The Athletic FC Podcast

James Pearce, an experienced Liverpool correspondent, and Tomás Hill López-Menchero, a La Liga expert, dive deep into Liverpool's standout Champions League win over Real Madrid. They explore how this victory might reignite Liverpool’s season, while James praises the team’s organization and intensity. Tomás discusses Real Madrid's underwhelming performance and tensions under their new coach, Xabi Alonso. The duo also highlights standout players like Conor Bradley and assesses new signings, setting the stage for a crucial upcoming clash with Manchester City.

David Ornstein, a seasoned football journalist from The Athletic, joins Matt Slater, a sports analyst, and Wolves superfan Tim Spiers to discuss the chaotic state of Wolverhampton Wanderers. They dive into the fallout from Vitor Pereira's sacking, the troubling transfer decisions that set the team up for failure, and the murky ownership dynamics under Fosun. With relegation looming, the guests weigh in on whether new ownership could bring stability and if Wolves can avoid the drop this season, offering insights that blend insider knowledge with passionate fan perspectives.

Journalists Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke delve into Tottenham Hotspur's home struggles after a disappointing loss to Chelsea. They discuss the team's creativity issues and how a lack of atmosphere may contribute to poor performances. Jack highlights the challenges facing manager Thomas Frank as he transitions from Brentford, while both guests analyze Spurs' reliance on set pieces. With a mid-table prediction, they question the squad's ability to compete across competitions amidst intense scrutiny.

Carl Anka, a football journalist known for his match analysis, and Jay Harris, a tactical football writer, dive into the intense Tottenham vs Chelsea derby. They discuss Spurs' defensive improvements and Chelsea's disciplinary woes, weighing the impact of injuries and suspensions on both teams. The duo also touches on Xavi Simons' adaptation challenges and Chelsea’s recent struggles with creativity. With tactical insights on set-pieces and psychological edges, they predict the match outcomes and explore wider Premier League implications.

James Horncastle, a seasoned football journalist specializing in Serie A, delves into Juventus' tumultuous changes, including the swift dismissal of Igor Tudor and the appointment of Luciano Spalletti. He discusses the lingering impact of Cristiano Ronaldo on the club's finances and culture. James shares insights on Spalletti's tactical genius and the challenges he faces in a restructured leadership landscape. The conversation also touches on Juventus' struggles to attract top talent amidst rising competition from clubs in the Premier League and beyond.

Chris Weatherspoon, a passionate football journalist and Sunderland supporter, shares firsthand insights on Sunderland's stunning Premier League performance. Phil Hay, an experienced football analyst, discusses the impact of strategic transfers and coaching decisions on the team's success. Meanwhile, German correspondent Seb Stafford-Bloor highlights Granit Xhaka's vital role in stabilizing the squad. Together, they delve into the club's impressive starts, key signings, and tactical adaptations that have propelled Sunderland into the top four after nine games.

Join seasoned football journalists Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, and Guilherme Rai as they dissect the fiery atmosphere of El Clasico sparked by Lamine Yamal's controversial remarks. They explore the dramatic pre-match tensions, the aftermath of player confrontations, and the challenges Yamal faced during the match. Discussions also delve into Barcelona's management of young talent and the broader implications for La Liga as they navigate competitive dynamics. Plus, insights on how key players like Bellingham and Rashford are shaping their teams add to the intrigue!

Join former professional footballer Adrian Clarke and football journalist James McNicholas as they dissect Arsenal's impressive season. They delve into the team's standout defensive performance, which has seen them concede just three goals in nine games. The duo discusses Mikel Arteta's influence, the importance of a strong defensive culture, and how Arsenal's depth can challenge rivals. They also explore the team's unique scoring variety and the ongoing battle for the title, weighing Arsenal's potential against historical pressures.

Liam Rosenior, the dynamic head coach of RC Strasbourg and former professional player, shares insights on his team’s impressive start to the Ligue 1 season. He discusses his emphasis on expressive football, the role of diverse coaching staff, and the value of representation in football. Rosenior reflects on adapting to French culture and leading a young squad with empathy. He also highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and instilling pride in players, preparing them to handle scrutiny with confidence.

Football journalist Stu James and tactical expert Tim Spiers dive into Aston Villa's impressive turnaround under Unai Emery, exploring how key players like Ollie Watkins are elevating their game. They also analyze Erling Haaland's scoring prowess for Manchester City and discuss whether City is quietly becoming a force this season. The duo speculates on how Villa will cope without Rodri and shares score predictions for the clash, alongside insights into other weekend matches, including Arsenal's form and Salah's role at Liverpool.