The Athletic FC Podcast

Dermot Corrigan, a La Liga writer, discusses the surprising cancellation of Barcelona's match in Miami against Villarreal, citing timeline issues and player protests. Matt Slater, an Athletic contributor, dives into the broader implications of this decision on football politics and commercial interests. They explore how Real Madrid's Florentino Perez played a role, the financial stakes for La Liga, and the potential impact on Serie A's overseas plans. The conversation wraps up with speculation on how this drama could influence the upcoming El Clasico.

Chris Waugh, a keen football journalist, delves into Newcastle United's tumultuous season post-Alexander Isak, exploring their new signing Nick Woltemade's unexpected impact. Oli Kay, a tactical expert, discusses the wingers' key roles in recent matches and the challenges faced by Isak at Liverpool. They address Newcastle's recruitment strategies, including a focus on data and retaining core players. The podcast also touches on Nick Pope's standout performances and the pressing questions surrounding the club's trajectory in elite competitions.

Laurie Whitwell, a Manchester United reporter, and Mark Critchley, a writer for The Athletic, dive deep into United's thrilling win at Anfield—their first since 2016. They analyze Ruben Amorim’s adaptive tactics that turned the match around and discuss Harry Maguire's redemption arc with a pivotal goal. The conversation also explores Matheus Cunha's surprise inclusion in the lineup and the significance of building momentum ahead of the crucial Brighton fixture. Plus, they weigh in on the potential benefits of no European distractions for team development.

David Ornstein, a seasoned football journalist, joins Nottingham Forest correspondent Paul Taylor and reporter Dan Kilpatrick, who specializes in Premier League analysis. They dissect the surprising sacking of Ange Postecoglou after just 39 days, questioning if he ever had a fair chance. The team explores the disconnect between Postecoglou's style and club identity, and why Sean Dyche, with his tactical fit and club history, is now favored to steer Forest's ship. They also discuss pressing topics such as transfer policies and Dyche's potential to stabilize the squad.

Veteran midfielder İlkay Gündoğan, known for his stellar career at Manchester City and with the German national team, shares fascinating insights with Jordan Campbell. He reflects on playing under Pep Guardiola's possession style versus Jürgen Klopp's high-intensity approach. Gündoğan also discusses his move to Galatasaray, career longevity through diet changes, and iconic moments at City. Plus, he reveals his coaching aspirations and how Pep's training transformed his game. A deep dive into modern football from a seasoned pro!

Megan Feringa, a dedicated football journalist, teams up with Oli Kay, a sharp football writer and analyst, to dive into the highly anticipated Liverpool vs Manchester United clash. They discuss the mounting pressure on managers, particularly for Arna Slott at Liverpool versus Ruben Amorim at United. Defensive injuries for Liverpool are examined, alongside tactical adaptations to exploit fullback weaknesses. Both share predictions and highlight key players, all while addressing the concerning trend of fewer open-play goals this season.

In this engaging discussion, James Featherstone, an experienced football agent and founder of Omnisports, shares insights about player representation and the complexities of transfers. Joining him is Stu James, a football journalist from The Athletic, who delves into agent-club dynamics. They explore the essence of trust in agent-player relationships, the negotiation process, and the strategic timing in transfers. Featherstone also reflects on the rapid rise of player Adam Wharton, managing young stars, and the significant impact of social media on modern negotiations.

In this discussion, football writer Charlie Eccleshare shares insights on Harry Kane’s tactical evolution at Tottenham, while Seb Stafford-Bloor analyzes his impressive performances in the Bundesliga since joining Bayern Munich. Former England goalkeeper Rob Green reminisces about his early encounters with Kane and offers a goalkeeper's perspective on facing him. The trio debates Kane's significant role in England's World Cup hopes, perceptions of his legacy, and his unique ability to balance scoring with playmaking, all while questioning whether Kane is truly appreciated.

Matt Slater, a renowned football journalist, joins Jay Harris, a passionate writer focused on fan culture, and Dan Kilpatrick, a senior journalist with insider knowledge of Tottenham Hotspur. They delve into the implications of Daniel Levy’s resignation, exploring the current ownership and management dynamics at Spurs. Speculations about the club's potential sale arise, alongside discussions on how executive changes impact stability and future ambitions. The conversation also addresses whether the Lewis family will invest more to strengthen the team's performance.

Peter Moore, the former CEO of Liverpool FC, shares insights from his tenure, including how Fenway Sports Group reshaped the club's identity and transformed it into a superclub. Dr. Ian Graham, former Director of Research, discusses the pivotal role of data-driven recruitment in player selection and performance analytics. They also touch on FSG's shifting strategies, including the significance of Anfield in preserving local identity, and the challenges of integrating advanced analytics into football operations. Their perspectives offer a fascinating look at modern football governance.