The Athletic FC Podcast

Harry Kane’s trophy drought is over having helped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany. But is one Bundesliga trophy enough for the England captain - and is silverware the only marker of success? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Art De RocheExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

On Sunday afternoon Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield.  So why do supporters boo their own players and is it ever acceptable? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Oli Kay, Carl AnkaFeaturing: Art de Roché, Simon Johnson, Chris WaughExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have lit up the Premier League once again this season. But with Thomas Frank admitting Mbeumo could be sold this summer - what does the future hold for him and strike partner Wissa? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris & Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico, throwing away at 2-0 lead before falling to a 4-3 defeat. Knocked out of the Champions League and defeat to Barcelona makes another league title unlikely. So where has it all gone wrong for Real Madrid and is Xabi Alonso the man to fix them?  Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

On Thursday night both Manchester United and Spurs got the job done in the Europa League to book their place in Bilbao. One of them will be the Champions League next season - but who will be joining them via the Premier League? This weekend's standout fixture comes at St. James' Park as Newcastle United welcome Chelsea in a meeting of 4th v 5th. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers and Oliver KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Arsenal’s European journey is over after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain. So where does this leave Mikel Arteta’s process and why can’t Arsenal get over the line? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art De Roche, Phil Hay and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Inter are through to the Champions League final after a breathtaking semi-final against Barcelona. So where does that rank among the best knockout matches in the competition's history? And are Inter favourites to lift the trophy now? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus & Max CallegariExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Manchester City have had a disappointing season compared to their usually high standards.But the summer window offers Pep Guardiola the chance to rebuild.So which players are they targeting?And will it be enough for them to be Premier League contenders once again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool. So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer? And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes them a better option? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Mario Cortegana and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

Manchester United and Tottenham’s hopes of Champions League football next season are well and truly alive after comprehensive victories in their Europa League semi-final first legs. While Nottingham Forest’s dreams of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition via the Premier League have been dented, after losing 2-0 at home to Brentford. Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Carl Anka, Spurs correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and football writer Tim Spiers to reflect on Thursday night's action and what it means for the clubs chasing European football. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Wrexham are now just one step away from the Premier League having now achieved three successive promotions from National League to Championship. How have they managed to climb so quickly and when can we expect to see them in the top flight? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Richard Sutcliffe, Matt Slater and Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Arsenal have it all to do in Paris after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie. So how did Luis Enrique’s PSG get the better of the Gunners? And can Arsenal stage a comeback in the second leg? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Art de Roché & Stuart James Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

The Champions League semi-finals get underway tonight as Arsenal welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium. The winner of that tie faces either Barcelona or Inter in the final. So how are the four teams shaping up, and who are the favourites to win it? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Max Callegari, Tomas Hill-Lopez Menchero, Tom Williams, Jordan Campbell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Liverpool are Premier League champions after securing their second title in five years at home to Tottenham Hotspur, their first in front of supporters since 1990. So how has Arne Slot done it and what needs to be done for Liverpool to stay at the top next season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Andy Jones and David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

With the NFL Draft looming large this weekend, we decided to take a spin on the format and bring it into the world of the Premier League.  What would it look like if we held an All-Time Premier League Draft? Which legends go first and can anyone build the perfect squad? Host: Duncan Alexander With: Jacob Whitehead, Oli Kay, and Jack Lang Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Liam Warburton Premier League Draft article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6301841/2025/04/24/premier-league-draft/  Teams: Jacob: Cech, Azpilicueta, Van Dijk, Kompany, Baines, Rodri, Lampard, Silva, Salah, Rooney, Giggs Jack: Alisson, Walker, Ferdinand, Campbell, Irwin, Kante, Fabregas, De Bruyne, Hazard, Shearer, Henry Duncan: Ederson, Ferreira, Adams, Vidic, Robertson, Keane, Toure, Beckham, Bergkamp, Aguero, Suarez Oli: Schmeichel, Alexander-Arnold, Carvalho, Terry, Cole, Vieira, Gerrard, Scholes, Ronaldo, Kane, Bale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2025

West Ham sit 17th as they prepare to face Brighton this weekend.  So how have they ended up in this position, and how much is it down to the approach of manager Graham Potter?  Host: Adam Leventhal With: Roshane Thomas, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

At just 20 years old and with only 22 Premier League starts, Dean Huijsen is attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.  So what makes him so special, and  who might trigger his £50m release clause? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by senior data analyst Mark Carey and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the Spanish international. Football correspondent David Ornstein as well as James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo Rai also drop by with their insights to the level of interest held in Huijsen across the Premier League and beyond with the Bournemouth defender set to have his pick of a number of clubs this summer. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Carey and Phil Hay Contributions: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Liam Twomey and Guillermo Rai Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summer So… when will it happen?  And is Xabi Alonso the inevitable replacement?   Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Guillermo Rai & Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

On Monday, Leeds United reclaimed their seat at the top table after two years in the Championship So, what lessons can they learn from their Premier League relegation last time out? And how can they stay up for the long haul this time? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay, Beren Cross Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

They left it late, but Chelsea grabbed a crucial win in their bid to secure a top five finish, as Tyrique George and Pedro Neto saw the Blues come from behind to win 2-1 at Fulham. Victory at Craven Cottage keeps them in the mix for a return to European football’s elite competition next season. But with fan discontent growing, how important is Champions League qualification for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea future? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss the importance of the win as well as our football correspondent David Ornstein to analyse the pressure on Maresca and look ahead to the summer transfer window. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Liam Twomey and David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

There are six games to go in the Premier League, so we’re focusing on the race for Champions League football as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, while Manchester United and Spurs kept their dreams of qualifying for next season’s competition alive with victories in the Europa League. Mark Critchley joins us to talk about a ridiculous night at Old Trafford that saw Ruben Amorim's side score two goals in injury time of extra time, to beat Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate. We hear from Jay Harris who was in Frankfurt where a Dominic Solanke penalty saw Spurs win 1-0, so Ange Postecoglou isn't going anywhere quite yet. The Athletic's Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell are with us to preview their respective side's clash at Villa Park on Saturday evening, in what could be a pivotal game in the race for Champions League football. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Chris Waugh, Jacob Tanswell, Mark Critchley, Jay Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Arsenal are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the third time in their history - and they had to beat the holders to do it. So how far does that 5-1 win on aggregate propel Mikel Arteta’s project forward?  And crucially, can they now go all the way in the Champions League? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Art de Roche, Guillermo Rai, Charlie Eccleshare Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barcelona are on course for a treble this season. So how has Hansi Flick imprinted his style on this team?  And will he stay at Barca in the long term? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Simon Watts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Has the Premier League been a little boring this season? Especially compared to a thrilling round in the Champions League knockout phase. Have Pep Guardiola’s complex systems killed creativity?  Or is the entertainment just coming from different places — tighter mid-table races, smarter tactics, and more goals than ever? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke & Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Manchester United & Chelsea are just two of the clubs interested in Ipswich Town’s star striker Liam Delap. So with a summer transfer auction on the cards - where will Delap end up?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell & Simon Johnson Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk looks set to do the same.  With owners FSG usually reluctant to hand out lucrative contract extensions to ageing players, why have they made an exception and what does it mean for Liverpool’s summer transfer business? The Athletic's David Ornstein and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Matt Davies-Adams to discuss the latest on the Liverpool contract saga. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: David Ornstein, James Pearce Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Since Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake capital, the Blues have spent - unlike any other club bringing in the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix. Despite their massive outlays, Chelsea announced a £128.4m profit for the year to June 2024. So how have they done it - and have they found another PSR loophole? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss the Blues' latest accounts, sale of their women's team within the ownership group and assess how it will impact their summer transfer activity. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Weatherspoon and Liam Twomey Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

European champions Real Madrid were rocked by a riveting Arsenal display in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last night With Madrid facing an uphill task in both the Champions League and La Liga - will they bring in more superstars this summer to bolster their squad?   And will Carlo Ancelotti still be the man to make it all gel together next season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero James McNicholas Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Luis Enrique’s young and vibrant PSG side are turning heads with their exuberant brand of football. They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with six games left to spare - and they face Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals this week. So is Enrique one of the most underrated coaches of the modern era? And are PSG finally ready to win the Champions League? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

After 10 years, 13 major honours and six Premier League titles Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City. So where does he rank amongst the best to play in the Premier League and how do City go about replacing him? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Man City writer Sam Lee as they share their reaction to the news, reflect on the brilliance the Belgian has brought to the Premier League and assess how Pep Guardiola's side move on from his departure. Plus football data writer Thom Harris drops by to remember some of De Bruyne's most crucial moments in a Man City shirt. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Sam Lee Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Manchester United will be hoping to complete a league double over their city rivals for the first time in five years. With Ruben Amorim's side lacking a cutting edge up front and Pep Guardiola without the injured Erling Haaland, where will both managers look for solutions in attack? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Manchester City writer Sam Lee to preview Sunday's derby. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Carl Anka, Sam Lee Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Despite running Liverpool close, it was a familiar feeling for David Moyes at Anfield, as Diogo Jota scored the only goal as Everton feel to defeat to their neighbours. Defeat to Liverpool makes it 22 visits to Anfield without tasting victory as a manager. But with upshoots of encouragement and the move to their new stadium on the horizon, do Everton have reasons to be optimistic? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and senior football writer Oli Kay to discuss the impact Moyes' return to the blue half of Merseyside has had ahead of what could be a defining summer prior to their move to their new stadium. We want to hear about you and your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a quick survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Paddy Boyland and Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

With the contracts of key players up for renewal in the not too distant future, and a big summer window on the horizon, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has plenty to do. So where do Arsenal’s priorities lie this summer? And could Viktor Gyokeres be the answer to their number 9 dilemma? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein & James McNicholas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

The days of Juventus winning Serie A season after season feel like they’re long gone. Last week, Thiago Motta was sacked with Juve languishing outside of the top four places. Add to that, they’re out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia as well. So… what has gone wrong at Juventus, and how do they rebuild? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Max Callegari & Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change. Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA Cup - and with a European finish still possible in the Premier League. What more can Iraola do at Bournemouth? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football data writer Thom Harris who was at Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to discuss the attraction of Spurs to Iraola as well as analyse the work the Spaniard has done on the south coast. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Thom Harris, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop. Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals. Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this speaking with the players, stakeholders and fans to find out how they feel about the various subplots surrounding this tournament and the 2026 World Cup. How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division? Host: Adam Leventhal Exec Prod: Abi Paterson Featuring audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2025

The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovany Quenda. So why are Chelsea doing their business so early, and should other clubs be following suit? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Simon Johnson, Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale We want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. So how did it get to this, the Reds losing a homegrown asset in the prime of his career on a free transfer and where will he fit at the Bernabeu? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool correspondent James Pearce and Phil Hay to delve into the detail around the increased activity regarding Alexander-Arnold’s future. Plus, the panel are joined by Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai to discuss the possibility of a move to the Bernabeu including the use of the media in persuading players to head to the Spanish capital. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Phil Hay and Guillermo Rai Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

This is the third and final part of our multi-club ownership series.  We’ve learned how multi-club operations work and provided some practical examples from the world of football. Today - we answer your questions on the effectiveness and future of MCOs. So, can we say for certain multi-club ownership is here to stay? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater  Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou We want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Yesterday we heard part one of our multi-club ownership eries, as we learned about how MCOs work - and their purpose. Today, we get some real-world examples, hearing from inside the operations whose clubs include sides from the Premier League and Major League Soccer. So what is it like to own and manage multiple clubs in different leagues and sometimes in different sports? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Tim Bezbatchenko & Larry Berg Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios. But why? How do multi-club ownership groups work, are they purely about making money, or do they help guarantee success on-the-pitch? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater for the first of our three-part series in multi-club ownership including Matt speaking with AJ Swoboda, Managing Director in the Americas for consultancy firm Twenty First Group about the role of MCOs within the global game. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater Featuring: AJ Swoboda Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. During media duties this week, the England manager put an emphasis on physicality and pressing, a tactic not commonly associated with international football. He also voiced that he felt England were more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than having the hunger and excitement to win it. So is Tuchel's first squad a step forward or step back, and can his more proactive style of management win England the World Cup? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater. Today we’re joined by a man who’s refereed at the highest level of European football - both in the club and international game. With fan-fueled conspiracies on the rise and scrutiny at an all-time high, how difficult is it to be a referee? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Premier League and FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg as well as The Athletic's senior writer Rory Smith to discuss Mark's career, his time at Nottingham Forest as well as the impact conspiracy has on officiating. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Clattenburg and Rory Smith Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona. After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one of Hansi Flick’s most important players. So how has Raphinha reinvented himself to become one of Europe’s most effective players?  Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & Laia Cervello Herrero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool. Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a hammer blow at Wembley. After an abject display in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, we’re asking if Liverpool have run out of steam. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes, Andy Jones & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United finally have their hands on domestic silverware after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley. So how did Eddie Howe’s side make such light work of Liverpool? And will success at Wembley kick start a new era of success on Tyneside? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead, who were both at Wembley, to discuss the significance of the occasion, and the role of a number of Newcastle's individual players. Later, they ask whether League Cup success can provide the launchpad to greater riches. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Waugh, Jacob Whitehead and Mark Carey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

The first piece of domestic silverware will be contested between Liverpool and Newcastle when they meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Eddie Howe's Newcastle are looking to end a 70 year drought, will the occasion get the better of them as it did in 2023? And after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG midweek, how will Arne Slot's side respond in his first final at Liverpool? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writer Tim Spiers, Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Liverpool writer Andy Jones to preview Sunday's tie. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Chris Waugh, Andy Jones Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

On Wednesday night Atletico Madrid found a new way to suffer Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid. Diego Simeone's side were knocked out courtesy of penalties after Julian Alvarez had his effort rule out for a 'two-touch' kick. From VAR, to penalty shootouts, to near misses, Atleti have once again failed to find a way past their neighbours. So why is there always something stopping Simeone’s and his team from getting over the line in this competition?  Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Phil Hay to reflect on a chaotic night at the Metropolitano, discuss Atleti's 'El Pupas' curse and analyse how Simeone lifts his side for the La Liga title run-in. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Phil Hay and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford home. The news came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated the club could run out of money by Christmas without cost-cutting. So, with concerns around Manchester United’s finances, how would this development be paid for, and how will it affect their on pitch ambitions? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season.. So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season? And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed Walid Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025