The Athletic Football Podcast

Adam Leventhal returns to preview Matchweek 16 of the Premier League! The weekend is headlined by a clash between table-topping Arsenal and surprise-package Aston Villa. Can Villa extend their winning run at home to 15 games? Then we ask what's going wrong at Manchester City? The Champions are without a win in four matches and have only managed three in their last nine.  And finally it's a tour of some other interesting storylines - will Manchester United continue their mini-renaissance vs Bournemouth? Will Steve Cooper still have a job by Monday? And how high can Everton climb even with their points penalty?  Host: Adam Leventhal Guests: Joey D'Urso, Oli Kay Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Manchester City fell to defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's side slipped to fourth in the Premier League and six points off pace-setters Arsenal. So what is going wrong at City, is it a glitch in the matrix or are their problems more serious? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Mark Critchley, Pol Ballus and Thom Harris to explore and examine City's winless run as it stretched to four games in the Premier League. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley were beaten again this week & remain in Premier League relegation zone... Kompany has revolutionised their playing style, but does a ‘stubborn’ commitment to one way of playing hold back too many managers in the Premier league? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to discuss. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exclusive interview for The Athletic, Arsenal and Italy midfielder Jorginho joins host Ayo Akinwolere, to talk about the Gunners' Premier League title charge, 'misunderstood' Kai Havertz and more... What's it really like to play for Mikel Arteta and why deep-lying central midfielders have become so expensive in the transfer market. Jorginho also opens up about the abuse he's suffered having missed penalties for Italy, why dual-nationality can be a gift and a curse in football, and working his way back into the squad for Euro 2024. Plus, if Bukayo Saka is playing too much football and his work to help young players manage their money better. Jorginho is founding Investor and Ambassador at Gather Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trent Alexander-Arnold is flying in the Premier League… A year on from playing a bit-part role in Qatar and struggling for form at home, Trent is now excelling for club & country in a bespoke hybrid role.. So is unlocking his immense talent the key to Liverpool’s title challenge & has he finally convinced Gareth Southghate that he has to find a starting place for him for England.. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Liverpool writer James Pearce, Senior Football writer Oli Kay and Data Analyst Mark Carey. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League.  First on the docket is the Man City vs Tottenham, with the away side looking to live up to their reputation as the champion's 'bogey team', with Spurs having won 5 of the last 7 matchups.  Then it's a trip to Tyneside for Newcastle vs Man United. With both teams having had emotionally exhausting midweek games, who will come out on top? And there's also time for a discussion of basement battle Burnley vs Sheffield United, league leaders Arsenal vs Wolves, and Chelsea vs Brighton.  Producer: John Rogers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination... But despite some costly individual errors, is it really all goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fault?   Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Man United writer Carl Anka and our Italian football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades... Success feels like a virtual guarantee these days with Jude Bellingham at the heart of one of the most exciting young teams on earth - So why would anyone want to leave? The Soap Opera of ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues… Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos and La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’… So are they actually going to sign Ruben Neves in January? Or anyone else from the Saudi Pro League for that matter?  And why is the richest club in the world, turning to a 17 year-old midfielder amid an injury crisis?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, plus Jacob Whitehead & Chris Waugh. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career?  And with the best defence in the division - are Arsenal a better team than last season - if not quite as fun to watch?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal writer Amy Lawrence and German football writer Raphael Honigstein.  Produced by Adonis Pratsides Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the year, with the visitors looking to lay down a marker. Sunday sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park fresh from their 10-point deduction while Tottenham take on Aston Villa in a battle of fourth versus fifth. Newcastle welcome Chelsea to Tyneside to round off the heavyweight clashes, while Sheffield United and Bournemouth play out a relegation 6-pointer.  All that and more, as Adam Leventhal hosts Colin Millar, Thom Harris, and Reuben Pinder. Produced by John Rogers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s aristocracy  But after 11 games this season - they’re bottom of the table, their world-famous pool of academy talent seems to have dried up, and after losing one of the most influential football executives of this century could a genuine 'legacy club' soon be a second-division side? Ayo Akinwolere is joined one final time this week by The Athletic’s Matt Slater & Adam Crafton, plus our German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins in to connect the dots with our fifth club, Hertha Berlin. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead ** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverware for a fourth consecutive season…  Behind the scenes however, the picture isn’t quite as rosy. Despite increased revenues, profits are low and debts are sky-high. Add to that an outdated stadium, an ageing squad and some high-profile departures. So, is it enough for them to just be successful on the pitch and if a takeover is the solution, are they, or any Italian club, attractive enough to buy?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater & our Italian football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead ** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It doesn’t seem that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club. Moving on from Messi & co was always going to be difficult, but a series of failings on and off the pitch, led to a fall from grace. Only last month however, President Joan Laporta proclaimed the crisis he ‘inherited’ was over. But, as the reigning La Liga Champions’, net debt climbs to almost £1.2bn - is everything quite as it seems at Barca?  In the second part of our series ‘Crisis Clubs’, examining the financial states of five European football clubs, Ayo Akinwolere, Matt Slater & Dermot Corrigan dig into the numbers and plot a potential way out for Barcelona. Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. Leaving Everton with only four points, and in the relegation zone, despite an up-turn in recent form on the pitch…  So today, we’ll explain why Everton have been punished, what happens next & what it might mean for clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater, Football Correspondent David Ornstein & Everton writer Patrick Boyland. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far.  With the help of Nick Miller, Jay Harris, and Caoimhe O’Neill, we start by asking whether Man City can be beaten to the title this season, with Liverpool and Arsenal looking like the key contenders. Then it's a trip to the foot of the table, and wondering whether the three promoted clubs - Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton - can escape instant relegation.  And finally, it's a tour of our moments of the season so far, featuring our favourite goals, matches, players, signings, and more! *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS set to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, does this move represent the start of a change of direction after a difficult 12 months at the club?  And can United live up to the claim they made to investors, that with the right support they can enjoy billion pound revenues?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & Dan Sheldon. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge… Walter Mazzarri is the surprise replacement having previously been in charge of the club in 2013.. So how have Napoli gone from winning their first league title in 33 years to sacking their manager just six months later? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle. Produced by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric start to his managerial career. After playing under some of the biggest names in coaching during his playing career, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Alonso has already begun to forge an impressive reputation for himself. The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Thom Harris join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Alonso's start in coaching at Leverkusen, which influences have shown within his side as well as assessing what could come next for the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder. Produced by Guy Clarke Additional Production by Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling. But despite being one of the best players on the pitch in Chelsea’s four four draw with Manchester City, Sterling has - once again - not made the latest England squad. So is Sterling being unfairly overlooked or has Gareth Southgate moved on with new faces, such as Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Chelsea writer Simon Johnson as well as Oli Kay. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead  *** • This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal welcomes Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, and Omar Garrick to the studio to preview the weekend's fixtures.  Chelsea vs Manchester City headlines the weekend's action as Pochettino's side look to claim another big scalp after taking down Spurs on Monday.  Tottenham will look to regroup despite losing four key players to injury or suspension as they take a trip to Wolves. Elsewhere, Brighton are five games without a Premier League win; we ask Tifo tactics expert Jon Mackenzie whether other managers have figured them out, or if it's just a blip, as they prepare to take on Sheffield United.  Finally, as Manchester United lurch from one crisis to another, surely they have enough to beat Luton at home?  All that and more! Produced by John Rogers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson have felt the weight of expectation following their respective summer moves to Man United and Chelsea. To analyse their starts to life in the Premier League Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and ex-Brighton & Hove Albion forward Glenn Murray as well as The Athletic's Oliver Kay. The panel assess the impact of the environment both players are operating in, the options available within the transfer market for 'elite' clubs as well as what it will take for both Hojlund and Jackson to succeed. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor as well as ex-Bundesliga striker Jan Aage Fjortoft to analyse Borussia Dortmund following their 2-0 Champions League win over Newcastle United. Having lost out on the Bundesliga title on the final day of the 2022/23 season before selling Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in the summer, the panel analyse what is possible for Edin Terzic's side both domestically and in Europe. With Bellingham following on from the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho in leaving Dortmund in recent seasons, we also delve into their changing approach in the transfer market as well as the influence of their supporters. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forget the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, Tottenham vs Chelsea was 'Monday night Madness' in North London. Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and Spurs writer Charlie Eccleshare to explore whether Postecoglou's side really emerged stronger in defeat? Plus, what can Chelsea take from a huge win that was arguably one of their worst performances of the season? Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arteta's Arsenal were furious with VAR following their defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, but with just one shot on target in match - should they be more concerned with their own misfiring attack? From his brilliant hat-trick at home to Sheffield United - to being subbed with his team in need of a goal in Newcastle - has Nketiah become the fall-guy for Arsenal’s need to evolve in attack?  Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Arsenal writer James McNicholas to explore the Gunners' creative problems and their January transfer plans. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional Production: Mike Stavrou Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of Premier League fixtures.  Headlining the weekend is Arsenal's trip to Newcastle, their first away game at a top-six team so far this season. Can Newcastle withstand the Gunners even without new signings Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali to call upon? Jacob Whitehead, the Athletic's Newcastle correspondent, is on hand to tell us.  Then it's a return to Tottenham for Mauricio Pochettino for the first time with a new club. Can his Chelsea team break out of their slump to shock the league leaders?  And finally, we discuss the race to the bottom, and whether Luton is the most likely to escape relegation this season.  Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Jacob Whitehead and Luke Bosher *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following Australia's withdrawal to host the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia has been left as the sole bidder to stage world football's showpiece event. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse how Saudi Arabia became the only bidder for the tournament, what benefit the Gulf state hosting the tournament brings to FIFA and the impact it could have on the wider football world. Plus the panel debate the discussion around Human Rights, following the scrutiny the Qatar World Cup came under, before debating the impact it could have for the Saudi Pro League over the next 11 years before the tournament is played. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last season in the Premier League it felt like there was a manager being sacked every week. This season, it feels like the writing’s on the wall for a few struggling clubs already... So is it a surprise that no head coaches have paid the price. And will November once again prove to be the start of 'sacking season'? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Dom Fifiled, Duncan Alexander & Jay Harris to discuss. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Real Madrid about to leave Barcelona behind, both on and off the pitch? After losing Saturday’s El Clasico and then seeing Lionel Messi collect a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, you can bet there were a few people at Barcelona, hankering for the old days.. Add to that, Jude Bellingham’s goals, and last night’s Kopa Trophy win — the award for the best under-21 player - it's clear Real Madrid are looking towards the future. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus, Spanish football editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & tactics writer Michael Cox… Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Old Trafford yesterday Manchester City proved once again they are levels above Manchester United. How much is Erik ten Hag to blame and is he right to say United are still moving in the right direction after being outclassed by City? Or with all the turmoil off pitch going on, at one of the worlds biggest clubs, does he simply have an impossible job? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon. Produced by Guy Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices