The Athletic FC Podcast

Vincent Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League in impressive fashion but is he destined for even greater things?Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Sam Lee & Andy Jones to assess Kompany's potential to join the ranks of the elite, with Pep Guardiola already talking him up as a future Manchester City manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona writer Pol Ballus and PSG writer Peter Rutzler to debate the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona two years on from leaving.The panel assess how the La Liga side could afford a move for their former star, his relationship with the PSG supporters having been booed in recent home matches, while his name has been chanted at Camp Nou.Plus, what commercial impact could it have on PSG if he were to leave and if not Barcelona what other options are open to Messi?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City may be firing on all cylinders in the Premier League but the Champions League has humbled them in the past. Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Rafa Honigstein and Sam Lee - ahead of their first-leg quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich - to discuss 'over-thinking it', Haaland's form and a familiar face in the opposition dugout...But has Thomas Tuchel, parachuted into Munich as he was at Chelsea in 2021, had enough time to mould Bayern Munich in his image, plus Pep's Bayern legacy, Cancelo-gate and if the treble is actually on?Produced by Abi Paterson and Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League title race stepped up a notch following Sunday's game of the season contender at Anfield as Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils with two-all draw.So what is it about Anfield that causes teams to slip up or sense to go out the window? How much margin for error is there now for Arsenal and City? Ian Irving is joined by Adam Crafton and Oli Kay to assess the damage for Arsenal and state of play in the title race.Produced by Abi Paterson 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 Easter Weekend's Premier League action.League leaders Arsenal head to Liverpool while Man City visit Southampton ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich.Meanwhile, the panel get into the latest managerial movements with Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea, plus, there's a check-in on the race for a top four finish with Newcastle moving into pole position.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when you think you've said all that you can about Chelsea in one week, they appoint Frank Lampard as caretaker manager. Joining host Ian Irving to discuss Lampard's return are the Athletic's Oli Kay, Stu James and Rob Tanner.As the merry-go-round spins ever faster there's also a look at the wider managerial picture and in particular the future of Brendan Rodgers. A man with trophies and plenty of experience under his belt but why isn't be being considered for one of the big jobs available? Is it all a question of timing or are you always judged by your most recent failure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp described himself as the "last man standing" on Monday. It was a tongue in cheek comment but equally an odd one to bring up at a time when Liverpool are, yet again this season, in a rut. So is the great man untouchable or can he rebuild his way out?Joining Ian Irving to talk through the current state of Liverpool and what Klopp can learn from his previous job as Borussia Dortmund boss it's Raphael Honigstein and Caoimhe O'NeillProduced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, we brought you the news that Chelsea head coach Graham Potter had been sacked by Chelsea, today, host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to reveal the full story of how things unravelled for Potter in West London...A playing squad too big to fit into one dressing room, who really wields the power at Cobham, why Bruno Salter and other coaches are likely to still be in charge when the team head to the Bernabeu next week and the "Harry Hogwarts" moniker that underpinned a mutiny.Plus, an update from David on the search for the next permanent manager and why the owners might struggle to find the perfect candidate.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Simon Johnson to discuss the sacking of Graham Potter as Chelsea manager.The panel detail why Chelsea acted now, who is in the frame to take over and where might Potter end up next.There is also reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving his role as Leicester manager - could he be in line to be the new Chelsea manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manchester City prepare to take on Liverpool at the Etihad, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of the weekend's Premier League action.The panel analyse Bukayo Saka's sensational form and ask whether he can rival Erling Haaland for the PFA Player of the Year award, Newcastle are out for revenge for Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United as well as the latest at Tottenham in a week full of incident and drama.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.