The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic 1 364 episodes Nov 11, 2026
The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring journalists like David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton, and Matt Slater. It provides in-depth coverage of the biggest stories in football, cutting through the noise to explain what's really happening and why it matters.
Episodes
Ornstein latest: Man United finalising Pochettino deal
Manchester United are finalising a deal for Mauricio Pochettino if Michael Carrick is to be relieved of his duties.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Cerys Jones, football journalist Tim Spiers and the man who exclusively broke the story, David Ornstein, to discuss when a decision on Carrick’s future could be made, what Pochettino’s departure would mean for the USMNT,
Carrick & Sage facing sack - but who replaces them?
Manchester United are expected to move on from Michael Carrick during the international break, while the same fate looks set to fall on Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace.So who are the favourites to replace them? Would Mauricio Pochettino leave the USMNT for Old Trafford? And is Thomas Frank the right fit at Selhurst Park?Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein
Will Man United's latest escape act save Carrick?
After just one win in their opening ten Premier League games, Manchester United will spend the November international break in the relegation zone.Emma Paton is joined by former England international Rob Green, The Athletic's football journalist Tim Spiers and Senior Editor Colin Millar to get into whether the dramatic comeback against Aston Villa that saw Man United salvage a point, will be e
Why did... Arsenal's move to the Emirates change everything?
Emma Paton is joined in the studio by The Athletic's deputy managing editor Dan Kilpatrick, football reporter Tim Spiers and former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke to pontificate on Arsenal’s emigration across the road to The Emirates, and was it actually worth it?Plus… Should Manchester United finally move from the leaky roof above them? Do the profit printing concerts justify Spurs’ shiny new s
Who are the worst teams in the Premier League?
As we go into our final matchweek before the November international break, we take a look at which teams are floundering at the bottom of the table, and which, against all odds, are still standing strong.With all three newly promoted clubs out of the relegation zone, Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and tactics writer Liam Tharme to dive into why and how the newcomers are exceeding initial expect
Jason Wilcox and the surging scrutiny on sporting directors
Jason Wilcox has been in the eye of the storm at Manchester United ever since Lisandro Martinez publicly blamed the club’s Director of Football for the current balance of the squad.So with sporting directors more in vogue and recognisable than ever before, are they no longer safe from scrutiny?Kate Mason is joined by former England international Rob Green and the The Athletic's Matt Slater and
Spanish managers are taking over the world. Why?
Four of the five managers nominated for the Men’s Coach of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony last week hailed from Spain.So what is it about Spanish managers, particularly from the Basque region, which makes them such good leaders from the dugout?Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus, Spanish editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Spurs writer Jay Harris to
Ornstein latest: Who will survive 'sacking season'?
The November international break is typically a moment in the Premier League season when clubs fire and hire managers. So, with pressure mounting on the likes of Michael Carrick, Pierre Sage and Regis Le Bris, how many managerial changes could we see over the next few weeks?Plus we hear how Ruben Amorim is getting on at AC Milan after a huge Milan derby win at the weekend, West Ham's move for
Are Arsenal embracing the 'boring' tag more than ever?
Arsenal made it 13 wins from their last 14 Premier League games, winning at Liverpool for the first time in 14 years in typically gritty style on Sunday.So when neutral fans might have expected them to become more expansive this season, have they actually doubled down on what drove them to the title last campaign?Plus, things get even worse for Michael Carrick and Manchester United at Chelsea, and
What Is... Club DNA and does appointing legends work?
Yes you’ve read that correctly, today we’re forgoing What If, and asking What is…On today’s episode Emma Paton is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers and Colin Millar to dissect what people actually mean when they say club ‘DNA’, and if it even exists in the first place.Plus, have you ever imagined a John Terry led Chelsea? Worry not, we discuss where each top-six club might go if th
Liverpool vs Arsenal + can you fix Manchester United?
It’s a big one this weekend as Arsenal travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. This comes following an all time classic upset after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fourth tier side Fleetwood Town.Kate Mason is joined in the studio by Rob Green and tactics writer Liam Tharme to preview all the action at Anfield - a game so good they cleared the whole day for it - as well as break dow
Why are the Glazers nowhere to be seen?
Since taking full control of Manchester United in 2005, the Glazers have pocketed over 1.3 billion pounds, all while racking up over 700 million in debt at the club. So with Manchester United in crisis again, why are the Glazers nowhere to be seen? Kate Mason is joined by former England international Rob Green and the The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton to analyse the ownership structu
Who could handle the Man United job?
After Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth it looked as though time was up for Michael Carrick.But with news he’ll stay in charge for Saturday’s game against Chelsea, is this really a show of faith or just a stay of execution?Emma Paton is joined by Cerys Jones and Thom Harris to get into who would be the best candidate to replace Carrick, should United move him on.The panel are joined by
Did the Ballon d'Or expose the Premier League's superstar problem?
Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Monday night, pipping Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the award.But with just two players in the top 20 in the rankings, how can the Premier League claim to be the best league in the world when so many of the sport's superstars play elsewhere?Emma Paton is joined by JJ Bull, Seb Stafford-Bloor and James Horncastle, who was at the ceremony and takes us be
The day Man United turned mutinous
Michael Carrick's future is hanging by a thread at Man United after his side were embarrassed by Bournemouth at a mutinous Old Trafford on Sunday.But with the club’s hierarchy in the spotlight, will sacking Carrick solve United’s problems?Plus, how Spurs ended their Stamford Bridge curse and a south London themed edition of who's worrying Rob...It's Emma Paton alongside England interna
What If... We erased the Messi-Ronaldo era?
With the Ballon d'Or fast approaching, this week’s episode of ‘What If’, Emma is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick and Jack Pitt-Brooke to pick apart the unfathomable… What if Messi and Ronaldo didn’t exist?Who scores their goals? Who’s career skyrockets? And topically, who wins their Ballons d’Or?Plus, we discuss who we think will be just the 5th player outside
Chelsea vs Spurs + how are Brighton this good?
It’s a jam packed show this week as Kate Mason is joined in the studio by tacticos Liam Tharme and Rob Green to discuss all the weekend’s goings on, including a fierce London derby as Chelsea host rivals Spurs.Plus, we’re joined by former Brighton defender Adam Webster to get an inside look at all things football on the south coast. What’s it like to play for Roberto de Zerbi? How do you stop Erli
Man United, INEOS and a failing sports empire
Manchester United’s ownership is in the firing line again, with players accusing leadership of negligence and just two wins so far all season.So with United in their latest doom cycle and growing unrest across their other clubs and investments, is Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS sports empire crumbling?Kate Mason is joined by Matt Slater, Adam Crafton and former England international Rob Green to examine th
PSG’s three-peat war path + Ten Hag fallout
Tuesday saw PSG and Barcelona lock horns at the Parc des Princes as Luis Enrique’s side came out victors despite injuries to key players Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Emma is joined in the studio by Manchester United writer Cerys Jones and Senior Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to break down all the action.Plus, Laurie Whitwell dials in to tell all about his two days spent with former
Who is the best team in Europe right now?
It's a bumper week in the Champions League with arguably the best four teams in Europe — PSG, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Arsenal — all facing each other. But who is actually the best side in Europe right now?We dissect the star power, team identity, weaknesses and managers across all four teams and pick some Combined XIs.Plus, was Spurs' first victory of the season a launchpad for their
Is it time to take Brighton seriously?
Brighton thumped nearest rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday, taking their tally to an astonishing 34 goals in all competitions already this season.So what is taking them to the next level? And is their form sustainable enough to mount an actual title challenge?Plus, was Michael Carrick right to describe Man United's draw at Leeds as a 'fresh start'? And who is worrying Rob this week?Emma
What If… Spurs weren't ‘Spursy’?
On today’s episode of ‘What If’, Emma is joined by long-suffering Spurs fans Dan Kilpatrick and Kate Mason, alongside Tim Spiers to deduce, what if... Spurs weren’t ‘Spursy’?Lasagne-gate, Conte’s outburst, beefing with the Dulux dog, the choices are endless, but what do we vote the ‘Spurs-iest’ moment in the club’s history?Host: Emma PatonPanelists: Kate Mason, Dan Kilpatrick, Tim SpiersExecutive
Jack Wilshere meets David Ornstein
What's the biggest fight Jack Wilshere has seen in football? And Does he regret not being able to fulfil his full potential? Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview.This week David is joined by former Arsenal player and current Luton Town manager, Jack Wilshere, to discuss the importan
Spurs vs Coventry preview + how to beat a 10-man team
We’ve got a big weekend of Premier League action ahead of us, so we’re back in the studio for another episode of The Tactical Preview.This week we’re honing in on Spurs vs Coventry, and if Roberto De Zerbi’s team are starting to find their rhythm.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and tactics writer Liam Tharme to preview this weekend’s biggest games, including ‘The Roses Rivalry’, as pressure moun
Why are Man City and PSG's financial scandals different?
Manchester City and PSG put on a show in the Champions League last night, but their situations off the pitch are very different.City are now public enemy number one after being ruled to have systematically broken Premier League rules. So why are PSG, who have their own historic financial breaches, not legally viewed the same way?Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Jacob Whitehead and former Engl
Are Man United already in crisis again?
Manchester United continued their poor run of form with a 2-0 loss to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, but it was Lisandro Martinez’s explosive post match interview that grabbed the headlines.Emma is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Cerys Jones and Senior Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to dig into all the action, plus, Senior sports news reporter M
Palmer's new Chelsea deal + are Everton for sale again?
Cole Palmer signed a contract extension with Chelsea over the weekend to signify his commitment to the club. So are the Blues entering a long overdue era of stability under Xabi Alonso, and has new signing Morgan Rogers become the glue at the club already?Plus, are Everton’s American owners looking to sell the club already?Emma Paton is joined by David Ornstein and special guest James Allcott in s
The Premier League has a serious Man City problem
Manchester City's 3-0 win at Liverpool on Sunday felt surreal, with the football itself almost a footnote to the wider picture surrounding City since they were found guilty of almost all the Premier League charges relating to financial breaches.Are all of City's games going to feel this way until the sanctions are delivered? How are their players and fans meant to react? And what did the d
Thiago Alcantara meets David Ornstein
In the latest episode of David Ornstein's 'Truth or Padel' series, David meets former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.Thiago discusses coming to terms with his body being unable to play anymore, advice for the next generation of players, the ‘death’ of beautiful football, and the best young players in the world.Host: David OrnsteinGuests: Thiago Alcan
Liverpool vs Man City preview + a guide to 'rest defence'
This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.The matchup has been given more significance after the news of City's guilty ruling, so how will the players fare on the day and will it alter their tactical approach?Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's
What are Klopp and FSG's Liverpool legacies now?
Liverpool went toe to toe with Manchester City during a period when City have now been found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules. So does this change how we should view Jurgen Klopp's achievements as Liverpool manager and FSG's running of the club?Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green join Kate Mason on the usual Thursday Club to discuss that era, the best run cl
What If... Man City hadn't 'systematically broken' the rules?
This week's What If is centred on the biggest story in town: Manchester City's guilty ruling.Emma Paton is alongside The Athletic's Tim Spiers, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dan Kilpatrick to discuss who was the most impacted by City's spending, and if that money hadn't been spent, where would the rest of the division be?What if the big signings they made went elsewhere, who else would
How are Man City fans supposed to feel?
Manchester City supporters are facing a new reality - their club has been vilified since The Athletic revealed they had been found guilty of almost all the Premier League charges relating to financial breaches nearly two weeks ago. So how do their fans feel about it? And how has their relationship with the club changed, if at all?Two of The Athletic's resident City supporters - Jack Pitt-Brook
The best up and coming managers, with Ornstein & Horncastle
Who are the best up and coming managers and head coaches across Europe right now?In this episode, Emma Paton, David Ornstein and James Horncastle detail who they think are the ones to watch - from Cesc Fabregas to Regis Le Bris - and discuss the shifting managerial landscape with so many 'big personalities' moving towards the international game.David also discusses Mikel Arteta's new c
Why do Man City think they can win their appeal?
Manchester City have lodged their appeal against the Premier League's independent commission after being found guilty of almost all the charges made against them.On today's show, we explain how City's appeal process will work and why they still believe they can overturn the initial verdict.Plus, the panel review England's 7-0 thrashing of Croatia, discuss Cavan Sullivan's debut
What If… VAR was scrapped?
What If is back with a big topic: VAR. Should the contentious technology continue or should the Premier League vote to scrap it?Emma Paton is joined by Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick and former Premier League referee and VAR Graham Scott to discuss the pros and cons of getting rid of VAR.The panel also discuss the possibility of introducing a VAR challenge system, and other potential improvements to t
Danny Drinkwater on joining Chelsea, his Man Utd contract & regrets
What is Danny Drinkwater's biggest regret?Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview.This week David is joined by Premier League winner and former Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater to discuss his rollercoaster career.Host: David OrnsteinGuests: Danny Dri
Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far
The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion.The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton&#
How much bigger could the Man City scandal get?
Manchester City and the Premier League have gone to war since The Athletic first revealed they had been found guilty of virtually all the charges facing them last week.We’ve discussed the responses from both sides, possible sanctions and how those within the game have reacted.Today we’re asking… whose reputations have been damaged most? And how much bigger could this story actually get?Host: Kate
Explaining Man City's £900m 'sham' finances
Manchester City have been found guilty of artificially inflating their revenues and reducing costs via "sham payments" in the verdict reached by an independent regulatory commission investigating the charges brought against them by the Premier League.Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's senior news reporter Matt Slater, at the European Football Clubs general assembly in Copenhagen
Inside the Man City scandal, with Ornstein and Horncastle
Last week, David Ornstein dropped the exclusive story that Manchester City had been found guilty of almost all their charges relating to the Premier League's financial regulations. Today, he’s here with us in the studio.So how did the news that shook the world of football come about? How does it compare to the Calciopoli scandal in Italy? And what’s the reaction been from their rivals across E
Man City charges: The fallout + what happens next?
After David Ornstein exclusively revealed Manchester City were found guilty of almost all of the 115 charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations on Friday, we’re here to explain what those charges actually are, what the immediate fallout has been from the verdict, and what happens next.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s senior football reporter Adam Crafton in New York
Gary Neville on the future of punditry & becoming Prime Minister | Truth or Padel Full Interview
Who does Gary Neville think will become the next great pundit? And does he see himself going into politics some day?Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview.This week David is joined by Manchester United legend and star pundit Gary Neville to discuss his biggest mistakes on and off the pitc
EMERGENCY POD: Man City found guilty of almost all charges, with David Ornstein
Manchester City have been found guilty on almost all of the charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.In this emergency podcast, senior news reporter Matt Slater is joined by football correspondent David Ornstein and Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee to discuss the breaking news and what it means.Host: Matt SlaterGuests: David Ornstein, Sam LeeExecutive Produce
Is the Chelsea 'project' stuck?
Clearlake Capital have taken “full control” of Chelsea, purchasing Todd Boehly’s minority stake.Kate Mason is joined by Matt Slater, Liam Twomey and Rob Green to get into why Boehly’s four year affiliation with the club has come to an end, and what it means for the Chelsea ‘project’.Plus, Matt explains Clearlake's £5bn valuation of the club - more than double the purchase price back in 2022, a
Kylian Mbappe interview: Liverpool talks, Mourinho at Madrid and idolising Ronaldo
Kylian Mbappe sits down exclusively with Daniel Taylor from The Athletic for a wide ranging interview at Real Madrid’s training ground.In a wide ranging conversation, he revealed how close he came to joining Liverpool before PSG, working with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, his favourite World Cup memories and what he does in his spare time to unwind.Hosts: Emma Paton & Danny TaylorGuest: Kylian
Ornstein latest: Brentford’s recruitment recipe
Brentford continued their excellent start to the season with a 3-0 win over Chelsea on Friday night.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Liam Tharme to dive into how the west London side operate so efficiently on and off the pitch.David also answers listener questions on Spurs' latest investment and what is going on at executive level at Manchester Un
How Brighton humbled Arsenal + Spurs hit rock bottom
Arsenal were dealt a humbling on Saturday as Brighton ran riot on the south coast. Emma Paton is joined by Cerys Jones and Rob Green to get into how Fabian Hurzeler did a job on the Premier League champions, and where this result leaves Mikel Arteta's side. Plus, after their worst ever start to a Premier League season, we get into Spurs' defeat to Aston Villa that leaves them bottom of the league,
What If... the Super League had happened?
On this week's episode of What If, we're diving into the 2021 European Super League project, which collapsed within a matter of days.Host Emma Paton is joined by Matt Slater and Dan Kilpatrick to see what would've happened if the idea actually went ahead.Could it have worked, what would it have meant for domestic leagues, the Champions League and the fabric of football?Host: Emma PatonGuests: Matt
Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing
It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season.Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the seas
Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Man United?
Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel has outlined his desire to leave.To discuss why and how this situation has developed Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Matt Slater as well as former England goalkeeper Rob Green.Andy Mitten, co-host, of Talk of the Devils also joins having watched Gabriel extensively at youth team level within the Manchester United a
Are Liverpool adapting to Iraola?
Liverpool saw off Spurs on Tuesday night to make it two wins from two in the cup competitions, but Andoni Iraola’s side have just one Premier League victory so far.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s James Pearce and Cerys Jones, plus author of 'Data Game: The Story of Liverpool FC's Analytics Revolution', Josh Williams to get into whether Iraola’s team are adapting to his principles.Plus, as A
Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score?
Spurs have scored zero goals in their first four Premier League games this season. So why are Roberto De Zerbi's side struggling to find the back of the net despite their £300m summer outlay?Emma Paton is joined by David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss why they're misfiring in front of goal. Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by to discuss the issue.David also answers que
Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure?
Erling Haaland settled the 199th Manchester derby with the only goal as Man City came away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Cerys Jones and former England goalkeeper Rob Green to pick through a controversial meeting.Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell reflects on Michael Carrick's anger at the decision to allow Haaland's goal with former Premier L
What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010?
Ahead of the Manchester derby, this week on What If... we're talking about Wayne Rooney and the hypothetical around whether he could have possibly made the switch across Manchester from United to City back in 2010.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dan Kilpatrick, as well as Andy Mitten from Talk of the Devils to delve into Rooney's at times strained relationship with Sir
Man United v Man City + underlying data buys
This week on the Tactical Preview we're looking ahead to the first Manchester derby of the season, as Manchester United welcome Man City to Old Trafford.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and The Athletic's Thom Harris to analyse City's midfield having been reconstructed during the summer transfer window with the arrival of Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez.The Athletic's Man City
Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism
As the Champions League returns, a number of big match-ups have played out including Real Madrid taking on Inter Milan and Liverpool facing Atletico Madrid, but where is the jeopardy?Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to analyse the growth and investment within the Champions League and discuss whether the change to the league phase format has led to a closed-shop for t
Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working?
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter in their opening Champions League fixture was far from convincing.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to get into Jose Mourinho’s return to the Spanish capital, the panel discuss whether he’s the man to bring silverware back to the Bernabeu amid familiar problems to last season.Plus, with the shortlist for the Ballon
Inside Everton's transfer window frustrations with Ornstein and Horncastle
After seeing a late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed Everton have been left with 18 senior first team players, something manager David Moyes seems less than pleased by.Emma Paton is with David Ornstein and James Horncastle to analyse Everton's transfer dealings, discuss why things played out in the manner they did - including looking likely to strike a deal to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingh
Who can challenge Arsenal for the title?
Arsenal made it three wins from three at the start of the new Premier League season, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates.Emma Paton is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Matt Slater to look back on the weekend's action.Art de Roche shares his thoughts on Arsenal's attacking rotations on show against Chelsea, with Liam Twomey assessing how far off be
What If... Abramovich bought Spurs instead of Chelsea?
For episode two of What If... we're talking Chelsea's former owner Roman Abramovich - and the parallel universe where he buys Spurs, or even Arsenal, instead of the Blues.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Spurs writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to delve into the influence of Abramovich and how he changed the game forever.Our alternative timeline ponders wha
Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad
Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side.The panel also discuss
Was this the summer the Premier League ate itself?
This summer the Premier League smashed the record for spending within the division, with £1.7bn worth of transfers between Premier League clubs alone. Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to get into what this means for football here in the UK and why player prices are so high.Plus, Tim Bridge, lead partner of Deloitte's Sports Business Group, drops in to talk about
Inside the summer transfer window, with Ornstein and Horncastle
The transfer window is now closed after another summer of truly bonkers spending. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & James Horncastle to get into the deals that stood out and the deals that fell through, including Folarin Balogun's failed move to Everton that had repercussions for Chelsea.Plus, the panel reveal their favourite signing of the summer, the transfer that
Transfer Deadline Day reaction, with David Ornstein
Welcome to our Deadline Day coverage with The Athletic's transfer specialist, David Ornstein, hosted by Emma Paton. They are joined by football analyst JJ Bull and other The Athletic reporters to figure out what transfers could still happen and analyse the latest news.Host: Emma PatonCo-hosts: David Ornstein, JJ Bull, Seb Stafford-BloorExec Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Don Ma, Mike Stavrou&
Can Chelsea's attack sustain a title challenge?
Chelsea made it two wins from two against Brighton & Hove Albion, having scored seven goals in their opening two whilst also conceding five in that time.Emma Paton is alongside former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to assess the Blues' chances of challenging under Xabi Alonso.Elsewhere over the Premier League weekend, Manchester United got their first w
What If… Guardiola never became a manager?
Welcome to the first episode of a new series on The Athletic FC Podcast: What If…Every week, host Emma Paton will be joined by a selection of The Athletic’s writers to dive into monumental sliding doors moments in football’s recent history.From Roman Abramovich’s interest in Spurs before buying Chelsea, to how the career of Brazil's Ronaldo might look if he had avoided serious injury.On episode on
Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window?
The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob
Are the Big Six 'cartel' more protected than ever?
Aston Villa have seen their Europa League-winning squad torn apart during the summer transfer window, despite qualifying for this season's Champions League.Adam Crafton and Matt Slater join Kate Mason to get stuck into one of the biggest talking points in the game right now around the competitive balance within the Premier League, brought on by the spending controls set by the league.Hannah Vanbib
How can Iraola fix Isak and Wirtz?
After arriving for a combined £225m, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak’s Liverpool careers are yet to get going.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Simon Hughes, Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-Bloor to get into why the pair are still struggling, and whether Andoni Iraola is the man to get the best out of them.Plus, after Jamie Carragher called Liverpool's 2025 summer transfer window the 'worst in P
Ornstein transfer latest: Enzo, Barcola + Alvarez
The final week of the transfer window is the busiest time of the year and we've got you fully covered on the podcast.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss the latest market moves.The panel talk Man City's major summer rebuild including their latest big-money move for Ayoubb Bouaddi and whether they could swoop in to sign Chelse
Man United's alarming Hull defeat + Spurs stung by Brentford
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both fell flat on the opening weekend of the Premier League season losing to Hull City and Brentford respectively.Emma Paton is joined by Jay Harris and Cerys Jones to assess the shortcomings for both sides, with The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell sharing his views having been at the MKM Stadium.Mamadou Sangare stole the show on-d
Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends
Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast: our Tactical Preview show.Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens.This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool.The panel also touch on champions Arsenal
Bezos and Liverpool: Is a full sale inevitable?
FSG have sold nearly 40 per cent of Liverpool to a consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, as exclusively revealed by The Athletic earlier this week.Kate Mason is joined by senior news reporter Matt Slater, former England goalkeeper Rob Green and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss the significance of the investment as well as Liverpool’s preparations ahead of the new season.The Athletic’s Liverpo
Transfer latest: Baleba, Konsa and big-spending Ipswich
With just two days until the new Premier League season starts, Manchester United have made their move for Carlos Baleba.Emma Paton is joined by Jay Harris, Cerys Jones and Laurie Whitwell to discuss why after long term interest in the Brighton midfielder, the club are once again exploring a deal to sign him.Plus, with the promoted sides having spent £330m between them already this summer, The Athl
Which new manager will have the biggest impact?
With nine of the 20 Premier League managers being new into their roles ahead of the new season, today we're exploring how they may fare.Emma Paton is alongside James Horncastle and Tim Spiers to analyse who may succeed and who may struggle.The Athletic's Newcastle United correspondent George Caulkin also drops by to discuss the introduction to life at St James' Park that Matthias Jaissle has exper
Does Rodri's exit make Arsenal unstoppable?
With just four days to go until the new Premier League season starts, Arsenal have made a statement with their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, with news also emerging that City midfielder Rodri is on the verge of leaving for Barcelona.Emma Paton is back in the chair, alongside former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to discuss the strength of Arsena
Premier League predictions: contenders, pretenders, surprises
With the Premier League just around the corner, it’s time for our predictions for the 2026/2027 season.Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Art de Roche and Jay Harris to get into the runners and riders for the title, relegation and more.Will Arsenal defend their crown, who will challenge them? And can the promoted sides stay up?With so many new managers coming into the league,
Mourinho and Madrid Mark II: Magic or madness?
After 13 years away, Jose Mourinho is heading back to Real Madrid but after two trophyless seasons can he return them to winning ways?Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Thom Harris to analyse why Madrid have turned back to Mourinho as well as the make-up of the squad he has inherited.The Athletic's Guillermo Rai also joins to explain the view from Madrid on his return as well as their work
Premier League transfer window winners and losers
As the new Premier League season approaches, we've been taking a look at which sides have impressed with their summer transfer business, and those left with work to do.Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jay Harris as well as our ranking expert Tim Spiers to look through the eye-catching summer business to date.The market continues to be dominated by midfield
