The Athletic FC Podcast

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview (what's left of) the weekend's Premier League action, as Covid outbreaks continue to disrupt the festive fixture calendar... Has 'Auba-gate' actually galvanised the Arsenal squad and can they take their impressive home form to Elland Road on Saturday? How much Kane would be worth if he tried to engineer another move away from Spurs in January and more on KdB's frighteningly good return to action. Plus, why Gareth Southgate MUST find a way to get Trent Alexander-Arnold into his England team for the World Cup next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Edwin van der Sar to discuss his journey from being a hugely successful player to leading one of European football's most famous football clubs as CEO of AFC Ajax.We also hear how Edwin's work at Ajax is being noticed from other clubs including his former side Manchester United.In a wide ranging discussion, Edwin also details the every day challenges he faces in his role from recruitment, managing finances and creating an authentic connection with fans through the club's unique culture and Bob Marley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Wolves writer Tim Spiers to shine a spotlight on his article: ‘A footballer’s guide to Christmas parties: The fines, fisticuffs, foreign trips and fancy dress,’ for which Tim enlisted the help of former Wolves winger Matt Jarvis... Standby for some outrageous tales from what Matt proudly describes as the 'biggest night on the footballing calendar', how the tradition has withstood scrooge-esque managers, a pandemic and the ever-increasing professional standards we've come to expect.Plus, Dan and Flo react to the news that Arsenal have stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to discuss the off field dispute that led to Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being dropped by Mikel Arteta.David & Adam will share what they know following COVID outbreaks at Aston Villa & Manchester United and explain what could happen next.And we’ll speak to The Athletic’s Crystal Palace writer Matt Woosnam after an important win for Patrick Vieira’s side against Everton at Selhurst Park with Connor Gallagher stealing the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth reconvene to discuss their first impressions of the Ralf Rangnick era at Old Trafford, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka fails his first audition infront of his new manager... They also explore Kasper Schmeichel's big dip in form, how Brentford keep finding new ways to replace their star strikers, Man City's ominous recent PL form and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Rick Parry, Chairman of the English Football League to discuss regulation and sustainability at all levels of English football in the wake of the recommendations made in the Fan-Led Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Women's football writer Jessy Parker Humphreys, to reflect on the many ways in which the sport's openly gay power-couples are creating a safe and 'joyous' environment for the LGBTQ+ community... They discuss how love-stories like Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis, the in-jokes, social media sub-culture and sincere efforts to celebrate the joy of 'queerness' in sport, has left the men's game in the dust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Adam Crafton assess the impact Ralf Rangnick is already having as Manchester United interim manager with our German writer Raphael HonigsteinThe Athletic’s Andy Jones will share his concerns for Burnley who are joint bottom of the Premier League following defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.And, more disarray at Everton means another uplifting Everton chat, this time with Greg O’Keefe as news came through yesterday that director of football Marcel Brands has left the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to reflect on Arsenal's bad habits after scoring a goal, Michael Carrick's Manchester United legacy and Aubameyang's ability to disappear in big away games... Plus, the trio debate Chelsea's best attacking combination, why Everton are lucky to have Rafa Benitez in charge and if Raheem Sterling is back in Pep's good books? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & Matt Slater are joined by Tracey Crouch MP who responds to criticism from some leaders at Premier League clubs of The Independent Fan Led Review of Football Governance that was chaired by Crouch.Also on the pod, Danny Macklin, CEO of Leyton Orient, who play in League Two in the English football league, to get his thoughts on the review that he hopes can provide lower league clubs the financial support they need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.