The Athletic FC Podcast

As recently as 2018 both Coventry City and Luton Town were playing one another in League Two, yet on Saturday meet at Wembley for a place in the Premier League next season.Luton having climbed back from dropping out in the EFL in 2009 and Coventry City, who have been 'homeless' due to stadium disputes and evictions during the last decade both have the chance of returning to the top flight.Mark Champman is alongside Matt Slater, Richard Sutcliffe and Nancy Froston to discuss football's 'Richest Game' and the impact this season's Championship Play-Off Final could have for its winner.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono, after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid.La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches.But is that going to make a difference?The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil.Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United will be returning to the Champions League after 20 years away next season, after securing a top four finish with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night.Having also reached a first cup final in 24 years this season, their first under Saudi Arabian ownership and with Eddie Howe in the dugout what comes next for the Magpies?Mark Chapman is alongside George Caulkin and Oli Kay to explore where Newcastle go next...Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in the past six years.But off the pitch questions remain after over 100 Premier League charges - for allegedly breaching financial regulations - were brought against the club..So is there an asterisk over City’s success until the charges are resolved either way? Or will the allegations just be forgotten about as more titles are collected and the long process drags on? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and our Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the penultimate weekend of action in the Premier League.Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad hoping to seal their third successive league title while Newcastle know a win over Leicester City on Monday night will be enough to secure Champions League qualification.At the bottom, Big Sam heads back to West Ham hoping to keep Leeds alive heading into the final day, plus there's the Trivia & Six Scores Challenge.Produced by Guy Clarke***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances.But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manchester City's rivals make of their dominance.***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell to dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League under the stewardship of data-driven Sport Republic.The role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, appointment of Nathan Jones as well as the club's bold youthful transfer policy are all put under the spotlight.Produced by Guy Clarke***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.”But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club?Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future.***• This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need? And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson & David Ornstein ***• Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest.At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip.Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.