The Athletic Football Podcast

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

It’s matchday 36 in the Premier League and the title race is once again the main focus. Arsenal host Bournemouth while Man City go up against Wolves.

Elsewhere, in the relegation battle, it’s Luton v...

So on Monday Premier League clubs opted to push on with plans for a hard spending limit — a de facto salary cap tied to the income of the lowest earning side in the top flight.
Why do some clubs want ...

Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”.

But last week, he and Barca changed their...

Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer.

Then as The Athletic revealed on Mond...

Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the games, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to dea...

It’s matchday 35 in the Premier League and it’s a huge north London derby as Arsenal go to Spurs hoping to stay in the title race.

Elsewhere, Man City go to Nottingham Forest and West Ham host Liverp...

Almost three months on from Jurgen Klopp announcing his intention to stand down, Liverpool have earmarked the man they’d like to replace him.
So why do Liverpool want Feyenoord’s Arne Slot?
And is he ...

Playing an exciting brand of attacking football it’s no wonder Simone Inzaghi is now being linked to high-profile managerial jobs in England and abroad.

But is he better off staying in Italy and a re...

On Monday, The Athletic revealed that West Ham have held talks with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to be their next manager… 

He is also being looked at to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

So wh...

Before taking his seat at Wembley, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon and compared the race, to the job he has to do at Old Trafford.
Seeing his boyhood side reach a second successive FA ...

It’s matchday 34 in the Premier League as Arsenal go to Wolves in the big clash in the title race.

Elsewhere, it’s the FA Cup semi-finals, as Chelsea face Man City and Manchester United go up against...

On Wednesday night, Arsenal's Champions League hopes were ended in Munich, in their first quarter-final at that level in 14 years.
Afterwards Mikel Arteta was left lost for words in how to console his...

Last night were were reminded why the Champions League is the biggest draw in world football.

Meanwhile, FIFA seem to be stepping back in the battle to stop competitive games being taken abroad.

So,...

On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen won the first league title in their 120-year history, and the celebrations were wild.

Still to play for this season; a potential treble and the chance to go the entire sea...

At Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool’s terrible week got a whole lot worse.
A shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has dealt a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of a second Premier League title and they have a mo...

It’s matchday 33 in the Premier League and Arsenal host Aston Villa as they look to hold on to top spot in the league table.

Elsewhere, Spurs go to Newcastle and Chelsea play Everton.

Host: Adam Lev...

After overseeing a 27-game unbeaten run, Luis Enrique’s PSG fell to defeat at home to Barcelona on Wednesday night, losing 3-2 in their Champions League quarter final first leg.
So why did Kylian Mbap...

Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid have enjoyed and endured a 12-year love affair and it is hard to imagine one without the other. He has overseen both unbelievable highs and crushing lows.

This seaso...

Mikel Arteta takes charge of Arsenal’s first Champions League quarter final in 14 years on Tuesday night.
Top of the Premier League and with the opportunity to make a serious statement in Europe, how ...

On Sunday Old Trafford witnessed more mayhem as Manchester United and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw.
Despite facing another 28 shots, Man United emerged with a point, but was that through luck or de...

It’s matchday 32 in the Premier League and Manchester United host Liverpool in a match that will have big implications on the title race.

Elsewhere, Burnley go to Everton and Luton play Bournemouth.
...

Last night, Aston Villa stumbled in pursuit of securing a top four place in the Premier League losing 4-1 away to Manchester City.
But as Newcastle have shown this season, despite the money in brings ...

Tonight, Thomas Frank and Roberto de Zerbi go head-to-head in what some might call the data derby… 
Brentford and Brighton may adopt a similar approach behind the scenes, but how do their sought after...

Chelsea’s difficult season continued as Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Burnley at the weekend..

There’s division among the fans, a billion pound squad yet to gel, and gr...

On the pitch Liverpool have seized the initiative in the Premier League title race following their 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Yet off the pitch, uncertainty lingers after Xabi Alon...

It’s matchday 30 in the Premier League and the huge meeting of the weekend sees Manchester City host top-of-the-table Arsenal.

Title rivals Liverpool, meanwhile, play Brighton and Manchester United g...

Most of us can only dream of owning a football club .
But for the very rich it’s an opportunity towards power, influence and… even more money
So who are the people that try to buy football clubs? 
And...

A few months ago Kobbie Mainoo had not played a minute for his club at senior level let alone his country.

Now at just 18, he is one of Manchester United’s best players - and after a man of the match...

Thiago Motta, the mastermind behind Bologna's unlikely push for a Champions League spot, is seen as one of the most impressive up-and-coming managers.
With plenty of clubs looking for a new head coach...

For anyone that didn’t know about him already, 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick introduced himself with a winner against England at Wembley on Saturday.
So how good is Brazil's next big thing - and where...

It’s just 84 days until the European Championships begin in Germany - so we are looking ahead to Euro 2024, with a particular focus on two of the favourites; France & England.

Host Michael Bailey is ...

Following Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules earlier this week, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior footba...

Once again Newcastle United will finish the season trophyless, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League.
There have been question marks over finances, transfers and team selection.
But if the beli...

Last week England boss Gareth Soutgate announced that Arsenal’s Ben White does not want to play for England.
So, why doesn’t one of the best players in Europe, in his position, not want to represent h...

Following Manchester United's dramatic FA Cup Sixth Round win over Liverpool at Old Trafford The Athletic's David Ornstein and Mark Critchley join Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the significance of the res...

It’s matchday 29 in the Premier League & the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend. 

The big meeting of the weekend sees Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, while Man City...

Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday at their iconic home Old Trafford, but the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ isn’t what it once was.
Last week the club announced plans for a “world-class” stadium, so why...

On Tuesday night, Barcelona made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
There was a time when that would have been very much routine.
But after all the off-pitch issues, could this ...

Chelsea saw off Newcastle in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, a win that eased pressure on Mauricio Pochettino…
But the bigger picture is they remain 11th in the table which has led sections of ...

Only one point separates the top three in the Premier League following Liverpool and Man City drawing 1-1 at Anfield on Sunday, while Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday night to move to the top of...

It’s another huge weekend in the Premier League, with a pivotal matchup in the title race as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa welcome Tottenham to Villa Park as both s...

This weekend sees Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the final time in the Premier League.
Two hugely successful managers but would either have been quite so successful ...

With 12 games to go Spurs look like a good bet for Champions League football.

So are Spurs punching above their weight or could they be even higher had their season not been hampered by injury? 

And...

Last night, Arsenal swept the floor with another of the Premier League’s relegation candidates, Sheffield United.

So do they need a new striker after all?!

In their last seven league games they have...

Manchester City eventually ran out convincing winners over Manchester United in the derby at the weekend. 
Yet, Erik ten Hag said afterwards that the gap in quality between the two sides wasn’t that b...

It’s the Manchester derby, with City hosting United at the Etihad Stadium. United will be hoping to better their 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Elsewhere, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace travel t...

With 12 Premier League games to play, the top three are separated by just two points, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all still firmly in contention to be crowned champions in May.
So are ...

Last night, Manchester City moved a step closer to another treble, thanks to the formidable Erling Haaland.

If City do win the lot - again - could he start to think about a fresh challenge? 

There’s...

Why has Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules been reduced to six points? 

How will the decision impact sides around them locked in a relegation battle? 

What mi...

Following Liverpool's 10th League Cup success manager Jurgen Klopp described it as the most special achievement of his career, given the reliance he had to put in a number of academy graduates.
Youngs...

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of top-flight football ahead, with not only Premier League points but also domestic silverware on the line. 
Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head a...

Oliver Glasner has been chosen as the man to re-energise Crystal Palace after a barren run of just two wins from 16 in all competitions.

The Europa League-winning coach replaces Roy Hodgson, who step...

Bayern Munich and head coach Thomas Tuchel will part ways at the end of the season.

Why has the announcement come now and what does it tell us?

Why isn’t Tuchel leaving immediately?

And will Bayern...

Last week Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint Germain of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season with Real Madrid the expected destination but as their superstar departs, what next for PSG?...

Man United want Dan Ashworth to be their new sporting director.
He has been placed on gardening leave after informing Newcastle of his desire to leave the club.
But Newcastle want a huge fee of 20 MIL...

Michael Bailey and co breakdown matchweek 25 of the Premier League.

The headline clash is Saturday's late game between Manchester City and Chelsea. The last meeting was a 4-4 classic, but can Chelsea...

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia.
After playing just seven minutes in Saudi Arabia and missing a ‘la...

West Ham’s 6-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend was the club’s worst home defeat in over 60 years… and the fans voted with their feet.

Wins over Man United and Arsenal in December had seen supporters u...

Bayern Munich are out of both domestic Cup competitions and were humbled by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side at the weekend.
As pressure mounts ahead of their Champions League game at Lazio this week…
Wh...

Manchester United's 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday made it four consecutive wins for the first time this season, but what is the significance of that?
Have Erik Ten Hag's side got a realistic shot at...

Adam Leventhal returns to preview a bumper weekend of football ahead, including the Premier League as well as title matchups in Germany and Spain, and two international cup finals.
The Premier League ...

After four weeks of showcasing what the continent has to offer, the Africa Cup of Nations is down to a final two.
Hosts Ivory Coast play Nigeria in Sunday’s showpiece final in what has been the most t...

Man City look unstoppable… 
Victory over Brentford on Monday was their ninth consecutive win across all competitions…
Win all their games and Pep Guardiola’s side will be Champions 
But is their fourt...

After a heavy defeat at the weekend, home fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear..
Less than a year on from the sacking of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea sit in the bottom hal...

Having moved to within just two points of the top of the Premier League, are Arsenal serious contenders to win this season's Premier League?
The Gunners saw of Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday in a must-win ga...

Michael Bailey sits in for Adam Leventhal for another preview of the weekend ahead! 
Headlining the fixture list is Arsenal vs Liverpool - is it now or never for Arsenal to get back in the title race?...

It's been a low-key transfer window as the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules showed their teeth.
Saudi spending paused, the “Chelsea loophole” closed and clubs instead left scour...

Manchester United say Marcus Rashford has “taken responsibility for his actions” and will be available for selection again after being dropped 
This after we reported Rashford went for a night before ...

After a humiliating defeat on Saturday, Barcelona manager Xavi announced he’d be stepping down from his position at the end of the season. 
So what led Xavi to make this decision when he did? 
And as ...

On Friday morning the world of football was shaken by news Jurgen Klopp is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
After more than eight years in charge the German is to walk away in the summer, ...

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview another bumper FA Cup weekend, featuring 16 matches, including several heavyweight Premier League ties.
Friday night sees Spurs welcome Man City back to the Tot...

Liverpool have announced that Jurgen Klopp is stepping down as manager at the end of the season.
After a hugely successful eight and a half years at the club, Klopp will take a sabbatical.
So what nex...

Just 18 months after completing a £45m move to Manchester City from his boyhood club Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips is heading out on loan to West Ham United.
So why has the move ended in failure for t...

Into a cup final and not spending a penny in January… Couldn’t be Todd Boehly’s Chelsea could it? 
So, is this another false dawn or is Pochettino's project starting to gather pace? 
And as the Blues ...

As Egypt scraped through to the knockout stages on another night of pure drama at AFCON, Mo Salah was resigned to cheering on his teammates from the stands, with a hamstring injury...
With Salah retur...

Less than one month on from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man United being made public, INEOS have already signalled their intentions poaching Omar Berrada from rivals Man City to become their new...

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the five remaining fixtures of matchday 21. 
Liverpool head to Bournemouth on Sunday, and will have to cope with the red-hot Dominik Solanke. Can he make the differen...

After eight months away, after being banned for 232 betting offences, this weekend marks Ivan Toney’s return.
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Brentford writer Jay Harris and Senior Football...

Jose Mourinho’s 'Roman reign' came to an abrupt end yesterday...
Former captain Danielle de Rossi will now take charge of Roma until the end of the season.
It’s almost 20 years on from that touchline ...

It is close to a year — 49 weeks and counting — since the Premier League handed Manchester City a charge sheet with 115 breaches of its financial rules across NINE different seasons.
Just yesterday, t...

There was a sense of inevitability at St. James' Park on Saturday when Kevin De Bruyne entered the arena.
So why can't Newcastle United, the-so-called “richest club in the world” match Manchester City...

Adam Leventhal returns to preview matchweek 16 of the Premier League.
Five fixtures over the weekend are headlined by Man United vs Tottenham. Will we get a glimpse of new Spurs’ signings Timo Werner ...

Two years on from Senegal ending their wait for glory, AFCON returns this weekend.
Does this year's tournament represent Mohamed Salah’s best chance to finally lay claim to being King of the Continent...

Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day…
What started with a multi-million-pound pursuit of Cr...

So Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.
A player who  - it’s fair to say - was a disappointment at Chelsea.
But if the German international fits the profile and style ...

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home yesterday by Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was despite creating a number of good chances and having relative ‘control’ of the game throughout...
Something Gunners' fans...

The Weekend Preview returns for 2024 with an FA Cup special.
Headlining the show is the first Tyne-and-Wear derby since 2016, as a wounded Newcastle head to their local rivals Sunderland.
Meanwhile, t...

Victory last night means Real Madrid have reached the halfway stage of La Liga as league leaders on goal difference.
But in terms of stability, resources and recruitment they look miles ahead of every...

Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has finally been confirmed, how will this impact the club’s January window?
Even if players are sold, is spending even possible given FFP c...

Adam Leventhal returns to preview the last set of games before Christmas.

First up, a Christmas cracker at the top of the table, with Arsenal visiting Anfield. The Gunners lead the league but are wit...

They were frustrated by Man United last weekend, sensational against West Ham last night... Liverpool’s last two games sum up the predicament many fans find themselves in when trying to assess whether...

Even as Nuno Espirito Santo becomes Nottingham Forest's new manager, the fanbase continues to mourn the departure of Steve Cooper - a coach widely regarded as their best since legendary club figure Br...

Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid aren’t the only team upstaging the mighty Barcelona this season… 
The Catalans are already nine points behind league leaders Girona - and the goals have dried up for star...

Four weeks on from being hit with a record Premier league points deduction, Everton's fighting spirit is undeniable...
After four wins on the bounce, the Toffees already clear of the drop-zone - and i...

Adam Levethal returns to preview Matchweek 17 of the Premier League!
The weekend is headlined by table-topping Liverpool taking on Manchester United. Will Jurge Klopp’s side dish out another 7-0 thump...

Newcastle United's dreams of Champions League progress ended in failure as AC Milan mounted a second half comeback to knock them out.
Newcastle's focus will now be to get back into the competition via...

Man United are out of Europe, 10 points off top spot in the Premier League and it’s not even Christmas… 
In normal circumstances, any Manchester United manager would be under almost unbearable pressur...

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may want to spend MORE money this January… 
So, after almost a billion pounds in transfer fees already, could there really be another spending spree?
And how much p...

After beating Man City on Wednesday night, Aston Villa backed that up against Arsenal on Saturday, seeing off Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at Villa Park.
Having won 15 games in a row at home, Unai Emery ha...

The Athletic Football Podcast

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