The Athletic FC Podcast

So the Premier League has waged a war with its serial Champions, Manchester City - but what is rule W51, could City suffer a points deduction this season or even be stripped of past titles? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee and Matt Slater to explain... What have Man City allegedly done wrong, how long is this all going to take, why there is an Arsenal fan on the independent panel and the significance of a postponed government White Paper on football's ability to govern itself.Plus, what lessons we can draw from recent controversy in Serie A, cycling and rugby too.Produced by Adonis Pratsides***• Get 6 months of Babbel language learning for free when you purchase a 6 month subscription by entering the code ATHLETIC at babbel.com/play Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce & Raphael Honigstein to discuss the problems facing Liverpool in biggest crisis of Jurgen Klopp’s time as manager.What’s gone wrong & what can be done to turn things around? And if things don't improve how might it effect their chances of recruiting elite players such as Jude Bellingham? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Rich Amofa as the Premier League returns following the closure of the transfer window.As well as looking ahead to an Antonio-Conte-less-Tottenham hosting Man City, the panel cast their eyes over an equally tasty Friday night fixture between the two West London clubs of big spending Chelsea and Fulham. Arsenal are the Saturday lunchtime entertainment but they face an intriguing proposition in Sean Dyche's Everton at Goodison Park. Whilst the Kevin Nolan derby will be captivating on Tyneside between Newcastle and West Ham.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by David Ornstein & Adam Crafton to discuss Arsenals signing of Jorginho from Chelsea.Meanwhile Manchester United were also forced to react and make another loan signing - in Marcel Sabitzer -  following injury to Cristian Eriksen Are these shrewd moves to help both clubs win trophies this season? Will this lead to bigger from both clubs signings in the summer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein and Liam Twomey join Mark Chapman to analyse Chelsea's British Transfer Record deal to sign World Cup winning Enzo Fernandez.The panel discuss how Chelsea managed to pull off the deal to sign the Argentine, the level of finance involved as well as taking a deeper look at the Blues' approach in the transfer market.Also, having spent over £600m since Todd Boehly's takeover what pressure is there on Graham Potter to deliver immediate results?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A PFA Team of the Year regular and an ever-present figure in back-to-back title-winning seasons for Manchester City - So how has Joao Cancelo ended up on loan at Bayern Munich, just hours before the January transfer window closes? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee and Pol Ballus to explain...A burning desire to start every game and a history of flare-ups with coaching staff, our panel reveal a sense of inevitability about Cancelo's Man City exit. Plus, why Pep Guardiola's ruthless streak is significant, the difficulties of trying to manage a 'super-squad', how likely a return to the Etihad is this summer and why Bayern Munich were so quick to pounce.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to detail what could happen in the final hours of the January transfer window.They discuss Arsenal's move for Moises Caicedo, Chelsea's bid to sign Enzo Fernandez, and Spurs failed bid for Pedro Porro plus plenty more.The Athletic's Andy Naylor reveals the names Brighton are lining up even if and when Caicedo leaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek as well as The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as the FA Cup Fourth Round sees the first clash of the Premier League's top two this season.As well as looking ahead to Man City v Arsenal the panel also pick out Accrington Stanley v Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur's visit to Preston North End.Liverpool's return to Brighton two weeks on from losing 3-0 down on the south coast is also analysed ahead of picking out which ties to keep an eye on in the Fourth Round with a number of EFL sides hoping to spring a suprise.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's Matt Slater & Dan Sheldon look at how the huge spending in this January transfer window by Premier League clubs compared to the rest of European Football. Is Financial Fair Play - world football’s attempt at financial self-regulation - creating an unfair playing field that sees Leeds United spend more on one player than all clubs in La Liga & Serie A combined. How are FFP rules affecting the recruitment policy at clubs across Europe & what are the loopholes being jumped through to gain a competitive advantage during the current transfer window Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been three league games since Mohamed Salah had a shot on target, never mind a goal, and questions are popping up around the Egyptian's form. But what is it down to? Is it the loss of team mate Sadio Mane? Is his new contract weighing heavy on him? Or is he a symptom of a wider issue at Liverpool?Alongside Mark Chapman to answer those questions and dive into the data around Liverpool's star striker are James Pearce and Duncan AlexanderProduced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.