The Athletic FC Podcast The Athletic

Last night, West Ham announced that David Moyes will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

After a prolonged search for Moyes’ successor, it seems the Hammers have landed on Julen Lopetegui.

So… why have West Ham chosen the former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves manager over other candidates? 

And for Lopetegui himself - what is it about the project that has made him turn down the allure of Bayern Munich?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and Tim Spiers
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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On Saturday Real Madrid were confirmed as La Liga champions for a record-extending 36th time, following Barcelona's 4-2 defeat at Girona.
So how did they do it, why was this title not as easy as it looked and can anyone stop Real Madrid being European football’s dominant force? 
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Madrid-based writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spanish Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to analyse how Carlo Ancelotti's side have managed to write their own page in Madrid's illustrious history.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Dermot Corrigan and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles:
How Real Madrid won La Liga – artful Ancelotti, brilliant Bellingham and unlikely new heroes - The Athletic
Real Madrid’s ‘dystopian’ dominance – Barcelona and La Liga rivals are way behind - The Athletic
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It’s matchday 36 in the Premier League and the title race is once again the main focus. Arsenal host Bournemouth while Man City go up against Wolves.

Elsewhere, in the relegation battle, it’s Luton vs Everton, Burnley vs Newcastle and Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and Jordan Campbell
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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So on Monday Premier League clubs opted to push on with plans for a hard spending limit — a de facto salary cap tied to the income of the lowest earning side in the top flight.
Why do some clubs want more financial regulation? Who is pushing back against it? And could this end up with legal action?
The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater joins Ayo Akinwolere to explain the concept of 'anchoring' as well as answering questions submitted by subscribers to The Athletic over the Premier League's proposed new spending controls.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Matt Slater
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
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Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”.

But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for the Catalans.

So, why did Barca perform a dramatic U-turn on Xavi’s future? 

How strong is his position now?

And can Xavi be backed in this summer’s transfer market to the level he now expects? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-Menchero
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer.

Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are planning on him being part of their squad for next season.

So, with his future back on the agenda, what are Liverpool’s options with or without their iconic forward?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and James Pearce
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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