The Athletic FC Podcast

Pol Ballus, a Barcelona correspondent, and Andy Mitten, a local football journalist, dive into Marcus Rashford's flourishing time in Spain. They discuss his impressive 20 goal contributions and how he's enhanced Barcelona's depth. Rashford's lifestyle in Barcelona is highlighted as a refreshing change, leading to renewed motivation and focus. His positive impact on teammates and coaches, alongside Hansi Flick's trust, stands out. However, financial struggles complicate a permanent signing, making his future uncertain.

Guillermo Moray and Dermot Corrigan, experts on Real Madrid and its intricate politics, dive into Florentino Perez's reign as a club powerhouse. They discuss the recent boos from fans and how Vinícius' stunning performance helped win them back. The duo explores Perez's commercial successes, growing pressures as a president, and fan protests against board decisions. With insights on Madrid's upcoming challenges and the controversial investor plan, they unravel the potent mix of sports and politics that shapes the club's future.

David Ornstein, Senior football reporter at The Athletic, and Jack Pitt-Brooke, a keen football analyst, dive into the January transfer window's hottest topics. They discuss Arsenal's potential loan for Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille, highlighting how the club’s environment may boost his growth. The duo also examines Thomas Frank's uncertain future at Spurs and Oliver Glasner's public frustrations at Palace. Plus, they touch on Manchester City's expected sale of Oscar Bob and how clubs can manage recruitment amid managerial changes.

Carl Anka, a Manchester United writer for The Athletic, and football journalist Oli Kay dive into Michael Carrick's impressive start as caretaker after a victory over Manchester City. They explore whether Carrick's brief reign could signal lasting change or if history is repeating with nostalgic leanings causing potential pitfalls. The duo also highlights the impact of new signings like Marc Guehi on City and reacts to the thrilling AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. Tune in for their insights on transformation versus tradition in football.

Carl Anka is a football journalist known for his tactical insights, while Alex Barker is a reporter who specializes in match previews. They dive into Michael Carrick’s debut as United’s interim manager, discussing his potential to reshape the squad's identity and tactical approach against city rivals. The duo also highlights Manchester City's defensive vulnerabilities and predicts the derby's outcome, alongside other key Premier League matchups, providing a dynamic analysis of current form and strategic matchups.

Join football journalist Jay Harris, known for his insightful coverage of African football, and seasoned writer Simon Hughes as they dive into the AFCON 2025 final. They explore the fierce rivalry between Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, dissect Senegal’s tactical prowess, and evaluate Egypt’s struggles. With discussions on youth investment in Morocco and Senegal, coaching decisions, and the implications for African teams in the World Cup, this is a must-listen for football fans eager to understand the tournament's dynamics!

Danny Kelly, a football journalist and podcaster, teams up with Jack Pitt-Brooke, a seasoned football writer, to dissect Tottenham's turbulent start under Thomas Frank. They explore fans' growing disillusionment due to poor performance and quality of play. The duo reflects on Spurs' historical attacking style, contrasting it with the current approach. Key topics include upcoming fixtures' cruciality, Frank's unclear identity at the club, and the challenges of moving from Brentford. They debate whether patience is warranted with Frank or if a change is necessary.

David Ornstein, a senior football reporter known for insider info, James Horncastle, a tactical analyst, and Dermot Corrigan, a Madrid expert, dive into Real Madrid's surprising sacking of Xabi Alonso. They explore the friction between Alonso's methodical style and the club’s player-centric culture, revealing power dynamics in the dressing room. The discussion also covers the implications for the managerial market and how Alonso's exit could impact top clubs. Finally, they analyze Everton's search for clarity and potential hires amid these shifts.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Woosnam, Crystal Palace writer, dissects the team's shocking FA Cup defeat to sixth-tier Macclesfield, highlighting their disorganization and missed opportunities. Dom Fifield provides insights on Palace's troubled recruitment and managerial uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner. Joining the conversation is Rob Smethurst, Macclesfield FC owner, who shares the heartwarming story of his club’s community-driven revival and the emotional impact of their historic win. A must-listen for football fans!

This discussion features Mark Carey, a football writer and tactics analyst, Liam Tharme, a data-focused contributor, and Michael Cox, a tactics specialist. They dive into the implications of Ruben Amorim's sacking and Manchester United's managerial strategies. The panel explores the nuances between caretaker and interim roles, critiquing modern managerial tenures and succession planning. They debate the risks of hiring club insiders and discuss instances of success, like Ole Gunnar Solskjær, while evaluating potential future managers for United.