to reflect on a dramatic night in North London as the race for the Top 4 between Arsenal and Spurs goes on... Did Conte show Arteta who's boss or was another hotly anticipated Premier League contest, spoilt by the officials? Plus, a rare FA Cup final meeting between two of the top three sides in the league awaits, more on Ryan Sessegnon's development under Antonio Conte, why Joey Barton may soon be back in the Premier League and what is Declan Rice actually worth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Lord Jim O’Neill, about his role leading the Red Knights campaign in 2010 - an attempt to prise Manchester United from the Glazer family's control a decade ago. Jim also shares details of his time as non-executive director of Manchester United before it returned to private ownership in 2005. Plus we hear his thoughts on the sale of Chelsea and what that could mean in terms of the value of other clubs including Manchester United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's City correspondent Sam Lee, plus German football reporter Kit Holden and data analytics writer Mark Carey - to explore every aspect of Erling Haaland to Manchester City... From his link-up play to his injury record, his public desire to play for Real Madrid and assurances over Guardiola's future. Plus, the "myth" about Pep and big egos in the dressing room, how City won the race for his signature, if Bellingham could follow Haaland out of Dortmund this summer & what other business Man City could still do in this summer's transfer window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to detail two huge stories about the futures of two of world football's biggest names Erling Haaland & Paul Pogba. Coming up a little later in the pod we’ll discuss Antonio Conte’s future at Spurs ahead of a huge North London derby against Arsenal this week. And we’ll speak to our Italian football writer James Horncastle about the two Milan teams battling for the Serie A tile race and get his assessment of Tammy Abraham's first year at Roma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another exciting Premier League weekend... The panel assess the wreckage from Man City's late-late Champions League exit, explore how Luis Diaz would have fit in at Spurs and why all Bielsa's good work at Leeds is under threat if they're relegated this season. Plus, Arsenal's various goal threats, which strikers Newcastle could look to bring in this summer and George admits Don Carlo Ancelotti has proven him wrong again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater discuss reports that UEFA are thinking about scrapping the two-legged Champions League semi-finals that we are all enjoying at the moment. Is it too cynical to think any discussions about doing this would come down to money?! Joining us is Ricardo Fort, who for over 25 years experience in the sports industry leading the Global Sponsorship teams of Visa and The Coca-Cola Company, Ricardo launched Sport by Fort Consulting to help sponsors, leagues, investors and athletes successfully invest in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Leeds writer Phil Hay, Burnley correspondent Andy Jones and Everton reporter Patrick Boyland to find out how each of these three clubs found themselves fighting for their Premier League lives... Plus, will Mike Jackson get a shot at succeeding Sean Dyche permanently given his impact, what are the financial consequences of relegation for clubs the size of both Everton and Leeds and which players are key to their chances of staying up this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to take us inside two big stories he broke in the last week; Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp's signing a contract extension & Matt Judge leaving his role as Manchester United’s director of football negotiations. Patrick Boyland joins us on Everton, following that manic win against Chelsea that’s breathed new life and belief into their battle to stay in the Premier League. Meanwhile their former boss Carlo Ancelotti has just become the first manager to win the title in all of Europe’s top 5 leagues, we’ll get the latest from Madrid ahead of their huge Champions League semi-final against Manchester City. The Athletic's Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan will bring the detail from Madrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview what promises to be another hugely exciting weekend of Premier League football... Big games for Liverpool away at Newcastle and Man City away at Leeds, with both matches coming in the middle of high-pressure Champions League semi-finals will this be the weekend one of them slips up in the title race? The race for the top 4 continues to intrigue with Arsenal the latest team in possession of the 4th spot, they visit an injury-hit West Ham on Sunday while misfiring Spurs look to get back on track against a potentially distracted Leicester side who may have next week's second leg at Roma on their minds Plus, there's a massive game at Goodison Park as Everton take on Chelsea, will Frank Lampard's former side push him even closer to relegation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater focus on the financial impact of promotion and relegation on men’s professional clubs in the English football pyramid. Guest include Julian Tagg president of Exeter City who this week secured promotion to League One - two leagues below the Premier League - after a decade in League Two & Mark Ives who is The National League’s general manager, the fifth tier of English football where former Premier League side Oldham Athletic will be playing next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey joins Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes to discuss a club who find themselves at a crossroads. Liam looks at the impact of Antonio Rudiger's imminent departure from Chelsea. How will his departure, and that of fellow defender Andreas Christensen, impact the club as they go into the summer transfer window under new ownership. They discuss the importance of the club's academy and its young stars ahead of the new era. And what will Thomas Tuchel do with Romelu Lukaku this summer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Sam Lee to detail the story that Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in the summer transfer window. Simon Hughes will be with us to discuss the Merseyside derby and the gulf between Liverpool and Everton on and off the pitch. And despite winning a tenth title in a row at the weekend, Kit Holden will tell us why it hasn’t been a great season for Bayern Munich and why there future of star players like Robert Lewandowski is uncertain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview what promises to be another hugely exciting weekend of Premier League football... Can Man United bounce back away at Arsenal, buoyed by the announcement that Erik ten Hag will become the new manager this summer? Will title-chasing Liverpool drive city rivals Everton into the bottom three and could Brentford's Christian Eriksen cost Conte's Spurs more ground in the race for Top 4? Plus, how good Thiago is at not getting booked, why Chelsea are so bad at home and why Leeds were right to hire Jesse Marsch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by a host of The Athletic's finest to discuss the fall-out from two fascinating midweek Premier League games; as Arsenal stunned Chelsea to preserve their Top 4 hopes and Manchester United hit rock bottom at Anfield... First, Art de Roche joins the panel to talk about the true value of a squad player like Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah's Arsenal future and why the Gunner's inability to dominate games makes it impossible to predict where they'll finish the season. Then, both Caoimhe O'Neill and Laurie Whitwell help to reflect on Erik ten Hag's appointment at Manchester United, how the gulf between the two historic rivals has grown and why some neutrals are even starting to feel sorry for Rangnick's side! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater speak to Dariusz [Darius] Mioduski Owner and President of Polish team Legia Warsaw and Vice-Chairman of the European Club Association about a range of topics including; how reforms to the Champions League were negotiated and how they work, making European football more competitive & what financial fair play really means for clubs across Europe. Matt also brings an update on the shape of the final three bids to purchase Chelsea from Roman Abramovich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Andy Jones to detail the day that Sean Dyche was sacked as manager of Burnley and what could happen next. Later in the pod we’ll discuss Arsenal’s chances of making the top four with James McNicholas and George Caulkin will be with us to talk about Newcastle United feeling at home again at St. James' Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview Man City v Liverpool: Round 2... Have the odds swung in Liverpool's favour after their respective Champions League exploits? Similarly, are Spurs now in total control of the race for Top 4 or can Brighton and someone like Enock Mwepu do the double in North London? Plus, whether Vieira has a plan for crestfallen Chelsea after their cruel Champions League exit and The Athletic's George Caulkin explains what it's been like to support Newcastle, six months on from the takeover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Tottenham writer, Charlie Eccleshare, to assess Antonio Conte's short reign at Spurs and the complete overhaul in both the results and general atmosphere at the North London club... The trio explore how differently the business the club conducted in January was perceived at the time, how Conte's 'Mourinho-like' outbursts almost derailed the project before it had even begun, Kane's rejuvenation, why making the Top 4 this season is more important to Tottenham than their rivals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Carl Anka to react to the news David broke on Tuesday evening that Erik ten Hag has agreed a deal in principle to become the next permanent Manchester United manager. There's discussion of the scale of the task facing ten Hag, his suitability for the role, how much say in incomings and outgoings he will likely have, and how he will fit into the existing footballing hierarchy at Old Trafford. We also a look at where this leaves Mauricio Pochettino, who for a long time was thought to be the manager many inside and outside the club wanted to take over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal is joined by Adam Crafton and Oli Kay to reflect on a massive weekend in the Premier League that saw Liverpool and Man City both walk away in good spirits after their pulsating 2-2 draw at the Etihad, The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee and our Liverpool writer James Pearce give us the take from both sides of the title race. We're also joined by The Athletic's Tottenham correspondent Charlie Eccleshare to look at the quest for Champions League football as Spurs have moved into pole position in the space of a week following their win at Aston Villa and Arsenal's slump at home to Brighton, and that's before we even mention Manchester United's defeat at Everton - which we do! Finally we turn our attention to the relegation battle and speak to The Athletic's Burnley writer Andy Jones who gives us the mood from Turf Moor after the Clarets' week of highs and lows as they followed up that massive win over Everton with a dismal defeat to Norwich at Carrow Road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the BIG ONE: Manchester City vs Liverpool... Does Sunday's winner go on to lift the Premier League trophy in May, will Salah rediscover his goalscoring touch at the Etihad and who plays on the left in our combined XI? Plus, the trio assess Everton's demise, with relegation for the first time in 68 years looking increasingly likely, whether Erik ten Hag is the answer at Old Trafford, as well as, why it is fair to expect a busy summer at Villa Park and why it's 'advantage Spurs' in the race for Top 4. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Matt Slater has a double helping of football business for you - looking at the ongoing debate around the future of the Champions League in the wake of Nasser Al-Khelaifi's suggestion that it needs to be more like the Super Bowl, and we also delve into the Championship to examine the ever-growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots as parachute payments continue to wreak havoc with competitive balance. Our guests today are sponsorship and marketing expert Tim Crow & football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Crystal Palace correspondent to assess how Patrick Vieira has totally transformed the South Londoners, hours after arguably the best performance of the season - beating Arsenal 3-0 on Monday night... Then, Lauren Cochrane, Senior Fashion Writer for The Guardian, the undeniably fashionable Carl Anka & former City defender Nedum Onuoha join in, to explore football's curious relationship with fashion. From Beckham's sarong & Rapinoe's suits to Jack Grealish's seven-figure Gucci endorsement deal - Is there more to it than the dressing room developing a dress-sense? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and our Brentford correspondent Jay Harris to reflect on the remarkable victory for Thomas Frank's side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, including a look at whether they can hope to keep hold of Christian Eriksen and how if things were slightly different Thomas Tuchel could have been in the Brentford dugout. Adam has been talking to PSG president and chairman of the European Clubs Association Nasser Al-Khelaifi about his views on how the Champions League can grow and be modernised in comparison with mega events like the Super Bowl. We're also joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater who has returned from Doha after last week's World Cup draw and found that Qatar was in much punchier mood than usual when it came to questions of their human rights record and suitability to host the tournament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview Liverpool's early opportunity to go top of the Premier League table... Plus, Maguire's move from Leicester to Manchester United revisited, Vieira's induction into the PL Hall of Fame, whether Marcus Rashford would benefit from a move to Arsenal and if David Moyes should be crowned manager of the season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined from Doha by The Athletic's Matt Slater ahead of the draw for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The theme of today’s podcast will be the criticism over the decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar because of concerns over the country's human rights record. Guests include Jonas Baer-Hoffmann is General Secretary of FIFPRO the global football players union & Wenzel Michalski a director at Human Rights Watch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss Manchester United’s recruitment plans for the summer. Our Italian football writer James Horncastle will join us from Portugal, where he was meant to be covering Italy in the World Cup play off final.. And Liam Twomey will join us to discuss the contenders shortlisted to become the new owners of Chelsea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's England reporter Jack Pitt-Brooke and Investigations writer, Matt Slater, to preview the World Cup draw and assess England's chances at the winter tournament... Qatar's ability to accommodate travelling supporters, Bale's international form, Foden's best position, Italy's misery and more... Plus, the guys check in with The Athletic's newsroom across the Atlantic to see how Canada and USA are preparing for the last tournament before hosting the World Cup in 2026 and Carl Anka enlightens us on a historic grudge match playing itself out over two legs in Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Matt Slater speaks to Chris Isitt chair of Chelsea Pitch Owners - the company that holds the freehold of Stamford Bridge stadium - as the sales process for Premier League Chelsea Football Club continues. Isitt tell Matt, CPO have been in communication with groups who have made heavily fancied bids. Matt is also joined by Professor Simon Chadwick an expert on sport and geopolitics, to look at the impact of investment from Saudi Arabia in a range of sports including football, boxing, WWE, golf and Formula One rolls into Jeddah this weekend.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris - fresh from his recent visit to St. George's Park - to discuss how the FA are trying to put an end to the fact that an English manager has never won the Premier League title or The Champions League! You'll hear from some of the latest cohort of ex-senior England professionals embarking on a revolutionary coaching programme with the FA, how Italy and Germany have set the standard as well as how Gareth Southgate fits into the bigger picture. Plus, the trio debate recent comments from the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard as part of a wider conversation about what modern day players actually need from modern coaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Matt Slater to detail the bids that have been submitted to buy Chelsea and which should be taken seriously. We’ll also talk Crystal Palace and the work being done behind the scenes that is bearing fruit on the pitch with Matt Woosnam. And our Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan was at the Bernabeu last night he’ll join us to share his thoughts on Real Madrid’s heavy defeat to Barcelona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth as FA Cup football returns - But is it something Everton could do without and why can't Chelsea read the room? Plus, how big really is the gap between Liverpool and Arsenal, Gelhardt's 'Rooney Moment', Kulusevski's impact and more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the announcement that Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the British Government and now the European Union, Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by guests to discuss the likely effect on Chelsea football club and the wide-ranging impact such measures will have on sport in England. Our first guest is Bill Browder, founder and CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, was the largest foreign investor in Russia until 2005. Browder has been leading a campaign to expose allegations of corruption and human rights abuses that will lead to visa sanctions and asset freezes on those involved. Browder also explains exactly why oligarchs like Roman Abraomovich are being sanctioned and how it may harm President Putin. Later in the pod we’ll be joined by MP Clive Efford who was part of a committee that yesterday questioned leading figures about the role of Russian money in football and if the Government is concerned about investments in UK sport from other nations with poor human rights records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

French football writer Tom Williams joins Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes on today's episode of The Athletic Football Podcast. They explore the reasons behind another European failure, and the booing of Messi and Neymar that followed this weekend. They also take a look at the underperforming stars, the struggles of manager Mauricio Pochettino in creating a harmonious dressing room, as well as the fan anger aimed at club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.  They then debate what's next for the club, and how they move closer to winning the Champions League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson & Matt Slater look at what the future might hold for Chelsea after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned whilst trying to sell the club. We’ll also discuss Mo Salah's contract stand-off and an unwanted distraction at Liverpool with The Athletic's James Pearce. And as Everton’s struggles continue, Paddy Boyland - who covers the club for us - will detail the immediate and long term challenges at the club and for new director of football Kevin Thelwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Dan Bardell and bet365's Steve Freeth are joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke to preview Antonio Conte's first match against Manchester United, in the same week Pochettino's PSG crashed out of the Champions League... But where will they (and Tuchel for that matter) be next season? Also, how impressive has Bukayo Saka been, especially after the way his summer ended with England, how to properly assess the job Patrick Vieira has done at Crystal Palace, can Liverpool afford to rest Mo Salah, plus, Newcastle writer Chris Waugh on Newcastle's confidence-boost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Jon Varney, CEO and lifelong fan of Premier League side Brentford, who were promoted to English football’s top flight this season after 74 years away. Jon shares details about the off pitch challenges of moving to a new stadium during the COVID pandemic, the new challenges to compete at the very top level and also the impact of the high profile signing of Christian Eriksen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes invite you to listen in on The Athletic's Simon Hughes, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Andy Mitten, in conversation about Manchester United's 1999 treble win - and the chances of either Liverpool or Man City being able to replicate it this season... The trio debate how 'lucky' Fergie's United were that year, the way the tables have turned since the 90s, as well as, the landscape of the game, squad-building, rivalry & player conditioning. Plus, what lessons the pre-eminent duo of the Premier League today might have learned from United's decline, particularly when the time comes to replace club-defining managers like Klopp and Guardiola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, David Ornstein & Laurie Whitwell to look at what United can do - if anything - to close the gap between themselves and Manchester City.. And speaking of City, it looks like they are one of two possible destinations for Erling Haaland and a decision will be made in the coming weeks according to David Ornstein And Oli Kay will be with us to discuss his piece on Roman Abramovich, the most high-profile but most private owner in English football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview Ralf Rangnick's first Manchester Derby as speculation over their next new manager intensified again this week... Plus, how will Jesse Marsch attempt to follow Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, does the post-AFCON version of Pepe have a real future at Arsenal and was the PGMOL's apology to Everton enough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Duncan Niederauer a chief executive of the New York Stock Exchange and is currently President and majority shareholder  of Italian Serie A side Venezia. Duncan discusses a range of topics including the relationship he has with other US owners of Italian clubs, his close relationship with the players, the lessons he's learned and what it's like to be on an open top parade aboard a boat in Venice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Italian striker Mario Balotelli sits down with his former Manchester City teammate Nedum Onuoha for The Athletic. Hear Mario on his regrets about leaving City, telling teammates he is as good as Messi & Ronaldo, representing Italy and his key role in the most iconic moment in Premier League history.  Mario also shares his thoughts on the wild stories about him in the press over the years, how he has grown as a person, how he perceives himself today and his ambitions for the rest of his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices