The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast diiscuss the huge Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19/04/2026 • 48:37
Napoli’s Aurelio De Laurentiis is one of European football’s most outspoken and recognisable owners and this week he’s been telling Adam Crafton all about his plans to revolutionise football - including a European Super Championship.They also discuss his relationship Antonio Conte - who guided Napoli to last season's Serie A title the subject of Filmauro's 'Ag4in' documentary.Plus, De Laurentiis shares his thoughts on the influence agents have within the game whilst also discussing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.This interview is also available to watch on The Athletic FC Podcast YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18/04/2026 • 39:11
The top two face off in a massive game in the title race.Will Man City continue their excellent recent form, or can Arsenal spring a surprise at the Etihad? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Art De RochéExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17/04/2026 • 44:34
A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in!Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second successive trophyless season for the first time in 16 years.So just how broken are Real Madrid?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16/04/2026 • 37:24
The managerial merry-go-round has started up again!The latest mover is Andoni Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end the season.So what next for Iraola and the Cherries?And how will this move impact the managerial market?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
15/04/2026 • 42:17
With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue.So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever?And if so, who is this World Cup actually for?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14/04/2026 • 43:38
After Arsenal slumped to defeat Man City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League with a statement win on Sunday.Defeat to Bournemouth now makes it three losses in four in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side.So, are Arsenal losing their nerve, again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13/04/2026 • 36:59
Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton.They cover a huge amount of ground, including his relationship with ‘the boss’ Sir Alex Ferguson, the highs and lows of his Champions League final appearances and his take on whether Michael Carrick should be handed the United job permanently.Host: Adam CraftonGuest: Patrice Evra Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/04/2026 • 35:41
Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Can the Citizens keep the pressure on in the title race?Elsewhere Arsenal host Bournemouth, Manchester United face local rivals Leeds, and Roberto De Zerbi begins his Tottenham tenure away to Sunderland. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/04/2026 • 52:28
After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role!So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Dermot CorriganProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
09/04/2026 • 34:25
Harry Kane’s 49th goal of the season helped Bayern Munich to victory in the Bernabeu.Luis Diaz and Michael Olise played a starring support role.With a front three to be feared - are Vincent Kompany’s side the best in Europe?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Carl Anka & Seb Stafford-BloorProducers: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
08/04/2026 • 42:52
After losing 4-0 at the Etihad, Liverpool’s season is at risk of unravelling. With so much uncertainty surrounding the club's hierarchy, are FSG allowing Liverpool to drift? Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes & Matt SlaterProducers: Jay Beale & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07/04/2026 • 45:19
This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, and one that will be Mohammed Salah's final trip to the Etihad Stadium as a Red. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
03/04/2026 • 36:16
Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris WeatherspoonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/04/2026 • 38:19
The 48-team line-up for the World Cup has now been determined, after a night of drama in the play-offs.And for the third successive tournament, Italy miss out…So what now for the four-time champions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Felipe Cardenas, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01/04/2026 • 45:19
The fallout from the AFCON final in January continues to rumble on.On Saturday - Senegal paraded the trophy in Paris …. despite having their title stripped and handed to Morocco.So what happens next?And how much has this saga damaged the reputation of AFCON?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes, Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31/03/2026 • 33:13
Igor Tudor has left Tottenham Hotspur, after just one win from seven games in charge.They’re now pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to replace him.So, can he save them from relegation? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle & Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30/03/2026 • 34:26
We're into the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. Harry Maguire and Kobbe Mainoo are back in the England squad while Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out by Thomas Tuchel. So, who should be on the plane come June? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27/03/2026 • 35:14
The Premier League currently and historically has seen a wide range of ownership models from local businessmen to sovereign wealth funds.But what actually makes a good owner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26/03/2026 • 36:15
After nine years and more than 250 goals, Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool.The Egyptian King has helped fire the Reds to Champions League & Premier League glory.So how much of a loss will he be, and can Liverpool replace him?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Oli Kay, Mark CareyFeaturing: John GibbonsExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25/03/2026 • 35:06
From players and managers to executives and owners, the Premier League is made up of some big personalities.But who are the most influential?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24/03/2026 • 42:24
Manchester City claimed the first silverware of the season, thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace. For Arsenal it was another opportunity missed, but what impact will it have on the title race?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Art de RochéExecutive Producers: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23/03/2026 • 38:48
On this episode of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern and Madrid really are.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan AlexanderProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22/03/2026 • 36:01
Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview. In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race. Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more.Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos & Jack LangGuest: Gabriel JesusExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Rachael Tinde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21/03/2026 • 34:01
Arsenal and Manchester City take to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final. Will Arsenal pick up their first major trophy since 2020, or will Pep Guardiola get his hands on his fifth League Cup with the Citizens?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20/03/2026 • 46:48
Chelsea have been fined more than £10m and handed a suspended transfer ban for making secret payments in relation to transfers.So does the punishment fit the crime?And what precedent does this for future cases such as the 115 charges Manchester City face?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19/03/2026 • 33:32
Chelsea are out of the Champions League after an 8-2 humbling at the hands of PSG.So where does such a damaging defeat leave head coach Liam Rosenior?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Allcott, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18/03/2026 • 34:21
With 12 wins, six draws and 12 defeats in the Premier League - Newcastle have been struggling to find consistency this season.So a year on from their historic Carabao Cup win at Wembley - are Eddie Howe’s side actually progressing?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Whitehead & George CaulkinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17/03/2026 • 34:38
Once again, boos rang around Anfield as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Spurs. After missing the chance to go 4th, is it Champions League qualification or bust for Arne Slot? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Guy Clarke & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16/03/2026 • 36:06
Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a massive game in the race for Champions League football.Can the Red Devils bounce back from their first loss of the Michael Carrick era against the out of form Villains? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13/03/2026 • 44:42
