The Athletic FC Podcast

Ian Irving is joined by Adam Leventhal and David Walker to talk about Watford's 17th head coach of the Pozzo era.On Monday this week in the space of 15 minutes, Watford announced the departure of Rob Edwards and the arrival of Slaven Bilic. It's not new but this time things felt different, and this time Watford fans are angry. Listen to get the inside story on how the club looks and to try to get inside the mind of Watford's trigger happy owner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay to reflect on Monday night's 3-3 draw at Wembley between England and Germany.It was a spirited comeback for Gareth Southgate's side but big question marks remain over the inclusion of Harry Maguire, whether Foden fits into this system, whether Bellingham has nailed down a starting berth, whether Saka should start, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly out in the cold, to name but a few.All these issues and more discussed, plus JPB and Oli pick their starting XIs for England's opening world cup encounter against Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League legend Eric Cantona sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss a range of topics including his offer to become President of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, his thoughts on David Beckham's promotion of the World Cup in Qatar the possibility of World War and his connection with England.Eric also shares the inspiration behind that iconic goal celebration, that kick and why he is both humble & arrogant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth for a look ahead to a big weekend of international football which will feature significant tests for Gareth Southgate's England and Rob Page's Wales just two months out from the world cup.Will Southgate put his faith in Bellingham? Will out of form Maguire and Shaw retain their starting spots? Who takes the no.1 shirt in Pickford's absence?The international break also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Premier League, so the panel cast their eye on how the title race and relegation battles are shaping up after seven games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by commentator Robyn Cowen and author Dr Carrie Dunn to look ahead to a big weekend of WSL action where we will be treated to Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Everton, and Chelsea v Man City.We discuss why Manchester City has got itself into the state it has, why Manchester United were able to get ahead of Spurs, and what to expect from the big derby matches in the men's stadiums.All that plus a debate on the best kick off time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Rafa Honigstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & James Pearce to detail the battle between clubs such as Liverpool & Manchester United to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.Also we hear why, despite impressive performances in the Champions League, Bellingham isn't sure to start for England at this year's World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for an exclusive in-depth conversation on topics ranging from Bruno's mindset and attitude when on the pitch, his view of why life under Erik ten Hag started so badly, how it's turned around so quickly, how it feels to be handed the captain's armband, and his relationship with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.There's also fascinating insight from Fernandes on how he uses the referee as a reference for finding space on the pitch, his thoughts on what went wrong for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, why it didn't go well for Ralf Rangnick, and much more besides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the two sides to the Jack Grealish debate – and why they are both right.Andy Naylor explains how and why Brighton appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new manager.Nick Miller on the mounting pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper & Leciester City boss Brendan Rodgers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Jay Harris to look ahead to all seven games this weekend as the Premier League returns from a week off. There's a big game on Friday night between two promoted sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, can Forest pick up some points to match their promising performances of late, or will Mitrovic be too much for that leaky defence?There are question marks over Son's place in the Spurs team as they get set to take on Leicester, Brentford take on Arsenal with Ivan Toney looking to celebrate his England call-up with a big performance, and there's a big game for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa look to back up that point against Man City with a positive result at home to Southampton on Friday nightAll that plus Wolves v Man City, Everton v West Ham and Newcastle v Bournemouth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein & Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Robert Lewandowski; the reasons he left Bayern Munich & what he offers Barcelona.Also, how do the Barcelona & Bayern Munich compare off the pitch and which club is the greater attraction for elite players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.