830 episodes

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting through the noise to tell you what’s really happening and why it matters.

The Athletic FC Podcast The Athletic

    • Sport

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting through the noise to tell you what’s really happening and why it matters.

    Why can’t Bayern Munich find a manager?

    Why can’t Bayern Munich find a manager?

    Bayern Munich announced back in February that this season would be Thomas Tuchel’s last as their manager.

    Fast forward three months and Bayern are yet to find a replacement.

    Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and now Ralf Rangnick have opted to stay at their current jobs rather than join the German club.

    So why are Bayern struggling to fill their managerial vacancy?

    And who could they turn to next?

    Host: Ayo Akinwolere
    With: Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Seb Stafford-Bloor
    Producer: Mike Stavrou
    Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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    • 30 min
    Why does Lopetegui want West Ham?

    Why does Lopetegui want West Ham?

    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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    • 33 min
    Can anyone stop Real Madrid?

    Can anyone stop Real Madrid?

    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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    • 39 min
    Will Arsenal or City slip up in the title race?

    Will Arsenal or City slip up in the title race?

    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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    • 41 min
    New Premier League financial rules explained

    New Premier League financial rules explained

    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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    • 44 min
    Inside Xavi's bizarre Barcelona U-turn

    Inside Xavi's bizarre Barcelona U-turn

    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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    • 30 min

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