The Athletic FC Podcast

Duncan Alexander, football data specialist offering statistical context. Mark Carey, match analyst with sharp observational reporting. Michael Cox, tactics expert known for deep tactical and historical insight. They debate the 68-goal Round of 16 spike. They argue how removing away goals altered approaches. They unpack Manchester City’s exit, Guardiola’s European record, and which teams look like favourites: Bayern, Arsenal and Barcelona among others.

Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal and Brazil forward known for his City success, discusses his move to Arsenal and the relationship that sealed it. He compares Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, describes Arteta’s training methods and dressing-room chemistry. Talks set-piece importance, coping with near-misses in title races, his recovery from a knee injury and ambitions for Brazil and the Champions League.

Cerys Jones, football reporter offering sharp squad and player analysis. Tim Spiers, journalist known for tactical and Manchester City context. They preview the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. They debate why the trophy matters more to Arsenal. They dissect Guardiola's situation, key matchups like Haaland vs Gabriel, goalkeeper choices and narrow victory predictions.

Simon Johnson, Chelsea correspondent who explains club perspective, and Matt Slater, investigative reporter on football finance, debate Chelsea's undisclosed transfer payments and the £10.75m fine. They discuss how the takeover exposed payments, why cooperation cut punishment, whether sanctions look inconsistent, and what this ruling might mean for future high-profile financial cases.

Jack Pitt-Brooke, football journalist covering Chelsea, PSG and City. James Allcott, broadcaster offering tactical and fan-perspective analysis. They dissect Chelsea’s 8-2 loss to PSG. They debate whether Rosenior’s position is secure, explore squad building, recruitment and tactical consistency. They contrast Chelsea’s churn with Arsenal’s steadier rebuild and discuss Enzo Fernández’s future.

Jacob Whitehead, a tactical and player analyst for Newcastle, and George Caulkin, a reporter on transfers and club structures, discuss Newcastle’s inconsistency this season. They cover recruitment chaos, the fallout from striker departures, missed transfer targets, Champions League pressures, squad depth and training ground and stadium plans. Short, sharp takes on how infrastructure and recruitment shape progress.

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.

Mark Critchley, senior football reporter with deep United coverage, and Tim Spiers, Aston Villa specialist and tactical reporter. They preview the Manchester United v Aston Villa clash. They debate Michael Carrick’s start, United’s schedule and injury issues. They weigh Villa’s Europa run against poor league form and discuss top-four tightness and key player availability.

Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent who breaks down City's tactics and the Real Madrid tie. James McNicholas, Arsenal analyst who examines Arsenal’s away struggles and cup prospects. Liam Twomey, Chelsea specialist who dissects Chelsea’s collapse, goalkeeping issues and PSG clash. They debate Premier League strength after a tough Champions League night and whether English sides can recover.

Simon Hughes, tactical analyst with deep managerial insight; David Ornstein, investigative football correspondent; Jay Harris, on-the-ground Spurs reporter. They dissect Tottenham's collapse, Tudor’s rocky start and player development struggles. Discussion covers toxic home atmosphere, Kinski’s early substitution and the dilemma over whether to replace Tudor. Tough talk on club hierarchy and what a leadership reset might look like.